2013 Lexus IS 250 — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2013 Lexus IS 250

The 2.5-liter V6 with the eight-speed automatic makes this IS 250 feel quick enough for a four-door sedan, and owners praise the smooth shifts when it's working right. The interior trim and leather feel more upscale than competitors priced nearby, and the dash layout doesn't require a manual to find the climate controls. Many owners run these past 150k miles with only routine maintenance, partly because Lexus engines in this generation were less fussy than the V8 IS 350.

Common complaints and known issues

The eight-speed transmission in the 2013 IS 250 is known for hesitation and delayed downshifts starting around 80k miles, and some owners report clunky shifting that gets worse over time. Paint peeling on the hood and roof shows up by 60k–90k miles, especially in sunny climates, and Lexus did not address this generation-wide. Dashboard cracking across the top surface happens to many examples by 100k miles regardless of sun exposure.

Typical asking price

Under 80k miles: $12,500–$15,500. 80k–130k miles: $9,500–$12,500. Over 130k miles: $7,000–$10,000. Mileage and transmission health drive most of the spread; clean title and full Lexus service records add $1,000–$2,000, while transmission hesitation or paint failure drops value $800–$1,200.

Ranges are typical 2026 asking prices, not appraisals. The actual fair offer depends on this specific car's title history, accident record, and open recalls — which is what EstimateProof tells you.