Which years for IS250 mk2?

[91looking]

Are there any differences between the initial years of 2005 and 2011 for example?

Which years should I potentially look for or avoid?

[KenMavor]

Avoid the diesel.  Avoid the manual.

Best option is the IS 250 automatic petrol.  Whether you want all the fancy bells and whistles....sat nav screen , Mark Levinsen stereo, etc is up to you.  There are various cosmetic differences as the model gets younger.  Keep an eye on the road tax....it can he heafy if you choose the wrong model.  Probably woth keeping an eye on the market within a particular price range and see what comes up.

[Texas]

Here's everything ( almost!) you need to know about the IS250 production.

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/lexus/is-2005/

The model with all the toys is the SE-L, easily identified by its wood (real) trim inserts in the passenger compartment and electric rear sun-shade, even the ISF never had one of those!

Early cars had a DVD based SatNav system and later circa 09 had a SD card based system but your phone with Google Maps will win everytime anyway!

and +1 on avoiding the manual version ( obscene road tax) and the DERV (220d) which will have you posting in the "Engine & Transmission" section some time!

 

[HellRider]

06->07:
Added shark fin
Added X package option
Moved gas/trunk buttons slightly and illuminated them
Enabled TRAC button to disable TRAC/VSC

07->08:
Improved steering feel
Added rear legroom due to new shape of front seatbacks
Illuminated scuff plate color changed from blue to white
OEM 18s color changed to liquid graphite
Coinholder added to dash

08->09:
A bunch of facelift changes (some interior trim and color changes, bumpers and tails changed, the ugly turn-signal mirrors are added, and the hideous lobster claws become the standard 18" wheel)

Paddles enabled to work in D

09->10:
Bluetooth now available without nav
Nav system updated to match what Garmin offered in 2006 (as opposed to the 1999 era one in the 06-09 models)
USB port added for ipod interface, SAT radio now built in as well rather than optional
A2DP streaming now possible

10->11:
Another facelift with bumpers and whatnot
Ugly LED headlamps added (which means AFS no longer offered)
Passenger side memory seat no longer available
PCS option no longer available
X package no longer available
Sport package no longer available
F-sport package added
350 now offered with AWD

Source: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/625596-2nd-gen-is-facelift-refresh-what-when-was-it.html#post7108709

 

[91looking]

3 hours ago, Texas said:

Here's everything ( almost!) you need to know about the IS250 production.

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/lexus/is-2005/

The model with all the toys is the SE-L, easily identified by its wood (real) trim inserts in the passenger compartment and electric rear sun-shade, even the ISF never had one of those!

Early cars had a DVD based SatNav system and later circa 09 had a SD card based system but your phone with Google Maps will win everytime anyway!

and +1 on avoiding the manual version ( obscene road tax) and the DERV (220d) which will have you posting in the "Engine & Transmission" section some time!

 

 

4 hours ago, KenMavor said:

Avoid the diesel.  Avoid the manual.

Best option is the IS 250 automatic petrol.  Whether you want all the fancy bells and whistles....sat nav screen , Mark Levinsen stereo, etc is up to you.  There are various cosmetic differences as the model gets younger.  Keep an eye on the road tax....it can he heafy if you choose the wrong model.  Probably woth keeping an eye on the market within a particular price range and see what comes up.

 

40 minutes ago, HellRider said:

06->07:
Added shark fin
Added X package option
Moved gas/trunk buttons slightly and illuminated them
Enabled TRAC button to disable TRAC/VSC

07->08:
Improved steering feel
Added rear legroom due to new shape of front seatbacks
Illuminated scuff plate color changed from blue to white
OEM 18s color changed to liquid graphite
Coinholder added to dash

08->09:
A bunch of facelift changes (some interior trim and color changes, bumpers and tails changed, the ugly turn-signal mirrors are added, and the hideous lobster claws become the standard 18" wheel)

Paddles enabled to work in D

09->10:
Bluetooth now available without nav
Nav system updated to match what Garmin offered in 2006 (as opposed to the 1999 era one in the 06-09 models)
USB port added for ipod interface, SAT radio now built in as well rather than optional
A2DP streaming now possible

10->11:
Another facelift with bumpers and whatnot
Ugly LED headlamps added (which means AFS no longer offered)
Passenger side memory seat no longer available
PCS option no longer available
X package no longer available
Sport package no longer available
F-sport package added
350 now offered with AWD

Source: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/625596-2nd-gen-is-facelift-refresh-what-when-was-it.html#post7108709

 

Ok thanks to you all!

[F.A.]

1 hour ago, HellRider said:

06->07:
Added shark fin  - This was only fitted to the ISF in the UK
Added X package option - Not available in the UK 
Moved gas/trunk buttons slightly and illuminated them
Enabled TRAC button to disable TRAC/VSC

0>08:
Improved steering feel
Added rear legroom due to new shape of front seatbacks
Illuminated scuff plate color changed from blue to white
OEM 18s color changed to liquid graphite
Coinholder added to dash Not available in the UK

08->09:
A bunch of facelift changes (some interior trim and color changes, bumpers and tails changed, the ugly turn-signal mirrors are added, and the hideous lobster claws become the standard 18" wheel)

Paddles enabled to work in D

09->10:
Bluetooth now available without nav
Nav system updated to match what Garmin offered in 2006 (as opposed to the 1999 era one in the 06-09 models)
USB port added for ipod interface, SAT radio now built in as well rather than optional
A2DP streaming now possible

10->11:
Another facelift with bumpers and whatnot
Ugly LED headlamps added (which means AFS no longer offered) 
Passenger side memory seat no longer available
PCS option no longer available
X package no longer available
Sport package no longer available
F-sport package added
350 now offered with AWD Not available in the UK

Source: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/625596-2nd-gen-is-facelift-refresh-what-when-was-it.html#post7108709

 

This is not entirely correct for the UK market