Entry level lux car: IS250 still viable?
#1
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Entry level lux car: IS250 still viable?
My sister in law is looking to replace a 14 year old accord. She always liked my IS250 AWD back when I had it. Lexus Canada is giving them away now with a 3000$ cash incentive, on top of any negotiated dealer discount. She likes the price, the styling and the long list of standard equipment.
Is a 250 still worth it today? It's at the end of it's life cycle. The infotainment is a decade old (does it even have a USB port?). It's seriously down on power compared to the American and German competition, though she could care less about acceleration.
I've been trying steer her towards a CT200h, which is more in line with her needs, but she doesn't like hatches.
She test drove the A4, but was put off by it's size, and the low content at base trim levels. The c300 is on her list too, but MB also rapes you on options. She refuses to try the S60 or ATS.
Opinions?
PS: did they fix the carbon issue in the 2013s?
Is a 250 still worth it today? It's at the end of it's life cycle. The infotainment is a decade old (does it even have a USB port?). It's seriously down on power compared to the American and German competition, though she could care less about acceleration.
I've been trying steer her towards a CT200h, which is more in line with her needs, but she doesn't like hatches.
She test drove the A4, but was put off by it's size, and the low content at base trim levels. The c300 is on her list too, but MB also rapes you on options. She refuses to try the S60 or ATS.
Opinions?
PS: did they fix the carbon issue in the 2013s?
#2
This should probably be in the IS forum. I think for many the IS250 is still a perfect car to fill their needs. Smooth V6, no turbo lag. And as a Lexus, very reliable, good materials, etc. They have USB and Bluetooth for music connectivity.
As long as she doesn't mind that it'll be replaced in the market within 4 months I would think it's fine.
As long as she doesn't mind that it'll be replaced in the market within 4 months I would think it's fine.
#3
Lexus Fanatic
If she likes the IS250AWD and can afford one, then, by all means, my advice is to go for it. The AWD will come in handy in those Montreal winters, and it comes with standard all-season tires. The car's only real problem, and something common to all IS models, is the overly-tight rear seat, but if you don't often carry large adults in back, that's not a major issue. The car's reliability and build-quality speak for themselves. True, the relatively small 2.5L V6, with the weight/drag of AWD, is no powerhouse, but that should be no problem if driven sensibly....you already have stated she is sensible and not an aggressive driver.
In my area (D.C. suburbs), the IS250AWD is enormously popular, and, to my eye at least, seems to outsell all of the other IS models here. When I bought my Buick Verano last year, an IS250AWD was on my own Top Five list of consideration.
In my area (D.C. suburbs), the IS250AWD is enormously popular, and, to my eye at least, seems to outsell all of the other IS models here. When I bought my Buick Verano last year, an IS250AWD was on my own Top Five list of consideration.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-22-13 at 11:11 AM.
#5
Lexus Champion
I've test driven the 2nd generation IS300 with 3GR-FE engine (no direct injection).
Yup exactly the same MMC facelift version (with LED integrated turn signal mirror indicators and LED tail lights and stuff)
Anyways:
It felt very lively and aggressive for what it is worth.......and reaching 110 km/h (or 65 in mph) inside a a city street was a breeze with ECT mode set to SPORT
Granted, the IS300 has slightly more torque and horsepower than what your IS250 gets (using a 4GR-FSE engine).
Still, I don't think it's that far off and it should still be enjoyable for the kind of driving that you do.
Heck, I even prefer the front headlamp design of the 2IS over the new 3IS.
So imho, no reason to hesitate. Get a Lexus IS (2nd generation) =)
Just my opinion =)
Yup exactly the same MMC facelift version (with LED integrated turn signal mirror indicators and LED tail lights and stuff)
Anyways:
It felt very lively and aggressive for what it is worth.......and reaching 110 km/h (or 65 in mph) inside a a city street was a breeze with ECT mode set to SPORT
Granted, the IS300 has slightly more torque and horsepower than what your IS250 gets (using a 4GR-FSE engine).
Still, I don't think it's that far off and it should still be enjoyable for the kind of driving that you do.
Heck, I even prefer the front headlamp design of the 2IS over the new 3IS.
So imho, no reason to hesitate. Get a Lexus IS (2nd generation) =)
Just my opinion =)
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FWIW, I would get the ATS 2.0 if I wanted sport, and the S60 T5 FWD if I wanted comfort.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
OP, I think you already have all you need to know. You've already listed out all the pros and cons and you nailed all of them. Beyond that, it's simply your (and your sis in law's) call on whether you feel it's worth it or not. Some people don't mind buying a closeout model, others do. Some people go for something based on sale price, others do not. Again, it's up to where you lay your priorities.
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Just "test" drove it today. Forgot how old the tech was. Ipod integration sucks, center stack still has the 80s VCR LCD display. Need to get navigation to get most of the decent functions. My wife's chevy cruze has a better infotainment system.
Honestly, for my money I would get a Verano. Next week we try the Benz c300.
Honestly, for my money I would get a Verano. Next week we try the Benz c300.
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A co-worker has an IS250 which had the carbon deposit issue and had to get the engine rebuilt, but I think Lexus ended up picking up most if not all of the tab despite the fact that it was out of warranty. Yeah I'd go with an IS350 (dual injection, both port and direct) just to avoid that too. The 250 in the US is direct injection only.
#13
Lexus Champion
A co-worker has an IS250 which had the carbon deposit issue and had to get the engine rebuilt, but I think Lexus ended up picking up most if not all of the tab despite the fact that it was out of warranty. Yeah I'd go with an IS350 (dual injection, both port and direct) just to avoid that too. The 250 in the US is direct injection only.
For the 2IS, this was the following breakdown description:
IS350 -> 2GR-FSE = direct injection + port injection
IS250 -> 4GS-FSE = direct injection ONLY (no port injection)
and of course:
IS300 -> 3GR-FE = Electronic Fuel Injection (i.e. NO DIRECT INJECTION here)
#14
Lexus Champion
My sister in law is looking to replace a 14 year old accord. She always liked my IS250 AWD back when I had it. Lexus Canada is giving them away now with a 3000$ cash incentive, on top of any negotiated dealer discount. She likes the price, the styling and the long list of standard equipment.
Is a 250 still worth it today? It's at the end of it's life cycle. The infotainment is a decade old (does it even have a USB port?). It's seriously down on power compared to the American and German competition, though she could care less about acceleration.
I've been trying steer her towards a CT200h, which is more in line with her needs, but she doesn't like hatches.
She test drove the A4, but was put off by it's size, and the low content at base trim levels. The c300 is on her list too, but MB also rapes you on options. She refuses to try the S60 or ATS.
Opinions?
PS: did they fix the carbon issue in the 2013s?
Is a 250 still worth it today? It's at the end of it's life cycle. The infotainment is a decade old (does it even have a USB port?). It's seriously down on power compared to the American and German competition, though she could care less about acceleration.
I've been trying steer her towards a CT200h, which is more in line with her needs, but she doesn't like hatches.
She test drove the A4, but was put off by it's size, and the low content at base trim levels. The c300 is on her list too, but MB also rapes you on options. She refuses to try the S60 or ATS.
Opinions?
PS: did they fix the carbon issue in the 2013s?
I can't imagine the A4 is any smaller than the '13 IS250.
#15
Lexus Champion
A co-worker has an IS250 which had the carbon deposit issue and had to get the engine rebuilt, but I think Lexus ended up picking up most if not all of the tab despite the fact that it was out of warranty. Yeah I'd go with an IS350 (dual injection, both port and direct) just to avoid that too. The 250 in the US is direct injection only.