kgh31386

I've decided if I have to pick between a loaded 07 IS250, or base 06 IS350...250 wins. I don't have to go fast from 0-60 all day...plus traffic sucks. I want a fun cruising car that'll make me smile on the backroads. I've read the threads about rattles and every now and then someone's car won't start. But nothing's perfect...so someone gimme a good reason(mech problems, service cost too much, etc etc) not to get one? And for everyone who got a 250, why'd you pick the 250 over the 350. I tried to search, but the words are too short to find a thread I want about why

Fizzboy7

There are no problems above the rattles. It's a Lexus/Toyota and it's history is graded as an "A."
Everything else you listed is a money issue. If we could all afford 350's, I think we'd have them over the 250. Only you know what you can afford.

kgh31386

Good point. I have a Corolla XRS now, and had Lexus GS300 before. I'm hooked on them. The money deal is...I CAN afford it, I just don't think I should spend over 30g on a car right after I graduate. I wanna save up and get a house, move in with the gf and all that jazz. Haha well I guess technically I can't afford the 350 just yet. Blah, life plans getting in the way of my 100 hp

windex

iTrader: (1)

I live in LA traffic out here is terrible but at night when I do get the chance to break out a little and smash it so worth it ive had my car for over a year and it has never got old in my opinion I mean no offense to ANY 250 owners but that car is far to slow for me to consider spending the money on its nice in every way that the 350 is but when you want to get on it there is just nothing there

albert_23

iTrader: (2)

the 250 & 350 is same in all ways except for the engine. they are all reliable and there shouldn't be any problems with the machines. maintenance costs (service costs) is the same as the 350. the only thing i hate about the 250 is the power. it's much slower compared to the 350. nav/prem/lux package is definitely a plus point, but i do take the not loaded 350 anytime over the 250. for the HID's, you can always install an aftermarket. you should test drive both and see if you need that extra power. GL with your purchase!

Weezy$Baby

Exactly what he said..

its like IS350 owners wish they owned an ISF....


but thats when $$$ comes in

j_spec

iTrader: (5)

buy my 250 so i can get a 350.. hehehehe..

isthrizzy

I guess it depends on what your budget is... I've seen a few people snag IS350s fully loaded for just under $30k with ~30k miles....

You can't lose either way, it's a great car. I had the IS300 before, and I love the additional HP of the IS350. You don't get to use it all the time, but when you feel like mashing it the available HP is a nice thing.

Lexus@17

iTrader: (3)

Basically the same reason as everyone, but im pretty sure you can find some is350 that are under 30k for sure. You just have to be patient. I waited about a couple of months to find my car. I bought my 06 is350 for 23k with 30k milage on it. With tax and everything my car total out to be 25k. But it was basic not loaded it just have the spyder rims on it that it.

IS-SV

I vote for used 350, price difference at used car prices is worth it, IMO.

Bichon

That's not the choice I'd make. I'm a tech geek if there ever was one, but I'd gladly give up the toys for the stronger motor.

It's not just about 0-60. If you and another car are stopped at light, and the two lanes merge into one after the intersection, the IS350 gives you the ability to be in front if you want to be - with confidence and without drama.

Having spent plenty of time in IS250 loaners while my IS350 was in for service, I can assure you that the 350 is the one that'll make you smile on backroads.

The IS250 and IS350 are both very reliable cars.

Besides saving money, I think the two main reasons people choose the IS250 over the IS350 are that they want all wheel drive or because they want a manual transmission.

bwesley

iTrader: (3)

You might want to consider getting the IS350 over the 250. Like others have stated, the power difference is huge. And not just 0-60... you'll notice the difference in most driving situations (except traffic jams). And yes, you can find an excellent CPO IS350 for at or just under 30k. Just do a bit of research and have some patience. As for nav and ML, that's up to you. My last two automobiles (Land Rover, Mini Cooper S) had navigation and I wasn't that impressed and barely used it. Unless you just need to have nav and a backup cam, use a Garmin or your iphone and save some money. That said, ML is nice but (IMHO) not a deal breaker. This car is still quite nicely equipped, even without "all" the goodies. And with the current prices of both models, those 100 extra ponies are quite inexpensive. And it's better to have and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

benzo555

iTrader: (11)

IS350 hands down. But you will have to figure in premium fuel (not sure on the IS250 if it requires it) Insurance will be slightly higher as well. But in the end is all well worth it.

ELL Y

iTrader: (1)

I chose the 250 AWD because of 1) AWD and 2) Cheaper

If I had the choice, I would have taken the 350.

TripleL

I agree with Bichon.

Although there maybe other reasons I think; Money... AWD... Manual Transmission sums it up nicely.