DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Members,

We've merged together a regularly recurring topic - the selection of either the IS250 or IS350, or "which is better - IS250 vs IS350" in this post.

There are several obvious differences between the models that might cause our members to select one vs the other. An additional ~100hp, bigger brakes, slightly different suspension, available AWD or manual transmission, etc.

The reasons why each member selects their ride are personal decisions and should be respected. Some examples you'll see mentioned include

• I want performance or don't need the extra performance
• I like the car for the quality and luxury, this isn't a race car
• I need the AWD (live where there is a lot of snow & ice)
• I like having a stickshift car (better control or just more fun)
• I commute daily and the better MPG matters to me
• The extra price was worth it (or wasn't worth it)
• The insurance cost was so different it wasn't worth it (or was worth it)
• etc etc etc

Given that the decision is a very personal choice, I'll preface this merged post with two thoughts.

1) Share your perspective maturely but consider that the decision to buy an IS250 or IS350 is a very personal choice and your decision criteria is not the same as everyone else. In merging this thread there are several members that look like INCONSIDERATE ELITISTS and worse. I'd ask you to step back and consider how you come across before you push the reply button.

2) Our forum rules on insults and personal attacks are going to be strictly enforced. If you attack another member you will receive a forum infraction and potential suspension from Club Lexus.

racinghart

personally... i couldnt afford the extra coin at the time of purchase... yes i wish i had gotten the is350 but the extra 5 grand... well... it wasnt there to put down. = / im extremely happy with my car though and i hope to see the 5k i have saved put towards remodeling bathroom and kitchen in the near future

so... what was your reasoning behind your decision?

khuezee

Fuel economy (im getting 34 mpg on highway, 25 on city), price, interior & exterior exactly the same, and i drive like a grandma. the bigger engine would have no use to me.

PNice972

iTrader: (6)

the price was right and i didn't need the extra power. of course its nice to have it there but im not the aggressive driver i once was.

racinghart

lol.. my friends all say that about me too... you drive slow! heh

carvelo

Price, noise, and my current driving style all played a role in my decision. I was coming from a 350 horsepower Camaro Z/28 and realized that I was tired of the noise and didn't ever really use the power I had. $5K just wasn't worth it for the few times I'd use the power AND when I fired up the IS 350, the engine made more noise than the 250. After 2 days, I'm happy with my decision, but we'll see how I feel about it months from now.

IS_Mine

Thats interesting Carvelo..

What noise do you mean? Like the injectors?

OutlawsX

The noise is about the same.. I don't hear much noise coming from the IS350.

I am surprised that some of the people did say they didn't have enough funds to justify the extra cost... most people gloat about how rich they are, or how prideful that they are wealthy but chose to use the money elsewhere.

IronPhoenX

I wanted the AWD, since I live in New England. It should be better than the 350 in the snow without having to waste time changing tires. Nothing to do with hp or money... It was the same cost as a 350.

wakaru8

iTrader: (1)

I aimed for a 250 once before settling down with a 350 after all. My intial reasoning was cost and available manual trans. It didn't work at as I wasn't able to get the exact car I wanted (went through spcl order). Got a deal on a 350 and just stepped up instead. Quite happy now and glad I went for more power. It suits the car very well. Makes me think how underpowered the 250 was.

ABC

I wasn't shopping for performance and did not want to spend $40k on a new car. The 250 in my eyes was a better choice for my needs. The interior is beautiful, it gets great gas mileage, it shoudl be ultra reliable and it was comfortable. For $33k OTD, I couldn't beat it. I'm also single with no kids, so i didn't need a large car.

I also stepped up from a 98 altima with 170k on her... so the 250 was a big enough jump as it was for me, lol.

carvelo

Not sure what it was, but it wasn't a pleasant sound. It happened right when the car started up, but died down a little over time. Coming from my old car, I wasn't as impressed with the accelaration as the handling. Both cars have that, so I went with the 250. Oh yeah, forgot to mention that my original budget was $30K, so I'd already stepped up enough

Note: I've also noticed some modest ticking every once in a while in the 250, but it doesn't bother me in the car.

LexusNut13

You need to add an option to the Poll, I wanted an AWD.

LexusNut13

You can also add, I wanted a manual transmition.

BounceNY

iTrader: (9)

was shopping for AWD only...Lake effect weather sucks!