It is an excellent everyday driving car. I drive it everyday 80+mins of commute in the bay area. Some of the common complaints are already listed above. Smallish back seat. If that does not bother you too much then you are fine. If I have to buy again I might choose GS instead of IS. Only because by then my daughter will be old enough and she may not fit in the back seat comfortably anymore.

 

I love being "that a$$hole in the Lexus" its why I bought the car.

After one month of ownership and 6,500 miles I am very pleased. The x50 has many small quirks which have been brought up many times on this board, however it is the first car I have owned that when driven fast makes my girlfriend say "this car makes my neck hurt". I receive daily unsolicited positive comments regarding how nice the car is.

 

I wanted comfort and gadgets over racing for my car. The IS250 was perfect for me. I would most definitely do it again, and again and again and again

 

I think it would depend on your priorities, the car has alot of luxary features to offer, the car is very comfortable however if you have kids you will likely think too small (in the back).

If you mostly drive yourself and your spouse only, this is a great car to go to places! Still it's got 4 doors and can still carry your in laws if needed in the back, LOL.

Or if you come from a sports compact coupe, then you probably won't complain so much about the space. It's easy to see the IS is not as roomy in the back as a Camry, ES, GS etc.

Also the rear seats doesn't fold down for hauling long items. And the center rear seat is a joke sitting over the transaxle hump. So it's not the most practical car..

And there is very little feedback for the driver, just point and turn the car and the computer corrects you if you push it over the limits. If you care about the feeling of being connected to the road, Lexus has little to offer in this area, navigating a Lexus is effortless and comfortable.

 

Do it again? no doubt.

IF they have 6MT in IS350, I would get the 350 instead. hahaha!

 

I absolutely love mine, best car I have owned to date. However, if you are looking at a used one from a dealership you should check out what kind of deals you can get on a new one because they will probably try and rip you off on the new one and depending on whether you want a 250 or 350 there are some really good prices going on 250s...

 

hmm im gettin rid of my IS to get a 93 SC.. if i have a choice later on in life i would get the IS again but a 350..

 

I wouldn't do it again. In general, I think the car is awesome, and love the quality feeling of the vehicle and all the little thoughtful touches, except for a clutch/transmission/shifter that Lexus should be embarrassed to have ever placed in a vehicle of this class.

I also thought I'd be getting better than 12 MPG out of a 2.5 liter V6.

 

A resounding Yes. I cannot say that about any other car that I have ever purchased.

The IS is the perfect car, for "me" at this juncture in my life. I got it because of its size and power (which seems to bedetractors for some); however, I do not need a four door luxury limo or plush cruiser. If that is your desire, then you are in the wrong place and I'd recommend looking at the GS or LS. The IS is more compact/custom fitted and sporty-lux. ISs may seem a dime a dozen; if you want to impress others or be somewhat or an individual Benz, Lambo, Jag, or Maybach may fit the bill.

Point being: Be smart; the IS isn't for everyone, do your research and if possible, an extended test-drive before you buy.

 

How are you only getting 12 MPG? Flogging it every @ every stoplight?

 

Nope. I accelerate fairly gently, don't usually shift above 3000-4000RPM, and hardly ever floor it. Not to mention that I have 57 stop lights and 9 stop signs just on my commute to work, so there's not really any room to get on it.

I think it's just my driving conditions...I do 99.9% city, am usually in 2nd or 3rd gear max, and had an average speed of 11mph last time I checked. I guess the IS really hates stop and go traffic.

 

^^^That sucks; I'd sell and buy a Prius or something better on gas (57 stoplights ).

 

And I thought my commute with lots of unexpected jams on the freeway was bad 57 lights...jeez

 

Yeah, I guess you have to REALLY want a manual trans to have one around here.....

 

No problems at all with my IS 350. It does everything it is supposed to do. Would I buy it again? Probably not.

My wife has a MB CLK and I still "appreciate" driving her car. It just seems to make me happy. Hard to explain though.

Aloha