Everyone's first meeting with a used Japanese car: "Wow, everything works!".

I got my is250 a year and a half ago and I've put on 35,000 miles since. It's such a wonderful fun little car with just enough power to feel really fun

Thanks man for your videos. They’re great! And I couldn’t agree more with your comments. 💯 % true all you said!

I used to have a Mercedes-Benz 2003 C320. That had 255k kilometers. It was already having issues by then and the maintenance on that was insane. I replaced my Mercedes with one of these cars, a 2008 IS250 all white at 210k kilometers. So far so good! Feels a lot more reliable and solid.

I bought a 2011 ultrasonic blue IS350 Fsport based on your previous reviews as a daily driver. Loved it so much that I now also own an ISF. The 350 REALLY got me on the Lexus bandwagon. Now, I have issues with which to drive to work in the morning. Both are great in their own respective ways.

I had my 100% dealer serviced '06 IS350 (all the bells and whistles) for 8 years. Other than the dealership's replacement of the melting dash and door cards, there were no major issues with this car. The dry rot of window trim was no big deal, I used a razor blade to carefully cut it away and I thought it looked better anyway. I had to replace tires every 15 months, because I drove it (in ECT PWR mode) very hard...all day everyday. When I finally traded it in for my current '16 IS350 FSPort USB w/Red Interior, it had 210K miles on it, and the dealer sold it the next day. I also had the same dark grey color as your 250, but with the Lexus chrome dipped wheels. For anyone looking at this car, go get one! Nice review.

Great video, I’m not now in the market for one of these, but I really think Lexus are on another planet for build. I’m getting my wife keen on a RX450

Purchasing a 2011 IS250 Monday and wanted to look for longevity reviews. Seems like they’re solid cars! Appreciate your videos! I’ll be watching more as I encounter maintenance

I took my Queen of Reliability to a car wash. Not just any but an actual detailer. Oh my goodness! She shines and I see myself like a mirror on her! It’s like falling in love again! Especially after she was in need of a car wash. I must also admit, I don’t like the designs of the new Lexus grills. They are so massive!

Great video, love the dash and quality interior

Nice to see a good review of this car from someone who has driven a lot of other luxury cars. I've had a 2011 IS250 AWD for over 4 years now and its been really solid. It won't blow an doors off in acceleration at higher speeds, but put it in the quicker shift response mode it really wakes up the car. It actually is pretty quick. I hear about the issues that can come with direct injection but not problem so far with 134,000 mi. Thanks for the tips in dealing with it.

I definitely share the same joy about my 2012 IS 250. I disagree on one thing...my is fairly fast. It's not IS 350 fast but it will get me out of the way quickly in heavy traffic. Prior to my purchase, I researched for years and seriously only wanted a 350 but they were harder to find in my area when I was looking. I was very apprehensive about the direct injection on the 250s without the port. One day, I saw a pearl colored one online(250) in my area at a reputable dealership and went and looked. It was in the showroom even though later model and it was in immaculate condition. I told my husband about it and it was mine by the weekend. It has been 4yrs and it's been a wonderful car. Oil changes on time and new tires are all we have done. It's been more than reliable, it's been a lifeline for us. We have a much newer truck and it has given us so much grief and if it wasn't for the Lexus, we'd be in trouble. Anyone looking for a reliable, good looking ride, this is it! I will have this car until it doesn't drive anymore and I will be getting another Lexus after. I don't care what people say about Lexus being boring or too safe in styling...I love this car! If you buy one, and you aren't wealthy but have higher end taste...you'll never be disappointed in a Lexus and you won't have to live broke to drive one. Great video!

Awesome video! Thanks for making it and giving all the info

Thank you. I agree wit you. Most reliable car all the time. I love driving my BMW 328i 2011 too. But after 8 years, very costly issues now I had to tackle. I drive 2008 Lexus is250. Excellent car

I did a lot of mods on my 07 IS250, but adding a oil catch can was one thing I would recommend to avoid the carbon build up on these engines. I also added a warmer on the oil catch can to avoid it freezing up during winter.

Thanks for video 👍

Last year I watched your video on ownership review of the IS350 and IS250, it convinced me to get one myself. I purchased a 07 IS250 6MT with 85k and its been awesome. I replaced the waterpump and thermostat in my garage, super easy to do Lexus just engineers their cars to be worked on. But my alternator died on me at 90k miles but I knew that was a weak point for these cars so I already had one in the garage waiting to be put in (I talked the previous owner down $500 and used that to buy spare parts) and even installing the alternator was super easy minus one tricky bolt near the exhaust manifold. Thanks for making these videos, the second generation IS is a beast. They look great, easy to work on, cheap to get parts. I have Figs Engineering LCA polyurethane bushings and that's stopped all uneven front tire wear and make the car handle way better. I also have a 30mm megan racing front anti sway bar and a Megan Racing strut bar too. Installed an Oil catch can the day i bought the car and I've never had issues with carbon but im only at 100k miles now. Going to keep this beast of a car forever! It's also my first car haha.

Great review! One of the best I have seen so far. I have been researching into a second hand IS250 for couple of months now and have just bought a 2006 IS250 Japanese import in New Zealand. Has 82K kilometers on it. I have yet to see a bad review of this car. Thanks!

I just changed the oil/filter on my 2009 IS250 (11/28/2020) using full synthetic with 100K plus miles still kicking!👊🕶

Great video and I enjoy you content.

Excellent presentation, I am motivated a lot . Mine is overheating for due for main service on 270 000 km . Thanks I greatful 👍👍👍

I have one 2008 is250 230k it’s leaking on the drivers side gasket but that’s it . I drive it to work 100+ lowering this car makes it more comfortable at high speeds . Definitely buying another Lexus .

I have a 2009 250. It has 132,000 miles on it. Bought it used for $6000 US dollars. Good car. I did drain and fill the transmission 3x. New iridium plugs, brake pads. Installed an oil catch can to reduce oil entering the intake manifold and fouling the intake valves. Dash is sticky. I hear the dash recall is only good for 10 years from date of manufacture.

New videos of this car are popping up on KZfaq guess what I bought one a year ago and they run like new , no matter the mileage. Nice video bro 👍🏼

i own the diesel version of this car over here in europe , i bought it with 300k km in bad cosmetic shape , this cars are as cheaper as a Corolla over here so i fell for the tempation and after 2 and half years and 25k km on top of it , it still kicking ass . This car has everything you can want on a daily and what it doesnt have you can simply upgrade it for a few bucks and the design is timeless and you can also update it if you want . The best version imo (excluding the ISF) its the 250 manual RWD , you can direct swap a BRZ/86 LSD and enjoy the shorter gears and with a few suspension mods its a fun car to drive . Just get one and if you start getting bored of it ,modify it a bit and you fall in love over again

I own a 2008 is 250 AWD with a little over 154k miles. Only problems I have are a faulty o2 sensor(consumable) and the alloy wheels are completely ruined and flaked. Bought the car in December @ 148k miles and used that to bring the price down. Got mine for $4800. Interior dash/door panel isn’t sticky but it’s hard to tell if it’s been replaced. Leather seats are still in good condition for the mileage and for being a 14 year old car. Previous owner had put a K/N air filter in it and unfortunately drilled holes in air box. But the induction noise sounds great haha. Will most likely buy the F SPORT air intake down the line that comes with basically a factory hole. Was looking for a 350 but very hard to find A US Spec here on my military base in Germany. The vland headlights make this vehicle look like a 2018* plus model car! The Vland or HC motion taillights look great as well! Have no issues with mine love them! A f sport exhaust or Meagan racing exhaust bring a sporty sound to the car which I love. Will be installing a front strut bar brace to stiffen up the car as it feels floaty. I also recommend that you replace your trunk struts so that it opens automatically! Great fun little car ! You can replace your interior main overhead lights with white leds to match the factory personal leds in the front! Mine still fade on and fade off. They also have some upgraded stick on paddle shifters if you want to go all out haha. Oil catch can I feel is a must for these 250s if you want to prevent carbon build up. Also changing the $19 PCV valve every 50k miles will help with this as well.

I sold minee 2007 3 days ago, I feel very sad till then , it was an amazing car..solid , strong and it was making me feel special , luxurious in a way better then an audi or bmw , and they have their charecteristic moves while driving ...I know it would be with me for years ,but I am moving to europe soon , I am still trying to get over my depression 😄

Love my is 250 convertible 2009 year looks like it’s just been built! Lexus look after it for me £499 3 service 2 MOTs and a full years warranty for £480 full parts and Labour unbelievable great vid thanks from England

Thanks for these videos! I'm in Thailand and the IS250s are really good value here too. I had bad experiences with second-hand cars (used to have a 2015 Volvo which was costing a LOT to fix up), so as a Toyota owner and fan, Lexus seems the logical choice for an upgrade!

Been driving a 13’ is250 for 3 years and man my life has changed and wowzers I’m never buying American junk ever again. Only problem I ever had with the car was the negative battery terminal clamp was slightly loose 😅

Great video, speaking facts.

Great video sir ✨

Totally undoubtedly agree with every word

Just bought a 2009 IS250 SE-L two weeks ago and i absolutely love it. Only has 68000 miles on it.

I recently purchased my 2013 IS250. I manually cleaned the intake valves, which were pretty crusty, changed plugs, oil, air and oil filters. Also cleaned the throttle body. This car has 219,000 miles on it, runs great, gets 30+ mpg and is super comfortable while doing it. I love this car!

My Is250 Just hit 200,000km Today and just like yourself I'm an absolute fanboi. The only thing I do not like about it is that the interior door trims are aging like sour milk...Seems to be a common problem but I'd like to find 4x replacements. Once thats done id hands down drive it another 100k+

Car's shape still looks amasing in 2024. If only it had better fuel consumption it would be perfect.

I have a 2007 IS350, same colour as yours. I bought it in 2016 at nine years old. It was a single owner in Windsor Ontario, and he kept in in his garage most of the time. It's immaculate. Soon after I bought it, the interior panels started to deteriorate rapidly. Dash started to develop cracks. Door panels started to 'mush' sort of, making them impossible to clean. Mine only has 156k on it now. I'm really really disappointed with the plastics on this car. They are brutal. Window trim peeling off. Windshield moulding all dry rotted. Alloys peeling and flaking. Interior panels. On and on. Great engine and drive train, but the interior and mouldings etc are super cheap. I'm in Waterloo. By the way, I also have a 1992 Toyota Celica GTS. No comparison. Alloys are like new. Window trim and mouldings are like new. Dash and interior panels are like new. In fact, that's why I bought this Lexus. I was so impressed with my Celica, that I figured the Lexus would equal or surpass the quality. But sadly, it did not come close. Ah well.

They sell a bunch of Apple CarPlay retrofits for this car. Would go great for your channel also makes this car feel brand new!!!!

I LOVE my 2010 IS250!! Currently 98,000 miles.. not a lick of problems. Being a Florida car im having clear coat and paint fade on the roof and trunk.. the hood and side panels however are still mirror perfect.. but rather than buy a new car. Im going to get it painted. Best car I have ever owned. Now that Ive gone Lexus.. i cant look back…ive been spoiled.. that’s not necessarily a good thing because I don’t make a whole Lotta money.. On the other hand it is a good thing because I don’t have the money to be keeping a car in the damn shop either..oh, I was able to get the dash and all four door panels replaced by Lexus even after the recall expired. Lexus of Clearwater Fl is amazing!

More Lexus videos please! 😄

Can you do a video of changing the transmission fluid PLEASE

Just bought a used 08 is250 awd with 75k km (46k miles). I verified the kms with carfax and maintenance history at the dealer it was serviced. The previous owner barely drove it. Looks like I’m going to enjoy great years of hassle free enjoyment.

I got my 2012 IS350 F sport beginning of this year with 60k miles in mint condition inside out, done all the maintenance myself(engine oil/filter, air filter, spark plugs, transmission fluid/filter, rear diff fluid, fuel filter, coolant flush, new PCV valve with an oil catch can, brake fluid bleed, throttle body/MAF clean). Diy service is a must if you want to pick one up at a bargain, save thousands doing everything, and got all those parts/fluids on sale.

Still love my IS250, only trouble I have had maintenance wise is a waterpump replacement at 220k km which was expensive but didn't break the bank however a mate of mine had to replace the alternator on his car which was a very expensive exercise. Then on my model (pre-facelift) the stinky exhaust is a big issue and can't seem to find what is causing it.. Will be blocking off the vents in the boot to ensure the gasses get blown away and not drawn into the car.

I am driving a 210 is250 and doing 205 000 kms . like you said its the Queen of reliability

Awesome review man, I so wanna buy one of these cars one day when the budget allows. I just want to know what is your average fuel consumption in city vs open road?

You are correct about the direct injection and the carbon buildup. It doesn’t get truly terrible if you use synthetic or synthetic blend oil and always change it on time. Carbon buildup can be cleared up with for like $500-$700 from something called Walnut Blasting. Then, back to new! Queen of reliability but also very very very close to being the King of reliability (IS350).

I have owned my lexus i.s. 250 for 15 months now and I can honestly say it's the best car I've driven, it's a 2011 petrol automatic and drives faultlessly, it's done 64000 miles only, not had one single fault on it as yet, and no advisories on m.o.t. itotally agree with "Canadian Rider",I think I will keep this car till it drops to bits or I do.

During your ownership period, what are the most difficult things you ever service by yourself in IS250? (change mechanical part, spark plug, transmission fluid... etc) I plan to get one and service myself fully in the future.

Subscribed 💯

I have a 2010 IS 250 AWD now for about 3 yrs (I'm the 2nd owner) and had to replace the exhaust system. Very expensive because it is dual and two cats. Lexus said it was normal for the age of my car, yet I never had to replace the exhaust on my old Volvo which I had for 19 yrs. I had my local mechanic do it, but still $3900. The good thing is that since Covid, used cars have skyrocketed in price, so my Lexus is worth more than I paid for it. P.S. I didn't get Nav either and I'm happy I didn't.

Loved my Lexus IS and GS got a deal Lexus couldn’t beat on a AWD Infiniti G37x which actually has been a great car also…

Preach bro! I'm tuly feeling you on this one. I feel that Lexus fanboy passion lol...gonna get an IS350 next year hopefully...just need some extra cash lol Thank you for a great review and for putting my mind at ease with the higher mileage. Just make sure it received it proper maintenace...check the books lol

I like Lexus. As a rich pop star I got the LC500 2022 model. Damn I need to get myself in a studio and make new music, I been so bored lately doing nothing.

Can you please share your checklist to keep these cars in good condition?

How is the IS 220 d and what kind of phone holder do you use?

I saw in some post lexus changes dashboard and door panels for free if anything wrong?

Not sure why it makes noise when I use the “air intake” vent or turn on the heat for the windshield. Please help.

Interesting video as usual!! I have question which is more reliable the 250 or 350 ?

I have two is250s, 2009 and 2014, and I rode 200000km in 2009, and some parts will be exchanged with strut. Stallizer bushing and ball joint lower arm brackets will be exchanged, which of these three is effective?

Lexus cars stay on the road for so long, the used market is like it's own economy. I see just as many posts about buying 90s SC/ES/LS models as I do new ones. Not as projects but as regular daily drivers.

Great video. Did you have to change the timing belt? What is the recommended interval? Thanks

I got rid of my 2008 Lexus IS250 with 278,000 miles..car was great, no problems..no engine light..sold it for 4 grand. I have a 2015 IS250 bought it with 120,000 miles..now has 187,000 miles..can’t wait to hit 200,000 miles.

I have a Tesla style screen in my 2is. It has everything. From waze to Spotify and KZfaq 👌

What type of gas treatment should I use for this cough and how offering should I use it?

I'm about to buy my first car and I'm in the market in buying used Lexus LS any advice or what to look for anything helps !! been watching you for a while now

I recently just got a 2008 model IS250 with 150k miles. My only issue is the sticky dash issue. I wonder if Lexus can replace it for free but I am sure the car is way beyond warranty now and too old for coverage to replace the panels.

I bought my 2012 IS350 F Sport in July 2021with 31k miles and now I’ve enjoyed the car what it is, it currently sits with 36k miles … it’s time to start adding mods soon😎

Just bought a 2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD, same as yours. Wondering how and where you got those black rims from ? I have the stock rims on my Lexus right now, they are grey In color. It’s a navy blue color paint. Also, what ceramic coating or spray do you use on your headlights ? I’m about to buy Maguires 2 step headlight kit to clean them but I also want to ceramic coat them also but I don’t know what to buy… thanks !

I rarley post comments but I wanted to say you convinced me to buy an IS! Just bought a 2014 with only 33,000km. I guess it will last me for about ... a hundred years or so lol. Did you use rustproofing to keep it rust free like that? Wondering if I need to.

Like he said maintenance is key I've had my is300 2003 180k miles beat it every once in a while and it's still kicking

06 is350 RWD 291664 miles. Still strong.

GDI = God Damn it! 🙌

this is my next car that i REALLY wanna own. under 150km in good shape cost like 9-12k so im not sure you can find one under that price range unless there's rust. I have a c230 2007 im hoping to keep it as long as i can but my next go-to would be a lexus is250 from 2009-2012

Can we get a coolant flush and change vid please?

I have a 2009 is250 i picked up over a year ago for 5000 it has 298000 miles as i am posting and is still going strong the paint is a little tired but it is a great daily.

I do have a question about the fuel injection system. To start, with every vehicle I have ever owned I always added a single bottle of Lucas Fuel Injection cleaner once a month and it always helped keep my cars running super smooth. Would this be a good way to reduce the risk of the Lexus having carbon and sludge buildup?

Thank you for the video! Very well done. I am looking into purchasing an IS 250 or IS 350. I test drove a 2011 IS 350 but the ride was really rough over bumps etc. I also test drove a 2014 250 but the ride was much smoother. I chalked up to the 1st and 2nd gen models must ride rough and Lexus changed that for the 3rd gen and newer models. It felt like I was driving a 90s 5.0 Mustang. Is this an issue in the 09 250 because I did not hear you speak on that nor have a seen any commenters mention it at all.

Thinking about splashing out on bmw 330 2017 or just buying such is250 and not showing off.

Like the video my Lexus IS a rx 350 2013 and I love Lola that’s my girl…

Are you thinking of upgrading the looks? Headlights, tailights, lip.. etc?

What about the is220d?

What are you using for music? I saw something that looks like a modulator. Could you please tell me the model?

What camera do you use?

Thanks for this review. I'm really looking to own is250/350 rwd 2010- 2013 .300hp i believe it's worth it

What’s your opinion when it comes to gas mileage on the car and do you need to use premium gas only ?

should i be worried about the fuel consumption? i am getting a fair deal for this car from a private seller in England?

I had my IS250 for 3 years. One big issue I had ? Carbon buildup ! In the 130k miles the car was driven, it was never cleaned out by the previous owner. I had two options. 250 bucks for a detergent spray type cleaning on the valves OR 700 bucks for walnut blasting. The good news? My carbon issues were not severe. It wasn’t caked with carbon buildup despite the fact no cleaning was ever done on the car. Did the cheaper cleaning option and the car is noticeably better. Performance feels better and more responsive. For 250 bucks I should do this cleaning every 15k miles or once a year. Walnut blasting too expensive!

Hey Sonduren, I have a 2009 2IS with a little over 192k km, according to the factory recommended maintenance manual, at this mileage they recommend a transmission oil change. I understand it is not possible to completely change the transmission oil, what are your thoughts on it? Have you ever had to change the ignition coils?

The alloy wheels are black or gunmetal ??? Could you please give me the link where you bought it from and what size are these. I have a white 2008 is250 and want to add gunmetal colored alloys

I’m really close between this and accord of course this is way ahead but I can’t find any videos of anyone doing real numbers of how much to fill up (I’m also in Toronto where it’s average 1.35/litre), and how far does a tank last in kilometres between a rough 50/50 city highway split...even rough numbers...I even tried reaching out to those selling them on Kijiji and no answers yet...anyone? Thanks

I kinda need/want a manual as my first car and stick with it for a long time. I would need to import it from germany because in switzerland there are none... do you think its worth it?

You should keep your hands on the wheel! Lol

I owned a 2006 IS 250 and then a 2006 IS 350. Amazing cars other than the melting dash.

I’m was so close to buying a 2011 L is 250 w 201km for $6,500 but I backed up. I should’ve seen this video first

I have a 2006 is 250, I lost the back up camera gridlines, and the camera settings are grayed out?? Thank you.

I did it I got it 2010 is250 I’m a newbie white pearl i love it small on the back seats but it’s okay I bought it with 19 inch rims when I turn it rubs a bit are the tires not good? They came with Perelli tires I don’t know much it has 78600 miles no problems are they really reliable I heard that a lot but I thought I asked!???? Anyhow advice about the wheels??? So they won’t rub inside only when I take sharp turns or fast and slow down to turn it hits but other than that I love love this car the reason I got it it’s because you sold me the car right 😂 you sold it with your video I meant

What do you think about the F sport model. And could you make a video of what to look for one buying an IS?

I'm in Florida. Moved here to take care of my father during Covid, he's got end stage cancer. I bought my folks a 2011 Sonata back in 2012. I negotiated an extended warranty that covers everything until 2022. So yes I have not paid for one repair in 9 years. Still only has 55k miles. Paint is still super shiny. I want another zero repair car my thinking is an IS 350 or a fairly new Camry. I have new idea what I'd get for the Sonata but want to be out as soon as the car market softens. P.s. My personal car is my 2000 Porsche Boxster S in silver paint with red interior GT3 seats and aftermarket exhaust. Was a tank for the first 7 years.. I even autocrossed it. Then it was a tsunami of repairs one after another. I probably put $25k in repairs after year 7 to the present. Long way of saying I never want to fix a car again. One day after a long day of detailing it an old guy came up marveling at thr Carrera wheels I had custom painted gun metal grey. He pointed to his Lexus ES300. He said he bought it the same year my Porsche had been built and hadn't repaired one thing.