hunterr.sb

Hi guys, thank you very much for your information!

With reliability... What can I say it's a Lexus and rarely breaks down. Though however some OLDER models have had issues with carbon build up (direct injection) and the navigation touch screen unit not working. These are easy fixes and you really won't have trouble with them.

If you consider getting a manual (this is pretty rare to find especially in sports luxury and sports models) It's preferable to get a fairly newer model as they have gone through gearbox upgrades ever since they were released (about 4/5 times I think). These use the dual mass flywheel which tends to hold revs for much longer sacrificing quicker shifting and such. You can look into upgrades into single mass flywheels to fix that (and a quick shifter of course).

Has Lexus released a problem for the models with carbon build up? Subaru's have the same issue, and get a can of upper engine cleaner pumped through them every service.

Not to be rude, but how much does a clutch replacement cost for the IS? I got caught out with my Liberty for a $1400 replacement due to it being dual mass, and that was replacing it with a single mass lightened flywheel (it was $2k+ to replace it with a dual mass set up). I can only imagine the same on a Lexus would run the same if not more than that?

I personally drive a manual 250 and I have these modifications and I can tell you that the throttle response and performance is greater than that of an automatic (I wouldn't say by great lengths but it's fairly noticeable).

How do you find the 250 with these upgrades? I know they aren't a performance car however I haven't yet found the time to test drive one around work. With 150kw I'm not expecting great power but I also don't want to run into the same issue I did with my current Liberty - lack of power. I'm no noon but it grates on me having to rev the car out so much to merge onto the freeway or overtake.

When you're looking for these cars just make sure check the basic car stuff such as panel alignments, paint fading, scratches, dents, rubber erosion, and any other places where you think the car may have been tampered. Last but not least make you actually test drive the car and see whether the engine/transmission is healthy or not.

For a build thread I will be making one soon hopefully however if you want extensive ones with crazy stuff done to them it's best to visit the American Lexus forums clublexus

I'll keep an eye out for your build thread, I've been looking through some and getting ideas. I've been to look at another 250 auto to compare it to the Liberty GTB. Currently I'm deciding whether I want the power of the GTB or the luxury of the Lexus.

Thanks again for the info! :)

there is a big range of aftermarket stuff you can buy but not that much due to it being a lexus like rear/front camber arms, coilovers, air bags, full after model body kits, intake pipes, exahust, mid pipe

No sorry there is not ECU tunes but it is a is250 only can push out 150kw but if you buy a is250 its for looks not speed

yeah there is plenty of suspension options i went straight to coilovers and the ride is very comfortable (currently selling due to buying air bags)

as for wheel specs im on 18X8-9 +32 or 35 offet with 20mm spacers with little rub running 245-45-18 front and rear 265-45-18

How much extra room do you have under the guards? I was considering looking into some Works VSXX but I was hoping to go at least 9.5's rear. Obviously I'd have coils with camber arms and rolled guards if I went that wide.

what to look at when you go see a new car, i looked for resprays, engine oil, log books, where been serviced, tow or repair stickers on car , place it was serviced ,

if you have any question hit me up on jdmst

here is my build

http://forum.jdmstyletuning.com/showthread.php?60292-Thomas-is250-P-plater-build&highlight=is250

Thanks for all of your information, very nice IS by the way. I love the LMs on the IS!

Another random question, are there any online places to get factory gear? For example the F sport catback etc? Subaru has direct parts store online, I presume Lexus are the same?

Hi all,

My name is Hunter and I'm 17. I joined up hoping to get some advice.

I currently drive a Subaru Liberty which has been my first car, and I am currently looking into an upgrade.

Currently I'm tossing up between a 06+ Liberty GTB and an 05+ IS250 manual.

I've been browsing Carsales and the insurance quotes and no need for an exemption on my P plates makes the Lexus look a much better option. My extended family all have Lexus' and I they have never had issues with them.

What is aftermarket support like? Are there ECU tunes or chips that give benefits for performance and fuel economy? Are there plenty of suspension options? (My Subaru is on coilovers and if I am to buy a Lexus I definitely couldn't go back to stock suspension). What wheel/tyre specs can the IS take?

How is the reliability? I understand that they're a branch of Toyota, however every car has it's faults. What are known faults of the IS250?

What should I look out for when I start looking at cars? I looked at an Automatic model this week however I didn't know what to looked for, apart from the basics when looking at a car.

Also, could anyone recommend any IS build threads to peruse?

Thanks to all who reply!