2016 Lexus IS 250 — should you buy one?

Why people love the 2016 Lexus IS 250

The 2016 IS 250 uses a 2.5-liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that finally smooths out the jerky downshifts owners complained about in earlier years. Drivers praise the car's tight steering feel on tight roads and the fact that a well-maintained example still feels new inside, with soft leather and a clean dash layout that doesn't overwhelm you with buttons. The Lexus reputation for not nickel-and-diming you at the dealer keeps owners loyal.

Common complaints and known issues

The infotainment system's touchpad (not a screen) frustrates owners around 40k miles onward—it's slow to respond and doesn't recognize swipes the way you expect. Transmission shudder during light acceleration happens on some units starting at 60k miles, usually a valve issue inside the transmission that costs $1,500–$2,500 to fix. Paint peeling on the roof and hood shows up around 80k miles on many 2016 examples; Lexus has extended some warranty coverage but not all.

Typical asking price

Under 80k miles: $18,500–$22,500. 80k–140k miles: $15,000–$19,000. Over 140k miles: $11,500–$15,500. Trim matters—F Sport goes 15–20% higher. Accident history and region (Northeast cars rust cheaper than Southwest) shift prices within each band.

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.