Are Lexus IS300 Reliable – When it comes to purchasing a car, reliability is one of the most important factors to consider. After all, no one wants to invest their hard-earned money in a car that is prone to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
That’s where the Lexus IS 300 comes in, a luxury sedan that has gained a reputation for its reliability and performance. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Lexus IS 300 and explore its reliability, including its performance in industry-standard reliability studies, common issues reported by owners, and tips for maintaining the car’s reliability.
Overview of the Lexus IS300
The Lexus IS 300 is a compact luxury sedan that has been in production since 1998. It was initially introduced as a sports sedan, but over the years, it has evolved into a more well-rounded luxury sedan.
The current generation of the Lexus IS 300 was introduced in 2013 and underwent a refresh in 2021. The car is known for its sleek design, impressive handling, and comfortable ride.
One of the standout features of the Lexus IS 300 is its engine. It comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The Lexus IS 300 also comes with all-wheel drive, which is an added bonus for those who live in areas with harsh weather conditions.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Lexus IS 300
Pros:
Reliability
The Lexus IS 300 has gained a reputation for its reliability. According to J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Lexus brand ranked third overall in reliability, with an average of 101 problems per 100 vehicles.
This is an impressive feat, considering the average number of problems per 100 vehicles is 121.
Safety
The Lexus IS 300 comes equipped with a range of safety features, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The car also received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Performance
The Lexus IS 300 is known for its impressive handling and comfortable ride. It has a sport-tuned suspension, which helps improve its handling, and its all-wheel-drive system provides better traction on slippery roads.
Cons:
Limited Space
The Lexus IS 300 is a compact luxury sedan, which means it doesn’t have as much interior space as larger sedans. The rear seats can be cramped for taller passengers, and the trunk space is also limited.
Infotainment System
While the Lexus IS 300 comes with a range of standard features, including an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display, some reviewers have criticized the system for being complicated and distracting to use while driving.
Reliability of the Lexus IS 300
Performance in Industry-Standard Reliability Studies
One of the best ways to gauge the reliability of a car is by looking at its performance in industry-standard reliability studies. The Lexus IS 300 has consistently performed well in these studies, earning high marks for its reliability.
For example, in J.D. Power’s 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Lexus brand ranked third overall in reliability, with an average of 101 problems per 100 vehicles.
This is an impressive feat, considering the average number of problems per 100 vehicles is 121.
In the same study, the Lexus IS 300 received a score of 132 problems per 100 vehicles, which is above average but still within the range of a reliable vehicle.
Consumer Reports also ranks the Lexus IS 300 highly in reliability, with the 2021 model receiving a predicted reliability rating of 4 out of 5.
This rating is based on surveys of Consumer Reports members who own the car, and it takes into account factors such as the frequency of repairs and the severity of issues reported.
Common Issues Reported by Owners
While the Lexus IS 300 is generally considered a reliable car, like any vehicle, it can still experience issues. Some common issues reported by owners include:
Brake Squeaking
Some owners have reported that their brakes squeak when applied, which can be an annoyance.
Electrical Issues
A few owners have reported issues with the car’s electrical system, including problems with the audio system and dashboard displays.
Suspension Issues
Some owners have reported issues with the car’s suspension, including creaking noises and a bumpy ride.
It’s important to note that these issues are not widespread, and the vast majority of owners report few to no problems with their Lexus IS 300.
Additionally, many of these issues can be addressed through regular maintenance and upkeep, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Maintenance and Repair Costs
One of the benefits of owning a reliable car like the Lexus IS 300 is that it typically requires less maintenance and repair work than less reliable vehicles.
However, it’s still important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure the car continues to perform well.
According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost for a Lexus IS 300 is $551, which is relatively low compared to other luxury sedans.
The most common maintenance tasks for the car include oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire rotations.
In terms of repair costs, the Lexus IS 300 is relatively affordable compared to other luxury sedans. According to RepairPal, the average cost of a repair for car is $538, which is significantly lower than the average repair cost for luxury sedans overall.
Factors that Impact the Reliability of A Car
While the Lexus IS 300 is generally considered a reliable car, there are several factors that can impact its reliability. These include:
Manufacturing Quality
The quality of a car’s manufacturing can impact its reliability. Cars that are built with high-quality materials and assembled with care are more likely to be reliable than those that are not.
Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can help ensure a car continues to perform well. Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues down the line.
Driving Habits and Usage Patterns
How a car is driven can impact its reliability. For example, driving aggressively can put more wear and tear on the car and increase the likelihood of issues.
Tips for Maintaining the Reliability of a Lexus IS 300
To help maintain the reliability of a Lexus IS 300, owners should follow these tips:
Follow the Recommended Maintenance Schedule
The car’s owner’s manual provides a recommended maintenance schedule. Following this schedule can help ensure the car continues to perform well.
Address Issues Promptly
If an issue does arise, it’s important to address it promptly. Ignoring a problem can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs down the line.
Drive Safely
Driving safely, including avoiding aggressive driving and following the speed limit, can help prolong the life of the car.
Comparison with Other Luxury Sedans in Terms of Reliability
While the Lexus IS 300 is known for its reliability, how does it compare to other popular luxury sedans in this regard? Let’s take a look at some other models and how they perform in industry-standard reliability studies:
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a popular luxury sedan that competes with the Lexus IS 300. However, in recent years, it has not performed as well in reliability studies.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 BMW 3 Series received a predicted reliability rating of just 2 out of 5. This is due in part to issues with the car’s electronics and transmission.
Audi A4
The Audi A4 is another popular luxury sedan that competes with the Lexus IS 300. According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Audi A4 received a predicted reliability rating of 3 out of 5, which is slightly lower than the Lexus IS 300.
Common issues reported by owners include problems with the car’s engine and electrical system.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury sedan that is often compared to the Lexus IS 300. However, it has not performed as well in reliability studies.
According to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class received a predicted reliability rating of just 2 out of 5. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the car’s transmission and fuel system.
Overall, the Lexus IS 300 is a reliable luxury sedan that compares favorably to other popular models in its class.
While it may experience some issues from time to time, these are generally minor and can be addressed through regular maintenance and upkeep.
The car is relatively affordable to maintain and repair, making it a great choice for those who want a reliable luxury car without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a reliable luxury sedan, the Lexus IS 300 is definitely worth considering. With high marks in reliability from industry experts like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, as well as a relatively low cost of maintenance and repair, this car is a great choice for those who want a dependable and affordable luxury vehicle.
While there may be some minor issues reported by owners, these are not widespread and can be addressed through regular maintenance. Overall, the Lexus IS 300 is a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable and stylish luxury sedan.