2011 Lexus IS 250 C Review

Name: 2011 Lexus IS 250 C
Brand: Lexus
Rating: 4.7 (35 reviews)

Price Range: $15,990 - $19,990

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Price & Payment

24 cars

$15,640 avg. price

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Appraise My 2011 Lexus IS 250 C

Lexus IS 250 C model years

Lexus IS 250 C for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

High-quality interior
smooth ride quality
all-weather hardtop
many safety features
golfer-friendly trunk.

Cons

Poor rear visibility
limited top-down trunk space
cramped backseat
weak acceleration
rear end looks bulbous and awkward.

What’s new

For 2011, the Lexus IS 250 C sees only a few interior and exterior cosmetic changes, the most prominent being optional LED daytime running lights.

Edmunds says

The 2011 Lexus IS 250 C delivers high levels of comfort and refinement in a hardtop convertible, but not without a few compromises.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2011 Lexus IS 250 C
Base Convertible
$17,000
- 64,756 miles
- 3 accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 6cyl manual
- Lexus of Freeport (235 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
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Located in Freeport, NY
2011 Lexus IS 250 C RWD 6-Speed Manual 2.5L V6 DOHC 24V VVT-i RedLeather.CARFAX One-Owner. Odometer is 37499 miles below market average! 19/27 Cit...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHFF2C29B2516820
Stock: PF03286
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-01-2025
Price Drop
2011 Lexus IS 250 C
Base Convertible
$14,553
fair price
$597 below market
- 106,281 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- JT Auto Group (268 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Sanford, NC
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTHFF2C27B2515195
Stock: J4710
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-12-2025

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Vehicle overview

Sometimes, compromise is a good thing. Without it, we would forever be wrapped in deadlock and a comfortable middle ground wouldn't exist. The 2011 Lexus IS 250 C is a prime example of how advantages can be taken in compromise. One admirable feature may negatively impact the vehicle in another area, but on the whole, Lexus' entry-level convertible represents a solid choice for shoppers who want a little of everything.

A retractable-hardtop convertible provides plenty of advantages. In terms of safety and security, having a steel shell instead of a piece of cloth between you and the elements (or a thief with a box cutter) is certainly preferred. The IS 250 C's retractable roof provides even more enticement with its tightly sealed gaps that reduce wind noise to a hush and quick operation that drops the top in a mere 20 seconds. The compromises come in the form of reduced trunk space when stowed, reduced rear visibility and a rather ungainly appearance from behind.

Concessions have been made in other areas as well. The IS 250 C's 2.5-liter V6 engine is quite frugal when it comes to fuel consumption, but performance is adequate at best. The suspension ably insulates passengers from ruts and bumps, but will disappoint drivers looking for lively handling. Having rear seats in a convertible adds convenience, but the limited space back there makes them appropriate for the smallest of passengers only. One area free of compromise, however, is the high-quality interior that is synonymous with the Lexus nameplate.

The 2011 Lexus IS 250 C isn't the only choice for a luxury convertible, with competitors presenting their own strengths and weaknesses. Within this price range, the 2011 Audi A5, 2011 BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37 and 2011 Volvo C70 are all worth consideration. Spirited drivers desiring more athletic performance will also be well served by the nearly identical IS 350 C, which is covered in a separate review.

Performance & mpg

The 2011 Lexus IS 250 C comes with a 2.5-liter V6 that produces 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic that includes manual shift control.

Lexus estimates that the IS 250 C will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates with the automatic are 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. The manual transmission comes in slightly lower at 19/27/22 mpg.

Safety

The IS 250 C comes standard with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, front-seat side curtain airbags, front-seat knee airbags and Lexus Safety Connect emergency telematics. Included with the optional adaptive cruise control is Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which can retract the front seatbelts and activate brake assist immediately when the driver presses the brake pedal if an impending collision is detected.

Driving

Top up or down, the 2011 Lexus IS 250 C delivers high levels of refinement. The body structure is shake-free even when driving over rough pavement, and the folding hardtop provides impressive isolation from highway wind noise. Acceleration is adequate with the automatic transmission and we actually prefer it over the six-speed manual that's neither accurate nor fun to shift. Those desiring livelier engine performance should check out the more powerful IS 350 C. The soft suspension and lifeless steering are tuned more for comfort than spirited handling, but the optional F Sport dealer accessory parts may be able to add some spice to the mix.

Interior

The 2011 IS 250 C boasts first-class accommodations in terms of premium materials and sporty design. As expected from any Lexus, fit and finish is top-notch. The navigation controls feature a mix of physical and touchscreen buttons for intuitive operation. Unfortunately, some climate and audio controls are also run through the touchscreen display and cannot be adjusted when viewing the navigation system.

Whether the top is raised or lowered, the IS 250 C's climate control automatically adjusts fan speed and distribution to maintain optimum comfort. The audio system also adapts to al fresco motoring by adjusting the equalizer settings based on wind noise.

Convertibles generally place little emphasis on rear seat comfort, and the IS 250 C is no different. With one of the smallest backseats in its class, space is at a premium for even the smallest of passengers. As with most retractable hardtops, trunk space is significantly reduced when the top is stowed. At its maximum, the trunk offers a decent capacity of 10.8 cubic feet. With the top folded, that figure drops to a puny 2.4 cubes. Fortunately, what remaining space there is will still accommodate a golf bag.

2011 Lexus IS 250 C models

The four-passenger 2011 Lexus IS 250 C is a retractable-hardtop convertible that is offered in one well-appointed trim level. There is an IS 350 C with a larger engine and a few additional features; it's reviewed separately.

Standard equipment on the IS 250 C includes 17-inch wheels, foglamps, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats (includes two-way lumbar control), leather upholstery and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also standard are the Safety Connect telematics system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and iPod/USB interface.

The Navigation System package adds a hard-drive-based navigation system, Bluetooth phonebook downloading, a rearview camera, voice commands, real-time traffic and other information, and Lexus Enform enhanced telematics features. A 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system can be added to the navigation system. The Luxury package adds xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, auto-dimming outside mirrors, automatic wipers, driver memory functions, ventilated front seats and wood trim.

Stand-alone options include a few of the items listed in the above packages, plus 18-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control with Lexus' Pre-Collision System.

Compare 2011 Lexus IS 250 C trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$211/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Reliability

The 2011 Lexus IS 250 C has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

4 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 19V741000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: J0A, J0B,
Manufactured from:: 2008-04-23 to 2008-12-04
Number of vehicles affected:: 928203
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the driver or front passenger air bag inflator or the air bag assembly using an alternate inflator , free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Recall Number:: 19V005000
Manufactured from:: 2009-04-17 to 2015-08-03
Number of vehicles affected:: 1299448
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall is expected to begin February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

Recall Number:: 16V340000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: TG1P/G1R L
Manufactured from:: 2008-11-25 to 2011-08-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 1654713
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available were mailed on July 6, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

Recall Number:: 13V030000
Manufactured from:: 2007-12-14 to 2011-07-10
Number of vehicles affected:: 267718
Defect Description:: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 vehicles manufactured August 23, 2005, through October 5, 2011; 2010-2012 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles manufactured April 10, 2009, through October 6, 2011; and 2008-2011 Lexus IS-F vehicles manufactured December 14, 2007, through July 10, 2011. The nuts that fasten the wiper arms may be insufficiently torqued such that if the wiper arms are restricted by an external load, such as a buildup of heavy snow, one or both of the wipers may become inoperative.
Defect Consequence:: Inoperative wipers could reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action:: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will install new wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The recall will begin in late February 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 6 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles

Lexus IS 250 C Owner Reviews

4.7

35 reviews

5(80%)

4(14%)

3(2%)

2(4%)

1(0%)

See all 35 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Sexy yet reliable; still in LOVE

AB, 03/02/2019

2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

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 …

So Far So Good

1st Lexus, 07/07/2009

2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

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, …

A quiet sports car with good handling

Solo, 02/07/2020

2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

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 …

Excellent automobile

doyleb, 07/14/2010

2010 Lexus IS 250 C 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 6A)

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 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Lexus IS 250 C, so we've included reviews for other years of the IS 250 C since its last redesign.

See all 35 reviews of the Lexus IS 250 C

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2011 IS 250 C Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$41,190
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$211/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the IS 250 C include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

2011 Lexus IS 250 C Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

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Cons

What’s new

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For sale near Ashburn, VA

2011 Lexus IS 250 C
Base Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2011 Lexus IS 250 C
Base Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2011 Lexus IS 250 C models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Lexus IS 250 C Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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Sexy yet reliable; still in LOVE

So Far So Good

A quiet sports car with good handling

Excellent automobile

2011 IS 250 C Highlights

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2011 Lexus IS 250 C Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2011 Lexus IS 250 CBase Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2011 Lexus IS 250 CBase Convertible

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2011 Lexus IS 250 C models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Lexus IS 250 C Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Sexy yet reliable; still in LOVE

So Far So Good

A quiet sports car with good handling

Excellent automobile

2011 IS 250 C Highlights

Safety

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2011 Lexus IS 250 C
Base Convertible

2011 Lexus IS 250 C
Base Convertible