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Mother of all "Should I get IS250 or IS350?" threads (merged into one steaming pile)
Yeah, true, I get better mileage than most other 250 owners I know. At the time my family got this car, we got an amazing deal on it near fully loaded, and difference between this and getting into a base 350 was pretty big at the time and wasn't worth it, my mom really wanted this car to get NAV.
I also received a amazing deal on my car also. My car is fully loaded without ML and I got it below invoice if I include the free floor mats and rear spoiler.
Just want to let the OP know, do not let the gas mileage deter you from buying a 350.
Just want to let the OP know, do not let the gas mileage deter you from buying a 350.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Miami, Fl
I come from an srt4 which is considered a fun car to drive for some people due to its amount of torque and hp and the way it moves when you get on it...i switched to and IS350 and I DO NOT miss the srt at all maybe slower in a roll but nothing like the IS350 out of the hole and I dont miss the manual tranny neither
So yup IS350=nice reliable sport sedan and FUN to drive....hope this helps you with the decision
So yup IS350=nice reliable sport sedan and FUN to drive....hope this helps you with the decision
Driver
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: California
^^^ all show n no go! Just kidding, they are both great cars. If you commute a lot and sit in traffic get the 250...I'm rockin a 17 mpg average right now cause I can't keep my foot out of the floor, though I try, but always fail 
I Love my 350!
I Love my 350!
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if the car is going to be a daily driver and your fun/weekend car, i suggest you get the 350. but if you already have something faster in the stable, then the 250 would do the daily driver job pretty well
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 376
Likes: 1
From: IL
Ok, I have owned BOTH, I started with an IS250, and thought it was the best car Ive owned, smooth, refined, power for passing................ Then I drove a IS350 for a day (by myself)
NOT a good idea for IS250 owners.
After that I sold my 250 and upgraded to the 350 and its been such a blast! I love owning the road and just flooring it puts me in a better mood...
Now the few downfalls.....
1. Gas mileage... I was getting average 26MPG with my 250, now my average is around 19.5MPG. I think I could get better mileage but its VERY hard to resist the pedal....
2. sometimes car is too powerful for my liking, I find myself driving in "snow" mode because I just can't drive it nice without it jumping off the line when i hit the gas, especially in traffic...very touchy! IS250 was much smoother
All in all, I am very pleased with my upgrade but sometimes I am just driving and think to myself did i really need to dump 4k more for just more HP?? ... and then I hit the gas and say "YEP"!
NOT a good idea for IS250 owners.
After that I sold my 250 and upgraded to the 350 and its been such a blast! I love owning the road and just flooring it puts me in a better mood...
Now the few downfalls.....
1. Gas mileage... I was getting average 26MPG with my 250, now my average is around 19.5MPG. I think I could get better mileage but its VERY hard to resist the pedal....
2. sometimes car is too powerful for my liking, I find myself driving in "snow" mode because I just can't drive it nice without it jumping off the line when i hit the gas, especially in traffic...very touchy! IS250 was much smoother
All in all, I am very pleased with my upgrade but sometimes I am just driving and think to myself did i really need to dump 4k more for just more HP?? ... and then I hit the gas and say "YEP"!
Last edited by gocubs08; Oct 21, 2009 at 08:16 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 2
From: N/A
Ok, I have owned BOTH, I started with an IS250, and thought it was the best car Ive owned, smooth, refined, power for passing................ Then I drove a IS350 for a day (by myself)
NOT a good idea for IS250 owners.
After that I sold my 250 and upgraded to the 350 and its been such a blast! I love owning the road and just flooring it puts me in a better mood...
Now the few downfalls.....
1. Gas mileage... I was getting average 26MPG with my 250, now my average is around 19.5MPG. I think I could get better mileage but its VERY hard to resist the pedal....
2. sometimes car is too powerful for my liking, I find myself driving in "snow" mode because I just can't drive it nice without it jumping off the line when i hit the gas, especially in traffic...very touchy! IS250 was much smoother
All in all, I am very pleased with my upgrade but sometimes I am just driving and think to myself did i really need to dump 4k more for just more HP?? ... and then I hit the gas and say "YEP"!
NOT a good idea for IS250 owners.
After that I sold my 250 and upgraded to the 350 and its been such a blast! I love owning the road and just flooring it puts me in a better mood...
Now the few downfalls.....
1. Gas mileage... I was getting average 26MPG with my 250, now my average is around 19.5MPG. I think I could get better mileage but its VERY hard to resist the pedal....
2. sometimes car is too powerful for my liking, I find myself driving in "snow" mode because I just can't drive it nice without it jumping off the line when i hit the gas, especially in traffic...very touchy! IS250 was much smoother
All in all, I am very pleased with my upgrade but sometimes I am just driving and think to myself did i really need to dump 4k more for just more HP?? ... and then I hit the gas and say "YEP"!
I'm with you on snow mode, it's a terrific mode. Not only does it start you out in 3rd gear from a stop, but it severely decreases throttle sensitivity AND severely decreases torque to the rear wheels, making for an ultra smooth transition from a dead stop and little to no slip on acceleration from a roll.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: CA
you need to test drive them. Its not a question of whether or not the difference is noticible. I test drove both and i thought the 250 was a little sluggish, like you put ur foot down but don't really go anywhere, i love my 350, its pretty cool being able to burn nearly anyone u see