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I'm thinking of switching over, and buying an 06-08 IS 250, my question is, has anyone here had both? I know a lot of previous members/ Acura owners have gone on to buy new Lexus's , but does anyone have experience with the 3G Tl and 2G IS?
2G IS250 is slow, and smaller back seat than the TL.
going from a high out put v6 to a low output v6
it just depends on your needs and wants, as stated the back seat of the IS is smaller...
So, if you can squeeze both and need and want both, grab the IS.
but one would have to question why would you want to move to the "lesser" car
I'm thinking of switching over, and buying an 06-08 IS 250, my question is, has anyone here had both? I know a lot of previous members/ Acura owners have gone on to buy new Lexus's , but does anyone have experience with the 3G Tl and 2G IS?
I didn't own both but I tried them before buying my TL.
THe IS 250 is a decent car, 2.5L V6 will leave you a bit bored compared to the TL 3.2. It is very slow. The IS 350 is faster than the TL by a decent chunk. I considered the IS 350 but it was over my budget. The IS 250 I found was overpriced for not bringing any performance aspect.
Interior-wise they're very nice cars, not much difference (if any) from the IS 250 to the IS 350. Compared to the TL it feels slightly more cramped but not terribly so. Overall I'd say similar.
The IS 250 RWD can be had with a manual transmission while the IS 250 AWD and IS 350 are automatic only. The manual transmission on the IS 250 is alright, pretty standard but once again the lack of oomph shows.
To me, the IS 350 would be a slight upgrade over the TL, the IS 250 a slight downgrade.
The 2006-2010 IS250 is known for severe carbon buildup from direct injection. It's so bad that the engine eventually seizes and has to be rebuilt. Read more here: IS250 Carbon Build up CSP - Club Lexus Forums
I've driven numerous IS250s and the ONLY thing I like about them compared to the TL is that some offer ventilated seats. Besides that, it's very under powered and very small compared to the TL. If you're going to get an IS, go for a 2011+ or get a IS350 which didn't have any carbon buildup issues.
Ventilated seat and push button is the only plus, other than that there are all minus when comparing to the TL, BTW part is much more expensive than the tl too.
I'm thinking of switching over, and buying an 06-08 IS 250, my question is, has anyone here had both? I know a lot of previous members/ Acura owners have gone on to buy new Lexus's , but does anyone have experience with the 3G Tl and 2G IS?
experience with both, and the only conclusion I can come with in regards to your swap is....You like the design of the Lexus better. The TL does everything else better.
Sure the IS has a RWD platform, but the difference in handling is negligible, the TL handles better imo. MPG are nearly the same, IS is way slower, and as someone mentioned the rear cabin is tiny. Smaller than my TSX even, and it'll be a pain in the ass for anyone trying to sit back there unless they're kids. I think the biggest let down for you however will be the power, and you might end up upgrading for something for more power anywyas.
Now, if this was for an IS350, I think that would be a better swap.
Last edited by mmafighta; Sep 22, 2015 at 12:54 PM.
I have driven several, my wife almost bought one. My impressions: the IS250 is slow--especially an AWD one. IS 350 is pretty quick. Both feel a tad more "mellow" than driving a 6MT TL.
Interior is a little cramped (and I'm a fairly compact dude at 5'8" 160), back seat is pretty much useless for adults.
They drive nice and handle great. They are also stone cold reliable, as just about any modernish lexus will be. Timing chain doesn't need changing, so that's a plus too. If I didn't need the back seat, I'd probably be driving one today.
The 2006-2010 IS250 is known for severe carbon buildup from direct injection.
IMO, I am not a fan of direct injection. Hung out on Mini Cooper forums for awhile. Got to witness all the crying about $1000 dealer bills for walnut shell blasting the intake valves. I stayed away from their turbo motors and got an 08 supercharged convertible for the Mrs. for this very reason. But that was awhile ago... now she is very happy with an 08 Base
The IS250 has been replaced by the IS200t for 2016. It sports a turbo I4 that increases HP by 37 and torque by 73.
2015 IS 250: 204/185
2016 IS 200t: 241/258
I really admire Lexus and Audi interiors over any other makes. Acura's interiors, while typically employing Honda-sensible ergonomics, never competed luxury-wise. And you gotta try those ventilated seats...so nice during the summer.
The IS250 has been replaced by the IS200t for 2016. It sports a turbo I4 that increases HP by 37 and torque by 73.
2015 IS 250: 204/185
2016 IS 200t: 241/258
I really admire Lexus and Audi interiors over any other makes. Acura's interiors, while typically employing Honda-sensible ergonomics, never competed luxury-wise. And you gotta try those ventilated seats...so nice during the summer.
yeah....he's not buying new...so, the IS200t isnt in play here
All good information, just what I was looking for. I really, reallllllllly like the design of the 2G + IS Models, which was a big factor in wanting to switch. I had never heard of the carbon build up issue, which is a big red flag for me. I have heard about the size / performance difference, which I'll have to see in person maybe Friday. I'm not too picky when it comes to backseat space, but I'm 6'3 and would definitely need room to stretch out in the cockpit up front.
The dashboards of the 2IS are known to melt and leave a sticky residue on the surface. I've seen quite a few of them. Search around and you'll see plenty of topics about it.
The dashboards of the 2IS are known to melt and leave a sticky residue on the surface. I've seen quite a few of them. Search around and you'll see plenty of topics about it.
Oh wow that's a first one for me. And you thought the cracking TL dash was bad.
Google confirms it. There's even DIY to sand it and paint it so it doesn't look so shitty.
Toyota has a recall for it but the IS isn't on the list for some reason. A few have been repaired out of goodwill, but I wouldn't bet on it. I've seen quite a few and it's especially disgusting when there's hair all over the dash
All good information, just what I was looking for. I really, reallllllllly like the design of the 2G + IS Models, which was a big factor in wanting to switch. I had never heard of the carbon build up issue, which is a big red flag for me. I have heard about the size / performance difference, which I'll have to see in person maybe Friday. I'm not too picky when it comes to backseat space, but I'm 6'3 and would definitely need room to stretch out in the cockpit up front.
"...Lexus issued a letter to all 2006-2010 IS250 and GS300 owners explaining the issue. The letter also offers help. Although not a recall, Lexus is offering to correct the problem and has added a 9-year, unlimited mileage warranty on affected cars."
I've seen engines disassembled, cleaned, parts replaced (pistons and rings), and then reassembled...and I've also seen engines totally seized and have to be replaced. It all comes down to the severity of the buildup and how long it took the owner to bring it to a Lexus dealership. Common signs are engine studdering and severe lack of throttle response.
Occasional meth or even water misted through the intake will clean that carbon right up. My buddy has a high-mile IS250 and hasn't had a single issue with it (other than cracked aftermarket chinese rims).
"...Lexus issued a letter to all 2006-2010 IS250 and GS300 owners explaining the issue. The letter also offers help. Although not a recall, Lexus is offering to correct the problem and has added a 9-year, unlimited mileage warranty on affected cars."
I've seen engines disassembled, cleaned, parts replaced (pistons and rings), and then reassembled...and I've also seen engines totally seized and have to be replaced. It all comes down to the severity of the buildup and how long it took the owner to bring it to a Lexus dealership. Common signs are engine studdering and severe lack of throttle response.
You work at a Lexus dealership right? How has the 4th gen GS held up? Been thinking about picking up an used one to replace my TL.
Yeah I do. I haven't heard anything specific about the 4G GS other than an issue with the Bluetooth freezing. You have to do a "soft reboot" by pushing and holding the radio power button until the screen resets. It doesn't happen often, but alas, it does. Other than that, especially mechanically, I haven't heard or seen anything of concern. I wouldn't go after an AWD model since they have the outdated and dull 6-speed transmission, compared to the 8-speed found in the RWD models.
As for changes between model years, 2013-2015 didn't change much, other than the Enform Remote for 2015 models that will let you start and stop the engine of your vehicle, alert you of open windows, gas level, and allow you to set parameters for a guest or valet driver so you can be told if the car exceeds a certain speed or goes over a certain mileage allotment. Other than that, the GS really hasn't changed up until the announcement of the updated 2016. Actually...the 2015 F-Sport models did get an extra badge on the trunk
The GS is a fantastic combination of sport and luxury. It's roomy, has tons of fun tech stuff, and also has 306-horsepower to play with. I would happily buy one if I wasn't head over heels for my S2k.
Toyota has a recall for it but the IS isn't on the list for some reason. A few have been repaired out of goodwill, but I wouldn't bet on it. I've seen quite a few and it's especially disgusting when there's hair all over the dash
That explains the numerous dash covers ( which make me want to chop my fingers off one by one ) I've seen on ones posted for sale... Well, that's all but talked me out of it... The IS Models have staggered wheels too, right? Cause that's a little bit of a turn off for me in a DD. I've seen a few lower ( 90k< mi. ) GS Models in the same price range as the IS, but I haven't really considered them too much because it's the 'Grandpa' car, I feel like they would drive like a pontoon boat.
That explains the numerous dash covers ( which make me want to chop my fingers off one by one ) I've seen on ones posted for sale... Well, that's all but talked me out of it... The IS Models have staggered wheels too, right? Cause that's a little bit of a turn off for me in a DD. I've seen a few lower ( 90k< mi. ) GS Models in the same price range as the IS, but I haven't really considered them too much because it's the 'Grandpa' car, I feel like they would drive like a pontoon boat.
You can adjust the suspension settings with a click of the dial on some 4GS models...
GS is built to be a "sporty" large car--I think the 5-series BMW is what they were shooting for. I haven't driven one, but from what I've read, they are not really grandpa cars. The Lexus grandpa lineup is as follows: ES, RX, LS.
The ES is the best Buick Toyota ever made (followed by the Avalon), RX is xanax on wheels (my wife used to drive a 2011 RX350 awd) and the LS is the modern equivalent of the Cadillacs of yore--big, cushy, V8-powered barges. "Sport" was not really on the radar for any of these cars.
The IS and the GS are really the only Lexuses designed with "sport" or driver enjoyment in mind--the rest are more built for isolating the driver from his surroundings.
My mother in law has an 08 IS250 so I've driven it quite a number of times...it's a nice little car, but like others have said, it's significantly under-powered, and most importantly is extremely small. I am 5"10' and feel like a sardine while in the driver's seat. Since you're 6'3" I can't even imagine how cramped it'll be for you.
Wife drives an 06 IS250 AWD. They are under powered - you wont win any drag races, but it will keep up with traffic and maneuver passes just as easily as a base TL would.
I think it handles much better than the TL. Less body roll, feels more planted, and it's smaller size just makes feels more nimble. Steering column is way quicker and smoother than the TL.
Interior quality in terms of fit and finish is the same for the most part. The touchscreen is higher res. and the nav system is faster. Audio system is better in the IS250.
TL has more space - as mentioned.
Although the TL's engine is bigger and stronger it's MPGs is better than the IS250.
IS250 holds is value better. Push button start and smart key detection for lock/unlock is sweet.
Bottom line - you said you're like 6'3"? So the IS250 becomes a 3 passenger car as there would be no leg room behind you. And you'd need money for the chiro from bending your neck.
Wife drives an 06 IS250 AWD. They are under powered - you wont win any drag races, but it will keep up with traffic and maneuver passes just as easily as a base TL would.
I think it handles much better than the TL. Less body roll, feels more planted, and it's smaller size just makes feels more nimble. Steering column is way quicker and smoother than the TL.
Interior quality in terms of fit and finish is the same for the most part. The touchscreen is higher res. and the nav system is faster. Audio system is better in the IS250.
TL has more space - as mentioned.
Although the TL's engine is bigger and stronger it's MPGs is better than the IS250.
IS250 holds is value better. Push button start and smart key detection for lock/unlock is sweet.
Bottom line - you said you're like 6'3"? So the IS250 becomes a 3 passenger car as there would be no leg room behind you. And you'd need money for the chiro from bending your neck.
Even after all of these comments I'm still actually considering it, my biggest concern is the carbon build up issue, I need to do some more research on that. I'm stopping at a lot by work this evening to test drive an 08' 350 and an 07' 250, no intent of buying today though.
might as well get a sex change while you're at it.
It's very fun!