For used car buyers chasing a rare combo—fun to drive, reliable, all-wheel drive—the Lexus IS 300 and IS 350 are sneaky-good picks. These aren’t the loudest options on the lot, sure. However, they check a lot of boxes for people who want performance without the headaches.

Lexus introduced the IS to the U.S. market in 2001

It first arrived as the IS 300 with a straight-six and rear-wheel drive. It was Lexus’s answer to the BMW 3 Series, but with Toyota-grade dependability baked in. The IS 250 and 350 joined the lineup in 2006 with the second generation, bringing more power and a more refined feel. All-wheel drive became available in 2007. This addition opened the door for buyers in snowier states to finally say “yes” to a sporty Lexus sedan without needing winter tires and a prayer.

Used buyers can shop confidently as far back as the 2011 model year (midway through the second generation). By then, Lexus had largely ironed out earlier quirks and tightened up quality even further. These cars are known for their long-term durability, especially with regular maintenance. If you’re hunting in the $12K to $20K range, you’ll find clean IS 300 and IS 350 AWD models that still feel tight and well-built. The closer you edge to $10K, expect higher-mileage listings. The IS 250 is even cheaper on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, with some below $8K.

Under the hood, the AWD versions of both the IS 300 and 350 use a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 (2GR-FSE). It’s one of Toyota’s most proven engines. In the IS 300 AWD, it’s slightly detuned to 260 horsepower. The IS 350 AWD bumps that to 311 hp. The IS 250 got a slightly less powerful V6, a 2.5L. All are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s smooth, predictable, and less prone to failure than the eight- and ten-speed units some competitors use. No turbos, no dual-clutch drama—just solid engineering.

Let’s talk IS competitors

The Acura TLX SH-AWD is a direct rival and deserves mention. It’s got strong reliability ratings and a clever torque-vectoring AWD system. The 2015–2020 models in particular are solid used buys. However, real-world owner feedback (including from sources like Consumer Reports and enthusiast forums) often points to frustration with Acura’s dual-screen infotainment setup in these years. It’s functional, but clunky to use, especially when compared to Lexus’s simpler—if still imperfect—Remote Touch interface.

Subaru: The Legacy and WRX offer standard AWD, with the WRX bringing more driving excitement. But long-term reliability is mixed. Engine and CVT concerns show up more frequently with age, especially in earlier models. They’re great in the snow, but not always in the shop.

The BMW 3 Series xDrive and Audi A4 Quattro will tempt you with sharp driving dynamics and premium interiors. But once out of warranty, you’re rolling the dice. Maintenance and repair costs are well-documented landmines for these two. You’ll have more fun driving them—until your wallet starts sweating.

The Lexus IS stands in the middle lane. It doesn’t scream “sports sedan,” but it doesn’t scream in service bays either. That’s a win for used buyers. You get a refined ride, great build quality, decent power, and an AWD setup that gets you through winter without drama.

So if you’re shopping used, want something with real-world reliability, confident handling, and a little edge without the maintenance baggage—yeah, the Lexus IS might be it.