PandakRz

Hey guys, I recently sold my 03 BMW 325i and owned a 95 318i before, so I'm pretty new to the whole Lexus/Toyota (Japan cars in general) territory.

Looking through some ads on Craigslist, I've came across an 2006 Lexus IS250, 6-speed, w/ 52k miles. So not really knowing much about Lexus (besides it's the higher end of Toyota), I have got a few questions:

1. How reliable is this year's of this generaton? (I know it's the first model of the generation, that's all)
1a. Are the engines N/A or F/I? (Sorry, this is a pretty stupid/noob question, but I'm curious)

2. Are the IS250 only RWD?

3.Maintenance wise, will it be cheaper than my '03 bimmer? Or about the same or more?
3a. Parts as well, same, more, less (compared to my bimmer)?

4. Anything I should look out for when checking out the car? (Known issues, problems, etc.)

Sorry for being so vague, but I'm sick and kind of out of it, haha. Thanks in advance guys!

idoke1

iTrader: (5)

Lexus are pretty reliable. All is250s are prone to carbon buildup so as long as the previous owner takes good care of it, you should be fine. Yes, the is250 and is350 are all n/a. The 6 spd version is rare. Maintenance should be alot better then bmw (E46 m3 owner before). Just simple standard maintenance like spark plugs, oil changes and air filter...etc. Is250 could be rwd or awd. Check model first. Main concerns is water pump, carbon build up, cam gear rattle, and non-working lcd nav screen.

PandakRz

Cool, thanks for the info! Just out of curiosity, how are the carbon build up 'fixed' or prevented? Also is it belt or chain driven? And for the cam gear rattle, when is it most likely to start rattling? Is there any way to prevent it from happening, if so?

Sorry for the questions and thanks again!

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

It's a hit our miss as some will never get then and other will. But if you do get it its a 9yrs unlimited mile warranty on if its that issue. So 9yrs from the date the car was sold so on 06 not much left. Can gear rattle usually happens on start up for a brief few sec. Again it a hit or miss some get other will never. These engine are chain driven. So if you do have a bad water pump it will be leaking coolant and whistling noise from the pump.

PandakRz

Top end parts? Valve cover, etc? Also, how can you tell you have carbon build-up (performance, starting, issues, etc?) Sorry, lol... But at 52k miles I'm assuming it's going to be okay.

Going to be using only Chervon (w/ Techron) premium gas (the 'best' gas we have in Honolulu) and maintenance will be done on the scheduled time frame.

Also, parts/repairs on a Lexus, is the price that different from a bimmer? More, less, same, as a bimmer compared to the lexus? Thanks again.

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

You can do a search and find all the information on carbon build up. In short you car will wanna stall and all check light will go off.My wife has a 250 and we only use shell since day one brand new. So 08 with 104k no issue and regular maintenance. Is it cheaper to maintain over a bmw yes. I had 02 m3 and Germany parts ain't cheap. If you do need oem part register at Sewell Lexus for CL discount. That where I get my oem maintenance stuff.

carlos3366

is's have alignment problems, they keep pulling to the right. be ready to align every 6 months.

kesdjmarou

The 6 spd version is rare. Maintenance should be alot better then bmw

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

Good cars and very reliable. Parts are pretty cheap if bought through Sewell Lexus. Spark plugs are due at 60K (per manual). You can do most of the work yourself, plugs would be the most difficult on the 250. The car had a timing chain. Here's some info. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...iy-thread.html

L3XOTIC

IS 250 has AWD, as we own one. One of the biggest complains is the water pump going out. Ours went out and had to be replaced at 48K Miles. I have heard of few other people with similar issue. Aside from that, normal maintenance is a breeze and a lot cheaper then a BMW. I've owned approx 8 different E36 and E46 BMW's and compared to my GS300(sold), RX300(sold) and IS 250, Lexus has always been x10 reliable.

Good Luck!

Corps Vet

9yrs unlimited mile warranty on IS250's for cam gear rattle?

Is that documented anywhere? Can you point me to it - Thanks

kingap

9 yr warranty on the carbon buildup issue