Retro Review: 2009 Lexus IS250

[@austriantruther485]

I love Lexus! This car never gets old!

[@GemmyDonCars]

Yeah, my parents love this car.

[@PeakTimeRacing]

Nice review. The car doesn't shift automatically back into first gear because it has enough torque to start in 2nd gear. That's better for fuel economy.

[@bdmr_isf]

Peak Time Racing then why even is there a 1. Gear?

[@urbansoundscapes7734]

In sports mode 'paddle shift' you are simply selecting the highest gear the autobox will select. Therefore when you start from standstill the car will start in 1st although the display shows 2nd. It's nice to have but most of the time I just leave it in 'D' because the manual shift is a bit too slow. My car has done 135,000 miles from new and still feels tight - if you look after them the IS will give you many years of trouble free motoring :)

[@midnightmystery544]

Good for stop and go traffic!

[@gaffnaldo1]

@@urbansoundscapes7734 absolutely right, saved me a comment. Got one myself at 110k, drives like butter and cream

[@agillman8105]

Actually it is supposed to, one you come to a full and complete stop. Unless you are in snow mode. Mine does.

[@Martin-we1rm]

2.5L v6's were used because they are smoother and don't go into high RPM's as much which gives it a more quality feel.

[@SexyBulldozerMan]

you could go get a new mazda 6 now and your dad's old lexus is still a better car.

[@GemmyDonCars]

SexyBulldozerMan I disagree.

[@forc3ofxf3ar51]

GemmyD on Cars Lexus IS a proven brand, Mazda’s “skyactive” tech isn’t. It’s better than what ford put in them that’s for sure tho. But still the IS250 isn’t better than a M6 but a IS350 is

[@youarenotsafe2215]

GemmyD on Cars will prefer lexus over mazda anyday.

[@GemmyDonCars]

I disagree.

[@kevinkyzer813]

Is250 is a good car 205 hp many people focus on the is350 having 306hp being the deciding factor, however the is350 is the better car do to the fact it has multi port fuel injection combined with direct injection whereas the is250 only has direct injection which has caused many of them to have engine misfires due to the valves becoming carbonized over a period of time do to the fuel injectors not spraying the back of the valves because of the lack of multi port with direct injection found on the is350, also not changing oil on time exacerbates the issue, there are also decarbionization services you can purchase. If you experience vibration and misfires it maybe to late without pulling your cylinder head and walnut blasting to correct the issue. Mazda sky active is actually a very interesting technology. Scotty Kilmer did a video on this tech. Basically you have a gasoline engine using a diesel type of combustion process allowing for more complete combustion and better fuel economy.

[@michaelking4578]

It would be the perfect car for anyone.

[@GemmyDonCars]

Hard to argue that.

[@forc3ofxf3ar51]

Except a tall person lol

[@Martin-we1rm]

These cars still look modern in 2019.

[@GemmyDonCars]

It's still a good looking car, but I wouldn't go that far, don't think it's modern anymore.

[@Martin-we1rm]

GemmyD on Cars “looks”. Maybe the front grill isn’t big enough 😛 the interior definitely looks it’s age.

[@HUJWI]

There are still enough modifications to look it more modern like the isf bodykit, vland led lights, cluster from 2010 facelift as the center console and much more... I'm hunting an IS 250 after the IS 220d was a big disappoinment.

[@AuggieG]

Thinking about getting one this year 2021. Not the most modern looking now, but it has aged well. You can't say the same from other car models from the late 2000s.

[@805fillmore]

@@AuggieG i have one. a white with black tint. it looks clean as hell.

[@edwardedmundson4356]

I have an 07 IS250. Wonderful car. Love everything about it. The paddle shifters are awesome in the mountains here in New Mexico.

[@gaffnaldo1]

I watched this review a while back, and tonight I searched for it again. Nice review, it really exemplifies the car as it truly is

[@GemmyDonCars]

Thank you for the compliment.

[@aamirafzal55]

I own one same as like this one 👌 Best car I ever had till date.

[@GemmyDonCars]

That's awesome, Aamir.

[@oz_medias]

To explain the transmission. It is a range limit that manual shifting is supposed to be used for. It is for grades, ice, snow etc. It shows the gear LIMIT in the display. So 4 for example, it will shift auto from 1st to 4th and hold in 4th. It only goes as low as 2 in the display because 1 wouldn't be a 'range' limit. It starts in 1st and is limited to 2nd. It's explained much better, but in many more words, right in the owner's manual. That's why it doesn't respond like a dual clutch, it's not supposed to. The manual selection is just for setting a range limit, Paddles are just to kick it up or down a gear for passing, steep grades etc. It's not supposed to really be driven like a manual transmission (as a 3 series or A4 would),

[@Pachi4026]

perfect car for a kid in college or HS...that's some pretty high standards.

[@jpthepersona]

I’m 18 and about to get this car 😂 it’s gonna be a lot of responsibility!

[@mar2smooth54]

@@jpthepersona same

[@qlus]

not high standards they are pretty cheap now, don't see a problem with this even being a first car

[@matthewsmith1547]

I thought the same thing.

[@KingDrewPhilip]

I own a 2008 Lexus IS 250 , nice to say I have the title and it’s mine. Love this car. However for a teenager in high school to have it ? I disagree. They should drive their parents old Toyota or Honda , this would be pretty high standard for a snotty teenager.

[@TheKherman]

I agree with you

[@teban6560]

Yup. I can't see my soon to be HS kid driving this nice car. I'll be passing to him my super reliable little beast '02 Honda-CRV as his first car & I might upgrade to this as my daily driver 😎

[@Bibhor4]

I have an 08 IS250, and it's a big jump from a Toyota Corolla. Much better comfort, less noise, much faster and handling is also much better in turns. Sound in the car is also not bad with those 13 speakers.

[@GemmyDonCars]

Cool man, I bet that's a sweet ride!

[@bigshoots1181]

is it awd? if so how's the mpg compared to corolla?

[@padraigomadain6681]

Good review man, you say LFA, good idea with cutaway clips, saved me searching! good video all the best

[@GemmyDonCars]

Thanks Pagraig, appreciate it. Every car needs an exhaust like the LFA.

[@funkmasterjay]

It doesn't go into 1st gear because there's enough to move it. Prevents wear on the gearbox for mechanically unsympathetic drivers.

[@oz_medias]

It does go into 1st. It only displays 2nd because it's a range display, it will shift from 1st to 2nd then hold in 2nd. It's not designed to emulate a manual transmission, the way a dual clutch would. If in 4, then it runs auto from 1 to 4 then holds in 4.

[@traceydeanrainey]

I like a smaller luxury car myself

[@GetExhausted]

always wished Lexus offered these with a manual transmission and AWD

[@GemmyDonCars]

Geoff, I think you wish every car came with a manual and AWD and for that, I cannot blame you!

[@kgisabeast]

The is250 actually did have a manual as an option

[@GetExhausted]

Lukas it came as a manual but then you couldn’t get it as an AWD

[@jessicamoreno7135]

I have a is250 RWD 6 speed manual, very fun to drive, especially with traction control completely switched off 🙃

[@vapeking466]

My 2006 has different mirrors no lights and also not antenna wing thing on the roof. I do love it. 2006 is250 standard shift with 215000 miles. Still runs like a top!

[@visionnumber7988]

My 2007 has 240,000 and still smooth, peppy and quiet. And no issues yet

[@kenbina]

Great clip. If there is one thing that will prevent me from buying this car, it's that CRAMPED rear seat. For me, that is almost certainly a deal breaker because even though it wouldn't affect me much as the driver, I always consider passenger comfort in my cars. I also consider it a safety issue. I wouldn't want to be in an accident with my legs bunched up like that. Thank God some automakers are increasing the size of their cars. I also believe that defaulting to 2nd gear is supposed to give a more comfortable start. At least that was why Mercedes originally engineered their transmissions to do that. I don't know if it makes a difference. Might even save a bit of gas in the stop & go.

[@Geforcepat]

+1 for the lfa clip.

[@MLProductions.1]

My 2003 navigator had heated and cooled seats. Just got a 07 2IS with 70k miles one owner all maintenance history. Already got a duckbill spoiler. Logo projectors for both front doors. Vland tailights

[@GemmyDonCars]

Cool man, hope it's a good car for you. Can't beat Japanese reliability.

[@jeremyboard3336]

Did yours ever have that carbon buildup issue people talk about?

[@MLProductions.1]

@@jeremyboard3336 no I drove it from 70k to 110k miles just had to replace an alternator. No other issues. but that sticky dash is disgusting and the reason I got rid of the car. Got a 2019 challenger and now a 2021 scatpack

[@ag7830]

I will take this over ur Mazda any day

[@zachryyost9655]

Sorry just watching this but my 07 Lincoln MKZ has cooled seats. This is a nice car I might replace it with

[@levi_H_6]

I just got it today I’m loving it

[@visionnumber7988]

Wat color

[@levi_H_6]

Ekis 777 very dark brown

[@visionnumber7988]

levi heederik very unique color. mine is black and has about 238,000 miles. And still runs like a dream. No issues

[@levi_H_6]

Ekis 777 yeah nice mine had about 110,000 miles/ 184,000km I live in Europe and here it’s a very unique car

[@visionnumber7988]

levi heederik that color looks great with tints and black wheels

[@abdouladam8616]

Hey. In 'S' mode, the digital indicator on on the cluster shows the max gear. To see the current gear you're on, tap the DISP button until you see 'gear' on the MFD .

[@bass-tech]

hi.i have lexus is250.when you in sport mode it not suppose change gears automatically.thats why you have flappy paddles,to change gears yourself.thats why this gearbox is better than others.plus in automatic mode gearbox learning how to change and when to change gears depending on your behavior.

[@omoniyikaye]

Lexus all day long your dad made a better choice.

[@stepha5926]

Apple's fallen far from the tree here.

[@rham2269]

I’ve been looking for a nice luxury car for my first car that’s also practical for a high schooler I think you just sold me great review man 👍

[@GemmyDonCars]

That's great, I bet it will be a good car!

[@maclac48]

My dude said “the predator grill!” 🤣

[@GemmyDonCars]

Every time I see a newer Lexus, that’s what I think of.

[@visionnumber7988]

GemmyD on Cars i agree

[@NightshifterDj]

The sunshades are very common on basically all German luxury sedans like e classes, 5 series, a6 etc, from around 2000 I think. :)

[@kingstonvaliu]

Very good car. Only one is missing: Mark Levinson audio.

[@volitiveclover]

Smooth review my guy

[@GemmyDonCars]

Thanks homie.

[@phillipshaku1046]

My bmw 7 series had that sunshade, too. My mates mercedes s-class has it, too.

[@GemmyDonCars]

Cool.

[@greasyboy349]

Did they break down yet?

[@paulphillips1011]

Yer jag and daimler were fitter the rear dun visors in about 2002 i think maybe a bit earlier here in the UK. Im a chauffer so they are my daily work vehicles but i would defo have the lexus over any of them. A REAL CAR ACTING THE WAY A REAL CAR SHOULD.

[@iamherenow984]

DEEEEEEEEECENT!!!!!!

[@kosiekoos9408]

The finger snap was too late😏

[@innocentbarnes5230]

Hi Gemmy. I'm driving a Toyota Avensis 2009. Would you recommend moving to a Lexus in time?

[@GemmyDonCars]

Yeah sure. You can’t usually go wrong.

[@souljahwitch2229]

Good thing I’m 17 with this car

[@kronossonork6994]

Don't use a camera and talk while driving. You'll end up smashing up a nice car.

[@GemmyDonCars]

+Kronos my account got hacked I appreciate your concern, Kronos. I’ve gotten to be pretty good at it. I won’t drive a stick car with the camera in my hand, though.

[@bamly2314]

Does it have Bluetooth? And i feel like shifting doesn’t really feel like sport mode as much. Or is it just me?

[@recommended6029]

hi, GemmyD how tall are you? U saw in the video in the backseat and i was wondering how that fit. Does 6.1 driver fit with 6.1 ft in the back driver?thx

[@GemmyDonCars]

I am 6 feet tall. I 6 footer in the back would not be too comfortable with a 6 footer in the driver's seat.

[@kevinkidneyy]

My O7 XLE Camry has the shade

[@jerryl10000]

😂😂😂😂

[@kevinkidneyy]

+jerryl10000 hahaha I’m serious

[@rajneshchand3295]

Funny how he said he hasn't seen any other car with shade bruh my 1999 Infiniti has heated / cooled seats and auto rear shades and (hds) which stands for hill decent systems 10 yrs before that is250 was made but cool video

[@GemmyDonCars]

Ok, what am I supposed to say? I hadn't seen it before.

[@onedirection3510]

Which is 300hp? You mean a new IS300?

[@Gunnl]

doesnt the 250 have 209 HP ...and not 300 ?

[@AkshaySKumar-cn8iw]

Did someone say mica?

[@michaelboibodas]

You have 2.2k subs. You need 450k subs? I have 300k miles on my IS. I need 400k miles on my IS.

[@GemmyDonCars]

I am not sure what you're trying to say here.

[@philipcools4507]

I have a 250is full option, around the age of your car. Its super, if you testing it, don't forget to put on the extra power switch on the right under. than its go UP.

[@kronossonork6994]

The only other car that comes close was the Honda Accord manual petrol, both have buttery smooth engines. The Lexus is probably more comfortable.

[@1461BordoMavi1461]

can u compare your mazda 6 to this car

[@GemmyDonCars]

Ok I'll make this short and sweet. Mazda is bigger, both are very comfortable. Mazda interior screen is nice but only because it's 7 years newer and has way more tech as well. Lexus probably is a little big quicker because it's a 6 cylinder and mine is a 4. I'd take the Mazda over the Lexus because the styling is newer and fresher and better looking, in my opinion.

[@dakeda2024]

How much would u pay for this 2 day?? Around 9 grand??

[@GemmyDonCars]

+dkd Let me look into this and I’ll get back to you.

[@GemmyDonCars]

That's a good deal.

[@dakeda2024]

@@GemmyDonCars thx!!.i just picked it up...its a 09' is250..breakwater blue metallic..94 thousand miles..white leather .moonroof.9500...so clean.2 owner. . had a 96 deville...nothing but issues.

[@SammyBoy806]

dkd just got my 2009 250 last week for 12,000. It had 98 miles when I bought it. So far I love the car it’s also my first car. I love the luxury this car brings

[@ag7830]

@@dakeda2024 how is it so far?

[@zureai]

is the carbon build as big a issue of what the internet makes it out to be?

[@GemmyDonCars]

+JAE2K No, I don’t think so.

[@zureai]

GemmyD on Cars Hm thank u. It’s the only thing holding me back from buying an IS250. I really want AWD but don’t want to spend a lot for a newer IS350 with awd

[@visionnumber7988]

JAE2K i have a 2007 is250 awd with 238,000 miles. And no carbon build up with mine. And engine is still quiet smooth and responsive. Im very impressed but not surprised because its a lexus with toyota reliability and the fact that its made in japan and its very well built with a timing chain instead of belt. Hope u enjoy yours

[@zureai]

@@visionnumber7988 this will be one of my next vehicles.. i live in canada and wanted something bigger and taller. But for a summer vehicle it will do !

[@visionnumber7988]

JAE2K And I hope you enjoy it it’s a solid little car with plenty of modifications For it. I like to keep it simple the only thing I bought for it was the VLAND headlights in the tail lights. In a Tesla screen radio it’s just a touchscreen

[@mikimiki195]

I’m looking into buying this for my teen daughter but I don’t know how much insurance would be

[@GemmyDonCars]

Call your insurance company and simply ask them what it would be.

[@PerthesExercises]

Is this car for sale?

[@GemmyDonCars]

+PerthesExercises No.

[@PerthesExercises]

@@GemmyDonCars :(

[@PerthesExercises]

@@GemmyDonCars let me know if your dad ever changes his mind.

[@GemmyDonCars]

@@PerthesExercises I will do that. Where do you live?

[@PerthesExercises]

@@GemmyDonCars Dallas Tx

[@shreda125hilux7]

My 2002 lexus es300 has the sunshade lol, cars have had them for years

[@shreda125hilux7]

Also I have driven 2009+ is250s and the es300 I have drives much better, lexus after 2005 cut corners in terms of build quality, go drive the 2004 lexus ls430 and you would see (and feel) the difference

[@GemmyDonCars]

Yeah, guess I just haven't seen them that much.

[@MLProductions.1]

@@shreda125hilux7 the es300 was cool for it's age but your over hyping it. A newer ES if definitely better. And a 07 ls460 is definitely better then a Ls430

[@shreda125hilux7]

@@MLProductions.1 haha ok, seems like youre one of those guys who is into electronic gadgets and screens.. stick to your newer plastic lexus.. if you know anything about cars you would know that they dont build them like they used to, same with Mercedes.. compare a late 80s or early 90s S class to the rubbish they sell now. Cars before were built to last is the point im trying to make

[@shreda125hilux7]

@@MLProductions.1 and no I didn't "overhype" my lexus haha , im stating fact that it drives much smoother and more refined than most (not all) newer cars I have driven, you wouldnt even think it had 277000kms till you look at the odometer

[@kearatauch7921]

awesome the way you talk and show

[@lisandracruz2011]

I have an 09 is250 it has the Bluetooth option but won’t connect or do anything…. not sure how to get Bluetooth to work… Also I’m wondering am I able to get installed a remote starter on it ?

[@805fillmore]

it just works for phone calls

[@derekgil8894]

Just curious how tall are you, I’m 6,4 looking at this car and wondering if a person my height would fit fine in here ?

[@GemmyDonCars]

I’m 6’ tall and I fit, but not much extra room. I bet it would be very tight for you.

[@borishasarrived5524]

How tall are you?

[@GemmyDonCars]

Boris Hasarrived 6’0”

[@IamNikkiG]

Hi does it have bluetooth

[@androJaab]

I have one . they have a big probleem with the subwoofer . and they suk alot of gas

[@cooperhalbrooks6324]

are you sure you know how to 'give her a nice little rip onto the highway"?.... shifting like grandpa then you say 'it ok". hmmm

[@GemmyDonCars]

It is ok.

[@user-rs9py9yr1r]

the camera noise is horrible!!!

[@GemmyDonCars]

This is from years ago, my audio is vastly improved. Apologies!

[@Freddy-td8fl]

My friend who cares about all the crap you talking! Talk about reliability is the only thing that matters.

[@GemmyDonCars]

This is true.

[@elaxel1469]

I like your accent, where you from?

[@GemmyDonCars]

Central Pennsylvania, USA