Introduction
08-17-15, 04:39 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Introduction
Hello! There is a summary at the bottom for those who are in a rush. Thank you! 
My name is Bruce and I am looking into switching from a performance oriented vehicle to a more reliable and luxury based one. I currently drive a 2014 WRX sedan (stage 1+) and have owned it for about a year and a half now. I love the car but unfortunately it is manual transmission (a true stick) and my gf and family members are unable to use it when in need of an extra vehicle. Also, although Subaru does build reliable cars, the fact that this essentially brand new car drones and shakes worse than my older BMW did is very annoying.
With that said, I am looking at the most reliable cars out there and obviously have come across the Lexus fleets. These cars are amazing! I'm very seriously considering selling the WRX and going after one of these beauties.
Now, living in Northern Virginia and driving almost daily each and every day of the year, I need something that has AWD and also a reasonable amount of passenger and storage space. I've been recently looking into the IS 350 AWD models. These seem to have everything I am looking for between the correct driving system, the vehicle size, the luxury, the reliability, and the comfort. My one concern though are that these are extremely heavy and (no offense to anyone) very "weak" cars in both the horsepower and torque department. Do not get me wrong though, I understand that a WRX that has been modified to push 320+ horsepower and 320+ torque at the crank while being a tad under 3200 pounds is a completely different car. You can barely hear yourself speak over the drone and scream of the exhaust and the dang WRX gets everyone to notice you, while the Lexus is lower profile and relaxing while driving.
Price aside and all of that other stuff, I do not want to compare a Lexus of any kind to my WRX when it comes to performance and track capabilities. I do not expect any stock Lexus other than the RCF or LFA to beat my current car. Now again, I do not mean to offend anyone, but I am just talking from a "numbers" perspective here. I have found a car that I am very interested in from this link http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...0923/overview/ and was wondering if the good people here could take a look and let me know what they think?
Like I said, I want to understand if the 2015 Lexus IS 350 (awd F sedan) has some kick and can hit zero to soccer practice at least under six seconds consistently and be able to hold its own on the streets when having spirited fun or if I will want to kill myself whenever a Honda Civic Si or Volkswagen GTI smokes me over and over.
Thank you again everyone who takes a moment to read this post and respond!
Summary: How does the 2015 Lexus IS 350 (awd F sedan) perform on the street? I understand that it is not a drag racing or track oriented vehicle but I want to know if at least have enough kick to be able to merge and cruise and drive around with some confidence and fun on the roads. Any tips and advice is welcome. I am currently looking at switching from my 2014 WRX sedan (stage 1+) to possibly this Lexus http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...0923/overview/ in a month or so. Please let me know what any of you think!
My name is Bruce and I am looking into switching from a performance oriented vehicle to a more reliable and luxury based one. I currently drive a 2014 WRX sedan (stage 1+) and have owned it for about a year and a half now. I love the car but unfortunately it is manual transmission (a true stick) and my gf and family members are unable to use it when in need of an extra vehicle. Also, although Subaru does build reliable cars, the fact that this essentially brand new car drones and shakes worse than my older BMW did is very annoying.
With that said, I am looking at the most reliable cars out there and obviously have come across the Lexus fleets. These cars are amazing! I'm very seriously considering selling the WRX and going after one of these beauties.
Now, living in Northern Virginia and driving almost daily each and every day of the year, I need something that has AWD and also a reasonable amount of passenger and storage space. I've been recently looking into the IS 350 AWD models. These seem to have everything I am looking for between the correct driving system, the vehicle size, the luxury, the reliability, and the comfort. My one concern though are that these are extremely heavy and (no offense to anyone) very "weak" cars in both the horsepower and torque department. Do not get me wrong though, I understand that a WRX that has been modified to push 320+ horsepower and 320+ torque at the crank while being a tad under 3200 pounds is a completely different car. You can barely hear yourself speak over the drone and scream of the exhaust and the dang WRX gets everyone to notice you, while the Lexus is lower profile and relaxing while driving.
Price aside and all of that other stuff, I do not want to compare a Lexus of any kind to my WRX when it comes to performance and track capabilities. I do not expect any stock Lexus other than the RCF or LFA to beat my current car. Now again, I do not mean to offend anyone, but I am just talking from a "numbers" perspective here. I have found a car that I am very interested in from this link http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...0923/overview/ and was wondering if the good people here could take a look and let me know what they think?
Like I said, I want to understand if the 2015 Lexus IS 350 (awd F sedan) has some kick and can hit zero to soccer practice at least under six seconds consistently and be able to hold its own on the streets when having spirited fun or if I will want to kill myself whenever a Honda Civic Si or Volkswagen GTI smokes me over and over.
Thank you again everyone who takes a moment to read this post and respond!
Summary: How does the 2015 Lexus IS 350 (awd F sedan) perform on the street? I understand that it is not a drag racing or track oriented vehicle but I want to know if at least have enough kick to be able to merge and cruise and drive around with some confidence and fun on the roads. Any tips and advice is welcome. I am currently looking at switching from my 2014 WRX sedan (stage 1+) to possibly this Lexus http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...0923/overview/ in a month or so. Please let me know what any of you think!
08-17-15, 05:46 PM
#2
The IS350 is a capable handler and now known as one of the better handling sedans in its segment now. The AWD is rear biased 30/70 though can send power 50/50 iirc. The AWD has a 6-speed auto vs the 8-speed in the RWD. Also about the AWD IS, it has 'the hump' which intrudes towards ones foot near the accelerator pedal. Lots of tech and creature comforts available. Interior has a few cheap touches but overall its pretty nice, though the cockpit is a bit tight for larger individuals. 60/40 split rear seats help add to the versatility. It's a nice car overall, though the only way you'll really be able to tell if you'll like it is to drive one. GL!
08-17-15, 05:58 PM
#3
How about a later model G37X?
It would be cheaper from day 1 and you could mod it up to give your some added performance
The IS 350 AWD is an excellent car but please make sure the rear seating area has enough room for you
It would be cheaper from day 1 and you could mod it up to give your some added performance
The IS 350 AWD is an excellent car but please make sure the rear seating area has enough room for you
08-17-15, 06:34 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
New IS350 is better in every way compared to last gen WRX imo.
If u want mod potential and easy/cheap power then get 335ix - if you buy new or CPO you will have great warranty.
Why not get the new gen WRX with CVT - it has gotten great reviews and is much bigger inside then IS350?
If u want mod potential and easy/cheap power then get 335ix - if you buy new or CPO you will have great warranty.
Why not get the new gen WRX with CVT - it has gotten great reviews and is much bigger inside then IS350?
08-17-15, 09:13 PM
#5
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Thank you for your responses! I appreciate your help and feedback and information. Let me answer!
-------------------------------------------
1: To say that the IS350 is "better" than the previous generation of WRX is a very loose expression in my opinion. For reliability and fuel efficiency? Hands down much better. For a lower profile and more enjoyable ride focusing on comfort, class, and luxury? Without a doubt. But for pure performance and track capability? The stock 2014 WRX destroys this car and my current vehicle (Stage 1+) is in a whole different league. But I do agree that the IS350 is definitely the more mature and all around better vehicle, outside of performance.
2: The new CVT WRX is a complete joke and a completely new design. I never go after cars that are new in the beginning of a different generation. I agree that it has very good space in the back though.
3: I will look into a 2015 335ix, but again, I believe that Lexus is far more superior in reliability and comfort, which has to be a main factor since I'm getting a more "drive-able" car for none car enthusiasts to use. But I am well familiar with their performance and under five second zero to sixty times and under thirteen second quarter mile times. Very impressive vehicles to say the least.
4: I do not want to purchase a used vehicle and my budget is around $55k give or take a few grand. The G37X is an excellent car but I never was a fan of Nissan or their more expensive branch, Infiniti. We have always been a BMW and Mercedes home and the WRX was something that was originally intended to be a track toy that turned into a daily driver and also emergency vehicle.
5: I do not expect the IS350 to be a performance oriented vehicle. I just want it to have enough kick for me to be able to merge and have a small amount of fun on the road and not be passed constantly by Honda's and Toyota's and other inferior vehicles.
-------------------------------------------
1: To say that the IS350 is "better" than the previous generation of WRX is a very loose expression in my opinion. For reliability and fuel efficiency? Hands down much better. For a lower profile and more enjoyable ride focusing on comfort, class, and luxury? Without a doubt. But for pure performance and track capability? The stock 2014 WRX destroys this car and my current vehicle (Stage 1+) is in a whole different league. But I do agree that the IS350 is definitely the more mature and all around better vehicle, outside of performance.
2: The new CVT WRX is a complete joke and a completely new design. I never go after cars that are new in the beginning of a different generation. I agree that it has very good space in the back though.
3: I will look into a 2015 335ix, but again, I believe that Lexus is far more superior in reliability and comfort, which has to be a main factor since I'm getting a more "drive-able" car for none car enthusiasts to use. But I am well familiar with their performance and under five second zero to sixty times and under thirteen second quarter mile times. Very impressive vehicles to say the least.
4: I do not want to purchase a used vehicle and my budget is around $55k give or take a few grand. The G37X is an excellent car but I never was a fan of Nissan or their more expensive branch, Infiniti. We have always been a BMW and Mercedes home and the WRX was something that was originally intended to be a track toy that turned into a daily driver and also emergency vehicle.
5: I do not expect the IS350 to be a performance oriented vehicle. I just want it to have enough kick for me to be able to merge and have a small amount of fun on the road and not be passed constantly by Honda's and Toyota's and other inferior vehicles.
Last edited by WRXvLEX; 08-17-15 at 09:15 PM. Reason: Why Not?
08-17-15, 09:28 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
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Take it from the guy who have a fully loaded 15 WRX, get IS-F.
Edit: Nvm, you mentioned AWD. I can't think of anything other than IS350, fun, reliable, AWD, best customer service and efficient.
Edit: Nvm, you mentioned AWD. I can't think of anything other than IS350, fun, reliable, AWD, best customer service and efficient.
Last edited by cino; 08-17-15 at 09:35 PM.
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