2010 Lexus IS 250
Base AWD
118,000 miles · $9,800
Sample reportI'd avoid this one. The 2.5L V6 in the IS 250 is known for intake carbon buildup, and at 118k miles you're right in the range where it can start running rough and need a $400–$1,800 cleanup. On top of that, these cars can nickel-and-dime you with water pump leaks, oil seepage, and door lock or window motor issues as they age. At $9,800, this is too much money for a 2010 IS 250 when the better answer is a Lexus IS350 from the same era.
Based on documented technical service bulletins, owner-reported failure patterns, and NHTSA recall data. Reports are informational only — not a substitute for a professional inspection. Terms
- Brake actuator or ABS module failure$1,500–$3,500Rarely reported
Some IS 250s develop brake actuator or related module problems that trigger warning lights and weird brake behavior. It's not common, but when it happens the repair is brutal compared with the rest of the car.
Usually age-related and more likely as mileage climbs.
- Direct-injection carbon buildup on the 2.5L V6$400–$1,800Frequently reported
The 2.5L V6 is known for intake valve carbon buildup, and this car is well into the mileage window where it starts to show up. It can feel like a slightly rough idle or lazy throttle at first, then turn into hesitation, misfires, and a bill for intake cleaning.
Typically becomes noticeable around 60,000–120,000 miles.
- Timing cover and front-engine oil seepage$800–$2,000Occasionally reported
These V6s can seep oil around the timing cover and front of the engine once they get older. It usually starts as a smell, a damp engine front, or a slow drop in oil level, and the repair is labor-heavy because of where the leak lives.
More common as the car ages past 80,000 miles.
- Water intrusion through sunroof or body seals$200–$1,200Occasionally reported
Older IS sedans can develop leaks from sunroof drains, weatherstripping, or body seals. That can mean wet carpets, a damp headliner, mildew smell, and electrical headaches after the fact.
Can appear anytime with age, often after seal shrinkage or drain maintenance issues.
- Window regulator or window motor failure$300–$700Occasionally reported
The power window regulators or motors can get noisy, bind, or stop moving the glass. It starts as a slow or uneven window and can end with a window stuck in one spot.
Usually age-related, often beyond 80,000 miles.
- Door lock actuator failure$250–$600Occasionally reported
One or more door lock actuators can get weak or quit on these cars as they age. You'll notice a door that locks or unlocks slowly, intermittently, or not at all.
Often appears after 80,000 miles as actuators weaken or fail intermittently.
- Water pump coolant leak/failure$400–$1,000Frequently reported
The water pump is a known wear item on this engine and can start leaking from the pump or gasket area as the car ages. You may see crusty coolant residue, smell coolant, or get a slow loss of coolant before it turns into a real overheating problem.
Often shows up in the 80,000–120,000 mile window or earlier on original pumps.
The 2010 IS 250 is pretty typical for the XE20 generation, but the IS 250 V6 itself is the weak link in the lineup. The worst years are the whole 2006–2015 run for carbon buildup and the later-age cars for cooling, seepage, and electrical annoyances, while the IS350 from the same era is the safer pick if you want this chassis. If you want to stay in an IS, the IS350 is the one to chase.
Gauge shows private party range. Specify seller type when generating a report for a more precise assessment.
The asking price is above the active fair-market range of $6,000–$9,000, and this mileage puts you squarely in the window for the IS 250's carbon buildup and age-related repair costs. The price leaves too little room for the cleanup and maintenance this car may need just to stay healthy.
- 2006–2013 Lexus IS350
Same chassis, better engine, and it skips the IS 250's carbon-buildup headache. If you want the Lexus feel without the weak spot, this is the one to hunt for.
Better engine choice - 2008–2013 Infiniti G37
It lands in the same luxury-sedan lane with stronger power and a solid track record at this price. These are worth a look if you want something quicker without paying newer-car money.
Stronger performance - 2007–2012 Acura TL
A good TL gives you a roomy luxury sedan with a better ownership story at this budget. It won't feel as tight as the Lexus, but it tends to make more sense as a used buy.
Better value sedan
6 safety recalls on record
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · VISIBILITY/WIPER
Ask the seller to confirm these have been addressed. You can verify all recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
