PolishPete

Thinking about picking up an IS250. The TL is perfect in every way, except it seems just a little too sedanee for me. I love the features, power, styling, etc. But I'm a young guy (22), and I'm kind of interested in a little more sportiness. The IS seems to be a smaller version of the TL, with lots of great features too. What do you guys think? Would be a reasonable change? Anything anybody know that I might not have noticed about the IS.

The navi/back-up camera is nice. Interior and exterior is nice. 204hp is a tad low.
I thinking about the G35, 04-06, but then started thinking about the IS a little more, and it seems like a better choice. Opinions?

mrproul

older IS is fine. i don't like the new ones they feel to fake. i don't know.

good luck with the decision

mrproul

danny25

too slow. I wouldn't buy an IS unless I could afford the 350.

GIBSON6594

IS is more sedate than the TL IMO. Now the 350 is a different story.

iTimmy

In my ever so humble opinion the IS250 is low man on the totem pole in its class.

Mokos23

I'd rather get the IS350, but since you're 22 I would just get the G35 and enjoy the power! maybe you can get an 2005 G35 with a semi improved interior for at least $23K or something.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

IS250 has an anemic engine, numb steering and driver feedback is really not there. On the plus side, it can be had in RWD or AWD and the RWD can be mated to a 6MT, legendary Lexus/Toyota quality and reliability, luxurious interior with quality materials and craftsmanship. Good luck w/ whatever you choose.

Dr. Colorado

If your tl is too sedan-nee, why you sticking with a 4 door? i like the styling of the new is but i would opt for the is350 because of increased performance and cache. have you thought about the new g37 coupe? not sure what your price range is but that car seems to fit a single 22 y/o male more than an is250 unless you really want the lexus badge. interior is big upgrade from the 06 g35 coupe although the exterior is controversial.

phile

Unless you have to had RWD and that back up camera, the TSX is a better option over the IS250. But the IS350, that's literally a whole different car in another class, despite it being just the IS with a better engine.

AMGala

iTrader: (4)

slow, too expensive for its performance level

AS3.0CL

underpowerd yea just a little bit, but the interior is sex. it's a cruiser with some sportiness to it.

if you want power get the G35. i looked at these but in he coupe form but they don't have awd
if you got the money grab the 350, totally different animal then the 250, suspension slightly different, badass motor and huge front breaks.
if you want luxury and cruiser then the IS250 is for you.


or get a 250 for a cruiser car and a 600cc motocycle for the speed fun aspect :-)
bike season is almost over, can get one for cheap. haha well thats what i'm doing.

Jackygor

Slow and expensive.

SHYUperman

iTrader: (1)

Before finally getting the TSX, I test drove and was seriously thinking about getting an IS250 AWD. The build quality, interior, and styling really appealed to me. However, there's pretty much no leg room with the back seats. I couldn't complain about the performance, I came from a 4 banger camry so anything more than 140hp is fast for me. Though, I was willing to face the slower engine for the better fuel economy. I agree with what others said... it's really expensive... even the used 2006's are expensive. It's a great car... but the opportunity cost was too high for me.

Eh, the interior of the 04-06 G35's are , that was a major reason why I didn't even consider the car. If you want an IS and you have the money... go for the IS350. But if you have the money for a IS350, look into the 07 G35. The interior is not as good as lexus, but if you want a sporty car... I think it'll win you over.

Good luck!

AS3.0CL

revitup, where u at their bashing our car....hehe jk w/e love my 250 so comfy.

SeCsTaC

Skip it.

SeCsTaC

Go for a 2007 G35 Journey, it starts at $32G, looks good inside and out, plenty of standard features including a 306hp VQ!

Or go for a TSX!

MaximaPower

dats wat i'd go for

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

hmmm..if you are looking for sportiness, then I am afraid the IS250 will disappoint you. Like the other person said, the IS250 just doesnt excite the driver - suspension is too soft, electric steering is lifeless, slow, VDIM intervenes too early, etc. Besides driving fun and performance, the IS250, although not small on the outside, and by no means a lightweight, its interior is still ridiculously small (especially the rear), in fact, it's about the same as in the old car (but the old car is smaller outside too). On the good side, it's nice looking, great quality and reliability, smooth and quiet, or simply put, refined.

If I were to choose a RWD sedan though, I would still go with the BMW 325i (keep in mind that I am not a BMW guy). I think it's about the same price as the IS250, but has a stronger engine and way better handling.

Mokos23

For 2007 there is no more 325i, it's now 328i.

F23A4

...which I would easily get over an IS250 but, would opt for the 07 G35 at this price level.

IMHO, Lexus should install a slightly detuned version 2GR-FE motor (Camry V6/Avalon/ES350) into the IS250.....maybe in the area of 250-260hp. <----This is the auto enthusiast in me talking. That said, the 204hp IS250 seems to be selling QUITE well in my neck of the woods. (Like the TSX, all it lacks is engine power.)

That said, you can make an offer on this IS350: Ebay

Mokos23

it's like the IS250 and TSX are tuned for European and Japanese roads with their hp numbers not USA roads.

in Europe they have the slower IS 220d, which I know is slower than the IS250. I'm not sure what the hp numbers are. For some reason Euros don't care as much for hp, I mean they do, but for them fuel economy and smaller sized cars are better for them due to the limited space there.

PolishPete

Thanks for all the replies guys. Way more than I expected in one night.

To answer any questions and keep this opinions coming.

I am getting a double masters right now. I drive about 100 mi. per day. I had been since I started college (work full time, hockey full time, school full time). So that's why I bought the TL, to make all my driving comfortable and worth while. My mom's car is kicking the curb, and she was looking at buying something new (used), but her tastes would make her get a cheapy. But for her business she drives/meets with a lot of people, and she needed to look more professional. So I leased the TL to her business a few months ago, and have been driving my Colorado. I'm looking to pickup something now so that I can pay it off before I start law school, and I would like something classy/luxuries/semi-sporty to keep for the next five years. To the above poster...I do have a motorcycle...2 in fact. 600rr Repsol rep and another 600rr track bike. So speed and all that on the street is somewhat unappealing (as you can imagine, once you travel 170mph and trying to outbreak someone at the speeds to hit the corner first, public driving isn't the same)

The G35 is a great car, but that interior is putting me off. They did refine it in 05', but just a little bit. I could get this one much cheaper (a used 05' G vs. used 06' IS), but could I keep it for 5 yrs? I'm not sure. I guess I need to test drive the IS to feel what that power (or lack there of) is like first hand. Couldn't I do a couple of mods and improve the IS to an acceptable level of performance?


Thanks for all the input again.

P.S. I'm not set on the Lexus name, first time I've really even looked at Lexus, but I really like that interior, w/nav, and the push button ignition seems nice too. As far as the 350 is concerned, I feel that that would be like going back to the TL because of the size. Any thoughts?

F23A4

Seems as though you have a full plate there Pete. Good luck on your studies.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Our neighbors have an IS350 and they love it. They drove the 250 and loved it as well, however, the man of the house wanted more power, so they went with the 350. I'll say this though... the interior on both models is pretty pimp.

You can likely get more bang for your buck elsewhere as several have indicated above, however, you can likely disregard the "too expensive" comments. That is a subjective opinion. If you like the car and you yourself can afford the car, then it's not too expensive for you.

AS3.0CL

currently there isn't a whole lot out there as far as mods for the 250. both the 250 and 350 has essential 4 cats. the 2 primary right off the exhaust manifold and two furthere down the exhaust. typically exhaust are essential axle back to keep the cats. there are some that get rid of the the secondary cats and leave the primarys on the car. currently there is a set of headers in development for the 350 and 250 which would remove the primary cats. right now there is megan headers but they are junk. right now headers are being worked on which would open up some good power hopefully for us 250 as well as 350's. i know my car needs it bc mine is awd, thats why this weekend i'm taking pics for the guy making them to show what kind of clearance we have because of the awd. there is intakes which some give minimal boost but there one called a JoeZ developed by a 350 owner, keeps the tok box but a new pipe and it works very well. hope that helped.


the bikes are sexy. yea once you get on a bike and feel the rush, for me i want it all the time but the IS250 has enough to keep it sporty. it's no highway king.

RyanDe680

I have an AWD IS250.

If it wasn't for the AWD, I would have gotten the 350, but I wanted to move away from the whole staggard wheel setup.

I commute 50+ miles a day at times, but will be doing so on a daily basis in about 3 months. The car is great for the trips in traffic and the such. It's comfortable, the ride is great.

I enjoy the Lexus service and the availability of a loaner every time.

The car is really nothing special. I am coming off a 330ci, so yeah the power isn't there. The backup camera is a dream come true, I never look back anymore; I just use the mirrors (tilt down) and the camera. The navi is great too, and accurate as well. Voice commands are the same as Acura really.

It's a nice car for the money and has a good amount of creature features. I'm at the point in my life soon of getting a second car for fun and this will be my daily driver. For now, getting married, getting MBA and home furnishings are taking prescidence over modding a car or spending a lot of money on a car that will get high milage....

Fibonacci

I've tested it and have driven my co-workers IS250 AWD on multiple occasions. The steering is numb and feedback is vague. I also think that the engine sounds kind of coarse and the exhaust not is not sexy at all.

I don't see the value.

Now the IS350 on the other hand is very quick, but then you are in a whole different price range...

Moog-Type-S

If one is interested in a Lexus IS, it must be the IS350 or look at something else.

taitando

Underpowered? Compared to it's class maybe, but it depends on what you compare it to. If you're looking for straightline dragging, then it's definitely not the one, but I think it's plenty for daily driving and freeway merging. My co-worker recently got an IS250 with the X package (this option includes 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a front & rear spoiler, illuminated door-sill plates, and alloy pedal covers) and it's a sweet car. Edmunds did a test where the IS250 w/ X-package ran through a slalom faster than either an IS350 or BMW 335i.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..2.*

Brandon24pdx

Slow.

nokiaman

+1 about the anemic engine. A V6 Accord will feel plenty fast compared to the IS250.But if you're not heavy-footed like most of us here I believe the power is enough for daily driving although weight/power will be felt very often.
If you're not asking for the badge,there are better choices for that price range.IS350 is a better choice.but hey,that's just me a test-drive(powerwise) will convince you more than anyone on this forum

TommySalami

The 350 isn't any bigger, it's just the engine

PolishPete

Thanks for the replies. The 350's not bigger? So they're essentially the exact same car but with a different engine (like Mustang V6 and GT). I'll have to think about that. Thanks for the info.

Still don't know what to do. I guess its "to each his own" on this one huh? Opinions are both sided. I guess interior is more important to me than speed...so thats why I liking the 250 over the G35...however I could get a used G35 for much cheaper. Don't know what to do. Pro's and cons both ways. I wonder if the lack of power would really bother me that much. To be honest, I don't know.

Maybe a lease with a buyout option...in case I don't like the vehicle, I could get out or buy it after 24 months. What do you guys think about that idea. What would it mean as far as cost is concerned?

phile

What's there to think about...look at the cars!

nsxiballer

IS250 is a great car. It has class, style, handling, and decent power.
I don't know why some of you say the handling sucks, it's pretty damn good.

Mokos23

Just get the 2007 G35S it has more room than the IS350, same hp as the IS350 (306hp), about $2K cheaper nicely equipped than the IS350's starting price of $36K, meaner rearend with the dual exhausts and LED taillights, and the interior is nice!

lscld

I hope he meant that he'll have to give the 350 a second look, since he first thought that it was bigger than a 250.

swift22

I used to work for lexus...so please listen..

go with stick shift RWD version of the IS250. there is a cheat code to disable all traction control etc....well worth it. Then upgrade with exhaust and custom turbo kit and your set.

good luck

SeCsTaC

^ Sure... add a double shot of nos to that why don't you.

Here's a better suggestion IMO, get a G35S, again it's got an assload of power from the factory, 6 speeds manual or an auto with paddle shifters, and a DAMN nice interior.

Lexus interior's are highly praised and i'm sure it's well deserved, but it's not light years ahead of the Infiniti G35 anymore. If you compared an 06 IS to an 06 G35 (previous gen) then i would definately agree with you that it might be hard living with such a disappointing interior, but with this new one, I think it looks great and actually prefer the design over the Lexus Is250. Materials... never sat in the IS250 but are you really going to stroke the dash everytime you get in the car?

All IMO of course, and i'm sure the IS250 is a good car, i just think it's a little overpriced for what you get. =D

AS3.0CL

the compression ratio is already very high, you can only boost a few pounds if that safely. these motors are high strung, granted the clearences are very tight inside the motor and the crank and pistons i believe is forged.

i can disable all traction with mine, its in the manual. you hold down the tcs button and everything gets disabled. hit it once and only the tcs gets disabled to a certain speed.

the 250 and 350 are the same size, the differences is motor, breaks and suspension but very minor.