Hello guys, it’s good to be back after a 7 year hiatus from this beloved forum.

Quick introduction—

My name is Johnny and I purchased and owned a 2006 Lexus IS250 6MT since 2008. I have LOVED—and still love the car for what it is. Besides the carbon clean-up recall from Lexus (which was corrected at no cost to me—duh) and the systematic maintenance that is required, I have not spent a dime on this car beyond its minimum requirement...with the exception of modifications that I have volunteeringly done on the side. I still own the car at the time of writing this and I am considering replacing the 250 with a 2017 IS350 FSport.

Which brings me to why I am writing this thread...hoping for some honest and unbiased (yay fanboyism...I do love my Toyota’s) feedback from owners. I hope to...understand and comprehend as many nuances you guys experience as owners and what and how you guys went about addressing the theoretical problems to Lexus, how they responded and hopefully...what compromising solutions they have offered vs what you have to settle for.

I have watched NUMEROUS reviews and have bared a few too many gut wrenching bad reviews in hope that...even in bad taste, would be able to allow me to raise some concerns towards what possible problems of owning this car for the extended amount of time in the future.

So without further ado, here are my concerns (and hopefully at the end, some peace of mind with the possible solution/s...at your cost ).

Interior:
-Infotainment Center - I have read and talked to people about this having possible electrical issues and/or faulty units. At what duration (mileage/usage/number of years owned) have they failed and/or showed sign of give and if the extended warranty—if opted for it at POS, would cover it?
-Gauge Cluster - both mechanical (LFA’s moving cluster) and digital components (LCD screen). How expensive it is/would it be to replace if it were to pose a problem...and has it? How bulletproof it is?
-Dash & door panels - My 2006 IS250 has a dash that—over time, with heat exposure, became soft and sticky. As with my door panels. What has Lexus done to address this for the future models? (They issued a...extended warranty for all models with this.)

Suspension:
-Non-adjustable camber - as with any system that has non-adjustable angles, repair or even replacement of said components can/may/will be a factor. What problems has this posed for you...if any?

Motor:
-As I mentioned, my current IS had a problem of carbon buildup in the combustion chamber and had to be serviced by Lexus. They replace pistons, rings and a plethora of other components in the block to fix the issue...while it was done at no cost to me, the consumer...like most consumers, I dislike dealing with dealerships unless I HAVE to.

I know the old IS350 had a better motor when compared to the IS250 because it had direct and port injection so it negated the problems the 250 had to deal with. The new and improved 350 motor is better than ever...especially now that the platform has gone way past its “early adoption” phases, but are there any...not problems, but nuances that you have to deal with as an owner that would cause...in any amount, headaches?

My apologies if it sounds like I am nit-picking apart an already great product (I would never touch the likes of Audi and BMW, Benz...ESPECIALLY in this segment), but I would like to go in prepared...as I bought the IS250 on an impulse at 20 years old...and even though it’s given me great service at minimal headache inducing problems, I would like to be prepared.

The concerns I’ve brought up has included but not limited to. If anyone has other inputs, I would also appreciate your feed back. I am painfully debating between the IS350 FSport and the new Honda Civic Type R, and hopefully with your help, the choice will be easier.

PS. I know the Type R doesn’t belong in his segment, but after a decade of 206hp, “semi-luxury” (what the IS was considered when I purchased mine) segment, I can be pursuaded to settle for less bling and more vroom.

Thank you for taking your time to read and and even more gratitude for any feedback.

-Johnny

Thank you for taking time and effort to send feedback! Much appreciated! The love is still strong in this forum.

I agree. I am 31 years old and couldn’t imagine driving a Civic Si everyday...UNLESS it’s a car purely dedicated for work (I’m actually considering getting an Si for work as I drive 20k+ miles a year [career change 3 years ago] and I would NEVER abuse the 3IS OR the Type R like that).

The main discerning thing about the Type R is that it’s difficult for me to think about going back to a Honda after owning a Lexus for more than a decade...BUT...hate it or love it, The Type R is being hailed as one of the best, if not the BEST FWD hot hatch to hit the market so far. I am attracted to it for the pure driving experience and the exclusivity of the platform.

But...it would be unfair to dismiss the 350FSport when it comes to driving experience as I’ve only driven one for 10 minutes and it was...as I remember: amazing.

FIRST. WORLD. PROBLEMS.

YES! I am also peeking at GS’s... it the one thing I cannot stand is the....now, this is a personal opinion: GS’s rear end. I think it is too subdued and...geriatric.

I would love to consider the RC-F but...I hate coupes with a passion. BUT...the GS-F is basically an RC-F in sedan form.

This is something I personally have NEVER doubted Lexus and in fact, revere them for. My IS250’s paint is still immaculate for what it is. I mean...11 years of rock chips and daily wear and tear is harsh. If I cared enough to do a clay and sealant job on it, I am 95% sure the paint job would still turn heads.