what's a better first car, a 2009-2012 Lexus is250 or a 2013-2016 Honda Accord in terms of looks and reliability ?

Suppress your ego - for a first car looks is not a major consideration - a car is a tool that you should utilize to set your life on a path of stability and progress - reliability is what you need at a price you can afford

Depends on mileage I might say the Accord though since it's newer.

Lexus make mostly great cars, but the IS250 is not one of them. Look at the reviews. The Accord is the better car. Look at the reviews.

It depends on condition. Always have a used car checked out by a mechanic.