MRK13

Greetings forum members,
We currently own a 2010 RX350 (nav/premium) which we absolutely love (many improvements over our previous 2004 RX350) - our other car is a 2012 Toyota Prius, which we're not as crazy about. We bought the Prius thinking that its excellent fuel economy would make up for its relatively spartan interior accommodations and overall sense of flimsiness. Unfortunately, after almost 2 years of ownership we are wishing we had went for something a little more luxurious (we realized that great fuel economy only counts for so much in the car ownership experience....).

So, we're considering replacing the Prius with either a CPO'd 2010 ES350 or IS250/350 with nav (our budget is about 25k). I've driven at least half a dozen LS430s/460s and love the way they drive, superior fit and finish, and stellar audio quality - they are just too expensive for an '09/''10 with low miles. I've yet to drive either the ES or IS.

I'm looking for what you all think is the best overall lexus between the ES and the IS. For those who have experience with both, I'm particularly interested in fit and finish/material quality, audio system quality (with or without Levinson, which I've only seen on ultra luxury equipped ESs and only on 06-08 ISs), and front seat comfort. Also, I'm concerned the cabin on the IS may be too small, though I love it's compact size for cutting through traffic. Thanks in advance for your replies.

islove623

I own a is250 awd great car but alot of them have problems with carbon build up. I'd go with the 350 because there port injected instead of direct injected like the 250 is so it doesn't really have problems with carbon build up. Don't have much to say about the es. I know the IS has a nice sporty feel when it comes to handling. The 250 isn't as powerful as the 350. 250 has around 204 hp and the 350 has around 300 hp. The back seats are a little cramped but the front is great big enough car for me and my girl but also small enough to have some get up and go and be comfortable.

sarcoptic

If you like the LS then I am going to say you will swing towards the ES. The size difference (cabin area) is pretty great between an ES and IS.

Farazmad

The ES is probably the best choice if you want a quiet, smooth ride like the LS

IS is more for the sporty feel and it has better handles. Handles aren't the greatest ES

Don't pay over $25,000 for a 2010 ES (recently bought ES)

igzy

I had an IS300 and now am in ES350. They are very different in terms of drive and overall feel - they targeted very different demographics with each. I would suggest driving both for some time and seeing that way which suits you better. Both are good choices IMO

MRK13

Thanks for the replies so far. I know that the ES and IS are really just two different flavors of the entry level lexus sedan experience (both have comparable price points), but have any of you noticed one might have an edge over the other in materials/features/quality? I'm wondering if the ES's camry roots showed through in a loss of features (i.e. it only has 2 positions of driver seat memory while the IS has 3 for both driver and front passenger). Also, any thoughts on the audio quality of both vehicles with the Nav package?

garsarno

Suffice to say I miss my Mark Levinson system from my previous 2007 over the standard one on my 2011.

AZGirl

I agree with igzy. I just bought a 2010 cpo ES350 after driving an LS400 for 13 years. While it is not an LS (nothing is), it fit the bill as far as size and options. It handles fairly well, and the ride is far superior to the IS250. But I had to test drive both of them to be sure. It was a nice compromise between the bigger LS430 I was considering and the tiny IS. I am enjoying discovering all the features this car has. A lot has changed since 1999, the year of my LS!

I don't feel like the ES is a glorified Camry, which I confess was my original thought--until I drove a new Camry. There is a world of difference in them. My 2010 ES is far quieter than a top-of-the-line 2014 Camry with much more refined fit and finish. From what I could tell in my test drives, the nav and audio systems were comparable in the IS and ES, but of course that depends if you get the upgraded sound system. In the CPOs you have less choice than buying new...

MRK13

Based on the discussion, I'm leaning towards the ES. Is it worth seeking out an ultra luxury model for the upgraded leather and Levinson, or are these extras not worth the money and difficulty to find? I'm not crazy about the 2 tone black/brown seats in the ultra either.....

LexBob2

Whether the upgraded two tone leather or ML are worth it, is strictly up to you. You'll be paying for them and living with them. Yes a UL you like could be fairly difficult to find vs. a non-UL.

fatbeaver1

My wife has the ES and loves it. I have driven the IS250 and would exclude it due the smaller engine. The IS350 has the same engine as the ES but is much tighter for back seat occupants than the ES. We have teenagers so this excludes the IS350 backseats. If you love the LS you will almost love the ES. I have driven them all. While I agree nothing compares to the LS the ES is pretty close, especially loaded up. If you have an ear for music or just like the best get the Mark Levinson. My wife loves the back up camera that pops up on the Nav screen when she is backing up, so even if you don't get the Mark Levinson be sure to get the Nav. YMMV

LexBob2

The 3.5 V6 in the ES and IS are similar but the IS has direct injection and the ES doesn't. The IS 350 has 306 hp vs. 268-272 hp in the ES. Both are great engines

igzy

I second all that IS350 has 2GR-FSE vs ES350 with 2GR-FE...

fatbeaver1

sorry, ES350 and IS350 has same displacement. IS has more horse power but really ES has very good acceration.

LexBob2

I agree. Even in its 8th model year the engine and trans is competitve in performance and fuel economy.