Are Older IS350 Models the Best Luxury Ride on the Used Market?
After over five years of ownership, Canadian Rider says IS350 offers the perfect combination of luxury and performance in a reliable package.
Looking at a Lexus? They sure are something, aren’t they? Of course, you might not want to spend a ton of money getting into one, even the entry-level ES. No worries, though. There are plenty of Lexus models on the used market stretching back to the first year of the brand itself. After all, Toyota made the brand in their image: that of luxury and performance, but with the reliability and longevity the parent brand is known for.
For example, the IS350. The unnamed YouTuber behind Canadian Rider has owned his 2006 example for the past five years. What he found was the Lexus lives up to the “pursuit of perfection,” and then some.
“Every time I look back at this car — and I’ve done lots of videos on this car — I come back to it and I think, ‘This is the best luxury car that you can buy used,'” said Mr. Rider, “‘for anyone that’s looking for a reliable daily driver that’s sporty, that’s reliable, that’s efficient, that has really great looks, and really checks all the boxes.'”
Part of that is the IS350’s looks. Mr. Rider says he loves the look of every Lexus model, including his 2006. The handsome, athletic looks are timeless. Even the interior, despite the lack of modern infotainment systems, still holds up, and stands above other used rides in the $4,800 to $8,000 (USD) range.
“If you look at the [IS350], and you think about comparables in the market, the BMW 3 Series, the Audi A4s, some of those other cars there,” said Mr. Rider. “The reliability of those cars and the model years you’re gonna be comparing to to this car? Look at the BMWs. If you’re looking for a 3 Series, those twin turbos, they had a lot of issues from 2007 to 2012. And then the Audi A4. We know some of those issues […] In terms of competition in the market, there is no competition for this car.”
Not to mention that the IS350, let alone any Lexus, can handle the daily commute like its Toyota brethren. Imagine trying to drive to work in a 3 Series or an A4. The famed Teutonic longevity was already in the rear view mirror by the time the 2006 models arrived. Meanwhile, Lexus continued the pursuit, never once lifting off the accelerator.
“This car is easy to work on by yourself,” said Mr. Rider. “That’s the other great thing versus the German luxury cars. [The Germans] put a lot of trickery in there to make it very difficult to do the maintenance yourself, because they want you to go to the dealership, go to the shop, do all that stuff.”
Thus, only one more reason to consider the IS350 (or any Lexus) over the competition on the used lot. You’ll certainly be a hero to those needing a ride to work when their Audis and BMWs are in the shop.
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