IS Lexus IS 250 expensive to maintain?
In general, no. The IS 250 is typically cheaper to maintain than many European luxury rivals, especially when you keep up with regular service and avoid major age-related failures.
The IS 250, marketed in the U.S. from roughly 2006 to 2013, uses a 2.5-liter V6 and a conventional automatic transmission. Like any aging luxury car, maintenance costs rise with mileage and how well the vehicle has been cared for. Routine service is relatively affordable, but worn components can lead to more expensive repairs as the odometer climbs.
Maintenance cost profile
Here is a practical breakdown of what owners typically spend on routine upkeep and common repairs for high-mileage IS 250s.
- Regular maintenance and consumables: oil changes (synthetic), filters, fluids, brake fluid, tires, and inspections. Expect several hundred dollars per year for routine service, with higher costs if you need premium tires or brake service.
- Common wear items as the car ages: valve cover gasket leaks, water pump, accessory belts, suspension components (struts, bushings), and worn cooling system hoses. These are typical non-safety repairs that can accumulate after 100,000 miles.
- Electrical and sensors: oxygen sensors, MAF sensors, alternator, and battery replacements become more common with age and can trigger diagnostics without major drivetrain issues.
- Major repairs with rising mileage: transmission service or rebuild needs, power steering components, radiator or cooling system work, and occasional rust-related repairs in certain markets. When these occur, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Overall, a well-maintained IS 250 can be inexpensive to operate relative to its luxury peers, but costs rise with mileage and age. Staying ahead of wear through timely service helps keep the total ownership cost reasonable.
Ways to minimize maintenance costs
Owners can reduce the total cost of ownership by following best practices, choosing quality parts, and planning ahead for likely maintenance items.
- Regular preventive maintenance: adhere to the factory-recommended service intervals for oil changes, fluids, timing chain/tensioner checks (if applicable), and brake service.
- Inspect and replace aging components proactively: coolant hoses, belts, valve cover gaskets, and the cooling system to prevent more expensive failures.
- Use reputable shops and OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts: this helps avoid mismatches that can lead to premature wear.
- Maintain a maintenance fund: setting aside a regular amount for tires, brakes, and potential repairs helps manage costs when aging parts need replacement.
Proactive maintenance and careful shopping for used vehicles can keep the IS 250 cost-effective to own compared with newer luxury models.
Cost comparison vs rivals
Context for price differences
Compared with European luxury brands (like BMW, Mercedes, or Audi), Lexus models generally hover at lower maintenance and repair costs, higher reliability, and longer service intervals. That combination typically translates to lower annual maintenance bills and fewer surprise repairs for the IS 250, though the exact costs depend on mileage, climate, and service history. In practice, well-kept IS 250s in the five- to ten-year-old range tend to be affordable to maintain relative to many rivals, while parts and labor for older vehicles can still add up if major components need attention.
Summary
The Lexus IS 250 sits toward the more affordable end of the luxury-sedan maintenance spectrum, especially when compared with European competitors. Routine servicing is reasonable, and reliability is a strong selling point. As with any aging car, costs rise with mileage, so a well-documented service history and proactive maintenance are key to keeping ownership costs predictable and manageable.
