2005 Lexus IS250 SE from UK and Ireland - Comments

Rattle in the dash. Rattle in the passenger door (b pillar)

Good engine gearbox. But road noise and hard ride detract from the car.

Not as well built as I expected with the rattles starting within minutes of collecting the car.

It is obvious that you have a bias against Lexus. Quite understandable since this manufacturer has toppled on its head the whole idea of Luxury cars. The Is 250/350 are simply stunning in design and execution. As a proud owner of the IS 250 AWD version I am simply blown away the integrity of its engineering and commitment to quality. I will never give BMW or Mercedes a second look from now on. Their cars seem outdated and although the 3 series is a fantastic car, its interior is stark and depressing. Mercedes quality is now a potential threat to anyone's pocketbook after you have owned the car for 2 years or more.

Lexus convert.

Completely agree with Lexus Convert - Have you actually driven one of these cars? Engine noise, Are you mad?

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.

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.

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

"It is obvious that you have a bias against Lexus. Quite understandable since this manufacturer has toppled on its head the whole idea of Luxury cars. The Is 250/350 are simply stunning in design and execution. As a proud owner of the IS 250 AWD version I am simply blown away the integrity of its engineering and commitment to quality. I will never give BMW or Mercedes a second look from now on. Their cars seem outdated and although the 3 series is a fantastic car, its interior is stark and depressing. Mercedes quality is now a potential threat to anyone's pocketbook after you have owned the car for 2 years or more.

Lexus convert."

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.

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

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.

I am not biased...we have bought 4 of these and three have been back countless times for rattles Just look at the lexus forum for other users as well The engine is very quiet the best inits class!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

I have a 250 Sport with m/m. It looks fantastic, inside and out. The m/m stereo, bluetooth and sat nav is supetb. It's a manual, and needs to be worked though for power. My old is200 felt more powerful, though the 250 is no slowcoach. This is a car that needs the 350 engine! No problems with rattles etc as yet. I just hope it turns out to be as reliable as the last IS200, which has been a legend.