LexusFan09

Hello all. I'm car shopping right now and at first I wanted to go BMW, but then I realized I need to be more smarter about reliability. So I'm looking to go with lexus again. So far I've had the es model, the ls model and now I want to experience the IS model. Which model is better the IS250 or the IS350? What is the difference between the 2? Is one more reliable or are they both lexus reliablity at best? Thanks in advance

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

350 100 more HP...no carbon build up issue. Wait for a good 350 in my opinion. Comes in automatic only.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

350 is more reliable and much, MUCH faster. The price difference between the two, when used, is negligible.

PureZ

Eh, I'll bite cause its Sunday and I'm bored. There is no better model, its personal preference. Obvious difference is engine size. The 250 is much weaker but gets better gas mileage. The 350 is faster. AWD versions are.... all wheel drive, go figure. Depends on whats more important to you and what fits you. Theyre both equally reliable.

Offspring

iTrader: (3)

^says it all. i was in the same position not too long ago. glad i went with the 350.

Tarrant64

Don't bother with awd if you don't live anywhere you need it. Better tires can in most cases will be just as good in poor weather conditions. 350 is available in AWD starting in 2011.

350 is better if you don't care about MPG. If you do, 250 is an OK buy. They are the exact same care pretty much other than power and fuel economy. I personally test drove both several times and couldn't settle on the 250, I was searching for more power and the 250 fell short whereas the 350 was satisfying. Know that if you are wanting to do heavy engine mods neither are the car for that. You could do much more with a BMW.

Both the 350 and 250 are reliable. Yes the 250 has a couple issues (search carbon build up) but they are known and canbe taken care of so there shouldn't be any surprises.

LexusFan09

Thanks for the quick responses everybody. So the IS wouldn't be a good choice? I live in the VA area. Its crazy I can't seem to find any IS 350s around here. I guess they are more popular. With the IS 250 carbon build up is there a recall on that? Is it expensive to fix?

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

This

peyman

iTrader: (6)

the 350 has bigger brakes/calipers also resulting in superior braking vs is250

Slammer1

Even with the recall/TSB, the carbon build up is a recurring issue in the 250. The number one issue that 250 owners have on this site is how to make their cars faster. You must understand that there are very few performance mods that can be done to our cars (without spending thousands of dollars). With that said, the 250 owners are at a disadvantage because they are 102 hp behind the 350. My '06 350 is rated at 5.1 seconds 0-60 and is quite "punchy" when you lean on the throttle. The 350s can usually be found for not much more than a 250 but you will have to be patient. As for reliability, I have seen nothing to indicate that a 250 is any less reliable than a 350.

Slammer1

102 hp gentlemen, every little bit counts..... Lol.

Tarrant64

Probably the hardest thing for me was finding a 350 that was used. Not to say their popular but brand new they are expensive so the amount of people buying them are less than the 250s. That in turn I think has resulted in a much smaller selection in terms of used cars. When I started by search I found a good 10 250s for every 350. At least the 350 with the options I wanted.

The IS is a great choice. I picked it over a BMW despite the ISs short comings. If I had been more into engine mods that could crank out another 100+ hp, a limited slip diff, the best high speed cornering, I may have selected something else with a less reliable engine and overall car.

Bottom line if you're happy in the end with your choice its all good.

Slammer1

Where are you in Va?

LexusFan09

Wow ok. So if I was to buy a IS 250 how would I know if the car has the carbon build up problem?

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

I as well would recommend the 350 model. I had to fly into NJ to purchase my used 350; down here there very few around.