gabriox

hi guys, i have a 2002 bmw 325xi. i want to trade in the car and get a is250. do you guys think its worth it? is it an improvement to the bmw? i am not really looking for a fast car. i want a reliable car that looks good and that i can customize easily. i have been browsing the forum and heard about the carbon build up issue . or should i try is350 or get another car all together. pls help. thanks

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

If you don't need the awd go with 350. Unless you have the budget for awd350. As for carbon issue some get and other never do.

FSportIS

iTrader: (13)

Hell yeah, ditch that Bimmer and go Lexus j/k

Both IS250 and IS350 are reliable. Don't let carbon build up scare you too much, what you see is people who have it, and you haven't heard much from people who have IS250 without carbon build up, it is quite random. I don't have it. Even if you have it, it is covered under warranty.

IS250 won't make the cut for speed. IS350 on the other hand is fast off the line comparable to 335i.

I own both IS250 and IS350, I will say hand down IS350 is the clear choice winner!

Want more speed, go for ISF.

Even want more speed, luxury, reliability, rarity, one of its own, money in the bank, go for LFA.

Welcome to Club Lexus!

azfsprt

iTrader: (4)

The carbon issue only applies to the older model 2nd gen is250 but it is not evident in every car. 2011+ don't have this issue. And like they said its under warranty.

Is250 is a nice car if u want more power go is 350. And if u want m3 like then get isf.
It realy depends on you and your needs but definitely reliability is your number 1 reason to get a Lexus hands down. I was debating the same thing as you last year but I chose my is250 because of reliability, safety, fun for a lot less than a bmw or audi and I can do my own servicing with ease! I hate the fact that on a bmw or german car that there is a sensor for a sensor for a sensor and for another sensor before you replace something... And it was probably just brakes and or oil. And because I know my Lexus can get me more than 300k miles and the reliability of a Japanese car, it was no question.. I bought the is250 f-sport.

Good luck on your choice and hope u choose what best suits u.

tomiv9

I will agree with others, go with 350. If u live anywhere near snow get awd though. Rwd is horrible in snow. I have 2009 250 awd and have had the carbon problem. It is very common for pre 2010 250s. My SA even told me they all get it, some just sooner then later. Having major engine work done on my car when it only has 60k is def worrisome.

dabIS

I would be very interested in the evidence you have to back up this assertion (surveys, polls, company records, etc.)

Raybean

iTrader: (3)

i had a is250 for many years before i traded mine in for a isf. i never had the carbon problem.

gabriox

I live in Maryland, Potomac. We don't get much snow but this winter we got alot of it. the Weather has really been bipolar these past years. I might move to Florida tho. (Might) but the is250 is faster than the bmw right? But man I still earn for more power. Is350. . I honestly like to drive fast and hear my exhaust shouting but in a safe way.

tomiv9

I am not sure but I would guess the 250 is not faster then ur BMW.What year are u thinking? Find one at a dealer and test drive.

510to808

Get a is350 or even a Isf if your really ballin. I have an 250, the only thing I wish it had more of was power, other than that I have no complaints...

darkdream

Get the IS350 and a two seater sports car.

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

350 all the way. It is night and day over the 250.

gabriox

the bmw is a 2002 model tho. i am trying to get the 07 or 08 is250 or 350. the is250 has more power than the bmw xi i think. it has to be faster. i cant afford a isf the bmw has a fast throttle response the second you step on the gas it will move. i hope the is250 is like that. my gf has a 2011 mazda 2 with a very slow throttle response. i cant stand that.

VTsuckah

iTrader: (1)

Specs are....

325xi auto trans: 184hp, 175 tq, 3527 lbs curb weight, 8.5 sec 0-60 mph

Is250 auto trans: 204 HP, 185 tq, 3455 lbs curb weight, 7.5 sec 0-60 mph

Is350 5.6 0-60 mph

azfsprt

iTrader: (4)

The 2002 bmw where not that bad as far as power because BMWs are known to be torquey. The is250 has decent power its not anywhere near as fast as the 2014 bmw328i Turbos though but definitely no where near as slow as the mazda 2.

The is350 has that quicker response similar to the new 2014 328i, but to compete with your 2002 then the is250 is just as good on power. If you can get a MT that would be even better. Go to your local dealer and take 15 mins to test drive one. Good luck!