2008 Lexus IS 250 Consumer Reviews

6-Speed Manual is Great

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Have seen some bad reviews of manual trans - I think it is excellent through the first four gears, with just 5th and 6th being a bit rope-a-dope to get there. And the manual really makes the engine come alive. Also, i am comparing to a 2008 328i BMW, and a 2004 Honda S2000 - Honda the best obviously, but I would say IS 250 trans better than 328i.
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It's not a sports car, but it's a great car

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

If you're looking for a sporty drive, go with the 350 or G37. If you're like me, the lead in your foot has been replaced by maturity, this is a great car for you. Bought this car 15k miles ago with 35k miles. It is my first "luxury" car but I've driven all the competition (bmw, g37, tl, c300) Comfortable, looks great, feels great, and the nav makes life easy. The interior is a tight fit so if you are using the back seat all the time for passengers, pass on this one. But if you only use it on occasion then the back seat will do. If you're sitting in the front you'll be comfortable, you'll be pleased with the look of the interior, and you'll find the touch screen easy to use.
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Good all around

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I've been reading all these reviews complaining about the ride quality. That's due to the Potenzas from the factory. I replaced mine with Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires and the ride quality is 1000 times better. Also, buy a car with low profile tires, they WILL get damaged...on any car. This car is getting close to three years old and gets driven hard about 80 miles per day. It doesn't have a single rattle, squeak, or any other flaw. It has been perfect since day one. The engine definately needs more power. This car has decent power, but for the $42K that is costs, it should a lot more. The interior comfort and design are outstanding.
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IS250

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have had this car for three years, and I love most everything about it. It's a great car, and I hope to drive it for a long time. My only complaint is the decreased visibility when backing up or changing lanes.
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Good for me

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I've had this car since November of 07 (it's an 08). I, too, had problems with potholes the winter of 07-08 - sidewall damage on 2 tires which had to be replaced with less than 5000 miles on them. I promptly got a set of rims one size smaller with snow tires that were NOT low profile and I've had no problem since. The car handles great in the snow, pulling through the piles of snow our village plows against the end of the driveway. The ride is a little jittery on the expressway, sometimes seeming to find a harmonic convergence with the ridges on the road, but it is comfortable and quiet. I average 25 mpg on my daily drive, up to 31 mpg on long trips, slightly less with the snow tires.
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2008 IS250 Valve Spring Problem

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

With the exception of horrible visibility especially when backing up and changing lanes I loved my IS. At about 30 thousand miles I started to experience a shutter when coming to a stop intermittently. I had it in the shop twice for the problem and they told me there were no error codes and it may have been bad gas. My car is now at 61 thousand miles and needs the valve springs replaced. This is the same problem that there was a recall for on the IS350 and a few other Lexus models a few months ago. I think they need to add the 250 to that recall.
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Former Beemer has seen the light

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I've had a few nice cars in my day and this one is my favorite. Grew up with Mercedes and had a few BMW's but this car by far is much more reliable and better overall in the same class. Spent about 10k less than my BMW 325i and it's a much better car even at BMW's price.
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Identity Crisis

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Despite the sporty exterior and a willing chassis, the car is not a sports sedan. It's let down by the whimpy engine, an unresponsive throttle and a transmission programmed by someone from the Prius team. But with the bumpy ride, it can't be a luxury car, either. The car delivers excellent gas mileage for a V6. It handles well, thanks to the firm suspension, summer tires and RWD. Steering is quick but numb. Interior uses top notch materials. Quality of assembly is very high, both inside and out. It's reliable but not completely trouble free. Expect to pay a premium for service at the dealer. But their technicians are no better than those at typical Honda or Toyota dealerships.
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End of my lease, going to miss "lexi"

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I just love this car and my wife gets jealous when I start talking about "Lexi." I am tall so the back seat sacrifice was justified. Two large dogs have no complaints. Poor rear visibility, but the nice big mirrors help. I get 24mpg with spirited driving and 90% manual shifting. I rarely use the paddles and the shift restrictions are a hair too restrictive. If you want 0-60 times get a motorcycle or theme park. ;) However, this car was purely made for on/off ramps and windy back roads. I also really like that I can disable VSC and TRAC by holding a button (must be stopped.) Wish they had a real wagon version as we now have children. Venza and RX350 can't fit large dogs in back.
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Can't wait to change!

Vehicle

2008 Lexus IS 250 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Very comfortable ride, for a small car. I've had it almost 2 years, no major problems. Front wheels, a lot of dust brakes. I'm 6'3", so I need a lot of leg room to drive. There is only enough room for a small kid to ride in the back seat behind me. Why does this car have such a big trunk but no space in the back seat? Every time I reverse, the wheels squeak so much, I don't have even 10,000 miles yet. I've been using plus gas, anything higher is a waste of money. Many times, I smell something overheating from the clutch, it has been checked by the dealer, they found nothing. The service at the Lexus dealer is too expensive, for oil change, basic service, etc. I go to Toyota, it's cheaper.
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