Chandy

I'm in the market for a used car, and while searching I came across a beautiful IS250 and might pull the trigger this weekend. Before I go to the dealership I would like to ask ya'll's opinion.

The car has 156,000 miles, only 2 owners and a clean Carfax report. I should also mention that this particular vehicle has the 6 speed manual transmission.

After doing a bit of research I have read that the manual transmission in the IS250 is problematic and there are issues with carbon buildup, leaking water pumps, and navigation screen glitches.

I'm looking for a car for under $15k (preferably under $10k) with a manual transmission that will function as my daily driver for the next 3-5 years. I have never owned a Lexus, but have always been attracted to them and have wanted one for a while. I've also read that the MT IS250 is hard to come by. The dealership is asking $9500 but I should be able to talk them down to around $8750.

Should I expect to spend big money on repairs in the near future? Is the MT as bad as people are saying it is? Is the carbon buildup as big a problem as I'm hearing? I could always get a Corolla/Civic/Accord/Altima/etc. but I would really like something a bit more luxurious. I don't want to pass up on a great opportunity, but I also don't want to shoot myself in the foot either. If you were me what would you do?

trippy

iTrader: (1)

i have an 06 is250 carbon build up twice...DONT risk it because good deal.....i regret rushing my decision goodluck
one of my coworker has an 2014 is250 and she never knew it has carbon build up until today when i asked her if she had rough idle...now shes stress to the max

355F1

2014???? They fixed the problem in mid-2010.

She shouldn't have any problems, dude.

aznKewlguy

iTrader: (5)

I have an 06 is250 with 142k miles. Never had a carbon build up problem. No symptoms at all, took it in and they found nothing. You just have to drive the car hard once in a while.

Parsa

Check to see if the TSB was done for the carbon build up. In the service history it should describe a job that includes replacing piston rings and some other things. If they don't have service records availae you can search the cars VIN on Lexus.com (i think) or this app on the iPhone called "My Lexus". If TSB was done you may have to pay for a $300 engine cleaning once a year but it's not such a big deal. I bought my car at 142k miles or so now have 155k and no carbon build up problems, my car had the TSB done before. And yes as azn^^ said if you have some fun with the car and go WOT a couple tines a week the carbon will start knocking off the intake valves im pretty sure. Also seafom, oil catch can,, many things you can do to fight this. Carbon build up is a common issue for all direct injection engines

Not sure about MT reliability since I have auto, but these cars do have a faulty transmission. With the mileage on that car the transmission will start going bad if it has not already. Google search "2006 Lexus is250 p2757" or "2006 lexus is250 transmission problem". Some cars are better than others and don't experiencd this but chance is that one will. Also, some cars are fixed with just replacing a solenoid and others need a whole trans rebuild/new trans. A trans shop will be able to see after they open it up.

I wouldn't even think about the other cars you listed. The is250 will be the perfect car for your situation. Maybe try to find one with a lower mileage though if you can, i feel a good ratio would be 20k less miles = 1k mkre expensive... worth it to me at least. Good luck

ssmoked

I had a mt is250 since new and drove it about 11k miles before selling it. Here is my impression:

The good: nice interior except for the faux leather which creased prematurely.
The bad: front tire camber wear where new set is needed every 12k miles. The mt grinds, loud and not smooth at all. Thought it was me so I tested out my friends mustang 2004 v6 mt. That shifted like butter compared to the Lexus. Later found out from Lexus service the mt came from Tacoma pickup. The engine is also GUTLESS, makes the mt not fun to drive at all. Needless to say listed it for sale 8 month into ownership and took 3 month for a buyer.

trippy

iTrader: (1)

than i guess she didnt get the recall she said nothing came home

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Faux leather? The seating surfaces were real leather. They crease like any real leather does. The back, sides and door panels were vinyl but they don't crease.

ssmoked

The m/t is250 are stripped with different seats with a base price. I bet you have an auto with some premium package that came with ventilated seats ect

Serifiyah

I have an 07 IS250 with 150k miles, never had carbon buildup problems, yet.

top5

I have an 09 250 6mt. Running solid with little to no maintenance. The transmission is clunky imho. Iirc no carbon build up problems with 09+s so if you have the ability to pay a little extra for an 09 up id recommend it

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

as aforementioned, I believe it is vital to run the IS250 through its gears every once in awhile. It may help keep the carbon build up issue at bay.

MWIS350

There's no fixed because IS250 only have direct fuel injector. Not port and direct fuel injector like IS350/IS-F.