trstnhn

I really want a 2IS. Planning on trading in my car for it soon.

I have a few questions. New models get better as they mature so I'm trying to avoid the earlier models. However, around what year point does 2IS almost stop growing?

What year would be the best bang for the buck?

And would you recommend IS F over the normal 250?

Icy350

iTrader: (18)

To start off,

and ISF is the v8 400+ hp sedan.
The is250 is a v6 204 hp sedan.

They are in two different classes and would definitely get an ISF if you had the money.

I believe you meant the F sport Models.

It honestly depends on preference, the F sport models Come with some additional F sport items which is the Performance line offered by Lexus. Its dependent if you like the F sport mods.

The 06-08 are the same, with the exception of a few packages. Plus 08 i believe has more rear seat room.
09-10 gets a face lift and new rear tail lights.
The 11 gets the New LED head light strip ( this year has bubbling issues)
The 2012-2013 gets a brighter whiter LED strip without bubbling

The 250 is known for carbon build up issues while the 350 is not.

If you are looking at the 250 for AWD, Lexus offers AWD for 350 models 2010+
If you are looking for a stick, then sadly you will only have the option of a 250.

However if you don't mind an automatic, The 350 would be recommended as it has everything the 250 has (Except the stick) with 100 more HP.}

Hope this info helps.

I have an 06 and I have no problems with it at all. 10 years and still running like the day I got it.

Bichon

I'd highly recommend reading our 2IS buyers guide, which is one of the many useful posts in the FAQ sticky at the top of this forum. For your convenience, I'll link the buyers guide here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...is-models.html

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Start by looking for a IS350 to test drive, perhaps at CarMax or some dealership lot. If that suits you, then start looking in your surrounding area via the web. You can easy save a grand by shopping around. Good thing about the IS350 is that there really isn't a bad production year; the motor has proven to be very reliable and the quality components throughout the car have held up great in my 9/05 production year '06 model IS350. If you "down-grade" to the less powerful IS250, this model with its particular motor configuration tends to be a bit more picky with carbon build-up problems and their such things. If you can afford an IS-F AND the insurance, go for a 2010+ model year that came factory with a Torsen LSD. To me, the IS350 is a great middle-ground.

Have fun shopping!

NoahS

Sorry to piggyback off your thread, but I have a few questions of my own. I plan on going to look at an 06 IS350 with 116k miles. It has a few open recalls.
Fuel Pressure Sensor Leak
VVT Actuator Gear
Wiper Arm Nut
Internal Trunk Handle
These don't seem like big issues, and if i bought it i would get them fixed ASAP.
The NAV has the issue where the screen is frozen, i'm confident i can fix it wit the DIY guide.
My biggest question is about the warranty enhancement for the dash and door panels. As the possibly 3rd owner, would i be eligible for getting it replaced?

MWIS350

You can get stick crack dash replace even if you're 3rd owner. Just call lexus dealer to bring your car in for inspections.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Being the third owner of my IS350 and having received the letters in the mail for the dash/door panel recall, I can confirm this is totally legit.

Tapangb

If it's in your budget, definitely get the ISF. If not, try to get an IS 350. Everyone I know with an IS 250 wished they had gotten the IS 350.

MWIS350

I got IS350 wish I would've got IS F instead. Wife drive IS250 it was a nice car and smooth but trade it in for ES350.

darkdream

Get the ISF. I wish I waited a little longer to get the ISF (it came out the a few month after I purchased my IS350).

MWIS350

I do like my IS350 but love the IS F and you don't see many of them around. Everywhere I go theres IS250.

cruzinZ

Do some research on the links posted above. Check out the price differences on insurance in your area (call around and get quotes). Also look at what others are spending on maintenance and compare their driving styles to yours. If you drive aggressively and do canyon runs/trackdays don't compare your mileage to some granny who runs to the grocery store every other week.

These cars will be extreamly reliable but if you are coming from a Honda Civic with 15" wheels you're going to be in for a sticker shock on wear items like tires.