Lexus IS250 325,000km Ownership Review | The QUEEN of Reliability

I give my ownership review of my 2009 Lexus IS250 with over 325,000km. In this review, I walk through the exterior and interior, maintenance, reliability, and pricing for these second-generation Lexus IS250 cars, which are considered one of the best daily driver sports sedans you can buy. Combining luxury, reliability, and useability, and in my many years of experience driving this car to over 325,000km this car has turned me into a true Lexus fan.

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Sonduren Fanarredha!
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[Druze_Tito]

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

[sdlausen]

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.

[KingDrewPhilip]

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!

[mercedes-benz]

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.

[jonnyg]

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

[PK-rrku]

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

[eduardoreyes]

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

[DLPTonyATL]

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.

[monkeykiss]

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.

[itsallrobbish]

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

[kymberliethefreespiritedone]

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!

[JoseRamirez-ikpb]

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 .

[claytonweaver]

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

[turpan]

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

[jillianmorihata]

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.

[jamessebastiantiberius]

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).

[eTiMaGo]

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!

[DH]

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.

[faydani]

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

[josephmorgan]

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!