Sometimes, while you're out hunting for a good Lexus IS250 parts donor vehicle, you stumble upon one that's just too clean, too original, or just too low-mileage to send straight to the dismantling lift.
Well… we found one of those. And we couldn't let it go.
This 2007 Lexus IS250 has just 88,000 miles on the clock and is in surprisingly great condition — so instead of parting it out, we decided to bring it back to life. Welcome to our IS250 Fixin' Series, where we’ll take you step by step through the process of reviving this modern classic.
This is the good side. We’ll show you the other side down below… and, well — it needs some love.
There will be plenty of photos shared throughout the repair process, but first, let’s talk about this 2007 Lexus IS250. This particular car is 18 years old, and despite its age, it averaged less than 5,000 miles a year. That’s incredibly low mileage for a daily driver — a testament to how gently it was used.
Unfortunately, this IS250 was totaled — but not due to mechanical failure. It came to us from USAA, an insurance provider that primarily serves military personnel and their families, which helps explain the low mileage. While it was deemed a total loss, we saw the potential it still had.
Why the 2007 Lexus IS250 is Still Worth Restoring
The 2007 Lexus IS250 is a standout model in Lexus’ second-generation IS lineup (known as the XE20 chassis). This version features rear-wheel drive, a sporty and balanced platform, and is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing around 204 horsepower. It was available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, and was praised for its refined interior, sharp handling, and solid build quality — making it a favorite among enthusiasts and fans of luxury sport sedans alike.
With this car’s low mileage and solid foundation, it was simply too good to strip for parts. Instead, we’re bringing it back to life — and taking you along for the journey.
At first glance, it might look like this IS250 is beyond saving. The whole front end appears wrecked — and honestly, we thought the same thing.
But after a closer inspection, we discovered that the right frame rail is straight, which is a huge win. That means the vehicle’s structural integrity is intact. No twisted chassis, no frame pulling — just cosmetic and bolt-on damage.
The primary damaged components include:
- Radiator support
- Hood
- Front bumper
- Passenger-side fender
- Headlight
- Front grille
- Possibly some wiring and connectors
Aside from that, the car is actually in very good condition. The engine bay is clean, the suspension is untouched, and the interior is practically mint. That solid foundation gives us a lot of confidence heading into this restoration.
As we continue to show more detailed shots of the damaged side, you’ll notice that most of the impact was concentrated on the front passenger area. This is helpful when planning repairs, as it means we’re not chasing damage across the whole body — a big relief when it comes to time and cost.
For anyone considering rebuilding an IS250, it’s worth noting how these cars are constructed. The IS250 features a unibody chassis, which means most of the structure is integrated into the body panels. If the frame rails and suspension mounting points are straight — like in our case — repairs become much more manageable.
We’ll be sharing more photos and breakdowns of each step, from pulling parts to paint and reassembly.
Also, we’d love to hear from you — if you’ve got suggestions for mods, upgrades, or styling ideas, drop us a comment over on Instagram @coollexauto! Whether it’s wheel options, lighting upgrades, or performance tweaks, your ideas might just make it into the final build.
In Part 2, we’ll start tearing down the front end, hunting for replacement parts, and getting a closer look at what’s salvageable. You won’t want to miss it.
👉 Part 2 - Tear down and Broken Pieces
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