IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Is the is350 smoother than the is250?

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Old 08-04-11, 02:47 PM
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lexuslivin
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Default Is the is350 smoother than the is250?

I just got a 06 is250 but I'm a bit disappointed at the bumpy ride (especially coming from a 02 es300). Anyway, I'm wondering if the is350 is any more smooth than the is250? I test drove an is350 and thought it felt smoother, but wanted to check with you guys to see if that's true or not.
Old 08-04-11, 03:03 PM
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chi123
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I drive my IS350 and I think it's extremely smooth but heavy ride. My friend got a IS250 AWD of the same year and I rode in it a few times and his does seem to have a harsher ride, maybe the AWD could be a reason, not sure though?
Old 08-04-11, 03:24 PM
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2slixx
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They both feel the same to me.. TIRES may have alot to do with ride quality and the suspensions.. I couldnt feel the differences though.
Old 08-04-11, 03:57 PM
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Denver
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depends... how miles you have?
Old 08-04-11, 04:31 PM
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lexuslivin
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Originally Posted by Denver
depends... how miles you have?
I've got 140k miles on my 06 is250. But it feels similar as a 09 is250 with 40k I test drove before. I also test drove a 2010 is350 with 10k miles and it felt a lot smoother. Kind of like how a v6 camry is smoother than a regular camry (just my opinion after test driving both).
Old 08-04-11, 05:08 PM
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shadowman
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IS250 / IS350 should feel about the same.

I would think the IS350 would be a stiffer ride because it's geared towards the sporty side.

You would feel a harsher ride coming from ES and LS because the suspension on those 2 are geared towards luxury comfort. The IS250/350 are entry level luxury sports sedans.
Old 08-04-11, 05:42 PM
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Sango
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Well you're comparing a comfort like suspension to a sport suspension, it would make sense comming from an ES to IS, you notice it would be rougher.

Nothing to be concerned about it.
Old 08-04-11, 06:41 PM
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Gville350
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My Civic with Tein H-techs honestly ride better than my Lexus...but do I drive the Civic daily, heck no!
Old 08-04-11, 07:02 PM
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Toymota
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And check the tire pressures. I find there is a small range of 1-2 psi that feels just right, but the pressure changes more than that from the morning to afternoon and also as you drive and the tires heat up, so you need to experiment or keep adjusting. Currently I set it at 34.5 front, 37.5 rear @ ~75F inside the garage in the morning, and the daytime high temp will get up to ~95F here.
Old 08-04-11, 08:01 PM
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delphiDH
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i dont know guys, but my 250 awd is very smooth.
Old 08-04-11, 09:23 PM
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iRock
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no different to me
Old 08-04-11, 09:38 PM
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felixsc300
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Tires and mileage (wear and tear on the suspension) have a huge play in ride comfort. Before I bought my '08 IS350 I also test drove an '09 IS250 and they both drove pretty much exactly the same.
Old 08-04-11, 10:02 PM
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riri333
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I have an IS 350 F-sport and my sister has an IS 250. If you're talking about acceleration the 350 is not necessarily smoother but much faster (especially uphill, you can definitely feel it). As for the ride quality, I guess mine is much stiffer and I can feel the road/bumps more, simply because I have the F-sport suspension. I think with the regular version of IS350, the ride quality would be the same as the 250.
Old 08-04-11, 10:09 PM
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CCJ22
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Perhaps the shocks need replacing?
Old 08-04-11, 10:24 PM
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lexuslivin
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Originally Posted by CCJ22
Perhaps the shocks need replacing?
Yeah I just replaced the rear shocks with oem shocks and thought it would make things smoother cause the rear shocks were bad. But it's still the same. I also kind of regret not getting an is350 because the is250 is kind of lacking in power.


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