£5k Lexus Is250?
Discussion
Hi,
I am seeking a comfortable runaround for predominantly school runs with 2 toddlers and local trips (90% sub 5 miles trips). I do use my existing cars for the school runs, but they are packed away for the winter due to road salt, hence seeking a 3rd car.
This car need to be comfortable, reliable, 4 doors, auto, petrol, some toys (heated seats for the cold mornings). Initially thought of a small car e.g. Suzuki, Clio etc.. but thought a little more space at the rear seats for the kids would be preferable. Increased the budget e.g. Alfa Romeo Giulia, increase the budget a bit more e.g. Maserati Ghibli, but quickly realised I actually don't need a fast sporty car for the school run! (I already have 2 in my garage!)
Currently hiring a Lexus UX250h, which led me to look at the older 2006/7 Lexus Is 250. Am I crazy going for the Is250, if so, what are the alternatives?
Edit to add: if possible, I rather avoid the mainstream prestige brands (Audi, BMW, MB).
I am seeking a comfortable runaround for predominantly school runs with 2 toddlers and local trips (90% sub 5 miles trips). I do use my existing cars for the school runs, but they are packed away for the winter due to road salt, hence seeking a 3rd car.
This car need to be comfortable, reliable, 4 doors, auto, petrol, some toys (heated seats for the cold mornings). Initially thought of a small car e.g. Suzuki, Clio etc.. but thought a little more space at the rear seats for the kids would be preferable. Increased the budget e.g. Alfa Romeo Giulia, increase the budget a bit more e.g. Maserati Ghibli, but quickly realised I actually don't need a fast sporty car for the school run! (I already have 2 in my garage!)
Currently hiring a Lexus UX250h, which led me to look at the older 2006/7 Lexus Is 250. Am I crazy going for the Is250, if so, what are the alternatives?
Edit to add: if possible, I rather avoid the mainstream prestige brands (Audi, BMW, MB).
Edited by chip* on Friday 19th November 22:37
My parents had the IS250 SEL from new in 2008 until 2014.
During the latter part of that period I had a BMW E90 325i saloon which is probably its closest competitor.
The Lexus was a much nicer car, felt more special, would be more reliable, felt higher quality and better built.
Of the two, i’d have the Lexus back.
Great cars, and I thought it was under-rated by the press whereas driving it back to back often with the e90, the BMW was overrated by the press
During the latter part of that period I had a BMW E90 325i saloon which is probably its closest competitor.
The Lexus was a much nicer car, felt more special, would be more reliable, felt higher quality and better built.
Of the two, i’d have the Lexus back.
Great cars, and I thought it was under-rated by the press whereas driving it back to back often with the e90, the BMW was overrated by the press
Pretty much the best option for your needs I reckon, here's a nice one
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111049...
Only other thing that comes close that I can think of is a Honda Accord like this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111049...
Only other thing that comes close that I can think of is a Honda Accord like this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 19th November 23:00
They’re great and would do what you’re asking down to the ground I think. My dad has had two Lexuses — a GS and an RX — and both have been exceptional.
I think if your preference is to avoid the mainstream brands the other options wouldn’t touch the IS for reliability. Alfa 159, Jag X-Type.
Volvo S60 might be worth a look maybe although tbh I’d go Lexus in that run-off (and I really like the S60).
Only other thing that springs to mind, bearing in mind your usage, might be an old Nissan Leaf. Different to the Lexus, but endearingly quirky and once you’d bought it it would barely cost you anything to run (assuming you can charge it).
I think if your preference is to avoid the mainstream brands the other options wouldn’t touch the IS for reliability. Alfa 159, Jag X-Type.
Volvo S60 might be worth a look maybe although tbh I’d go Lexus in that run-off (and I really like the S60).
Only other thing that springs to mind, bearing in mind your usage, might be an old Nissan Leaf. Different to the Lexus, but endearingly quirky and once you’d bought it it would barely cost you anything to run (assuming you can charge it).
Fat hippo said:
Myparents had the IS250 SEL....
Ilovejapcrap said:
Mums had hers for....
ChattingWham said:
My dad has had two Lexuses....
Oh dear, my time has come...I sense I fit into the demographic for Lexus ownership
Good to hear some positive comments and that I ain't a million miles away from my thinking. Found an 1 owner/full Lexus service history car with decent miles, but budget creep is setting in...
I will also take a look at S60 which I missed out in my initial research.
georgeyboy12345 said:
Only other thing that comes close that I can think of is a Honda Accord like this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
I previously owned a 2003 Gen 7 2.0 Type S. Immaculate condition (1 owner car which was religiously serviced at Honda for 11 years!), solid / boring car, but it was totally reliable. I eventually gifted the Accord to my friend's dad who desperately needed a car (but couldn't afford one), and I know it's still running today. Nothing against the Accord except wanting to try something different.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
With the IS250 make sure you get one with Nav as that also means you get the excellent Mark Levinson upgrade which I'd almost class as a deal breaker when getting one.
Also get the auto as manual is nigh on £600 road tax, the auto is decent & it'll bounce (if forever some reason you borrow it) off the rev limiter.
Also watch the water pumps which can sometimes be an issue, try to get a 57 plate onwards as they're able to run on E10.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101198...
Also get the auto as manual is nigh on £600 road tax, the auto is decent & it'll bounce (if forever some reason you borrow it) off the rev limiter.
Also watch the water pumps which can sometimes be an issue, try to get a 57 plate onwards as they're able to run on E10.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101198...
Slightly left field suggestion but you would get an immaculate, top spec, low mileage 2.5l Rover 75 for less than half your budget. Auto, smooth, comfortable, plenty of space, heated seats, cruise, parking sensors. Would tick most of your boxes I think and mine has been pretty reliable despite being a rough example!
chip* said:
Fat hippo said:
Myparents had the IS250 SEL....
Ilovejapcrap said:
Mums had hers for....
ChattingWham said:
My dad has had two Lexuses....
Oh dear, my time has come...I sense I fit into the demographic for Lexus ownershipGood to hear some positive comments and that I ain't a million miles away from my thinking. Found an 1 owner/full Lexus service history car with decent miles, but budget creep is setting in...
I will also take a look at S60 which I missed out in my initial research.
georgeyboy12345 said:
Only other thing that comes close that I can think of is a Honda Accord like this
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
I previously owned a 2003 Gen 7 2.0 Type S. Immaculate condition (1 owner car which was religiously serviced at Honda for 11 years!), solid / boring car, but it was totally reliable. I eventually gifted the Accord to my friend's dad who desperately needed a car (but couldn't afford one), and I know it's still running today. Nothing against the Accord except wanting to try something different.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111019...
Don’t be put off by the suggestion of elderly owners. It might not be representative of the brand.
Also look at the Mazda6 2.5 Sport 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110228...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110228...
Cascade360 said:
Slightly left field suggestion but you would get an immaculate, top spec, low mileage 2.5l Rover 75 for less than half your budget. Auto, smooth, comfortable, plenty of space, heated seats, cruise, parking sensors. Would tick most of your boxes I think and mine has been pretty reliable despite being a rough example!
erm, a rover 75 is about 2% of the car a Lexus IS is.jason61c said:
erm, a rover 75 is about 2% of the car a Lexus IS is.
A 75 is a great car for what it is (a comfortable auto saloon), well built, good to drive, lots of toys; great value imho. My brother has an IS300 which I drove from London to Aberdeen and frankly I prefer the 75. Less sporting of course but much more comfortable (seats on the Lexus were awful), better interior (if you are okay with the wood and leather vibe), felt just as well put together.I prefer the Accord to the IS - I’ve owned both a 2005 2.0 Accord and a 2011 IS250.
If you can find a rare 2.4 Accord executive they are even better, and will be below budget.
Apart from the squashy seats in the IS, I preferred everything about the Accord.
The Accord we get in Europe is sold in the US as an Acura so competes with the IS.
If you can find a rare 2.4 Accord executive they are even better, and will be below budget.
Apart from the squashy seats in the IS, I preferred everything about the Accord.
The Accord we get in Europe is sold in the US as an Acura so competes with the IS.
Ive posted before that I’m still using an IS250. I’ve now had it about 3 years longer than I planned to keep it for. Part of that is massively reduced mileage during the various lockdowns and working from home, but it’s also a very easy and enjoyable car to live with.
It would be perfect for your described use case.
If possible I’d get the SEL for all the kit.
In a rare example of NIN being wrong the Nav unit doesn’t automatically mean Mark Levinson upgrade if I’m correct. Some of the runout models pre facelift had Nav without the upgraded stereo, I certainly think I looked at one that had one without the other when I was buying.
ETA, I agree I wouldn’t buy one without the nav though. It’s old, wasn’t even that good in its day, and I’d rather use my phone when I need navigation. The Bluetooth integration isn’t great, I can’t sync my iPhone address book to the car phone or play music etc. But touch screen interface, reverse camera, maps, media controls etc are nice to haves and worth getting.
It would be perfect for your described use case.
If possible I’d get the SEL for all the kit.
In a rare example of NIN being wrong the Nav unit doesn’t automatically mean Mark Levinson upgrade if I’m correct. Some of the runout models pre facelift had Nav without the upgraded stereo, I certainly think I looked at one that had one without the other when I was buying.
ETA, I agree I wouldn’t buy one without the nav though. It’s old, wasn’t even that good in its day, and I’d rather use my phone when I need navigation. The Bluetooth integration isn’t great, I can’t sync my iPhone address book to the car phone or play music etc. But touch screen interface, reverse camera, maps, media controls etc are nice to haves and worth getting.
Edited by roger.mellie on Monday 22 November 07:40
roger.mellie said:
Ive posted before that I’m still using an IS250. I’ve now had it about 3 years longer than I planned to keep it for. Part of that is massively reduced mileage during the various lockdowns and working from home, but it’s also a very easy and enjoyable car to live with.
It would be perfect for your described use case.
If possible I’d get the SEL for all the kit.
In a rare example of NIN being wrong the Nav unit doesn’t automatically mean Mark Levinson upgrade if I’m correct. Some of the runout models pre facelift had Nav without the upgraded stereo, I certainly think I looked at one that had one without the other when I was buying.
Well everyday is a school I've never come across that, thanks for the heads up It would be perfect for your described use case.
If possible I’d get the SEL for all the kit.
In a rare example of NIN being wrong the Nav unit doesn’t automatically mean Mark Levinson upgrade if I’m correct. Some of the runout models pre facelift had Nav without the upgraded stereo, I certainly think I looked at one that had one without the other when I was buying.
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