darkdream

The Z will still handle better, but the build quality of IS350 is much better than the 350z (at least compared to my friend's 05 I drove back in high school and accidentally broke alot of interior things).

eplugplay

Drove my Honda Civic Coupe 2001 model for 13 years before my IS350. The front struts were about to bust and my transmission was about to die. I only had 110k miles on it (mostly city miles) so it was in pretty bad shape. Also I put in a full cat back system, intake, and headers since the first month I've bought it so it significantly reduced the life of the transmission/engine.

There was a recall from Honda (not really recall but just a known issue) that showed 2001-2003 Civic models with transmissions dying on the owners at around 100k miles or earlier. They only offered to pay $500 out of the $4000 - $5000 that it cost to rebuild the transmission at Honda. I know Honda is a very reliable company but it would be the last time that I buy one or at least for a very long time.

I was getting tired of the mod type car, especially it being dropped and loud, so I wanted a 4 door sedan. Was originally looking at the BMW 5 series then my dad's friend worked at Lexus so I went to take a look. Then the GS350 drew my attention and just before buying the GS350 2013 model, they had one IS350 in the back that the lady wanted to show me. After finding out that it was fully loaded and 10k cheaper than the GS350 with the exact same engine, I thought it was a no brainer and I am so glad I did it!

I'm going to be driving my IS350 for at least the next 12-15 years (hopefully make it to 15 years!). So comfortable and coming from a Civic, its in a whole different league.

Jingsu

Came from a five-year old 2009 Honda Civic SI that I got as a graduation present.

LongSword

You are correct. The 350z interior quality (amongst other small imperfections) was a joke (Not that the Lexus' infamous sticky don't touch or you'll leave a dent/scratch plastic is that much better). But one can be blind and still notice the different quality. And also correct on the handling. I've had a few cars, but that 350Z handling was superb. I'm just hoping some coilovers get me close to that again in the IS.

darkdream

I never had issues with the plastics (sticky or scratching) in my 8 years of ownership. Even in the 100 + degree summers. I usually have passengers when I take the IS, otherwise I take my S2000.

littleyan9

iTrader: (1)

2002 Audi S4 Avant Stage 2+

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

1992 SC400

Only had it for 6 months just needed a reliable car to hold me over till I bought the next car which is this one ^_^

DKIS350

2011 VW CC. Nice enough car for the money, decent amount of features and the little 2.0 turbo was actually very impressive. Overall just an electrical nightmare. I only had it for exactly 1 year and managed 7 trips to the shop (not including oil changes) for check engine lights. They threw all sorts of different parts at it. Unacceptable for a vehicle that had 45K when i traded it for my 07 IS350.

Before the CC I had an 07 Tacoma TRD Sport for 5 years, Which i am looking to purchase another Tacoma next summer hopefully. I loved that truck.

mrAkana

iTrader: (1)

22RE @ 260k and still going strong

bryan11

This replaced a 2003 Honda Civic LX 5spd with 130,000 miles on it. That car was very reliable, but it was time for something with a better ride and power.

Awd250

iTrader: (3)

Had a 2000 gs300 with 200k miles... awesome car but needed an upgrade....now rolling on 2010 is250awd..

caw1984

iTrader: (6)

2011 Chevrolet Impala LT

Flium10

1998 Camry. It was a big jump.

POZEST

My Lexus replaced my 2001 Volkswagen VR6 Sport Jetta.

I had 198,000 miles on the same engine, transmission, starter, alternator, compressor. It was accident free all this time. My factory cd player didn't work anymore, and the LCD display wasn't working, buy by memory I could still use my ipod with cassette adapter.

Because I had just bought a fairly new house last year, my plan was to run my jetta until it died.
When one of the cylinders on my jetta lost compression plans changed.. The repair estimate (to rebuild the engine at that point) was $2000. My car's blue book value was $1600.

And thus it became time (sooner than planned) to upgrade. Miss the ole jetta, but off to new adventures with this sick '13 IS250 in beautiful glossy black.

sumolazer

My IS350 replaced the 06' Jeep Commander with the 3.7 V6 I was driving to work almost everyday. 41 miles round trip all highway miles and I was getting horrible gas mileage. I was only getting around 14 or 15 mpg on the highway. I would be done to a quarter tank after just four days and it would cost almost 60 bucks to refill from a quarter tank. The Commander was a reliable SUV never had any major problems besides its horrible fuel consumption. However, it was the fuel consumption that finally pushed me to look for a different car. I have no regrets with the IS350 I found. Much better mpg from a slightly smaller V6 that makes more power, hell yeah!