Used Lexus IS

What to know before buying: Lexus IS

From 2 forum threads and 1 press test · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owners praise the 2005–2012 IS 250's handling: one describes it as smooth and responsive, while another compares its road manners with the BMW 3 Series.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)
• An owner of the 2.5-litre petrol IS 250 describes its cabin as one of the quietest he has experienced.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)
• The 177 hp 2.2-litre IS 220d diesel is described as strong and flexible, including for confident motorway overtaking.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)
• Owners of both the IS 250 and IS 220d report that the light rear end and rear-wheel drive make snowy conditions challenging.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)

Typical faults

• One 2007 IS 250 suffered recurring immobiliser failures; initially, restoring operation required a reset at a Lexus centre.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)

  2007–2007 · IS 250

• The same 2007 IS 250 illuminated its ABS and Check Engine warnings below −15°C; the workshop attributed this to an electronic programming glitch.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)

  2007–2007 · IS 250

• One IS 250 owner identifies sticking brakes as a typical problem for the model.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)

  IS 250

• An IS 220d owner reports that the original alloy wheels began blistering after only the second or third winter.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)

  IS 220d

• A forum report describes an IS200 whose six-cylinder engine ran on only three cylinders; replacing the plugs and ignition coils did not cure it.[1]one source

  IS200

• One IS200 suffered a front ball-joint failure; after recovery and repair, the ABS no longer recognised the right-front wheel sensor.[2]one source

  IS200

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.5-litre petrol IS 250 is worth considering for its quiet cabin and good handling, both specifically praised by owners.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)
• The 2.2-litre IS 220d diesel is worth considering when strong pulling power and confident motorway overtaking matter.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)

What to check at the inspection

• Start an IS 250 several times and verify immobiliser operation, as intermittent failure has been reported.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)
• During the test drive, check for brakes releasing slowly, pulling to one side, or wheels becoming unusually hot.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)
• On an IS 220d, closely inspect the original alloy-wheel finish for blistering and other deterioration.[3]one sourceIS sedans (05-12)
• On an IS200, scan the ABS and check the sensor signal and wiring to the ABS module; forum contributors warn that resistance testing alone may be inconclusive.[2]one source
• Cold-start an IS200 and confirm that every cylinder fires; if it misfires, check compression, injectors, fuel pressure, wiring, and the ECM.[1]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]auto.jautajums.lv — Lexus atsauksmes, modeļi, remonts | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
2. [2]iauto.lv — ABS devējs Lexus IS200 - Forums · forum
3. [3]whatcar.lv — Lexus IS sedans (05-12) Atsauksmes par auto - WhatCar.lv · press

Spotted an error? Tell us