lexus0203

Title says it all. I'm xposting this to both 1st gen and 2nd gen subforums. I hope I'm not breaking rules by doing that.

I am stuck between a 2004 Lexus IS 300 w/ Stick! and a 2006 Lexus IS 250 w/ Stick!
Sources differ whether they have the same 0-60 with the manual configuration or if the IS 300 is slower at 7.4 vs. the IS 250's 7.1 but one thing is universal. Everyone laments the IS 250 as feeling slow and there's nothing in the way of cheap performance upgrades that yield an improvement.

So here I am. I want a fun car to drive but the IS 250's niceties really tempt me, especially since the IS 250 is fully loaded. The IS 300 on the other hand swings in the opposite direction with some really choice mods. Front and rear sway bars, struts, short throw shifter, springs (but barely noticeable. I really hate slammed cars), exhaust and a subwoofer. Basically, how I'd modify my car. Automatic is not an option. I'm pretty hell bent on the manual versions of these cars and already am seeing the cars tomorrow.

Please tell me what I should be weighing, considering and thinking about here!

Thanks clublexus this is my first time being on this forum but not my first Lexus! I've driven my dad's old 2003 Lexus ES300 for the last 3 years. That's going to my sister now. The fam will have 2 Lexuses if all goes well!

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Welcome to CL. The IS300 is pretty bullet proof with it's inline 6. Robust but it does drink fuel. The IS250 being a 2006 is the first model year of the second generation so it tends to have a few more gremlins. That said L-Finesse design is classy and a great host of technology and luxury features can be had. Both are nice cars. Best thing to do is drive both and see which suits you better.

lexus0203

Thanks for the reply. Those are pretty important things to consider. My real question is how they compare in driving dynamics. The IS 250 is a bit far from me and I just wanted to know from people who've owned one how it drives.

lexus0203

please anyone with a manual 2IS, please please chime in!

Nguyen250

I have an 08 is250 manual. I like it a lot, it's fun shifting through all 6 gears around town. Expecially with the HKS hi power exhaust that complements it well. Solid car but very slow with the 2.5L v6. Only thing I dislike about it, but I have a 2nd car that has power so it works out for me and the lexus is a slammed daily 😎

Zynthe

iTrader: (5)

Owned both and I have to say I like to IS300 alot better. Better throttle response, the body is nicer imo, and has tons of after market support.

Plus it has a 2JZ which makes it a no brainer.

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

I've never driven an is250. However, compared to my is350, I thought the manual is300 was a lot of fun to drive stock for stock. It's just a smaller and lighter car. However, with Fsport sway bars installed, the 2is is an entirely different car.

When I was looking for a 2is, my original idea was the same as yours... I wanted a 6 speed manual, so is250 was the only option...until I drove an 08 isf and an 07 350. The sheer power of both cars made me forget all about the 250 and a manual transmission. The car is sloooow and from what I read on this forum, the manual tranny is a bit sloppy. I ended up with an 10 is350 in the color and package that I wanted. I loved it completely stock and love even more now with upgraded aftermarket suspension components and nicer tires. I've never regretted my decision.

lexus0203

I'm looking at a 120k 2004 Lexus. I think it looks really sweet. If all goes well, I'll post pictures up.

Thanks CL! The 2nd gen is a super nice ride but I really went into looking at getting a new car so it might be fun to drive.

MWIS350

I would pick IS300, IS350 or IS F instead.

kumquatism

iTrader: (10)

IS250 manual owner here. The IS300 manual was my dream car and was actually the car I was set out to buy when I stumbled upon a stick IS250. Bought the IS250 on a whim. It's a good daily, served me well over the years.

IMO, if the older car doesn't bother you much, I would go with the IS300. I haven't driven the manual, but the auto has a nice power curve and to me feels much more nimble and quick compared to the slow and sluggish IS250. I didn't know the 0-60 for the IS300 was slower than the IS250, but it definitely feels far quicker than my car. The IS250 manual is a good car, but the lack of power and the less then stellar transmission makes it not as fun to whip around.

lexus0203

Actually I think I might've quoted the wrong number. Some people quote 0-60 6.9-7.1 sec for the IS 300 Manual which is basically the same as the IS 250 but I think its the sensation of torque and your butt being located lower in the IS 300 that makes it seem quicker. I ended up getting the IS 300 because the IS 250 was farther and the IS 300 was well taken care of and had some tasteful mods. I'll be posting pics up soon!

But I was really tempted by the IS 250 just cuz the one I was looking at was fully loaded with GPS and everything. Man I wish I had integrated Bluetooth streaming and your key fob tho.

svelt

I went from a modded IS300 manual, which I owned for more than 8 years, to an IS250C automatic and don't look back at all. But then my age starts with a 3 whereas my IS300 days was when I was still invited to cool parties and I was still consistently awake past midnight, so I'd say life stage and priorities play a big part in that.

The 250 is slow in a straight line, but it is a way nicer car in almost every detail. A manual IS250 is definitely something of a novelty, and I've heard it's a decent piece of kit once you throw in the F Sport short shifter and F Sport clutch. I'd go with the 250 and work from there as you'll join a newer, more modern era of Lexus design that still has plenty of staying power and relevance for years to come (they're still selling the convertible which is basically based off that '06 design). The IS300 is a very old car in so many ways, you'll be jumping back a decade.

Plus limitations are good when modding, it's hard to decide what you want when you're presented with too many options An IS250 MT with the clutch and short shifter, sway bars, springs/shocks or coils and some engine bolt-ons like an intake and exhaust is going to still be a great ride with a fit and finish that is a couple of leagues nicer than the IS300. The only reason I'd go with the IS300 is if you are extremely serious about performance beyond bolt-ons and would be taking it to the track on a regular basis, which is where its engine will shine. As a daily driver I think the choice is obvious...

UniSlayEX

I have driven both (standard) and owned both (automatic) and can say without equivocation that between the two, the first generation was the best.

juvi22003

iTrader: (2)

I had the 2nd but i'm sure the 1st gen with inline 6 was much better, never driven the 1st gen as for the 2nd gen i can very slow but fun at times especially when i had my greddy and hks exhaust

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

Stock for stock, IS300 for sure, but once you do a few simple things to the IS250, I would prefer it for sure, and that's what I've done. Also, I wasn't as interested in having a car that old at the time, but if we're talking about an '04 vs. an '06 that's not as big a deal.

It comes down to what you want from the car. Driving dynamics out of the box, I think the IS300 is the way to go, but obviously it is a much older design and does not have some of the nicer features the IS250 has. If you're looking to modify the car in any serious way and don't need the niceties of the 2IS, the IS300 is the way to go for sure.

What are you looking to do with the car?

Jeff