Lexus IS

The GSE20 chassis represents the rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS 250. Powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter V6, it offered a balanced blend of refinement, luxury, and sport-oriented handling. The model underwent successive updates to its exterior styling, suspension tuning, and cabin technology throughout its production run.

Lexus IS — representative 2nd gen (XE20) image

Dimensions & shipping volume

Length

4,575 mm

Width

1,800 mm

Height

1,425 mm

Weight

1,560 kg

Shipping volume

11.73 M³

Manufacture year vs. registration year

Japanese paperwork shows the first registration date, but African customs count age from the month of manufacture. Verify with the chassis serial before purchase:

Serial prefixProduction periodSeries

GSE20-AXXXXXXSep 2005 – Aug 2008Pre-facelift

GSE20-BXXXXXXSep 2008 – Aug 2010First Facelift (Revised Grille and Tail Lights)

GSE20-CXXXXXXSep 2010 – Apr 2013Second Facelift (Added LED Daytime Running Lights)

Import eligibility by country (2005–2013)

KenyaNot eligible

8-year limit from manufacture — all units now exceed it.

UgandaCheck unit age

Only units manufactured Jul 2011 or later qualify (15-year limit).

TanzaniaEligible

No age ban; vehicles over 10 years pay additional excise duty.

ZambiaEligible

No age limit; surtax applies to vehicles older than 5 years.

MalawiEligible

No age limit; duty calculated on cc and age band.

Common questions about the GSE20

What is a common mechanical issue associated with the GSE20 4GR-FSE engine?

Because the 4GR-FSE relies solely on direct fuel injection rather than dual port/direct injection (D-4S), it is highly prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves over time, which can result in rough idling and engine misfires.

Is the GSE20 chassis code used for the all-wheel-drive IS 250?

No. The GSE20 code refers specifically to the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) model uses the GSE25 chassis code.

Which manual transmission was available in the GSE20?

Select markets received a 6-speed manual transmission (Toyota RA62 manual transmission) instead of the standard Aisin 6-speed automatic.