Is a 2006 Lexus IS250 a good car to buy?

Yes—it's a decent used-car choice if you find a well-maintained example; Lexus reliability, a refined ride, and a premium feel still appeal, but aging components and potentially higher repair costs as the car ages are important caveats. Budget for maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

This article reviews why the 2006 IS250 can be appealing, what common aging issues you should watch for, and how to shop wisely in today’s used-car market.

What makes the 2006 IS250 appealing

The following points highlight the strengths that have kept the IS250 relevant in the used-car landscape.

• Refined ride and cabin: a quiet interior, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials for its era.


• Strong reliability reputation: Lexus’ overall track record helps the IS250 stand out among older luxury compact sedans.


• Quality interior and design: premium touchpoints and solid build quality versus many non-luxury rivals.


• Balanced everyday performance: smooth V6 power with good mid-range torque for city and highway driving.


• Practical used-car value: broad availability of parts and a capable service network can keep maintenance manageable.

Taken together, these attributes make the 2006 IS250 a compelling option for buyers seeking comfort, reliability, and a premium feel in a used car.

Common concerns and aging issues

As vehicles age, certain components wear. Here are the issues most often reported with higher-mileage IS250s and what to look for during a pre-purchase inspection.

• Suspension and steering wear: worn bushings, control arms, or shocks can affect ride quality and alignment.


• Engine seals and leaks: valve-cover gaskets and other seals may seep oil after many miles; monitor oil levels and check for drips.


• Ignition and fuel system wear: ignition coils and related components can fail with age, affecting starting and smoothness.


• Transmission behavior: the 6-speed automatic can develop rough or delayed shifts as fluids age; timely fluid changes and proper diagnosis are important.


• Electrical aging: sensors, battery life, and infotainment components can show intermittent faults as the car gets older.


• Overall maintenance cost: more frequent and sometimes costly repairs ( hoses, pumps, and other wear items) become more likely as the odometer climbs.

In short, the IS250’s reliability remains a strong selling point, but the cost and frequency of maintenance tend to rise as these cars near two decades old.

Before you buy: practical checks for a used IS250

Performing a thorough pre-purchase check can reduce the risk of buying a high-mileage vehicle with hidden problems.

• Maintenance history: look for regular oil changes, fluid replacements, and records of major repairs or part replacements.


• Engine condition: inspect for oil leaks, listen for unusual noises at startup, and check for smooth operation during a test drive.


• Transmission and drivetrain: ensure shifts are smooth and consistent; look for any slipping or harsh engagement.


• Suspension and steering: listen for clunks or noises, check tire wear patterns, and assess alignment on a test drive.


• Brakes and tires: evaluate pad/rotor wear and tire condition; factor in upcoming replacements.


• Recalls and safety: verify all open recalls have been addressed with a Lexus dealer or through the NHTSA database.


• Vehicle history and title: check for accidents, flood damage, or odometer discrepancies via Carfax or Autocheck.


• Model specifics: confirm whether the car is RWD or AWD and note installed options (navigation, premium audio, etc.).

A meticulous pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is especially valuable for a 2006 IS250, helping you estimate future repair costs and avoid surprises.

Ownership considerations in 2025

Beyond the initial purchase, potential buyers should weigh ongoing costs, parts availability, and resale value as the vehicle ages.

• Fuel economy: expect roughly 18–25 mpg depending on drivetrain and driving style; highway economy tends to be better than city driving.


• Maintenance costs: parts are generally accessible, but certain repairs can be labor-intensive and pricy on an older luxury car.


• Insurance and registration: typically moderate for a car of this age, varying by location and driver profile.


• Parts and service availability: broad dealership and aftermarket support, though some specialty work may require experienced shops.


• Resale value: well-documented maintenance and low curb rash can help retain value, but mileage and condition heavily influence pricing.

Model variations to know

For the U.S. market, the IS250 typically came with a rear-wheel drivetrain or optional all-wheel drive and used a 6-speed automatic transmission; the IS350 offered more power with a 3.5L V6. The IS250 generally provides lower maintenance costs and better fuel economy than the IS350, but with less overall horsepower. Understanding which variant you’re considering will affect expected running costs and performance.

Choosing between IS250 and IS350, and between RWD and AWD, helps tailor maintenance expectations and ownership costs to your lifestyle and budget.

Summary

The 2006 Lexus IS250 can still be a satisfying used-car choice for buyers who value Lexus reliability, a refined ride, and a premium cockpit. The key is to buy a well-maintained example, verify recalls, and be prepared for age-related maintenance costs. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and realistic budgeting for future repairs will go a long way toward a trouble-free ownership experience.

What is the common problem with Lexus IS250?

Common problems with the Lexus IS250 include carbon buildup in the direct injection engine, which can lead to misfires and rough idling, and issues with the plastic dashboard material fading or becoming sticky. Other reported problems include various check engine light codes, a clicking noise from the rear suspension, and potential moisture damage to the amplifier or other electrical components due to clogged AC drain tubes.
 
This video discusses common problems with the Lexus IS250 and IS350, including engine issues and plastic degradation: 50sLife with SondurenYouTube · Apr 9, 2023
Engine and drivetrain 

• Carbon buildup: This is a frequent issue, especially on second-generation models, due to the direct injection system and frequent idling. It can cause misfires, check engine lights, and rough idling. 
• Check engine light: Specific codes like P0751, P2714, P0894, or misfire codes (P0300-P0306) are reported, often related to the carbon buildup issue or other engine problems. 
• Transmission problems: Some drivers report transmission issues like slipping, which can be caused by a lack of fluid maintenance. 

Interior and electrical

• Sticky/aging dashboard: The plastic material on the dashboard can become sticky or fade over time, sometimes unresolved by recalls. 
• Moisture damage: Clogged AC drain tubes can lead to water leaking onto the carpet, and moisture can also get into the amplifier, causing it to malfunction. 
• Old infotainment system: The original infotainment system is often outdated, with common complaints about glitches, such as the radio randomly shutting off. 
• GPS and radio issues: Some owners have reported issues with the navigation system, sometimes fixable by a software or map disc update. 

Other issues

• Rear suspension noise: A clicking noise from the rear suspension has been reported by multiple owners. 
• Safety issues: Some specific model years have had safety recalls and investigations, including for airbag and steering components. 

You can watch this video for a detailed discussion of potential issues when buying a used Lexus IS250: 55sMiguel's GarageYouTube · Jan 19, 2018

What are the common complaints about the 2006 IS 250?

Top 2006 Lexus IS250 Problems

• The Inside Rear View Mirror May Become Discolored.
• Clicking Type Noise From Rear Suspension.
• Check Engine LIght With Code(s) P0751, P2714, or P0894.
• Check Engine Light With Engine Misfire Code (P0300-P0306)
• Software Upgrade For GPS, Radio, and Heater Operation.

Is the 2006 Lexus reliable?

Among the 455 owners who provided feedback on the 2006 Lexus IS for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's quality and reliability to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.

What year Lexus is 250 to stay away from?

A: While the Lexus IS 250 is generally a reliable vehicle, the 2007 and 2008 model years are the ones you should avoid if possible. These two years have more reported issues compared to other model years, though they still perform better than the worst years of many other vehicle models.