24th Apr 2006, 22:32

I think that saying they have a bias against Lexus is going a bit too far... if the car had rattles, then that is a legitimate complaint and not necessarily a bias, unless they imagined the rattles.

22nd Jul 2006, 12:50

I am currently driving a Mercedes C220 Cdi and had to replace fuel injectors, starter motor and fuel pipes because the car has done 115000km (as per car dealer old age and heat is causing seals on fuel pipes to crack and leak air = no compression and car won't start = starter motor burned out). The motor plan will come to an end on 120000 - soon. I have a choice to either buy a Merc C220 again or the new Lexus IS250. Only thing that worries my family a bit is the rear leg and shoulder room - the Lexus is about 5,5cm shorter than the C-class and 4cm narrower. Some advice or comments from people who have converted from Merc to Lexus will be appreciated.

4th Aug 2006, 16:27

You will not regret buying the lexus. It will cost you less in the long run whereas the Mercedes will empty your pockets.

5th Aug 2006, 13:48

Seems like you are one of those car magazine people that praise a car simply because they like the brand and overlook the car's actual faults. The guy is merely stating his opinions about the car and is being honest. Let him state what he thinks about it.

24th Nov 2006, 02:56

I agree that the ride is somewhat hard when compared to a Merc or VW that have soft suspension.

The Lexus suspension is in feel similar to that of my previous BMW, although the BMW suspension was admittedly better. Lexus have tried to go for a sporty suspension and the response is good although not as stiff and finely tuned as a 3 series BMW. Suspension feel is a subjective thing really until you start throwing the car around corners.

As for the engine noise comment - I'm not sure where that comes from. My IS250 is the most silent car I've ever driven - it's creepy - may as well be an electric car

12th Dec 2006, 18:25

Whatever else it is, the new IS250 is very quiet and rattle free, maybe a bad one... having been a believer in the superiority of BMW over all rivals, I too am a Lexus convert, yes it has flaws, but the quality is superb.

26th Feb 2007, 20:14

Lexus IS250... the easiest way to spend 35k+ on a basic compact sedan hard ride, low performance, poor interior and all. Anyone who is actually proud to have spent over 35k for a compact car should definitely take a long hard look at what else you could for the same price.

27th Feb 2007, 08:40

20:14 has obviously never sat in a Lexus IS or even been near one. To call this car a compact is a misnomer.

And its interior is best in class, far surpassing anything the Americans churn out.

1st Mar 2007, 19:43

I have been near, but not in one. I have however been in my cousins rx330 SUV and that seemed small inside so I can only imagine what the bottom barrel IS250 feels like inside. It's pretty bad when my mother's Prius dwarfs a 35k+ "luxury car" so naturally the next time I passed one in my car, a full size crown victoria I just started laughing at the thought that the guy in the IS250 payed over 35k for it. And yes I am a huge believer in bigger is better. (smoother ride and more room)

8th May 2007, 20:03

Bought IS250 in January 07. Love the car, however, I have taken the car in 3 times for rattle in dash. Just got car back again - yes, rattle is still there.

Spending over 35K for a car is extravagant, but it's a personal choice and if you can afford it, who's business is it but yours?

23rd May 2007, 07:55

Fantastic quiet car it's a shame the mats are of poor quality, I have a hole in the drivers side after 25,000km.My last car an IS 200 had far superior mats.A small thing but when you pay the bucks you expect the best.

9th Aug 2007, 15:11

Bought IS250 January 2007. I just picked up car today after 6th visit for rattle in dash. Now the interior is scuffed up from the dash being taken apart so many times. I have the light tan interior so soil very obvious. Disappointed to say the least. The service department is now less sympathetic and treats me like I did something wrong. I will never buy another Lexus again.

20th Nov 2007, 22:19

If it's a new car then it's under warranty. Have you taken it back to the dealer to have it checked out? Unless you are indeed a Lexus hater and posted this only to put down this brand.

29th Nov 2007, 03:46

Although I haven't yet picked up my IS250, I have driven an IS200 for the last 3 years, and put on over 270000kms. The vehicle is used for work, and accumulates very high mileage. Previously, I had an X5 BMW; the reliability was so poor, and I had to have the car towed many times to dealers because of breakdowns. On occasion, I was forced to use my wife's Nissan Maxima. The bottom line: Lexus is king when it comes to reliability, customer service, and build quality. I was converted by a work colleague who had traded his Merc over 13 years ago for a Lexus and has never looked back. I'm eagerly looking forward to picking up my IS250 and watching those kms accumulate.

27th Oct 2008, 11:13

To 12:48...Why didn't you get a used Lexus IS350 than getting a new IS250? My IS350 is very fast.

18th Nov 2008, 11:12

I've had my 2007 Lexus IS250 for almost two years and 48k miles. It has been in the dealer 6 times for a dash rattle and once for a rattle in the RH "B" pillar.

The dash rattle is still there and it seems that I will have to live with it. The "B" pillar rattle was successfully repaired. The dealer and "factory" service rep. have all heard the noise and agree that the noise is not normal.

My carpet has been cleaned twice and because of grease marks and the headliner cleaned once because of grease marks left there while the car was being repaired.

I've had one tire blow out at ~26,000 miles. The tire pressure NEVER ran low. I check the pressure about once every 2~3 months and the low tire pressure monitoring lamp has never illuminated.

The road noise is higher than expected (18" tires) and could use some improvement. I replaced all 4 tires at ~26k even though they had ~1/2 the thread remaining and the road noise is somewhat better.

Two weeks ago the engine begin making a noise while accelerating after cold start. I took the car to the dealer and they agree that the noise is more than normal and will have the "factory" service rep. listen to the noise in 2 weeks.

Other than these items the car is fine.

2nd Jan 2012, 21:24

I agree with the above comment. I have a 2001 C200K (62 000kms) that spends more time in the workshop than it does on the road. I also have a 2005 Lexus RX 330 that has never let me down in the 2 years I've owned it. The Mercs going sometime this year to be replaced be an IS250.

The lack of reliability with the Merc has been its demise. Drives great, and fantastic engine and gearbox. Unfortunately the rest of the car seems to fall apart as you're driving along.