DAZ1

Hi. I'm considering a new 2011 IS, I'm leaning towards the 250 RWD, with six speed manual. Several questions:

1. I like to hear from those with the IS 250. Most state it's underpowered. How is it as a daily driver, fuel mileage? Currently driving a 2004 Mazda6, 4 cylinder.

2. AWD is great, but I think I'd prefer RWD. Pros and cons?

3. I'm a manual transmission guy. Everything I hear regarding the IS manual transmission is negative. Any positive comments?

Thanks!

Micaiah

All I can say is that I have a 350 and I wish I had the stick. Although I have not driven the manual 250, I have always felt more control of the car with a stick.

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

The 6 speed is not that bad. Just don't expect it to be a nice feed back like on a honda or bmw. I personaly love my 6mt I just wish it had more power as you do have to rev the motor up if you want to get up there from a stand still.

jbjones85

iTrader: (20)

I test drove a 250 (auto) and it was quick enough for a normal driving but once you drive a 350 (what I ended up getting) you will think its slow. Unless you need the AWD I would stick with the RWD, I do a lot of stop and go so I never tested the manual so I can't comment on that.

ScKcBc

iTrader: (2)

Get the 350. I've ALWAYS only had stick cars but I must say the 250 is so ***** slow that I couldn't bear to drive that car daily, at least not for 20k+. Get yourself a used 08-09 is350 for the same price as the 2011 250.

At the absolute minimum, don't walk into a dealer and fall into a car on the spot. Test drive a 250 and a 350, then sleep on it at least one night, then test drive both again.

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

This is the best advise, don't get me wrong I do love my 250 but it's a shame when my 91 integra with an engine swap can walk all over it.

Phresh2010

iTrader: (3)

even an 08-09 is350 will be cheaper than a 2011 is250, the way i see it there is no point in getting a 250 if you plan on getting an RWD, a used 350 nowadays 07-09 are pretty decently priced..also the gas milelage between the two is not that far off

DAZ1

Thanks for the comments. Would appreciate more regarding IS 250, six speed, RWD. Would prefer 2011 versus used.

aarongue6

I have an 08 IS 250 manual. I'm getting about 26 MPG using Chevron gas, oddly I was getting around 24 using arco. The stock clutch is ok, it grabs higher on the release than other manuals I've driven. Definitely get the quick shifter, maybe ask the dealer to include that in the deal, since stock it is way too far apart, and after installing it the grinding sound into 1st and 2nd gear I was experiencing went away for me.

wootang84

Hello,

I'm in the market to buy a brand new 2011 IS250 AWD. how much did you guys get it for? thanks in advance!!!

Stylnhonda

iTrader: (1)

250 is slow. 6MT did feel like crap imo compared to S2000's and Civic Si's. Went with the Auto RWD 250 and it's good for a DD, bad when you want to have fun!

calvin2376

iTrader: (2)

Each of these questions has been addressed ad nauseam on CL. Contrary to first appearances, you ARE getting information regarding the IS250 when earlier posters talk about the IS350. That's because they're answering your first question, regarding whether the IS250 is underpowered. I, and many others on CL, do feel that the IS250 is underpowered, which is why we went with/are recommending the IS350. In asking whether the IS250 is underpowered, you're inherently implying that you value power/quickness at least to some degree. If this is the case, it's very likely you will be disappointed with the IS250's power.

A search for AWD vs RWD will return many results. AWD is a waste of gas mileage unless you're in a climate that gets a lot of snow a lot of the year, and even then simply putting good winter tires on a RWD car will get you almost the same benefit. The price premium on an AWD car over RWD could be better put to use by buying the RWD and then investing in a second set of wheels/winter tires (and pocketing the difference). And if you're in a climate that gets a lot of snow a lot of the year and you feel AWD's imperative, is a small low-to-the-ground luxury sedan the best bet anyway?

Manual vs automatic is purely a matter of personal taste. That said, I have never seen anyone on CL say they truly liked the IS250's manual transmission - the most glowing review I've seen says "it's not that bad".

Go drive a manual and then an automatic IS250 and decide which transmission you want. If what you indicate above is true and you're not at all interested in the IS350, then DO NOT drive an IS350, used or new, because from that point on you won't be satisfied with the IS250.

krazyboi12

I have a 2011 IS250 automatic. I drive probably 50-60% highway and get around 25 mpg using Chevron gasoline

DAZ1

After months of reading, looking, and pondering, I purchased a new 2011 IS 350 F-Sport.

B16da9

iTrader: (7)

Congrats