IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Would you get a 2IS again or go for 3IS?

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Old 07-05-16, 01:19 AM
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trstnhn
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Default Would you get a 2IS again or go for 3IS?

I'm in the market for an IS350. A used 2IS350 with low miles popped up near me and I am interested in picking it up but comparing it to the new 3IS350, it is only about 5k cheaper. Is this cheap enough for you to pick up an older generation of IS350 or would you rather just go for the newer generation?

Also, I'm not interested in racing or going really fast. I will be using it as my daily driver and doing everything with it such as going out, going to work, etc. Do I need the 350? How much slower and dull is the 250 compared to 350?
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Old 07-05-16, 05:58 AM
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Icy350
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The difference is honestly night and day between the 250 and 350, but only test driving will let you know for sure. Im not a race car driver but I can vouch that the 100 extra horses definitely help when merging on the freeway or if you just want to do a little spirited driving. My motto has always been better to have it and need it, then need it and not have it.

the 2 is and 3is is all preference. I PERSONALLY think the exterior or the 2is is better than the 3is, HOWEVER I am in LOVE with the 3is Interior. It completely destroys the 2is. AND it has TWO Cup holders, as trivial as this seems, the 1 cup holder in the 2is is just mind boggling.

That being said, it really comes down to preference. I would rather go with newer because it'll more than likely be under warranty and who doesn't like that? The interior to me is a very big selling point, because that's the part of the car that we the driver actually experiences and enjoys. Good luck and keep us updated.
Old 07-05-16, 08:02 AM
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dbalkaran
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I'm a big fan of the 3rd generation and after driving one I can say from experience that the drive and build quality is significantly improved. It's actually a bit more firm and sporty than the previous generation which I felt was more luxury oriented. The 3rd generation also has some key tech features that I would personally want like music streaming via Bluetooth and USB ports. For a daily driver I think you'd be happy with the 250 or 200t. If you're a more aggressive driver definitely get the bigger engine.

The backseat of the 3rd gen is also a lot more usable and the car is just bigger. The two cupholder thing mentioned above is also nice. Very annoying to not have two cupholders especially when you factor in the limited storage space that the 2nd gen already has. One thing to note...the stereo in the 2nd gens bump for a stock system. I don't know if the stereo in the 3rd gen is all that good, but based off of my experiences with the NX I doubt it can compete. Probably not a deal breaker for most people, but it saved me from not having to put in anything aftermarket.

Last edited by dbalkaran; 07-05-16 at 08:06 AM.
Old 07-05-16, 09:08 AM
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phillip123
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3IS for sure. Bigger and more powerful, simple as that.
Old 07-05-16, 09:43 AM
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idrivean8
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Just to follow up on what Icy said... I'm of the opposite opinion. I think the exterior of the 3IS is nicer and more svelte than the 2IS (not to say that the 2IS isn't pretty) and I'm not a fan of the interior (I think it makes use of more plastic and cheaper looking vinyl materials than the 2IS). That being said, a 3IS just handles better than a 2IS (has a lighter feel for whatever reason) such that, I never knew that the 3IS is bigger than the 2IS. If money is not an option, I would go with the 3IS.

By the way, there are bluetooth accessories that you can get to get around the whole lack of bluetooth audio streaming in a 2IS. I use an Aukey system that cost me $20 and a Mpow grounding cable for $9. I cannot attest to the sound quality of a stock 3IS as my experience with it is limited to short term loaners, but the 2IS does have a very nice sound system, which makes me wonder how much better a Mark Levinson can possibly be.

Yes, you do need a 350. I use my 2is350 for daily driving and long weekend drives (~400 miles each way). You don't always need the additional torque and hp, but it's always nice to have on tap (don't forget your power switch or sport mode!) for going up mountains, passing by corollas, or merging into fast moving intersections. If the options are 2is350 or 3is250, I'd go with the is350 option every time.

Last edited by idrivean8; 07-05-16 at 09:51 AM.
Old 07-05-16, 12:02 PM
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Icy350
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Originally Posted by phillip123
3IS for sure. Bigger and more powerful, simple as that.
The 2 is is actually faster then the 3is
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Old 07-05-16, 12:26 PM
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kickin8
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2IS for me....3IS doesn't have MT
Old 07-05-16, 12:33 PM
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Nespo2330
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2ng gen 1000000x over again


..3rd gen looks atrocious
Old 07-05-16, 12:39 PM
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Aspect
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3IS, the drive modes, styling, interior updates etc... also have you seen the 3IS slammed? Just a beauty
Old 07-05-16, 12:55 PM
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3is lol better overall
Old 07-05-16, 01:01 PM
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MikeyK02
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2is with a 3is front

Those nike swoosh leds loon ridiculous.
Old 07-05-16, 04:10 PM
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laovo
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2IS exterior with 3IS interior is the perfect car
Old 07-05-16, 04:13 PM
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UniSlayEX
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If the price between the 2IS350 and the 3IS350 is negligible, I would go for the 3IS.
Old 07-06-16, 12:43 AM
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MWIS350
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If I could do it again ISF for me. If you want something nice and daily driver then 3IS. I love the interior.

Last edited by MWIS350; 07-11-16 at 04:48 PM.
Old 07-06-16, 01:14 AM
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Well, it's all depend on what you like and want. Not US.
Your concern is just like "egg and chicken which comes first". Some people like it, some are not. the more you reading the more you confused. Follow your taste and tell us what you think about your car and how you like it!!!


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