stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

dropped my car off for service and picked up a white IS200t as loaner (base model). the acceleration is exactly the same as IS250 (driven quite of few of them as loaner as well). i can't tell any performance advantage of the 200t over 250. the only point it stood out was at freeway passing speed, only then i noticed the turbo kicks in and it went from 40mph to 70 rather quick. although the car is still Lexus quiet but you can definitely hear the 4 cylinder whine even at low speed with stereo off. i don't know, but for $40k plus i'd rather spend it on BMW 328i or a slightly used IS350.

davyjordi

i prefer the buttery smooth v6 used in the 250 over the new turbo 4. there's a bit of lag associated with the 200t and it's noisy.

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

it definitely does not feel like having 258 lb-ft of torque with power band of 1650-4400rpm as stated on paper.

MWIS350

For $40k I can get used RC350 or IS-F

tea

Or better yet, a 335/435

MWIS350

BMW High maintenance cost and reliable ???

tea

Lexus cost of routine maintenance isn't cheap either. BMW reliability is hit or miss, I know people that have never had any problems with theirs

MWIS350

Lexus won award for best luxury, and reliable for the past 10 year. I change my own brake, oil and spark plug. Most people I know that own BMW have issue and it's very expensive. That's why most sell before warranty is out.

dnasians

iTrader: (4)

i was also recently put in a IS200T loaner (own a 15' is350f).
the low end power was disappointing, the car felt heavy and sluggish...

i had high hopes for a turbo 4, but sadly, i would not recommend

harkirath

Was in an e90 335i for 3 years before making the move to my IS 350. The week before CPO warranty ended, had an engine misfire and a $2800 repair bill covered under warranty. That day I decided not to keep the BMW out of warranty.

The IS 350 may not have quite the same acceleration but it is no slouch.

MWIS350

Bimmer is faster and sporty, but some have carbon build up like IS250.

davyjordi

the 4GR-FSE was slightly redesigned in 2010 during the IS' second-generation production run to fix said issue, i believe. someone correct me if i'm wrong.

jjsun87

I just purchased an IS200t last Sunday. So far, I'm really enjoying it.

I came from a BMW E90 ('07 335i). I really enjoyed driving that car, but as others have indicated...the looming repair costs scared me away.

- I had already spent $2,500 a couple years back to replace a radiator and oil pan.
- The left adaptive headlight has occasionally had issues. Changing the housing is approx $1,500.
- Battery had not been replaced in 6 years. A new one was likely due...$500.
- The car had been having "weak" starts. Not sure if it was a starter issue or fuel pump...either way, likely would've been upwards of $2k to fix that.
- Additionally, new run flat tires every ~18 months was painful ($350-$400 each).

Ultimately decided to trade the car in (w/ just under 100k miles). Test drove both the IS200t and the IS350. It wasn't a money decision as the IS350 would've only been about $50 more a month. The IS200t simply met my needs and driving style. Agree w/ all the feedback here but I would say it's slightly exaggerated as I don't notice the noise, turbo lag, etc unless I'm really paying attention.

Just my two cents and experience...

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

someone should really investigate those hp and torque numbers of the 200t, i just don't see any difference performance wise from the old 250.

davyjordi

the new 2L turbo is all about meeting cafe and pollutant standards so that marques can continue to offer higher-performance models, e.g., the RCF.