tff

I'm new to Lexus. Looking for an all-around great car, and the Lexus IS seems to check all of my boxes (small but not too small, ride/handling balance, fast-enough, quiet, reliable...). I'm looking for a used, certified most likely 2014 model. (I'm coming from an Audi S4 V8... so tons of power, nice engine/exhaust sound, poor ride IMHO...). A few questions to the forum...


-I've zero'ed in on the non-F sport model. Just found the seats on the F-sport to be too confining. The non-F-sport's seats I found to be very comfortable. I also like the straight-forward instrument cluster of the base model better.


-I know the difference between the 250 and 350 engines. Have driven both, have read multiple reviews that tend to pan the 250. But the 250's are ~$5k cheaper. I know I'm used to my S4's power, but I'm honestly not looking for HP or speed soley. For those that have bought the 250, any regrets?


-I can find a few bargains without Navigation. Have read mixed reviews on the navigation. Is the navigation 'good enough'? Do voice commands work well...?


Thanks!

nathantse

The 2014 Nav system is slow and unrefined imo.

Regarding 250 vs 350, I would go with the 350, just because they are both V6, but the 250's V6 is just baaad. The MPG is not that much of a difference.

Plus, the 250 had been discontinued, and if you must go with the smaller engine. I would say go try and get a good deal on a is200t. Since the new 2017 is coming out in a couple months. Dealerships are pushing the 2016 models out with great deals. (You can probably get a is200t loaded for about 40-42k OTD)

If you must stick with used, I'll say try and get a 2015 is350, the nav system will be much better. 2015 vs 2016 not much of a difference.

tff

Thanks for that insight. I did not realize that the Nav system changed between 2014 & 2015.

link13

The voice command function on the 2014 IS sucks. It is my only major complaint about the car. I was out and about on Thanksgiving and trying to find a particular address to meet a relative there. It was a street called Glassell in Orange, but the nav kept reading back addresses in Montana and Hawaii. I finally gave up.

I think you will regret it if you get the 250. It is anemic and you really have to flog it to get it to move. I am turning mine in when the lease ends in a month because I want more power. I am getting a 350. The 250 feels ok off the line, but then the power goes away. I would keep looking for the right car and price, but a 350 is the way to go IMO.

EZZ

The 2.5L V6 also had issues with carbon buildup. The 3.5L V6 is bulletproof and didn't have the issues with the 2.5L due to it having both direct and port injection.

nathantse

I also agree with the functionality of the voice command on the older models. I work for Lexus as a Technology Specialist, and customers come in with many problems with connectivity and voice recognition of the older models.

The 2015+ model's voice recognition system is way better. You can enter an address using voice in one go. However, with the 2014 or older, you have to say each individual segment of the address as if you had to manually type it in. Ex. street number, than street name, then city, and etc.

anthonys2r

iTrader: (1)

"I should've gotten the IS250, instead of the IS350" - said no one ever

MatrixPC

Toyota navigation system suck big time.

JDR76

The '14 does have the "one shot" address entry. You don't have to go line by line.

doodlebug

This is true. My navigation always understands my spoken address with no issues.

nathantse

Oops my bad, I must be thinking about the 13s

tff

OK. So is the '14 and '15 Navigation the same? Thanks.

nathantse

The interface is the same. But it will be more sluggish in terms of speed and performance.

Digmymojo

Since someone mentioned '13 v '14, is there a thread that outlines all the differences between 2IS and 3IS, and the issues that came and went, please?