2008 Lexus IS Review: An Excellent Used Luxury Compact, but not Worth $10,000

Gilbert Smith
Jun 15, 2023

The 2008 Lexus IS has everything going for it except the price. It’s low-maintenance, sporty, comfortable, and stylish. But it sells for around $10,000, which is hard to justify for a car that’s almost old enough to vote.

Front angle medium view.
likeFilled The Good
The 2008 Lexus IS combines the first-class experience of a luxury car with the dependability of a Toyota. Comfortable, stylish, and sporty.
dislikeFilled The Bad
It costs around $10,000 and it’s over 15 years old. That may be hard to justify on any budget.

Is the 2008 Lexus IS a Good Used Car?

  • Overall Rating 9/10 – This really is one of the best luxury cars on the road today. The only reason it doesn’t get a strong recommendation is the price.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The back seat could be wider and the trunk a little roomier. Otherwise, this is one of the most comfortable cars in its class.
  • Reliability 9/10 – It’s just a fancy Toyota, so don’t be surprised to see the odometer hit 250,000 miles with no major repairs to show for it.
  • Safety 9/10 – The IS boasts generous standard safety features and excellent crash test scores.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – The 250 model averages 18/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway, which isn’t bad for a 2008 model.
  • Value 6/10 – At two, three thousand dollars cheaper, this car would be a steal. At ten thousand bucks you might as well save up a little extra for a new compact.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Master S
The brand that's the most popular in the industry.
I like the style, the quality, the feel, and the resale value. I dislike the high cost maintenance.
accountCircle Tamara A
That Lexus brand cars are very safe and absolutely worth every dime.
I love that my car is very compact. It is easy to drive, very simple features. The only thing I do not like is that it is not equipped with backup cameras.
accountCircle Sheldon L
Reliable, good looking, long lasting.
Very reliable, sturdy, comfortable, good gas mileage, I always buy Toyota products because they are the most reliable, longest lasting vehicles on the road, there is not much more to say about them except you would be crazy to buy anything else, good luck with an American car.
accountCircle Michael M
Lexus Luxury Toyota Reliable
For the first 6 months of owning this car it has been bliss to not have to deal with crumby knocks , bad sound system or feel like I’m about to be stranded. The design is is classy and I really hope that this little will be my go to for years to come... And when the time comes I’ll be sure to pick up another IS model
accountCircle Raymond M
It's a great looking and a great driving car.
I like the look and feel of the car. It drives nice and smooth with enough features. I wish the car had a little more power and the cost of maintenance is expensive.
accountCircle Christopher L
The paint job is pearl white which is one of my favorite options on the car.
My vehicle has great performance and I am extremely happy with it. The only complaint I have is that the car is small in size inside the vehicle. I would love to upgrade to the newer model of the same vehicle because it does have more space inside the cabin.
accountCircle Wayne B
Lexus builds and excellent car!
The 2008 Lexus IS250 has been an excellent vehicle in every respect. I've experienced no mechanical problems since purchasing the car new. Driving characteristics are as good today as the first day of ownership. I've had the Lexus dealership perform all the regular maintenance since new. I would highly recommend this make and model to anyone.
accountCircle Cathy L
Very reliable car, never lets me down and exceptional performance
My Lexus IS very reliable. It has great style and is very comfortable. I bought it used but it has been a great car and I plan to buy another lexus in the future if I can afford it.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Staci M
I don't like how it attracts dents and scratches. I do like the acceleration
Unlucky with attracting accidents. I've been hit several times in the past year.
accountCircle Melody B
My car is super nice; it has an old school class and elegance that is unmatched.
My car is a black four door sedan. I like that it is small and can be easily maneuvered, since I live in a mountainous terrain. I don't like that it is a luxury brand car; it has been stupidly expensive to maintain. I also don't like that it is black; it looks d***y all the time, even after I have washed it.
accountCircle Stacy M
Dependable but it is expensive.
It is fine, does not get great gas mileage, but it is been a good car overall. The headlights are expensive to replace but you can easily do them yourself. For the driving conditions in la I have had the brakes replaced twice in 4 years. It is a good car but because it is a luxury car the maintenance can be expensive.

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Lexus IS?

Consumer Reports liked the first-class cabin and the relaxed driving feel, but found that the Lexus IS was lacking in the sportiness department, and that it could have used a few more inches of hip room. They did praise the quick acceleration and solid fuel economy.

Kelley Blue Book found the Lexus IS plenty sporty, they liked the car’s “engaging personality,” and theywere impressed by how much luxury Lexus packed into such a small package. Tight back seats earned some criticism, and they felt the handling could have been tighter.

Edmunds liked the solid handling and the “impeccably finished” interior. They note the long list of standard safety features as a plus, and the same goes for good fuel economy and the available all wheel drive. Tight back rows and expensive optional packages earned a few red marks.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Lexus IS Have?

The 2008 Lexus IS has generated just 108 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Around one third of these are for the airbags, with drivers reporting airbag lights going off despite three airbag recalls between 2016 and 2019.

A handful of engine complaints point to knocking and rattling noises under the hood when the car starts. This reportedly has to do with a faulty camshaft assembly in many cases.

Drivers in warmer areas are reporting “melting dashboards.” This is not actually an instance of the surface literally melting, rather, the adhesive used to assemble the dashboard materials will bubble up through the surface with exposure to the sun.

The 2008 Lexus IS has been recalled 8 times, which sounds like a lot, but, given the low number of complaints, this would seem to indicate a proactive approach to addressing mechanical issues with the car.

How Long Will the 2008 Lexus IS Last?

A Lexus is just a fancy Toyota, so you can expect to last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 with excellent care. Bet on the lower end just to be safe, but a quarter million miles before the first major repair is basically standard for a Lexus IS.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $389 for an IS250, or $502 for an IS350. Expensive common repairs include new window regulator motors at $631, and timing chain tensioners at $2,039.

accountCircle Pam K

Yes its reliable/dependable, and yes it need to have some work done it needs the o2 sensors changed and has a hole in the exhaust and I wish the maps was updated,

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2008 Lexus IS is strictly first-class. Base equipment includes a CD player with 13 speakers, and that can upgraded to include a voice activated DVD player with 14 speakers and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety technology is comparably generous. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic brake force distribution all come standard. The car is available with a rearview camera, which is pretty rare for 2008, even for a luxury car.

Is the 2008 Lexus IS a Good Value?

A 2008 Lexus IS is priced fairly for what you’re getting, but it’s pretty expensive for a 2008 sedan. A 250 typically lists for around $10,136, and a 350 goes for around $10,693. At those prices you could just about buy a brand new compact.

As far as luxury cars go, a Lexus is cheaper to maintain and cheaper to refuel than most, and the standard features list is generous. But it’s hard to argue that any car this old, outside of an honest-to-goodness classic, is worth ten grand, especially when there are comparable luxury cars selling for thousands of dollars less.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 Lexus IS?

The 2008 Lexus IS is offered in two models, being the 250 and the 350, named for their engines, in rear or all wheel drive. Whatever your engine or configuration, they all come with the same standard features:

  • 10-way power adjust driver seat
  • Leather seating
  • Steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls
  • Anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control
  • CD player with 6-disc changer, 13 speakers, and auxiliary input
  • Keyless start
car
4dr Sport Sdn Man RWD
204 HP 22-22 MPG
car
4dr Sport Sdn Auto RWD
204 HP 25-25 MPG
car
4dr Sport Sdn Auto AWD
204 HP 23-23 MPG

What Engines Come In the 2008 Lexus IS?

  • The 250 model IS packs a 2.5L V6 engine delivering 204 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission in rear or all wheel drive, and it averages 18/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The 250 does zero to sixty in around 7 seconds.
  • In a 350 model you’ll find a 3.5L V6 delivering 306 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in rear or all wheel drive. The 3.5L averages 18/24 miles to the gallon, and it can hit 6mph in just 5.4 seconds.

What Colors Does the 2008 Lexus IS Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 Lexus IS?

The 2008 Lexus IS cabin is first class all the way. While some drivers have noted that the back seat could be a bit wider, at 54 inches across, the interior is quiet, trim materials are high-end from top to bottom, the suspension rides beautifully, and even the acoustics make music sound better.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Lexus IS Have?

The 2008 Lexus IS packs about 13 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk. This is fair for the size class, if not especially impressive. It’ll carry four or five medium suitcases no problem, but the IS isn’t really a road-trip vehicle.

Centered wide dash shot

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2008 was the third model year for the 2nd Generation Lexus IS, which ran from 2006 to 2013.

2006: Lexus built the IS a little bigger in every dimension for 2006. It stands 3.5 inches longer, 3 inches wider, and 2.4 inches longer at the wheelbase.

2007:  No big changes for 2007.

2008: Steering was recalibrated in 2008.

2009: New grilles, bumpers, and taillights were the biggest changes in 2009.

2010: The addition of a limited slip differential and HDD navigation with voice control were the big changes for 2010.

How Does the 2008 Lexus IS Compare to the Competition?

The 2008 Acura TL is just as good as a Lexus IS in more ways than not, but it sells for around two, three thousand dollars less. The Lexus will likely outlast the Acura by a good 25,000 miles or so, but is that worth three grand?

If you’re attracted to the Lexus IS for its long life expectancy, a Toyota Corolla is the more practical option. Is it as high-end, as powerful, or as fun to drive as a Lexus IS? No. But it sells for as low as half the cost of a Lexus, and it’s kinda the same car in many ways.

The thing about the 2008 Lexus IS is that, if any 2008 car is worth ten grand, it’s the Lexus IS… But no 2008 car is worth ten grand. It may be more dependable than a BMW and more comfortable than a Toyota, but it just doesn’t make sense to spend five figures on a car that’s old enough to get its own license.

Ranks #8 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

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5
2
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4.7
8
Tie
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4.41

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Lexus IS?

accountCircle Denise T

For the most part it has some issues from a past owner that I need to get fixed and I wish it was better on gas but pretty good dependable car

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Matt M on April 4, 2021
I think the most important part about the car is the power and responsiveness. It is a great car to drive and especially on the highway.
I really enjoy the car for the most part. It has power and is comfortable to drive. It's been reliable with only a handful of issues over the 10 years I have owned it. The only complaint I would have is the small back seat.
accountCircle Tamara A on December 29, 2020
That Lexus brand cars are very safe and absolutely worth every dime.
I love that my car is very compact. It is easy to drive, very simple features. The only thing I do not like is that it is not equipped with backup cameras.
accountCircle Heather L on December 22, 2020
It's a comfortable ride and I like the sound system
Parts are expensive but I like the shape and model
accountCircle Michael M on October 20, 2020
Lexus Luxury Toyota Reliable
For the first 6 months of owning this car it has been bliss to not have to deal with crumby knocks , bad sound system or feel like I’m about to be stranded. The design is is classy and I really hope that this little will be my go to for years to come... And when the time comes I’ll be sure to pick up another IS model
accountCircle Melody B on October 17, 2020
My car is super nice; it has an old school class and elegance that is unmatched.
My car is a black four door sedan. I like that it is small and can be easily maneuvered, since I live in a mountainous terrain. I don't like that it is a luxury brand car; it has been stupidly expensive to maintain. I also don't like that it is black; it looks d***y all the time, even after I have washed it.
accountCircle Lacy D on September 14, 2020
I love the heated and cooled seats. They are my favorite.
When I first purchased the car in 2013 about 7 to 8 months after the touch screen navigation went out and it wasn't included in my warranty to be fixed. Other than that I really love my little car I haven't had any other problems with it, I will most likely continue to purchase Lexus' in the future when the time is right.
accountCircle Sheldon L on September 5, 2020
Reliable, good looking, long lasting.
Very reliable, sturdy, comfortable, good gas mileage, I always buy Toyota products because they are the most reliable, longest lasting vehicles on the road, there is not much more to say about them except you would be crazy to buy anything else, good luck with an American car.
accountCircle Christopher L on August 26, 2020
The paint job is pearl white which is one of my favorite options on the car.
My vehicle has great performance and I am extremely happy with it. The only complaint I have is that the car is small in size inside the vehicle. I would love to upgrade to the newer model of the same vehicle because it does have more space inside the cabin.
accountCircle Stacy M on August 17, 2020
Dependable but it is expensive.
It is fine, does not get great gas mileage, but it is been a good car overall. The headlights are expensive to replace but you can easily do them yourself. For the driving conditions in la I have had the brakes replaced twice in 4 years. It is a good car but because it is a luxury car the maintenance can be expensive.
accountCircle Alex P on August 8, 2020
Red Lexus is 250 sunroof and leather seats.
My car is great on gas. It is reliable barely gives any problems at all. It has a sunroof which is great when living in Miami. It has leather seats which come with heaters and coolers. The cooling seats are a great feature when living in a hot environment.
accountCircle Master S on July 11, 2020
The brand that's the most popular in the industry.
I like the style, the quality, the feel, and the resale value. I dislike the high cost maintenance.
accountCircle Raymond M on May 31, 2020
It's a great looking and a great driving car.
I like the look and feel of the car. It drives nice and smooth with enough features. I wish the car had a little more power and the cost of maintenance is expensive.
accountCircle Cindy M on May 30, 2020
It drives well and feels safe.
The car is compact and easy to drive. It has good gas mileage and good to use as a daily drive. However, it is too small to be a family car.
accountCircle Douglas J on May 28, 2020
It drives very well and it is highly responsive. I feel safe in it.
It's solid, reliable, and high performance. It's too small for some of our needs. It's great in snow.
accountCircle Audrey W on March 26, 2020
I have owned my car for 10 years and I am so glad I did!
This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is dependable, affordable and the Lexus service department is outstanding. I love the way it drives. My next car will be another Lexus.
accountCircle Staci M on January 25, 2020
I don't like how it attracts dents and scratches. I do like the acceleration
Unlucky with attracting accidents. I've been hit several times in the past year.
accountCircle Cathy L on January 14, 2020
Very reliable car, never lets me down and exceptional performance
My Lexus IS very reliable. It has great style and is very comfortable. I bought it used but it has been a great car and I plan to buy another lexus in the future if I can afford it.
accountCircle Barbara A on January 10, 2020
Why I mostly like my Lexus!
Have had 3 recalls - nothing major; it is difficult to see front bumpers when parking in tight spot; have really low mileage so haven't had any reliability issues; original tires lasted 30,000 miles; comfortable seats for long drives; otherwise great - get lots of compliments on color.
accountCircle Wayne B on September 1, 2019
Lexus builds and excellent car!
The 2008 Lexus IS250 has been an excellent vehicle in every respect. I've experienced no mechanical problems since purchasing the car new. Driving characteristics are as good today as the first day of ownership. I've had the Lexus dealership perform all the regular maintenance since new. I would highly recommend this make and model to anyone.
accountCircle Alexa C on July 29, 2019
Pros and cons of a Lexus is 250.
The Lexus is 250 is a grand car however it has a lot of brake issues. The brakes definitely wear down faster than an average car. The gas mileage is about average. It is not great, but it is not bad either. They are relatively safe cars equipped with airbags around every corner of the car. Depending on how much you drive this particular model, the tires last a decent amount of time. The front tires are smaller than the back tires. The battery has to be changed around every 4 years. It is a comfy car so great for road trips. Also is rather spacious.
accountCircle Margaret P on February 27, 2019
Reliable and dependable. Minimal maintenance or upkeep required.
Very reliable, compact and good performing car. I personally prefer more sporty card, which is the only reason that I gave it four stars. But very few maintenance issues.
accountCircle Sylvia V on February 10, 2019
It rides very smooth and it is a four door car but still has that sporty look.
I love my 2008 Lexus is 250. . I have had it over 8 yrs and have never had any problems with it. . The car has been very reliable and I love the way it looks. . It looks sporty but has 4 doors so I love that. . The interior is very comfortable and mine is navy blue on the outside and a light camel color on the inside.
avatar Gilbert Smith
Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.