WORST Lexus Is 250 Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

Navigating the world of used Lexus IS 250s can be tricky, especially since some model years have notable problems.

If you’re looking at a 2006 or 2007 model, be aware that these cars often suffer from carbon buildup, which hurts their performance, and they miss out on important updates. The cramped backseat and old features also make them less appealing.

On the other hand, models from 2008 onwards are generally more reliable, helping you avoid potential issues. So, why are these newer models a better bet?

Key Takeaways

The 2006-2007 Lexus IS 250 models miss important updates and have issues with carbon buildup.
The 2010 Lexus IS 250 still has carbon buildup problems, even with design and feature improvements.
The 2011 model is especially prone to carbon buildup, leading to engine troubles like rough idling and misfires.
Regular carbon cleaning is necessary to avoid expensive engine repairs in older Lexus IS 250 models.
Getting an extended warranty is helpful to cover unexpected repair costs, especially for models with known problems.

Model Year 2006-2007

If you’re thinking about getting a Lexus IS250, you might want to skip the 2006-2007 models. These early versions lack some important updates found in later years, like the sharkfin antenna, VSC button, and better steering. They also have issues with carbon buildup, which can affect performance and lifespan.

The back seat isn’t very roomy, and some nice touches like new wheel colors and woodgrain interior trims came out later. Bluetooth and updated navigation systems were also added after these years.

For a better experience, go for a 2008 or newer model, which offers more features and a smoother drive.

Model Year 2008

Looking at the 2008 model year, the Lexus IS 250 has made some noticeable improvements compared to older versions, making it a great option for buyers.

This year, Lexus focused on enhancing the driving experience with updates like better steering, new wheel colors, and more legroom in the back. Inside, new woodgrain trim options add a touch of luxury.

If you’d issues with earlier models, the 2008 version is a better choice. These upgrades make the 2008 Lexus IS 250 a solid pick for anyone wanting a well-equipped and updated car.

Model Year 2009

In 2009, Lexus made some big changes to the IS250, like a new look and an updated navigation system. These changes were meant to make the car look better and be easier to use.

But, these improvements don’t fix the major engine problems that make this model year a headache.

Major Facelift Changes

The 2009 Lexus IS 250 facelift brought a lot of changes both inside and out, like new woodgrain colors and updated styling for a fresher look. Despite these updates, some people think it’s one of the least reliable Lexus models.

The front and back of the car got a new design, making it look more modern. Inside, the cabin was refreshed with new trim options to enhance the driving experience. The goal of the facelift was to make the car look and feel more up-to-date and attractive to buyers.

However, these changes didn’t fix all the underlying issues, leaving some drivers unhappy.

Nav System Updates

Upgrading to the 2009 Lexus IS250 gives you a better navigation system with more features and a smoother user experience. This year’s model has a more user-friendly navigation system compared to older Lexus models.

Plus, Bluetooth is now standard in the 2009 IS250, making it easier to connect your devices for hands-free phone use and better overall convenience. However, the X package, which offered extra features and customization, was discontinued in 2009.

Even so, the improved navigation system and Bluetooth make the 2009 Lexus IS250 a significant upgrade from earlier versions.

Model Year 2010

When looking at the 2010 Lexus IS250, you’ll see some updates in design and features. However, it’s important to know about the carbon buildup issues that can affect the engine.

This problem can lead to lower performance and expensive repairs if not handled with regular maintenance and cleaning. While the warranty might cover some repairs, you might want to consider the 2009 or 2011 models to avoid these issues.

Facelift and Feature Changes

In 2010, Lexus updated the IS 250 with a new look, adding modern design elements that made it more attractive. They introduced LED daytime running lights, which not only made the car more visible but also gave it a sleek and modern appearance.

Inside, Lexus upgraded the interior materials, making it feel more luxurious and up-to-date. They also added new exterior color options, giving you more choices to personalize your IS 250.

These changes made the 2010 model more appealing than earlier versions, offering better looks and features. If you want a car with a refreshed design and updated features, the 2010 Lexus IS 250 is a great choice.

Carbon Buildup Concerns

While the 2010 Lexus IS 250 has a stylish design, you should know about potential carbon buildup issues from its direct injection technology. This problem can cause misfires, rough idling, and lower engine performance.

The 2010 IS 250’s direct injection system can lead to carbon deposits on intake valves, and if not addressed, it can result in expensive repairs. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent these issues.

Cleaning the intake valves periodically can help avoid carbon buildup and keep the engine running smoothly. Ignoring this maintenance can hurt your vehicle’s performance over time.

Taking care of carbon buildup early ensures your Lexus IS 250 stays in good shape.

Warranty and Maintenance

Regular upkeep and getting a warranty can save you from big repair bills for your 2010 Lexus IS 250. When buying the Lexus, it’s a good idea to get a factory or extended warranty because of possible serious issues like carbon buildup. This model uses port injection, which can lead to significant buildup over time, meaning you’ll need to clean it periodically. Maintenance costs can be high, so a warranty can provide financial protection and peace of mind.

Regular servicing to prevent carbon buildup is crucial for the engine’s long life. Without it, you might face expensive repairs that a warranty could cover. Getting a warranty when buying the 2010 Lexus IS 250 can help reduce the financial impact of these known maintenance issues.

Model Year 2011

The 2011 Lexus IS250 is known for having engine problems due to carbon buildup, which can hurt its performance and efficiency. If you own or are thinking about buying a 2011 IS250, you should know that this model is more likely to have carbon buildup issues compared to newer models that handle it better.

You might notice symptoms like rough idling, misfires, and higher emissions, all of which can make driving less enjoyable. Regular maintenance and cleaning of engine parts are crucial to avoid these problems.

When looking at a 2011 IS250, keep in mind the potential for carbon buildup and the maintenance needed to keep the engine in good shape.

Carbon Build-Up Issues

Carbon build-up in Lexus IS250 engines, mainly due to direct injection technology, can really hurt your car’s performance and lifespan. Common signs include rough idling, lower engine performance, and possible misfires. To keep this from happening, regular maintenance and specific cleaning methods are key. If you ignore this problem, it could lead to costly repairs. Thankfully, routine carbon cleaning can improve engine performance and make it last longer. Here’s a quick summary:

Aspect	Detail	Keywords
Symptoms	Rough idling, decreased performance, misfires	Engine performance
Prevention	Regular cleaning, maintenance tips	Cleaning techniques
Costs	Lower than BMW/Mercedes	Repair costs
Benefits	Enhanced performance, longevity	Carbon removal

Performance Comparisons

While it’s important to deal with carbon build-up in your Lexus IS250, you should also see how it compares to other models like the IS350 when it comes to performance.

The IS350 has several benefits:

Acceleration: The IS350 accelerates faster, making it more exciting to drive.
Handling: The IS350 handles better, giving a more enjoyable driving experience.
Engine Power: The IS350 has a stronger engine, which boosts its overall performance.
Sportiness: People who love performance cars often find the IS250 a bit dull and prefer the IS350 for its lively drive.

Maintenance Costs

When thinking about getting a Lexus IS250, keep in mind the usual repair costs. Things like oil changes, brake pad replacements, and air filter changes can add up to between $500 and $800 each year.

Another major problem is carbon buildup in the engine, which can cost between $1,000 and $2,000 to fix.

Getting an extended warranty might help cover these expenses, but you should consider if it’s worth it.

Common Repair Expenses

Dealing with common repair costs for the Lexus IS250 often means handling engine carbon buildup, which can get expensive. To keep these costs down, focus on preventing carbon buildup and keeping up with engine maintenance. Regular maintenance helps you avoid pricey repairs.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the usual repair costs for the Lexus IS250:

Carbon Buildup Cleaning: You’ll need to pay for cleaning every so often to stop carbon buildup.
Engine Performance Problems: Fixing engine issues to keep it running well can be expensive.
Lower Fuel Efficiency: If your fuel efficiency drops, fixing it usually involves repairs.
Routine Maintenance: Doing regular maintenance helps you steer clear of big repair bills.

Warranty Coverage Importance

Since repairs can be expensive, getting a warranty for your Lexus IS250 can save you a lot of money and stress. The benefits of having a warranty far outweigh the initial cost, giving you essential protection against unexpected repairs. Extended warranties cover things like carbon buildup and mechanical problems, ensuring you don’t have to pay a lot out of pocket. Factory warranties offer limited coverage, so getting extended coverage is a smart move.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Warranty Type	Coverage	Benefits
Factory Warranty	Limited	Basic protection
Extended Warranty	Comprehensive	Extensive maintenance
No Warranty	None	High out-of-pocket costs

Investing in a warranty gives you peace of mind and financial security, making it a must-have for IS250 owners.

Carbon Buildup Solutions

You can keep your Lexus IS250’s engine in good shape and avoid expensive repairs by dealing with carbon buildup regularly. Here are four easy ways to clean out carbon:

Clean the Intake Valves: Regularly clean the intake valves to avoid engine misfires and keep your engine running well.
Clean the Fuel Injectors: Keeping fuel injectors clean ensures they deliver fuel efficiently and reduces carbon deposits.
Use Fuel Additives: Adding fuel additives designed to clean carbon deposits can help maintain your engine’s performance.
Walnut Blasting: This method removes carbon buildup from the intake ports and valves, helping your engine last longer.

Warranty Recommendations

Getting a factory or extended warranty for your Lexus IS250 is a smart move to avoid the high costs of repairs and maintenance. A warranty covers a lot of repair expenses, saving you money and stress. Issues like carbon buildup and engine problems can be fixed without emptying your wallet.

When looking at warranty options, check how long they last, what’s covered, and what isn’t. Extended warranties are especially useful as your car gets older, helping to keep it running well and saving you money in the long run.

Don’t skip this important step to keep your IS250 in good shape and protect your finances.

AWD Model Concerns

When looking at AWD Lexus IS models, keep in mind that the suspension varies between different years.

For example, the 2008 model handles and feels different compared to the 2009 and 2012 models, which got better suspensions.

These changes can impact how the car drives, so it’s important to know how each year’s updates could influence your decision.

Suspension Differences Over Years

Over the years, AWD Lexus IS250 models have seen changes in their suspension systems, which affect how they handle and how comfortable the ride is.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Better handling: The 2009 and 2012 models got upgraded suspension, making the car more responsive and stable.
Smoother ride: These upgrades also made the ride smoother, cutting down on vibrations and road noise.
Less body roll: Adjustments to the suspension helped reduce body roll, giving a more controlled drive.
Yearly improvements: Each model year had its own tweaks, but 2009 and 2012 had the most noticeable improvements.

These changes directly affect how the car drives.

Body Roll Characteristics Variation

How the Lexus IS250 AWD handles body roll changes a lot depending on the model year. The 2008 model had more noticeable body roll, making it less stable when turning.

In 2009, Lexus made improvements to the suspension, which reduced body roll and made the car handle better. By 2012, they made even more changes to the suspension, resulting in a smoother and more controlled driving experience.

However, they stopped including the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) in later models, which affected how the car performs when cornering. Also, the type of seats and the all-wheel-drive system can change how you feel body roll in these cars.

Common Repair Issues

One of the most common problems with Lexus IS250 engines is carbon buildup. This can cause misfires, rough idling, and even serious engine damage. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to maintain your engine regularly. If ignored, repairing this problem can cost between $800 and $1500.

Here’s what you might notice if you have this issue:

Engine hesitation: Delays when you accelerate because of clogged intake valves.
Loss of power: The engine doesn’t perform as well, making driving less enjoyable.
Increased fuel consumption: The car uses more gas because the combustion process isn’t efficient.
Engine knocking: Loud knocking noises that indicate serious internal damage.

Regular maintenance to prevent carbon buildup can help you avoid these issues and keep your Lexus IS250 running smoothly.

Package Differences

Understanding the different packages available for the Lexus IS250 can help you choose the features that are most important to you. For example, HID headlights come standard in the Sport and Luxury packages but aren’t included in the X package.

The F-Sport package is another option, offering unique features compared to the Sport package. Depending on the model year and package, you’ll also find different seat options and other features.

Knowing these differences can help you pick the IS250 year and package that best fit your needs and preferences.

Steering and Suspension

When choosing a Lexus IS250, it’s important to look at the steering and suspension to ensure a great driving experience. Here are some key points:

Better handling: The 2006-2007 models have improved steering, making them more responsive.
Smoother ride: The 2008, 2009, and 2012 models have better suspension for a more comfortable ride, which is great for long trips.
Body roll differences: The AWD models have different body roll characteristics, which vary by year.
Updated suspension: The 2009 and 2012 models got upgrades to their suspension, making them handle better overall.

Interior and Exterior Changes

Starting with the 2008 model year, Lexus updated the interior trim with new woodgrain colors to make it look more luxurious and stylish. These updates gave the car a more sophisticated look.

In 2011-2012, Lexus added LED daytime running lights (DRLs) to improve the car’s exterior appearance and visibility. New exterior colors were also introduced in the 2010-2011 models, offering more choices to match your personal taste.

While these changes aimed to modernize the Lexus IS 250, they didn’t always make the ownership experience better overall. Knowing about these updates can help you decide if this car is right for you.

Community Insights

The updates to the Lexus IS 250’s interior and exterior are meant to give it a fresh look, but the real value comes from the active and helpful Lexus IS Forum community. Here, you can find:

Reliability issues: Owners talk about long-term problems and fixes.
Engine performance: Detailed reviews and tips for boosting performance.
Owner stories: Personal experiences with daily driving, maintenance, and overall satisfaction.
Aftermarket parts: Suggestions and reviews for upgrading your vehicle.

The forum has been around since 2000 and is a great source of information, funded by affiliate commissions. Just remember not to bring up old threads so the discussions stay relevant.

This community is a must-visit for anyone who owns or is thinking about getting a Lexus IS 250.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Lexus Rx, Lexus Gx 460, Lexus Es 350 and Lexus Is 250. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

So, should you skip the 2006 and 2007 Lexus IS 250? Definitely. These years miss important updates and have performance issues.

If you want a more reliable car with better features, go for the 2008 model or newer. With improved steering, suspension, and interior, you’ll get a better car overall.

Don’t settle when a better choice is just a model year away. Choose wisely!

About the author

David Lawrence

David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.