plutonium

I have a 2007 S2000. I'm developing a love/hate relationship with the car. It's great during the summer and the handling/steering/responsiveness is comparable to much more expensive cars but the reality of owning a car means commuting, poor weather (I live in Oregon) traffic, etc. I had the chance to drive both the 250 and the 350 and came away with a mixed, though mostly positive reaction. While I liked almost every aspect of the car, especially the smooth, effortless acceleration (is350) and the beautiful interior details, I was less then impressed with the flat seats, over-boosted steering and soft handing. But those were my only real complaints. Has anyone else left an S2000 for an IS and been happy with the move?

ChrISF

any move from a car other than Lexus to a Lexus make people very happy

stooky

iTrader: (2)

haha as you could probably tell from my sn, i just moved from a 2003 s2000 to a 2006 is350. Its really just a trade off, you cant get best of both worlds ): i loved the handling on the S but hated the lack of torque. Love the torque and comfort in the IS but the drive is just way too smooth to be "fun". None the less its a good switch from the racey two door if thats what you're looking for (:

plutonium

How does your overall gas mileage compare between cars? Those of who will laugh and say, "dude, you're comparing 2.0/2.2 liters to 3.5, of course the S2000 is more efficient" might be surprised to find that the S can swill gas with best of 'em."

stooky

iTrader: (2)

well i dont pay too much attention to the gas mileage much all i know is that i fill up once a week just as i did with the S. but i guess if you consider the fact that the S has a smaller tank than the IS i guess the S has better gas mileage (: but hey gas prices are really dropping lately, i filled up just the other day 15 gal for like 35 bucks i was ****ting my pants. Guess its cuz i never really drove before when the gas prices was lower c(:

tfelsky

I had a 2000 S2000 and then a 2006 STI, and now I'm in the IS250 6spd. I miss the power of the subaru and the handling of the Honda, but the Lexus is the best all around compromise

aQuarius26

iTrader: (2)

Im coming from an '02 MR-S and do not expect to be "impressed" with the handling or gas mileage of the IS350 when it arrives next week. However, I didnt buy the IS for the above mentioned aspects, and Im still keeping my 2 door convertible, so If I ever miss those aspects, I can easily park the lex and have some fun

Good luck whatever you do!

-Kyle

jchong

I Just sold my 05 S2k and purchased a 08 is350. I miss the fun to drive factor of the S but its also nice to be able to have a conversation on the highway with the passenger and not have to yell lol...I find the gas mileage to be about the same surprisingly. Now that its getting cold I also like the seat heaters in the is350

irfan

didnt have an s2000 .. but i had a mazda rx8 for 4 years and feel it rides similarly to the S2000. Im very happy with the tradeoff. of course im 27 now and was 23 when I got the RX8 so maybe I just dont care for extreme handling quite as much. For commuting and daily driving, the IS350 should be excellent. for the 3% of the time i still go carving country roads i'll regret it, but its worth it 97% of the time. but damn the RX8 6spd was fun in the twisties.

and its 306hp and 25mpg on the freeway... vs 232hp and 19mpg highway in the RX8.

stooky

iTrader: (2)

im sorry but the RX8 is no where close to the S2 ):

TexxIS

iTrader: (3)

i was thinkin the same thing!
i had a 2000 S a few years ago but since then had the Evo 8 and the SC300.. it is a world of difference between the vehicles and the drive, I moved to Cali and now I've got traffic, I'm so glad i picked up my lexus!

Zeus69

iTrader: (1)

I had an '04 S2000 for a year and a half, then sold it. Fell in love with it on the showroom of the local Honda dealer and made an impulse buy the day before Xmas that year . It's an excellent piece of engineering and there were days where driving it around town put a great big smile on my face . But the winters here in the midwest can be long/ugly, so it ended up spending too much time in the 3rd bay to justify the cost.

As you can see by my sig, I turn-over cars pretty regularly and usually trade in early on my leases. I am in absolutely no rush to be done with my time in the IS. This has been my overall favorite car so far and has the best blend of sport/luxury in its class, IMO. Definitely get the 350 if you move to the IS. You might miss the manual stick that the 250 offers, but no gearbox compares to the S2000 so may as well enjoy the kick-in-the-butt torque curve of the big brother .

irfan

hey think what you want, i had the RX8 for 4 years and drove the S2000 a lot as well, they handled very similarly to me. the 8 is heavier of course, but the S2000 felt closer to it than say a miata.

Keppie

I also had a love/hate relationship with my 04 S2000 with hardtop. The car was wonderful, fun, reliable and a blast to drive. I just found myself needing a more practical car but I wanted something that had spirit. I ordered a 350 with x pack and have been happy so far. I have only had it for a week but it has been enjoyable.

I think you may have regrets if you get a 250 or an IS with the standard suspension. Go for a 350 with sport or X package. The power is impressive and the upgraded suspension will keep you connected to the road. Initial turn in is nowhere near the S2000 but you will quickly adjust.

You will be fine.

jimprice

I had a 2001 s2000 - really loved the car but a leg condition forced me away from stick shifts. I now have a 2006 IS 250 and will say i am quite fond of it. In fact, I like the Lexus so much I do not miss the s2000. Gas milage is quite similar. IS produces a great deal less noise and can be used any time anywhere. A great car.