Car after IS350?
03-09-16, 09:49 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2015
Location: WA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car after IS350?
Well it's time to upgrade from the 07 IS350. I have had it for about a year now, and I like the car. But I just dont really get excited when I get in it. It has a lot of nice features, but nothing that makes me go "wow this car is sweet". I am looking to upgrade. I would love to stay with Lexus, but I dont really know what to get other than an ISF. I have been looking at S4s and STIs. What would you guys recommend after the IS350? Looking to stay under 40k, and something that is fun to drive!
03-10-16, 06:01 AM
#2
You can buy a nice example of a 11+ IS-F for under 40k which will have all the major performance upgrades that the older IS-Fs are missing (Torsen LSD, revised/improved suspension, improved steering feel, etc).
You might also be able to find a used 2014 IS350 F-Sport or 2013 GS350 F-Sport for under 40k which are also fun to drive cars and while they're not as powerful as the IS-F, they do feature all the new tech and are the latest generation of the Lexus design philosophy.
If you're interested in modifying your IS350, there's plenty of existing upgrades available which might change your perspective on what kind of excitement this car can generate.
You might also be able to find a used 2014 IS350 F-Sport or 2013 GS350 F-Sport for under 40k which are also fun to drive cars and while they're not as powerful as the IS-F, they do feature all the new tech and are the latest generation of the Lexus design philosophy.
If you're interested in modifying your IS350, there's plenty of existing upgrades available which might change your perspective on what kind of excitement this car can generate.
Last edited by redspencer; 03-10-16 at 06:05 AM.
03-10-16, 06:18 AM
#3
In addition to what redspencer said, I would look at a BMW M235i. I test drove one and the engine is fanstastic and the car has good handling. I ended up sticking with my 2014 IS350 F-sport, but if I didn't have that car I would've strongly considered buying or leasing the BMW. You can get 2014 or even 2015 models for under 40k.
03-10-16, 01:55 PM
#5
Lexus Champion
Lol he beat me to it ^^^
As for the STi i think that would make a great all rounder car but the interior will definitely leave you wanting more. An ISF is great and all but since you want something different with more electronic gizmos than i would say just get something like a C63 AMG if you want brute power and class.
Or get an M235i if you want just a bit more power than your used to but with a drivinf experience that is much more above and beyond than the experience the IS gives you. Im sure its even better than the 2014 F sport IS350's though i cant say for sure.
If not then just do what RedSpencer said. Upgrade your car with skme nice reputable aftermarket parts and maybe you will no longer want to upgrade
With some f sport sways both front and rear, the USRS bushings from RR Racing, an ISF steering ECU, coilovers, and a Tune (since thats finally possible), i think youll love your car all over again. Thats my goal right now.
As for the STi i think that would make a great all rounder car but the interior will definitely leave you wanting more. An ISF is great and all but since you want something different with more electronic gizmos than i would say just get something like a C63 AMG if you want brute power and class.
Or get an M235i if you want just a bit more power than your used to but with a drivinf experience that is much more above and beyond than the experience the IS gives you. Im sure its even better than the 2014 F sport IS350's though i cant say for sure.
If not then just do what RedSpencer said. Upgrade your car with skme nice reputable aftermarket parts and maybe you will no longer want to upgrade
With some f sport sways both front and rear, the USRS bushings from RR Racing, an ISF steering ECU, coilovers, and a Tune (since thats finally possible), i think youll love your car all over again. Thats my goal right now.
03-10-16, 02:43 PM
#7
Super Moderator
I know it's less prestigious and less luxurious than your Lexus, but the Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ (with a manual transmission) would be on my short list if I were looking for a sweet looking car that is fun to drive.
Trending Topics
03-10-16, 04:29 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
BMW's are nice but ive been warned over and over about owning them outside of warranty.
You can go subaru but when I sat in the later models, I hated the interior coming from a lexus (mostly the dash). the lexus interior is not the greatest thing since sliced bread but i hated how dumbed down the dash was in comparison
You surprisingly (which ive been considering) starting with an older AMG ride it out for a year or so and test waters to see if a newer one is comparable. In my area, there are tons of 2003-2008 C55 AMG's V8's that can be had for about 10k. Most under or around 100k miles.
You can go subaru but when I sat in the later models, I hated the interior coming from a lexus (mostly the dash). the lexus interior is not the greatest thing since sliced bread but i hated how dumbed down the dash was in comparison
You surprisingly (which ive been considering) starting with an older AMG ride it out for a year or so and test waters to see if a newer one is comparable. In my area, there are tons of 2003-2008 C55 AMG's V8's that can be had for about 10k. Most under or around 100k miles.
03-10-16, 05:00 PM
#11
I was in the exact situation of the OP a year ago, was driving a 2011 IS350 and wanted something more "special". The ISF wasn't considered at the time because I figured it was too similar to my IS350, with just +110hp more. Keep in mind my IS350 was modified with the full F-Sport catalog parts, besides the BBK so it drove much more sporty than stock.
I wanted a DCT E90 M3, test drove them half a dozen times but couldn't quite fall in love with them. On the whim, I test drove an ISF for fun and I was blown away. Sure the interior dash was similar but getting behind the thick F steering wheel, giant center mounted gauge cluster, carbon fiber interior and heavily bolstered seats then peering out over that huge power dome hood, it just felt extra special. The suspension, steering feel, brakes and power were on a whole other level. The sound and roar of that glorious V8 after 3k rpms, then the transmission would crack off shifts lightning fast and reacts to the paddles like a dual clutch transmission. It drives and feels like a completely different animal.
OP, I suggest you test drive an ISF, preferably a 2011+ with all the upgrades.
If you think it will be too similar to your IS350, trust me..you will be in for a big surprise like I was.
03-10-16, 05:23 PM
#12
Lexus Champion
With the OP's budget of under 40k, he would most likely be shopping pre-2012 C63 AMG's, and I wouldn't quite say they have more electronic gizmos. In fact, I think the pre-2012 C63 AMG's interior was pretty horrid looking.
I was in the exact situation of the OP a year ago, was driving a 2011 IS350 and wanted something more "special". The ISF wasn't considered at the time because I figured it was too similar to my IS350, with just +110hp more. Keep in mind my IS350 was modified with the full F-Sport catalog parts, besides the BBK so it drove much more sporty than stock.
I wanted a DCT E90 M3, test drove them half a dozen times but couldn't quite fall in love with them. On the whim, I test drove an ISF for fun and I was blown away. Sure the interior dash was similar but getting behind the thick F steering wheel, giant center mounted gauge cluster, carbon fiber interior and heavily bolstered seats then peering out over that huge power dome hood, it just felt extra special. The suspension, steering feel, brakes and power were on a whole other level. The sound and roar of that glorious V8 after 3k rpms, then the transmission would crack off shifts lightning fast and reacts to the paddles like a dual clutch transmission. It drives and feels like a completely different animal.
OP, I suggest you test drive an ISF, preferably a 2011+ with all the upgrades.
If you think it will be too similar to your IS350, trust me..you will be in for a big surprise like I was.
I was in the exact situation of the OP a year ago, was driving a 2011 IS350 and wanted something more "special". The ISF wasn't considered at the time because I figured it was too similar to my IS350, with just +110hp more. Keep in mind my IS350 was modified with the full F-Sport catalog parts, besides the BBK so it drove much more sporty than stock.
I wanted a DCT E90 M3, test drove them half a dozen times but couldn't quite fall in love with them. On the whim, I test drove an ISF for fun and I was blown away. Sure the interior dash was similar but getting behind the thick F steering wheel, giant center mounted gauge cluster, carbon fiber interior and heavily bolstered seats then peering out over that huge power dome hood, it just felt extra special. The suspension, steering feel, brakes and power were on a whole other level. The sound and roar of that glorious V8 after 3k rpms, then the transmission would crack off shifts lightning fast and reacts to the paddles like a dual clutch transmission. It drives and feels like a completely different animal.
OP, I suggest you test drive an ISF, preferably a 2011+ with all the upgrades.
If you think it will be too similar to your IS350, trust me..you will be in for a big surprise like I was.
In regards to the M235i I was unaware of the OP's budget and i would only ever recommend a BMW with a warranty. After that? Forger about it lol.
Also why did you have to go and describe the ISF so well? Now I wanna trade my car again for one lol.
