Used 2011 Lexus IS 250 C Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 IS 250 C, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 250 C since its last redesign.
Sexy yet reliable; still in LOVE
AB, 03/02/2019
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
This was my splurge purchase. I wanted the SC and I LOVE the smooth luxurious ride of that car...but it's a true two seater. When lexus came out with a true 4 seater convertable, I knew I had to have it! This is my summer car truthfully as the visibility and handling in the persistently wet and gray PNW makes me hesitant to use it in the winter when the days are short and the constantly gray and stormy. It's got a tall rear end and the backup camera is essential for me. Im 5'4" and the front seats are plenty comfortable. I fit in the back just fine as well, but there's no pretending its comfortable back there. My husband is 6'2" and fits well in the front and finds it a comfortable ride. He does fit in the back, but not well. My absolute favorite thing about this car is the wind screen that prevents almost all wind in the cabin when the top is down and windows rolled up. Buy this extra accessory; it's WORTH it! It's very quiet with the top down, even on the freeway. I can talk on the phone with the top down on the freeway with no problem. I STILL love this car, even after all these years. Im still excited tho drive it!
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So Far So Good
1st Lexus, 07/07/2009
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I am a convertible guy, having owned 4 Z4's, an Audi A4 and a BMW 128. I was hesitant to purchase a hardtop, but ever since I saw this one at a DC Auto Show, I was hooked. Had to drive 100 miles to get it, but it is everything I've hoped it would be. Quiet as can be inside with the top up, great gas mileage, fantastic "goodies" including sat radio, cooled and heated seats, Xenons, starting and locking/unlocking the car without using the key. I will say this ride is much more calm than the German cars, but I was having terrible electrical issues with the German cars and I feel the Lexus will last longer. If you need lots of pick-up, go with the 350. I have gotten about 28mpg so far w/250.
It was on my bucket list
cantbackup, 06/09/2012
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
And it was worth waiting for. I went through the years of soccer mom vans and cars that matched my sensible shoes. Nevertheless, I revel in the sensibility of this car, nevermind the epa rating of the gas mileage. This does much better. I am getting 32 mpg. When I spend more time in town, that compromises into the high 20s. The wind does not whip me around, the windshield is a great design. You can carry on a conversation, even in highway driving. I am sorry I did not get the rear view camera as the backup view with the top up is compromised. This car is gorgeous, smooth driving, steering, and more. The back seat is tight and the front seat is not as comfy as the bigger sedans.
Excellent automobile
doyleb, 07/14/2010
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is our second IS - we traded in a 250 for this car. Fit, finish, ride comfort all are up to Lexus standards. It's quiet (much more so than the 350Z we had before the IS250) and easy to get into / out of. A little more pep would be good, but we'll sacrifice that for the gas mileage - if pep is important go with the 350C. We got rear-ended 2 months getting the car, but it's been put back together very well. Overall a great car if you want topless motoring!
A quiet sports car with good handling
Solo, 02/07/2020
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I acquired the IS250C early in 2020, with 61,000 miles on it. The good: The car came with the optional 18" wheels with low-profile Michelin tires. I live in the NC mountains where there are NO straight roads and the 250C surprised me with outstanding handling on the twisty, hilly roads in the area. It hugs the curves like my Mazda Miata did, but without all the noise. Selecting sport mode gives you a bit more punch in accelerating, but without the increased noise level you will hear from a 4 cylinder engine. With the top up, there is Zero noise from the multi-section top - no squeaks from the rubber seals, no rattles, nothing. The instruments are classic sports car design - bright white on a black background. Not so good: Rear seat legroom is extremely tight. The cream-colored leather seats do not wear well and replacements are NOT available from Katzkin. The front and rear tires are different sizes, so you can't rotate the tires to spread the wear. The engine requires premium gas. You can't easily access the center console storage compartment while driving, so there's no place to store your sunglasses. In summary - for not much more than the price of a Miata of the same vintage, the IS250C is a quiet and refined sports car that's well suited for long road trips as well. The idea that you need the IS350C's larger engine is hogwash, unless you tend to drive like you're at the dragstrip.
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Depends on what you want from a car
fountaindale, 09/08/2014
2011 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is a gentlemen's/lady's convertible. It's a Lexus with the requisite quality and service. It's fun to drive and can fit 4 people if required. It's not a race car but with the shift paddles it is fun to drive. The reliability has been excellent. If we get another I will go for the IS350C. The 250 has decent power but a little more would be nice. Overall, if you want a luxury convertible that doesn't drag your but on the pavement this car will do a nice job for you.
My 6th Lexus!
jomorro, 12/15/2010
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Just sold my IS300 Sportcross and picked up an IS250C. I loved my Sportcross, but it didn't have any of the technology that I crave. So, went back to our dealership and got one of the last two IS250C's in stock with all the bells and whistles. Love it. Not as peppy as the Sportcross, but it will keep me from getting speeding tickets! I love the trunk space when the top is up, and love that my hair barely moves when the top is down. I already got a compliment from a woman in her Escalade at the stop light. She rolled down her window and yelled "I love your car!" With the top down, I love it, too! The backup camera is a necessity with the small rear window.
First Impression
Blitzjb, 10/08/2009
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned less than a week. Initial reaction is excellent. I replaced a Volvo C70. The Lexus comfort and ride is a vast improvement from the Volvo.
Love My IS 250 C
Tuffy20, 01/22/2010
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my second Lexus and my first retractable hard top convertible. I Love This Car! I drove a little '87 Toyota MR2 for 9 years w/o any problems, and the Lexus IS250C is every bit as much fun plus the added luxury of the retractable hard top. I fuel it with non-ethanol mid-range fuel, and no matter how I drive the car, it averages 24-25 mpg. It has plenty of power for my needs, even on the freeway. And you don't see another one every time you turn another corner. This is a sporty car with rear wheel drive so I cannot complain about this when it comes to winter weather driving; but then, I grew up with rear wheel drive cars in Minnesota and North Dakota.
Wife's Car
Dan Raleigh, 04/18/2016
updated 10/19/2016
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Wife wanted this car as a retirement present. Car has been reliable and with little bother for routine maintenance. One recall for floor mats was handled quickly. Car gets 35 mpg on the highway (under 75 mph) and 26 mpg in and around town. Car handles my 6'5" frame well when I have top take it in for servicing. Only drawback is the limited trunk space with the top down but one knows that is the trade-off for a hardtop convertible. Warm in winter and comfortable in the hot muggy summer as the environmental controls manage the interior comfort level well. Great car for a Spring or Fall afternoon of top-down cruising. Lexus dealer has always provided excellent service in a timely manner.
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Out with the new in with the old???
B Puckett, 07/22/2019
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this Lexus used. Never bought a new car..don't think I ever will. at 15k with around 55k miles I figured this has lots of life so my wife will really enjoy this (We had just sold Vovlo C70 convertible). I like the ride better than the Volvo. Some of the technology is dated of course (this is a 2010). But it rides like a new one. I wish it was turbo and more kick. But, even at almost 10 years old its an eye catcher. A little boring to drive (compared to Infiniti G37) but with a Lexus name the confidence in the longevity of the engine and body brings much satisfaction. I would buy it again...
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I Love it so far
convertible guy, 07/30/2009
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I owned a Z3 for almost 8 years before getting the Lexus hardtop convertible. The ride is so much quieter with the top up and the comfort is a night and day difference. My wife would hardly ride in my Z, but she loves the ride in the Lexus. She also likes the Nav system and wants to add it to her GS300 if possible.
Good, tight car
Paul Keedy, 03/18/2018
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Eight year old car like brand new. Still learning more. Top is slow but works smoothly.
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Awesome Collectable Vehicle !
Kenny, 10/19/2021
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Perfect solid vehicle w a touch of Japanese workmanship that is full of luxury features. Bought new since 2011 and trouble-free so far. Lexus win! (coming from a German car fan for the last 30 years)
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Rattles,shakes,noisy
Mario Menjivar, 01/07/2016
2011 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Ok,I bought a Lexus IS 250c thinking is a high quality car. I should not have problems for the next ten years.i was wrong . Car makes a very annoying rattle noise from convertible top. I took the car to serramonte Lexus in Colma ,the technician said is a common problem with hard top convertibles it needs to be realingend,and put some shims to aliviate the problem,and can not guarantee it will compleatly go away. He said it will take 16 hours of labor at $175 an hour = $2,800 or more to repair.
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Quality Car
fws, 06/30/2009
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The new IS250c is the best designed convertible in luxury cars today. The car drives a lot smoother than the normal IS without giving up any of the sport handling. The interior gives you a much larger feeling as well. (Blows my old M3 conv. away with concern to quality and feel.) The only complaint is that lexus gave up a little too much on power for the good gas mileage. Luxury package is overpriced but a needed amenity.
I love this car!
Sheila Robinson, 09/02/2016
updated 03/12/2018
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
A beautiful, stylish, high performance car. Back seat is tight. Would highly recommend. Newer model ( no more convertibles!) are not as nice and seem smaller (4 door). Would not buy the IS now.
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A civilized sports car you'll love to drive
Floyd, 12/18/2022
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car two years ago and it's been trouble-free since then. My previous convertibles were Miatas and VWs, and my wife didn't like to ride in any of those because of the road noise. The Miatas just were unsuitable for long trips. The Lexus is a true touring car - great handling, quiet interior, and enough space for luggage. The rather complex solid top goes up and down in around 20 seconds and all you have to do is push a button on the dash. The interior is of high quality materials, although the leather seats were cracked and worn when the car came to me. I had them replace with new leather. Note that there are no after market leather seat covers available, so if you go the replacement route, it means custom hand-fitted work - not inexpensive. My car has the optional 18 inch wheels, which probably improve handling, but the front and rear tires are different sizes, so rotation to even out wear isn't possible. The HVAC, NAV and radio screen is a touch screen and is very hard to read on a sunny day. Even harder if you wear polarized sunglasses. My screen was badly worn from the previous owner and Lexus does not offer a replacement - they want you to replace the entire radio for over $2K. I found a replacement screen on eBay for $125 and did the work myself. The result is as good as new. On a related note, updating the GPS maps can be done only by a Lexus dealer and the cost is over $300! While my gas mileage has been good (24 mpg around town and 30+ on the highway), it does require premium gas. While I expected the three part roof to be a bit noisy and leak, it is perfectly quiet and as never leaked. On the highway, the car is quieter than my 2018 Lexus ES300H sedan. If you're looking for a quality convertible, this would be a good choice provided you find one that's been taken care of and with low miles.
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Love Love Love my IS 250C
MiaMia, 12/21/2016
2011 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Date: 12/21/16 - I purchased the car 11/20/16 and have driven it practically everyday for a month and I don't have any of the rattling noise noted by the other reviewers. The car is a 2011, has 59K miles and has had 2 leased owners prior to me purchasing it last month, so I am certain that the top has been down quite a bit; I haven't had it down yet because of the time of year here in the DMV area. The car rides extremely smooth and handles well, I can't wait until the weather changes . . . . . Praying that it continues to bring me joy for years to come.
Best Combo of Quality/Perf/Price & FUN!
mr_eko, 10/26/2009
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is hands-down, my favorite car ever. So much fun to drive and it illicits a lot of smiles from people who see you cruising around. Lexus has done an incredible job of optimizing the sound quality with top up/down and windows up/down. Wind is also managed beautifully. While I contemplated the 350, a convertible is made for cruising over racing, so I passed on the extra power/cost and went with the 250C. The seats are super comfortable and my 6 ft tall friend also comfortably sat in the back seat. It's not as cramped as it might seem, but it's not spacious. Trunk space with the top down is comical, but that's part of the deal with a convertible.
Shame on Lexus
wohl1, 11/01/2011
2011 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 20 people found this review helpful
I recently had an 08 Lexus IS, and was very satisfied. It was sold, and now have an ISC250. What a shock. A. The seals are falling off on the trunk and tearing at the doors. B. Rattles and noise are extremely annoying as well. The first week there were none, but now 6 months later, the noise is unbelievable. Shame on Lexus for allowing so many problems to occur on this vehicle. It seems they have cheapened the IS brand to make the ride harsher and by default ruined the ultra quiet ride you would expect in any Lexus vehicle. Don't get me wrong, we baby our cars, and never drive on dirt etc. So it's not like we are being excessively harsh on the car. Actually quite the opposite
All I want and more
Frank, 08/04/2017
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is way cool a real head turner looks and runs great. Best car I ever owned
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Dream convertible
Brenda, 08/14/2019
2011 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Beautiful white Lexus IS 250 C. Black interior. Excellent condition
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Simply Lexus
Typical Lexus, 11/04/2009
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my second Lexus to own. I previously owned a Lexus RX 300 for 8 years and it was a great vehicle. I wanted something a little more fun to drive in my senior years so I started looking at convertibles. I looked at BMW and Infiniti hardtop convertibles but they couldn't hold a candle to the the Lexus IS 250 C. The Lexus IS 250 C is so quiet with the top up and only takes 20 seconds to drop the top. The standard sound system with 11 speakers is excellent. I recommend getting the navigation system with the rear camera. I don't regret spending the extra dollars to have this feature and it really makes for a more attractive dash display. I've had so many compliments on this car.
A well-built comfortable convertible
Lexus in PA, 01/10/2010
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My IS250C is a tight, well built convertible. Unlike some hard top convertibles, the Lexus exhibits no squeaks, rattles, or snaps. Handling is good for a Lexus but not up to German standards (I'm a former Audi owner). I get 29mpg on my 75 mile commuter circuit. The interior is well-appointed and comfortable. The electronics package is terrific which is typical for a nav-equipped Lexus. My only complaint is that the USB interface does not recognize iPod playlists...a problem for classical music lovers. The car is quite with the top up and comfortably quite with the top down. The top retracts quickly...a nice feature.
Lexus IS 250C Exels in SO MANY WAYS
Lexus IS 250C Excels, 08/02/2009
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having just owned the Toyota Solara convertible (2004 SLE 3.3L V6) along with Lexus LS 400 and SC 400 in the 1990's along with a 1984 Mercedes 300SD, I have driven quality cars over the past 25 years. Toyota and especially Lexus have set the standard for quality and reliability over the past two decades, and the new IS 250C does not disappoint . . it excels in almost every category. The engineering involved with the hard top convertible and how the 3 piece aluminum top closes and opens is a masterpiece - you gotta see it to believe it! Ride comfort and handling are superb; flawless power train although the 2.5L V6 is somewhat short on power but averages over 26MPG. Clearly BEST IN CLASS!
Just love my car
Joan, 08/04/2023
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I’m not big on writing long reviews so, this won’t be. 😊 When I was looking for my next car, it had to be a convertible. I hate being closed in. I really can’t say anything negative about it. I really love driving it. I bought it off lease so it was already 2-3 yrs old but it was beautiful, candy apple red w/white interior & ran great. It still runs great. It’s 13 yrs old now & no real problems. I was thinking of getting the new Lexus convertible but, why? My car still has quite a few good yrs of driving pleasure left.
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Cute - but the roof is not reliable
Sassi_B, 08/29/2023
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love how smooth the ride is in this car. Very sharp exterior, spacious interior. Large gas tank, gets almost 400 miles on a full tank. Haven't noticed any issues with the steering wheel or dashboard. No "melting" as seen on older models. I have the 4-seater, 2 door convertible. I appreciate how you can comfortably fit 4 people in this vehicle! My only issue so far has been the convertible top. Typically, it will drop with no issues, but it doesn't always close properly. I've had some replacement parts put in, and it's been to the mechanic multiple times. Only occasionally is there an error message. What I usually notice is, the roof will malfunction if it's hotter outside than maybe 75/80. Getting around this, I'll drop the top in the early morning, then shut it in the evening when it's much cooler. I'm in RI, that might not work as well in hotter climates.
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The Ice Cream Car
Filmore, 12/18/2023
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This one is a lot of fun too. Sort of a little sister to the SC with a good engine and outstanding economy (typically 28-29 mpg)! Very peppy acceleration and corners like on rails. Styling is very similar and actually is shorter in height than the SC. There is more room in the trunk without the spare sticking up and the back seats are more accessible although certainly not intended for seating. The front seats are smaller than those in the SC and less comfortable. There’s also less elbow room between passengers. Mine also has paddle shifters for whatever reason On the con side is the early technology and no navigation. Dashboard information is very hard to see in the sun and there is but one cup holder. The ride is rough and you’ll feel every bump. Be very careful when parking as the front will hit the parking blocks and break the too fragile partition in the front - a very expensive repair. But for an inexpensive fun Sunday afternoon cruise with the top down it is perfect, stylish and lots of fun to drive. We call it the “Ice Cream” car for where we always take it..…. Wouldn’t recommend it for long trips but the SC can work for trips - get one of each! Very solid and reliable vesicles
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Exceptional ride!
Blaze, 02/27/2024
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Beautiful convertible with the quietness of a hardtop
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Fun car!
Deb R, 04/30/2024
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with just over 36,000 miles on it. It’s in great shape. Just needed the tires rotated and aligned. It’s a clean car. Metallic red with a cream interior. Watching the hardtop go up and down reminds me of transformers. Fun to drive, comfortable and it has the Lexus reliability that you’d expect. The surprise was how advanced it was, technically.
Great Car
Wyatt, 12/21/2020
updated 12/27/2021
2011 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hardtop convertibles are the best.
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Best car!!!
Acanda, 11/01/2016
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
The best car I ever had!!!!
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Great
Ken, 03/05/2019
2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car for summer.
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