Buying a used Lexus IS 250 (2005-2012)

Lexus found an edge in equipment and value for money.
Battering down BMW's dominance of the Medium-Luxury market is a task that not many car companies are keen to take on, and Lexus got off to a pretty shaky start.

With its original IS range, Toyota's upmarket off-shoot failed to even understand the question, let alone answer it. Brave enough to admit its failings, the company took a virtually clean sheet and in 2005 displayed a redesigned and technically superior IS.

Various versions would become available during the decade that followed, but for now let's explore the mainstream IS 250.

Toyota's Lexus division is not a place where the maxim 'near enough will do' sits well. First-Gen. IS Lexus sedans were competent designs but stodgy to look at and missed the boat totally as 'driver's cars'.

Starting almost from scratch for its second IS series, Lexus devised a longer and 20 per cent more rigid platform with a V6 engine contributing to improved weight distribution.

A body that was 175mm longer and 75mm wider didn't just deliver more space and the prospect of enhanced comfort. In a world increasingly perturbed by aerodynamics, the IS250 claimed an outstanding 0.27 per cent drag coefficient, with an engine bay under-tray that used motor-sport technology to generate down-force.

Australia's initial batch of GSE20R versions landed in late 2005 and comprised Prestige, Sport and Sport Luxury variations. All used the same twin-cam, 24-valve V6 that produced 153kW at a fairly tall 6400rpm. Six-speed manual transmission was available but so few clutch-equipped cars were sold you will struggle to find one in the used market.

Least expensive was the Prestige which listed at $56,490 for a six-speed automatic.

Included in the price were leather trim, headlamp sensors, keyless entry and a multi-function steering wheel. Lifting your spend by $10,000 bought a Sports version with manual transmission and significant improvements to steering response and grip. Underneath were shortened springs, revised dampers and 18 inch diameter wheels – up from 16s on the Prestige – with 225/40 rubber at the front and 255/40 rear.

Adding to the package were grippy, electric memory seats in Alcantara and leather, a body kit, Bi-Xenon lights and a sunroof plus park-distance sensors and chromed embellishments.

Then when you might have thought there was nothing more that Lexus could pack into its IS, up popped the Sports Luxury. Costing a shocking $8500 more than a 'basic' Sports, this most elaborate IS included a concert-quality music system with 15 speakers, better leather than in a Rolls-Royce (according to the Lexus media kit anyway), timber cabin trim, active cruise control which maintains separation from the vehicle in front, sat nav and eight air-bags protecting front seat occupants' head, knees and thighs.

In 2007 the range expanded to include an IS 250X model. Combining stiffer suspension with many of the Sports Luxury model's desirable additions and then charging just $65,000 brought in plenty of buyers. Although the 250X was offered for just over a year (July 2007 to September 2008) they aren't difficult to find but do cost slightly more than a Sports Luxury of similar age.

The big shift came in 2009 when an IS 250C model was introduced, the suffix standing for convertible. Now Lexus had a contender with which to attack BMW's 3 Series while ensuring the few remaining open-top Saabs became almost impossible to sell.

There are some cars that even within the confines of an urban test-drive make you wish for extra power. The IS 250 with its crisp steering, outstanding brakes and unruffled ride is another to join that list.

Magazine tests saw the IS 250 with manual or automatic transmission meander from 0-100km/h in around 8.5 seconds. What's worse is that the IS feels even slower than it is. Maybe Lexus owners don't care about being first away when the lights change but looking at the car from any angle suggests that the stylists and marketing people thought otherwise.

The Sports sits low and looks kind of mean, especially when painted in darker colours.

With big wheel arches and chunky alloys, snake-eye Xenon lights and that slick drag coefficient, this car seriously cries out for a better engine without having to jump all the way to the big-buck IS F V8.

Leaving aside the issue of ordinary performance, there are plenty of reasons why you would want to find the best IS 250 in captivity. First on the list has to be value for money, followed by surprisingly good dynamics. Convertibles remain a bit pricey but an early Sports Luxury will cost 30 per cent of new price and come with a multitude of gadgets with which to play.

If you're over 180cm tall or particularly long in the body, make sure you spend enough time in a sunroof-equipped Lexus to ensure you are comfortable. Tall drivers claim that the reduction in head-room to accommodate the power roof's hardware is literally a pain in the neck.

Those not accustomed to using different levers for up or down-shifting will need to engage in some brain-training before buying an automatic IS 250 but once mastered, the column-mounted shifters are fast and fun. If buying an IS as family transport, let those who will spend time in the back to have a test sit first.

While the front occupants are pampered beyond all belief, those behind get a flat, fairly wooden bench with not a lot of leg-room. For a car of this size the boot is cramped and there is only a ski-port into the cabin. Be aware if you travel in isolated areas that you only have a temporary spare under the floor.

Early, basic cars scored a 4-Star ANCAP crash rating but versions with the full swag of eight air-bags, park sensors, the reverse camera, stability control and brake assist collect a well-deserved 5-Star score.

Fuel consumption shouldn't get much worse than 16L/100km and might manage mid-7L/100s when cruising on a deserted freeway. Weight that tops 1600kg and the need to rev it hard to make progress can take most of the blame.

>> Early (2005-10 models) suffered from a defect that took several years to manifest and prompt a recall. During 2014 more than 10,000 cars were summoned back to dealers for checks to a fuel pressure sensor gasket that had caused fires in IS models overseas. Make sure by contacting a dealer with the VIN of any car you're considering that this important job has been completed.

>> Prior to this alert was a less-extensive fuel system recall and another in 2010 to check brake fluid that could damage a seal and cause master cylinder leaks. If you test a car and the pedal feels soggy or has excessive travel, don't buy it without having a professional inspection.

>> Most buyers who consider a Lexus will do so because of the interesting inclusions. If they don't all work though, the cost of repairs could be significant. Things such as parking sensors can only be tested while moving, so too the active cruise control. Seats, the sunroof and headlight adjusters can freeze due to infrequent use.

>> Make sure the Engine Check symbol illuminates when the ignition is activated and doesn't flash or even blink when test driving. Minor sensor niggles can trigger annoying fault codes but the system can also be warning that fuel mixture has gone awry and may damage pistons or the transmission is about to totally fail. Don't ignore it.

Used vehicle grading on a Lexus IS 250
Design & Function: 14/20
Safety: 15/20
Practicality: 14/20
Value for Money: 16/20
Wow Factor: 13/20
TOTAL SCORE: 72/100

Also consider: BMW 325i, Holden Calais V 3.6, Audi A4 TFSI