JZA80

Guys,

My wife is looking for another car. Thinking about the new IS250 or the pre-owned IS300.

I've driven the Gen1 IS. It is a very good car with a Supra NA engine. Very impressive and reliable. How do you guys feel about the Gen2 (IS250) compare to Gen1(IS300)?

BTW, does the IS250 has the 60/40 splits rear seats? Do you guys know if the facelift on the IS250 is coming sometime soon?

iKenn

iTrader: (1)

no the rear seats do not fold down and the facelift is already out, be out on the lookout for it at your local dealer.

and i cant compare the 1gen with the 2gen because i never drove the 1gen before

MY2J

iTrader: (2)

i've owned both and the 2nd gen wins in luxury. the first gen is sportier and handles great but it's a mod monster! you said it yourself... it's a N/A Supra motor and speed is addictive. i say go with the 2nd gen and not to mention, the gas mileage is 100 times better

huddleston

iTrader: (3)

less power obviously. but if its for the wife i pick the IS due to the impressive safety features. i am in the same boat. i drive a 2000 SC and she drives the new IS.

Brian231

I am going to back up this member. I owned a 1gen for 4 years and put 90k on it. Loved the car, but the 2JZGE is a gas hog and the interior is cheap compared to the 2gen. wait for the 09 out now or next week.

rfx45

I'm sorry but that made me laugh, it just doesn't provide much help.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Let's talk about the engines: the IS250 is not as powerful, but it is more gas efficient than the IS300. In fact, the IS300 (at 215 hp) has near the same gas efficiency as the more powerful (306 hp) IS350. Also, the IS250 is heavier than the IS300, which further strains the engine's power.

The IS250 has more modern technology and amenities than the IS300. There are a lot of things that you can find on the 2IS that you won't find on the 1IS, such as heated and ventilated seats, parking sensors, bluetooth, adaptive cruise, etc. Just be aware that such amenities are optional, and add to the cost of the car.

And as far as quality is concerned, the IS300 trumps the IS250 in build quality and material quality. The IS300 is build with firmer plastics and more metals, and has been tested through time and rigor. I actually like the touch of alcantara, but nonetheless, the leather on the IS300 is holding up better than that of the 2IS. Mind you, the interior of the IS300 is not as "luxurious" as the 2IS, but it is built much better.

Also, the IS300 is more highly moddifiable than the IS250. Which brings another concern: most IS300 will have some modification of sorts, so be aware of any changes to the engine and bodywork.

Good luck!

scruffydog

i would have to agree that if you're going for luxury, then IS250 hands down. The features the IS250 offers is very impressive. So unless you're trying to rice out your car, then go with a IS300. Then again, there is the line of F-sport accessories...muhahaa

I personally would go with the IS250 since it's hard to really find a relatively new condition IS300 w/o a lot of miles on it. Of course that all depends how much you're willing to pay.....if you don't wanna spend much, then get a used IS300.

love67

iTrader: (6)

IS250 looks better, and i don't like the feel of the steer wheel.
IS300 inside uglier, but handles is good
if is it for wife, i would pick IS250

mvlbr

Let her test drive both and see which one she likes best.

josephdoc

I like gen1 more than gen2. There are just much more you can play with gen1.

tex2670

Seems to me that an '09 IS 250 vs any IS 300 isn't really comparing apples to apples anyway. At BEST you are talking a 4 year difference in cars. I can see an '05 IS300 vs an '06 IS250.

jns350

iTrader: (7)

If I get into the nuts and bolts of these cars my wife would care less. She like 2gen IS for its looks and Luxury features. "Women like comfort and style". Well...its at least my perspective I only understand her 10% of the time

Brian231

I love it, that says it for the vast majority of men (LOL)!!!

JZA80

Thanks for the input, guys.

Facelift is out already? What are the differences? I usually pay good attention when the facelift comes out. @_@