To quote Doug Demuro, THIS is my very own Lexus IS 350. How does this 17-year-old classic compare to the cars of today?
The 2007 model included a 3.5L V6 engine producing 306 horsepower. This gets the car an 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds, enough to notice for everyday driving. Nowadays, you could get a 2007 IS 350 for under $10,000. For comparison, the 2025 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport starts at $47,230 and according to the Kelley Blue Book, “The average new car sold for $49,766.” Should more people consider buying secondhand cars like the older-gen IS350?
One of the major concerns of an older car would be maintenance and reliability. However, since Lexus is a division of Toyota, it has been excellent in this regard. Over the course of ownership, there has only been basic maintenance such regular oil changes, tire rotations, and topping off fluids. The paint has held up well. Recently, the only thing that has gone wrong is the alternator.
What’s it like to live with? The car has responsive handling with fast acceleration. The trunk is spacious enough for multiple trips to stores, including Costco. The redeeming, lifesaving feature of this car is keyless entry. Mainly because it prevents clumsily forgetful people from locking themselves out of their car, like me. I can still recall times where this feature has saved me more than once. The car has a comfortable but aggressive ride. One with an old-man back could complain that it’s rough for a Lexus, though heated and ventilated leather seats are always nice. A 6-slot CD-player for your tunes and an AUX port for your phone. The moonroof is nice for a sunny day. The AC still blows cold and always keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature with dual climate control and temperature control. There is a cigarette lighter/an additional 12V socket for charging your phone. But, two ashtrays in the car always remind me of the car’s age.
Leg-room for rear passengers is a squeeze even for shorter passengers. The dashboard and plastics feels as if Willy Wonka’s candy factory manufactured it. Over time, the plastics have melted and feel sticky. The leather seats, especially the driver’s seat, have begun to tear. Sometimes, there is a cracking sound resembling the Titanic’s iceberg. It comes from the dashboard, I still do not know what it is. Other than these flaws, there is nothing else to report.
Despite all of this, the car has maintained its age well. No major reliability issues and enough features makes it not just a nice daily driver, but a comfortable one too. The car has been in my family longer than I have been alive, and it has been and continues to be a loyal companion never letting our family down for over 17 years. The IS 350 is a great car that is widely available on the used car market.
