sdiver68

Which would you choose, I have to make my decision Sat morning between these 2 cars:

200T-F

• Color scheme I love is available, USBlue over Grey
• FI Torque (albeit with lag in certain situations)
• Slightly cheaper

350-F

• Atomic Silver over Black
• Adaptive Variable Suspension...looking for feedback here. Will it be soft enough to not be jarring on suburban roads yet firm enough to have fun on a back road or the occasional track day? If this is real good it could be the tie breaker for me.
• Outright power

Anything else I'm not considering?

EZZ

Easy. 350 >>>>>> 200T. Test drive them both and its an easy decision. The Sport+ mode on the 350 changes the steering feel and how the car handles. Such a big difference in how the car feels. Plus, you see about 90% of the IS on the road are 250s and 200T. I RARELY see another 350

MasonGrey

iTrader: (2)

I'm surprised you see more 350 than 200T, I see plenty of 250s/350s in OC. Sdiver, definitely drive them both back to back and see which one you prefer. The 200T is lacking in the power department, but I enjoy it more than the 350 because the turbo adds drama. If you intend to modify your vehicle, I would automatically select the 350 because it's been out longer and has more support than the 200T.

CarlitoIS

I liked the 200t. The turbo is fun. I wish the 350 came with turbo. Sport mode on the 200t also changes the steering feel and handling. I also love the sound when it's on sport.

EZZ

It doesn't change the suspension settings. The steering feel might change though. The 350 F-Sport is the only one with adjustable suspension.

nathantse

350 is a big boy car. Are you a big boy?

Lexmeup

I was in a similar situation as you. Drove both. Decided on the 350

3ISRC

Easy 350. You want a real turbo car and really feel that turbo when it kicks in, get an Evo or STI. Now if the 200T was 300+ HP and FI, that would be a different story.

MWIS350

I would go with IS350 or used RC-F.

sdiver68

Thanks for constructive opinions so far! I will be driving both then deciding. I just thought Id learn about things to consider from those of you that seriously considered both.

tea

if the $4-5,000 extra for the 350 is worth it to you, go for it. If not, then just get the 200t.

nathantse

I've considered both when I was shopping for a new car. Originally, I wanted the is200t cause it was cheaper, and more fuel efficiency. Plus, it looks the same as the 350.

But, after driving both back to back. I was leaning more towards the 350. For about 3K more, the 350 has a better and stronger engine. The growl of the V6 will make you smile every time. And, if you opt for the Nav+ML sound system, it well worth the money. Even though its a V6 compared to a I-4turbo, I still get pretty decent MPG. Right now, I'm getting roughly averaging 24 MPG for each fill up.

The 4 banger would probably get better mileage, but the difference is really marginal. I' work in a Lexus dealer, and I check serviced is200t avg MPG to be around 26 MPG. Some even lower, a few higher, but it really depends how you drive tho.

sdiver68

If I get the 350 I give up $2k in price difference, about $20-$30/month in fuel costs (4mpg), about $10 per month insurance, and the color scheme I really want.

If I get the 200T I give up AVS, some driving "smoothness", and upper end HP.

Considering I've raced superbikes since 1998 and about to retire to go into competitive Karting for fun, part of what I have to ask myself is does that last 5% of performance in a street car matter that much to me.

sdiver68

Good point on the engine growl That's something I had not considered. It's also one of those things you might miss thinking about on a 30 minute test drive.

Nav and fancy audio in a car do less than nothing for me. I still use a smartphone GPS in my Nav equipped cars and don't care about much more than background music.

EZZ

Mid 5 second car vs upper 6 second is a pretty big difference in speed. You being a performance driver would really appreciate the AVS as its noticeably better in Sport+ mode. To be honest, the IS isn't a very good "luxury" car without the luxury package. There are better alternatives than the IS200t for the same price if you want to be coddled.