Should we buy the IS 250?
10-22-14, 03:15 AM
#16
Lexus Test Driver
Comfort . . . .nice long rides . . . . .classy/stylish . . . . . screams GS. With the '15 model year about to get rolling, you should be able to get a well equipped '13 around your 40K target. Good luck and keep us posted!
10-22-14, 09:38 AM
#17
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I have an IS250 with over 15k miles on it and I truly enjoy it on long drives (also my daily commute is 80 miles in traffic so I spend a lot of time in the car). You have some road noise as this is still a sports sedan but it is better than the previous two BMW's I once had.
One thing that I find helpful (and I saw this mentioned above) is the 17" rims and tires. While my car does have some of the upgrades, I requested that the 18" rims be replaced with the stock 17 rims for two reasons:
1. Better comfort and less road noise compared to the 18" rims and thinner tires (considering i spend 2+ hours in my car each day)
2. The 17" rims are not staggered and can be rotated increasing the life of the tires compared to the 18" rims.
If you are considering the IS250 and want to have a more comfortable/quiet ride, I would negotiate to remove 18" rims and put 17" rims on it. That can save you around $1k compared to opting for them.
If you are looking for more room, which is doesn't necessarily appear that you are, than I would look into a new ES350 or a used GS/LS.
One thing that I find helpful (and I saw this mentioned above) is the 17" rims and tires. While my car does have some of the upgrades, I requested that the 18" rims be replaced with the stock 17 rims for two reasons:
1. Better comfort and less road noise compared to the 18" rims and thinner tires (considering i spend 2+ hours in my car each day)
2. The 17" rims are not staggered and can be rotated increasing the life of the tires compared to the 18" rims.
If you are considering the IS250 and want to have a more comfortable/quiet ride, I would negotiate to remove 18" rims and put 17" rims on it. That can save you around $1k compared to opting for them.
If you are looking for more room, which is doesn't necessarily appear that you are, than I would look into a new ES350 or a used GS/LS.
Last edited by Corleone91; 10-27-14 at 06:02 AM.
10-22-14, 10:52 AM
#18
Thanks all for the great feedback. We never thought buying a car would be such a complicated decision.
We are a small growing family and young so we like good looking sedans and are not ready to upgrade to an SUV. Gas mileage is not a very big issue because our weekly driving is quite minimal. We do like to go on long rides though which make TSX a complete deal-breaker. Spagolli94 you are right about the road/wind noise and a buzzy engine.
We had not considered the ES or the GS due to their "matured" look. GS is slightly better due to a bit more aggressive styling but its completely out of our price range. We are open to buying a user car though so would test drive the GS this weekend, and if possible would like to take IS250 for a long drive. I am a bit wary of the Q50 but my wife likes it, I find it a bit more cramped in the front than the IS.
Thanks again all, I will keep you posted!
We are a small growing family and young so we like good looking sedans and are not ready to upgrade to an SUV. Gas mileage is not a very big issue because our weekly driving is quite minimal. We do like to go on long rides though which make TSX a complete deal-breaker. Spagolli94 you are right about the road/wind noise and a buzzy engine.
We had not considered the ES or the GS due to their "matured" look. GS is slightly better due to a bit more aggressive styling but its completely out of our price range. We are open to buying a user car though so would test drive the GS this weekend, and if possible would like to take IS250 for a long drive. I am a bit wary of the Q50 but my wife likes it, I find it a bit more cramped in the front than the IS.
Thanks again all, I will keep you posted!
10-23-14, 11:29 PM
#20
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Try an extended test drive for the IS, especially if F Sport
I didn't notice upon test drive, but there is definitely this irritating high pitched sound (most likely from the induction sound generator thingy) that drives me nuts..
I mean it's fine when the music is on cause it's not so apparent, but when you just want a bit of quietness it becomes extremely irritating for me!
This is mainly noticeable in normal/sport and sport+
Eco mode reduces it a little bit
I didn't notice upon test drive, but there is definitely this irritating high pitched sound (most likely from the induction sound generator thingy) that drives me nuts..
I mean it's fine when the music is on cause it's not so apparent, but when you just want a bit of quietness it becomes extremely irritating for me!
This is mainly noticeable in normal/sport and sport+
Eco mode reduces it a little bit
10-24-14, 09:04 AM
#21
I have an IS250 with over 15k miles on it and I truly enjoy it on long drives (also my daily commute is 80 miles in traffic so I spend a lot of time in the car). You have some road noise as this is still a sports car but it is better than the previous two BMW's I once had.
10-24-14, 01:34 PM
#22
Lexus Test Driver
Depends on how you define Sports Car...
Is it a Sport Sedan, YES, I think it is. They are usually cars offering "sporty" (what ever you want to call it)/Driver Experience options while providing Luxury options. I think the IS, the Mercedes C class, BMW 3 series, and quite a few more
I like the 250 because its not overly powerful but not slow. Last Driver Education track day I did with the PCA, I gave a couple faster cars a run for their money for how well the IS250 handled (towards end of the day its kind of a free for all). And I was stock with my 250 AWD with axleback as the only Mod. I guarantee you wont get the same result in a Toyota corolla or otherwise
Is it a Sport Sedan, YES, I think it is. They are usually cars offering "sporty" (what ever you want to call it)/Driver Experience options while providing Luxury options. I think the IS, the Mercedes C class, BMW 3 series, and quite a few more
I like the 250 because its not overly powerful but not slow. Last Driver Education track day I did with the PCA, I gave a couple faster cars a run for their money for how well the IS250 handled (towards end of the day its kind of a free for all). And I was stock with my 250 AWD with axleback as the only Mod. I guarantee you wont get the same result in a Toyota corolla or otherwise
Last edited by NYKnick101; 10-24-14 at 01:38 PM.
10-24-14, 05:59 PM
#23
If i was looking for something a little more smoother than the TSX then I would go to the mid-large standard sedans like the GS or LS. Maybe even with the acura TL. From my experience of owning my IS, it hasn't been loud but its more along the lines of a sport sedan which is a stiffer than usual suspension it larger wheels with smaller profile tires which is usually a bit more harsher on the road.
The IS is comfortable but not very family friendly especially in the rear seat.
Don't get me wrong, I love the IS as a "ME" car but beyond that, driving family and friends around, I would choose another car
The IS is comfortable but not very family friendly especially in the rear seat.
Don't get me wrong, I love the IS as a "ME" car but beyond that, driving family and friends around, I would choose another car
10-24-14, 08:49 PM
#24
Lexus Test Driver
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