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Used Lexus IS 250 Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price
The Lexus IS 250 was a well built, high quality luxury sedan produced from 2006 to 2015. And because of this high quality and strong reputation for reliability, it can still be considered seriously as a used car purchase as a way of countering today's very high priced used car market for the typically more considered 2 to 5 year-old cars.
And because of their luxury status, many were very well cared for and driven for below average miles. Some very nice ones can still be found out there.
The Lexus IS 250 is a head-turning luxury sedan with fun-to-drive performance capabilities. With its smaller engine size, it's not trying to overtake the BMW 328i or the Infiniti G37, but it's an extremely capable handler on those back twisty roads.
And when you consider its comfort, its available all-wheel-drive (AWD), and its high-quality interior materials, an older model is still an appealing option.
The IS 250 made its debut for the 2006 model year and had relatively few significant changes overall. Used Lexus IS 250 shoppers should note, however, that the 2009 model got a revised suspension tuning, a somewhat different grille and a two-tone interior option. There were also several technology upgrades, including a hard-drive based navigation system (had been DVD-based), enhanced Bluetooth and a new iPod interface.
In addition, the 2011 model received a slight front end and rear end styling update, some minor interior trim revisions and a new optional F Sport package (for rear-wheel-drive automatic models) which includes a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch F Sport wheels, heated F Sport seats with leather bolsters, grille inserts and front and rear spoilers. However, adaptive cruise control (including the pre-collision system) and adaptive front xenon headlights were withdrawn as options.
The long list of standard features to be found on the typical IS 250 model includes full power accessories, a leather interior, ten-way power bucket seats, power sunroof, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, a tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, turn-signals in the exterior mirrors, a trunk pass-through, keyless start, remote keyless entry, universal garage door opener, an AM/FM radio with an in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, automatic day/night rearview mirror, a compass, foglights, automatic headlights, an alarm system, and 17 inch alloy wheels.
The AWD model also adds heated and cooled front seats as a standard feature.
Some IS 250 models can also be found with optional features such as adaptive cruise control (2006 - 2010), 18 inch alloy wheels, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, adaptive bi-xenon headlights (2006 - 2010), park assist, heated front seats (on rear-wheel-drive models), driver seat memory, a power rear sunshade.
Some rear-wheel drive 250's model can also be found with the optional X Package (available on 2007+) which adds firmer suspension calibrations, aluminum pedals, 18 inch wheels, and sport-performance tires.
Powering the IS 250 is an athletic 2.5 liter V6 engine that generates 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Used models can also be found with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, although the AWD can only be had with the six-speed automatic.
On the road, while certainly secure, capable and fun to drive, the IS is perhaps a little less engaging and inspiring than some of its competitors. And while its acceleration can be considered brisk, a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.5 seconds makes it a bit less sporty than it looks.
Safety is also a high priority with Lexus, so there's plenty of standard safety features, including antilock disc brakes (ABS), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and daytime running lights.
Some used models can also be found with the optional pre-collision system. This system automatically stiffens the suspension, retracts the front seatbelts and initializes brake assist when its radar perceives an unavoidable collision.
Overall Cons: Tight rear quarters; mediocre headroom; not a particularly sporty engine.
Given the above, however, we still find an older Lexus IS 250 can make a viable and more economical choice when looking for a used sporty luxury sedan.
Buying Wholesale?
So lastly, there are actually several different ways to buy a used IS 250 at the lowest price, and even at wholesale.
First of all, here's a lowest price used car buying guide that details a very effective method, one that often beats down prices even to wholesale levels. And somewhat related to this, here's another method that identifies price-distressed cars right on dealer lots. These are vehicles they are so desperate to unload they would welcome your wholesale offer.
In addition, you can also try the public car auctions in your own geographic area. While there can be a lot of junk vehicles at these auctions, there are often absolute gems sprinkled in as well. This article reviews what to expect at open-to-the-public car auctions and how to locate them in your own area.
And for those of you who might be interested in a brand new Lexus IS if the price was crazy good, here's info on exactly how to get the best price on any new car. This works just phenomenally well.
