Lexus IS XE20 (2005-2013)

Mechanical excellence combined with disgraceful interior and cosmetic parts failing – I've had this car for over 5 years now, I purchased it from a stint of European cars, with the intention to have a sensible and reliable car whilst I save for some important things. At the tail end of owning this car, it has been absolutely rock solid mechanically. I loved getting it back from each service with a generally minimal list of repair… Read more

notes. Apart from expensive rear tires, (F Sport 2012, $500+ AUD a pop) it's been a breeze. It has one of the best sound systems that I've heard. In terms of costing me for essential things such as keeping it roadworthy, it's been a gem.

Driving wise, it's a relatively smooth ride. The brakes are good, the seats are comfy and most of the interior is a nice place to be. Performance wise though it's uninspiring. RWD is lovely however the engine, whilst very smooth, is thirsty as all heck and is by no means fast. The car can barely hold country speeds up a hill, without having to shift in to a lower gear and hit 3500+RPM. The transmission I will comment as excellent. Very smooth and relatively responsive however spoiled by a boring engine. This is the IS250.

Now onto the annoying things. It kills me that this list is so high for what was a relatively expensive Lexus. Some of these issues should not exist, especially on one of the final years of this generation of Lexus.

-4 out of 4 door lock actuators failed. This is a well documented issue that Lexus refuse to accept. The front actuators I bought 3rd party for roughly $100 each and installed them myself. The rear ones were going to be over $250 each so I did some research and found that it's just a tacky motor that almost always failed. I have since pulled apart the rear actuators, replace the motors and got them working again. I will highlight here that if I was to do this in the dealer, I know that the actuators went for at least $400 a pop and that's minus labor.

-The F Sport spoiler has abysmally thin paint. Whilst the rest of the car has stood up great to the WA sun, the spoiler was an eyesore and I ended up repainting myself.

-The sunroof has 2 separate rattles. I was quoted a simply hilarious $5,000 to repair this. Seriously, Lexus?

-The leather seats are a joke. Both front seats have major tears and require re-upholstering. A local leather shop is doing this and commented on how many F-Sport's he sees with this exact issue. This should not be happening in a car as prestigeous as Lexus. Note I maintain my seats religiously, the car came to me with the seats in decent condition too.

-Sticky Dash. Yep. On a 2012. This was supposed to be fixed. This is a recent issue that has crept up and Lexus are refusing to acknowledge that their "Fix" dash is also a pile of garbage. Feel free to give this one a google, it's widespread.

-Typical crap Toyota grade headlights. Be ready to have to de-cloud these every few months. They are garbage.

To sell my car for what it is truly worth in good condition, I've had to invest nearly $3000 on repairs that shouldn't be happening in the first place. I totally get that this is not a new car but some of these issues are just unacceptable.

I did reach out to Lexus of Australia with the above list, to which I was promised a "reasonable quote" to rectify the issues by Lexus of Perth. That was promised 2 months ago and now they are dodging my emails.

I'm now jumping back to team Europe for my next car. I'm aware that I will likely be going back to spending more money on maintenance and repairs however I'm OK with this.

Lexus IS250 2007 – I bought this car in 2014 so it was 7 years old when I took ownership, It had done ~70,000 Km. I have owned for 7 years and in that time I have not had any mechanical problems with it all. It had a Toyota recall for some component in the motor , but at no cost to me. Good on Toyota. The car travels beautifully, has plenty of power and is very… Read more

economical. It actually is as economical as my company Toyota Corolla 1.8 when highway cruising. It runs very smooth and quiet, handles well , maybe not as well as my old BMW 320i but has a far more softer compliant suspension than the BMW. I have to say it is the most reliable car I have ever owned, and I have had dozens of cars of various makes and models. One thing the dashboard vinyl has cracked in a couple of places from being out in the sun for 14 years, I probably wont bother fixing it. All other upholstery is just fine.

A very good, well made car – Bought secondhand with 141k on clock, with full Lexus service history. Daily drive. The good: Totally reliable, has now done 210k Comfortable, smooth, quiet and reasonably quick Ride and handling well sorted Good auto box Interior quality still as new e.g. leather in great condition, seat bolsters still good Lexus service very good indeed -… Read more

sticky plastic dash and door panels replaced at no cost (on a 9 year old car!) - Lexus are serious about quality and customer satisfaction Inexpensive to maintain with sensible 15k service intervals

The bad: Tight rear seat leg room - not a big deal Low beam lights fairly ordinary Paint marks rather easily (water based?)

Would I buy another? Absolutely. But this one has plenty of life left in it. A quality, well engineered car.

What a Car – All, I have the IS350 version of this car and after 7 years of using it I seriously cant fault it. I look after it in terms of servicing on scheduled intervals and I do wash it at least once a month, however what has impressed me the most is its reliability. After 7 years the only thing I had to change on it is the original battery that has… Read more

lasted almost 6 years (this is daily drive with on average 12-15k a year). No squeaks, no rattles, no mechanical issues the car just works day in and day out. Its the top upmost model but the only difference between it and the sports or prestige models are the extra luxury features. Mechanically both cars are identical. The engine is superb (3.5L naturally aspired), 6 sp gear box works very well (the new model has 8 speed). Speed wise its fast, I have clocked 5.8 sec on my watch but ready any reviews and reviewers can easily get 5.6 without too much effort. My reaction times might not be that quick lol. The car is also small to mid size, I like that as I don't need roomy car for big family. Saying that it fits comfortably 4 average adults. If you are after a 2nd hand, luxury, sport performance car that will not cost you a bom this is the car for you. Stay away from the 2nd hand germans esp twin turbo 335 from the same generation as is350, they will cost you more to fix then the cost of the car... this is from mates personal experience (he wanted a fast german car), he should have listed to me.

Pretty happy with it – Bought it second hand from Toyota, so the price is a little on the pricey for its vintage. But what I get is a peace of mind. I like the luxury trimmings like electric heated seats, satnav, reverse camera, proximity key sensor, push start-stop, electric sun roof, etc. What I don't like is that the car feels underpowered at 2.5L for its size.… Read more

The only saving grace is that it has a V6 engine. I tend to floor it a lot and because of that have very bad fuel economy.

But because of its weight, it does feel really stable at high speeds and engine is pretty quiet.

Overall I do enjoy driving it.

Perfect for my needs. Comfortable, excellent amount of standard features – Handling and cornering is well balanced, noise is well suppressed at any speed. Performance could be improved for a 2.5L V6 engine. But Engine is extremely smooth and engine noise is well suppressed in cabin Do not like the fact that you have to adjust fan speed via the touch screen. Legroom is reasonable for anyone up to 6ft. Sunroof does… Read more

intrude a bit into roofline. Very quiet cabin overall with little/no rattles except over heavy bumps.

So far no reliability issues and smooth transmission and engine. Running costs are average for a luxury car and is comparitively cheaper to service than equivalently Merc C Class or BMW 3 Series. Lexus of Perth service is 2nd to none to any other dealers in perth i have encountered at any price range of cars.

Great car – Never really thought about a Lexus as a sporty car, Had a few other brands in the past, Mercedes SLK, VW R32, Audi S3 etc. Wanting to get away from the newer turbo models I started looking for normally aspirated cars with sports variants. Happened upon the IS 350 F Sport and after a drive went looking for one I could afford. Had it for 6 months… Read more

now, great car, goes very well (233kw) big brakes, tight suspension but still comfortable compared to my Euro cars ;) Average l/100 10.4 commuting. Even saw 7.9 on a long cool trip one day.

The sound system is superb (ML)

Mine is even Red like the original reviewers car :)

https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/lexus-is350-f-sport-2010-review-10630

Fantastic car – If you are looking for a quality/reliability and performance you cant go past IS350. Lexus does everything right. The car was mid size back in the 2011 but is probably small by today standards (its a bit bigger then 3s and C of it day). It drives well, but due to its weight its a slow starter via the gentle foot, plant the foot down and you will… Read more

get 5.6sec to 100. Its faster then a WRX!!. The stearing is a bit heavy (coming form non performance sedans) but once it gets moving it offer good feedback. Another item to love about the lexus is that parts are cheap, service is only a bit more costly then Toyota and the thing just keeps going. The car is now 6 years old, 80k on it but the only thing (apart form the 12m services) was a dead factory battery and that has only happened in Feb 2016, Taking with mechanics and other mates who have endless issues with E90s (plastic radiators\hoses) and post 2011 C200/250s (7 speed gear box issues). This car is a dream. The 2nd had examples from 2011 can be had for under 30k (70-85k when new). Sure if you can afford new German cars every 3-4 years go for them but you would want to dispose of that 320/C200 after 5 years max.

Would not drive anything else now – This is the 1st lexus I have owned and I will not drive anything else now. The quietness of this on the open road is bliss. The comfort of the drive and the leather seats are the best I have sat in. I am surprised with the fuel economy getting an average of around 7.8 lites per 100 km in the city. This drops down to around 6.9 when driving in the country. The sound system is great with the 13 speakers.  Show details

Lacks grunt – I am writing this review honestly after owning a sports IS250 for 3 years with what I considered a well option fun sporty car. For anyone looking to purchase one here are my points of interest: The car is a nice ride but lacks a little power for a small 6. Definitely buy the 350 with the larger motor. I purchased the car for $66k and just… Read more

over 3 years sold it for $25k. Car was like new, pearl white. They don't hold value well.

Seats are slim so if you have a wide torso you will certainly feel hugged. Built for Japanese framed people.

I enjoyed the car but I wouldn't buy another one.

The three items above meant that Lexus didn't get me as a repeat customer but they are a well put together machine and if I had the 350 I would have given 4 stars.

Under $20k & I am the second owner of a beautiful example of a great car! – I purchased a second hand Lexus IS250 2007 Sports Luxury model and have had it about 6 months. I haven't had any issues apart from this weird gas smell that was apparently one of the cars only downfalls but it comes and goes almost unnoticeably and sometime is not evident with different fuels. The car had done 212,000 K's and I had a service done… Read more

not long after I got it and it was fairly cheap (go to a private Mechanic you trust who has experience with Lexus & Audi). I'm anticipated some expensive parts if needed but I expect that because I knew what I was buying. braking and take off is amazing, lots of power for a 2.5L, sticks to the road and looks almost brand new still. I continue to fall in love with my black beauty every day I am blessed to drive it.

A few minor Toyota craps and giggles but I was lucky to get it at a really good price so I am not complaining. seems A1 for a car that is 7-8 years old.

Tips... Always use Premium Unleaded fuel, clean & polish often, look after leather and don't smoke in it!

I'll give feedback soon on the 20" Rims I am putting on it.

The stock 16's are great though.

A three-time Lexus owner – I down-sized to an IS250 in 2010 after owning a 1997 ES300 followed by a 2000 ES300. The ES300's were like driving your loungeroom chair, a soft, smooth, comfortable, enjoyable drive and ride, easy handling and terrific economy (but I am a feather-foot). The IS250 brought me into the age of modern technology. The car was zippy and fun, hugged… Read more

the road keenly on my frequent trips between Sydney and the south coast, covered the k's with ease and I would step out of the car feeling the same as when I slid into it. The reliability of the vehicle has been second to none in the five years that I have been a proud owner of the IS250. The servicing and running costs are no stretch - my regular "average economy" readings are anywhere between 6.4 ltrs/100kms to 6.9L/100kms, the best 5.9ltrs/100kms. It has been a gem, and I would recommend the model to all. Before I purchased my first Lexus, I had researched the origins. I appreciated that Lexus was pitched against its well-known European competitors. I have not been disappointed and the Lexus IS250 has been equal to all comers.

Slower than a Yaris – I bought this car at Melbourne City Lexus in May 2013. Due to the new model is coming out soon so we had some discount on the 2012 model. My wife loves the car when she saw it, but after I tried to sit at the backseat (especially in the middle one), I really want to get out from the car. Now I had it for 4 months, here are my thought: 1,… Read more

Expensive (Compare with Accord Euro)

2, Thirsty ($90 for 550 km at its best)

3, Tight backseat (you can almost call it 4.5 seats, and tight leg room for the other 2 back passengers)

4, SLOW!! ( I always fall behind at the start of a red traffic light, I could see all the small cars like Jass, Yaris, Focus drove pass me.... unless I need to give it a full throttle) Look (may be), and all the classy features... thirsty, slow and tight

Excellent small prestige car – My wife and I bought this car a couple of years back second hand. Love the styling inside and out. Excellent finish inside. The car is very quiet and smooth. So quiet you can barely hear the engine when idling. The 2.5 litre V6 has plenty of grunt and likes to be pushed hard. Handling is superb. Runs on PULP, but fuel consumption is reasonable.… Read more

The downside is that rear space is almost non-existent. The boot space is small. This car is more of a sports luxury rather than a luxury saloon. If it's just you and your partner, this car will keep you happy.

It's great for your daily drive and for weekend drives. Styling. Refinement. Reliability. Prestige car without the extra premium of an European marque. Cramp rear space. Small boot. Relatively high insurance cost.

Excellent car! – I bought a 2007 IS250 X last year. Owning this car for about 1 year now, i must say that this is a marvellous car, it handles great, very smooth and comfy! The engine is quiet and powerful when reved hard. Prior buying this car, i've considered a second hand 2008 BMW 320i, or Audi A4 but they didnt impress me like the IS250. 320i was very… Read more ·  3

underpowered by its 4 cylinder and the interior does not live up to the standard to be honest, and the A4 has a CVT which i didnt really like, but the most important factor that sets me dramatically is the reliability! I did some research on the e90 3 series, the reliability is an absolute nightmare to the owners! Fuel pump, injector failures as well as engine management system faults, brake, clutch so many different sorts of headaches, this all contrasted with the IS250 which is best at it's reliability. And i had my 90K service done recently at Lexus of Chatswood, the service is amazing! they've given me a new IS350 as loan car free of charge for a day, and they've cleaned my car inside out and got me a box of chocolate as appreciation. And the following day they called me to check up if everything was alright. Now, that's what i call service! Reliable, Smooth, Comfort, Handling, The way it looks, interior, engine Brake can be a bit squeaky as the brake pad wears

Smooth car – This is a real cruiser and the engine is tuned accordingly. A very high quality vehicle in every respect. Have owned Mercedes and BMW but this is my second Lexus and I am never going back. Incredibly smooth and comfortable and the top opening is a mechanical masterpiece. Go the sports luxury. Smooth and very comfortable  Show details

Excellent – My model is 2007 limited edition 'x' model...prestige with 18" alloys, sports suspension, upgraded stereo and Sat Navigation. Has been an excellent and enjoyable vehicle to own. Only problem was a flat battery in key. Lexus Adelaide have been great service providers. Due to replace within 12 months so would happily go a IS 250 again but will look… Read more

seriously at IS 350. Very quiet ride even with 18" low profile tyres. Driving position very comfortable and lots of adjustments. Excellent highway/freeway ride. Power more than adequate. Bluetooth phone connection via dash screen is luxury. Rear seats a tight squeeze for adults. Rear seat backs don't drop to allow expansion of boot space. 18" alloys attract gutters too easily (my fault). Not sure about colour black (my fault again). No iPod recognition (now available standard on later model)

Comfy quiet car – Lovely car. I do a lot of highway driving and the car cruises along beautifully. I get 7.5ltr/100k pretty good I reckon for a 6 cylinder. Seats are comfy and I'm not the smallest of people. Leather seats are good quality. I compared the BMW and merc and the Lexus won hands down on price and equipment. reliable, comfy responsive Brake dust on front tyres! Just means I have to clean them more often :) Show details

Big step up for Lexus – Traded a Merc C200 to get an IS250 in 2005 when they came out. Had it for 4 years. Had few issues with it - mainy with remote going flat after only a few months. Service was the Best I have had with any car company Service costs were very good Car sounded great when revved Fuel economy was outstanding for a six No fold down rear seats ruined… Read more

practicality

Never had any real problems with the car. Well finished, luxury, economy, after sales service, safety no fold down rear seats

IS 250C Driving Pleasure – I bought a Pearl White/Black Interior Lexus IS250C for my wife. We spent 2 months comparing BMW'S,Audi, Mazda MX5, Merc's and VW Eios. We are retired and not unlike anyone else ,we dont like to make a mistake when it comes to important purchases. The IS250C has restored our enjoyment of driving. It is whisper quiet,( not like the BMW's ),with… Read more ·  1

little or no engine noise, and very little road noise. The standard of interior finish is superior to all but Mercedes, of which they are on par. We travel usually with the roof down. It is as easy as an electric window, and in the 6 months to date we have activated that over a hundred occassions ,genuinly. Not one issue.

Sound system is far better than we have the capacity to apreciate but I do enjoy the USB interface.

Lexus Customer Service is as advertised, a class above the rest, and appreciated by my wife and I. Yes,it is eye catching and we have left other motorists missing traffic light's and following us trying to identify the make. The vehicle is two vehicles in one, and when it is converting the hard top roof , it really changes the vehicles appearance. That is the comment we routinely receive. In this day and age, it does not routinely translate that the more you pay the more you get. In this case you get exactly what you pay for and more importantly the vehicle realises the hype. A very happy Lexus owner (wife) and even happier (husband) because I get to drive it sometimes. reliability, value, quiet,refined finish, 20 second Hard Top conversion, style,great service,lucky to have it There is nothing wrong with it.

Quality and class – I've now had two Lexus, the IS250 and the IS350. The IS350 is really just a 250 with a much more powerful engine, which is good as the 250 was a great car but lacking power. With the 234kw of power in the IS350, the sports suspension and Lexus quality this car is beautiful and fun to drive. I get constant comments by people who just love the… Read more ·  3

looks of it and when I drive it anywhere I feel special and privileged to be lucky enough to own it. The engine is very responsive, gear changes smooth and the ride great, corners and windy roads are easy. For some the F Sports variant may be a little bit of a stiff ride but if you like to drive a car and enjoy a good blend of comfort and sportiness then this car will deliver.

The interior is all-quality and feature rich. Nice looking center screen with sat nav, climate control, DVD CD player, Ipod interface and bluetooth phone integration.

The seats in the F Sports version are amazing, nice soft leather, smells great and look like they mean business with good side bolstering and comfy sitting area.

The headlights are also a real treat, they are those newer HID type of setup and light up the road so much better than standard headlights.

This is a truly wonderful ride which makes me feel special every time I drive it.

Servicing has been easy too, it's only had one minor service so far but that was priced well and handled great by the dealer. They even left Chocolates and bottled water inside the car for me after the service to enjoy later. Nice touch! Quality, Class, Looks, Powerful Engine, Good inclusions, first-class interior Rear leg room, no where to dock my keyless remote

Excellent – After owning BMW's and Merc's Lexus has really won me over. Lexus's customer service is unbelievable the IS250 C is so quiet you can hardly hear the engine going and the leather seats are so comfortable you nearly fall asleep in them. Like I said above it is pure luxury and leaves the BM's and Merc's I've owned for dead. I bought the Lexus IS250c… Read more

for my wife about 2 months ago and can't fault this vehicle. Pure luxury and value for money and back up service from Lexus is hard to beat. I hate driving it it's just too nice to drive and my wife is always on my back for racking up 6500km's in 2 months People never stop staring at the car when driving it around town I'm frighten that it will be stolen

Excellent – I have really enjoyed driving the is250 and can find little fault with the servicing, fuel consumption(very miserly) and general aspects of this well put together auto. It have owned it for 3.5years and not a fault has emerged. When I sell it I will definitely be getting another. Might upgrade to the sports version? Everything. I was persuaded by… Read more

the family to buy it for the GPS although I thought this was a gimmick. Turns out I was wrong as it has been a god send getting me to business destinations around Sydney on time and relaxed. Nothing. Well perhaps the limited design of their alloys.