Getting a Lexus IS350, first car (maybe second)
04-16-15, 02:01 PM
#16
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this is the second 06 is350 that I had actually, the previous one was the same year 06 is350 with all the options I could think of. Got it for $15k5 about 2 and haft years ago with 89k miles. Drove it until 135k miles with no problems and got hit from the rear and side while I was sitting at a red light. Then I was actually looking for an 335i coupe, but this one pop up after months of searching on internet. Came test drove it and couldn't let it go..haha
after all that time, I sat in the back for like twice and never longer than 15 minutes. I'm only 5'9 so it fit me pretty well.
after all that time, I sat in the back for like twice and never longer than 15 minutes. I'm only 5'9 so it fit me pretty well.
04-16-15, 08:21 PM
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Power, 335i does pull harder than is350. Those twin turbos are the beast. Especially you can easily add about 60-70 whp with just an ECU tune for around $300-400. (I only test drove stock 335s)
Handling, stock vs stock, 335 feels a lot more solid, cornering is way better (all the 335s that I test drove have sport package tho). My is350 with sway bars is very close to stock 335 handling imo.
335i seems has a lot more problems tho. Fuel pump, turbo waste gate, water pump, etc. I researched about that car for quite some time back then. Found a list of it's problems, and that list is so damn long...like 30+ #. That's one of the reason why I went with Is350
04-16-15, 08:30 PM
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I did try 5 different ones. All coupes, 07-09. Exterior, they are totally different style, so I won't say anything about this. Interior, I prefer Lexus interior a lot more than 335, but I do like 335's seats tho. Those buckets seats are great.
Power, 335i does pull harder than is350. Those twin turbos are the beast. Especially you can easily add about 60-70 whp with just an ECU tune for around $300-400. (I only test drove stock 335s)
Handling, stock vs stock, 335 feels a lot more solid, cornering is way better (all the 335s that I test drove have sport package tho). My is350 with sway bars is very close to stock 335 handling imo.
335i seems has a lot more problems tho. Fuel pump, turbo waste gate, water pump, etc. I researched about that car for quite some time back then. Found a list of it's problems, and that list is so damn long...like 30+ #. That's one of the reason why I went with Is350
Power, 335i does pull harder than is350. Those twin turbos are the beast. Especially you can easily add about 60-70 whp with just an ECU tune for around $300-400. (I only test drove stock 335s)
Handling, stock vs stock, 335 feels a lot more solid, cornering is way better (all the 335s that I test drove have sport package tho). My is350 with sway bars is very close to stock 335 handling imo.
335i seems has a lot more problems tho. Fuel pump, turbo waste gate, water pump, etc. I researched about that car for quite some time back then. Found a list of it's problems, and that list is so damn long...like 30+ #. That's one of the reason why I went with Is350
04-16-15, 10:04 PM
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04-18-15, 12:04 PM
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The rear sway bar is easy to change. I never went under a car before and I was able to change it. The front sway bar is very difficult to change unless you can lift up the car high to have space to work on it. I wasn't able to do it. The rear sway bar makes the most difference in handling (maybe 40%, you can easily tell) and the front makes around 5% difference.
04-18-15, 12:06 PM
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The rear sway bar is easy to change. I never went under a car before and I was able to change it. The front sway bar is very difficult to change unless you can lift up the car high to have space to work on it. I wasn't able to do it. The rear sway bar makes the most difference in handling (maybe 40%, you can easily tell) and the front makes around 5% difference.
04-18-15, 12:14 PM
#24
Well, I ended up going to a shop to get it changed -- not worth it for what the dealer labor charge, but reasonable from an independent shop. If you want every bit of handling improvement, I would say get both. I got the Lexus FSport sway bar set for around $400. If you get only the rear, it's about $150 I think.
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