taxidrivr

Have been tossing the idea around of leasing a new car with very little to nothing down for ~3-400/max a month, 36mo. My GS is paid off, just got appraised at Carmax for 11k with 86k on the odo. Plan would be to make payments from car sale proceeds with some cash out of pocket to cover the difference. I don't really need a new car, this is running fine though believe I have a big service up and may need new tires, of which I figured that total cost could be a down payment or put to other use. The gas mileage could be slightly better too.

Narrowed it down to a few models, keep coming back to the 2016 IS200t. I can get one decently equipped within my range though a little hesitant. I'm sure folks are gonna suggest the 350 but it'll probably push me into a higher price bracket.

Anyone step down engine wise after owning their GS? Any reservations? I'm in city traffic most of the time (live in LA), figured a turbo 4 would provide adequate passing power when needed. Also considering TLX, S60, GTI, Q50.

Stoodo

iTrader: (4)

Once the 2017s start showing up, the prices will drop even further on the 2016 models. Maybe that would put you in IS350 territory?

I'm not sure I could do the Turbo 4, but I have never driven one so it wouldn't be fair to rule it out.

80es300

What year is your current GS? Is it a 350?

tayslexus

I've driven the 2016 NX 200t which has the same engine as the IS 200t but a little heavier. And I own a GS 350 AWD. Honestly, the 200t has a big lag when you accelerate hard and it's way underpowered compared to the GS. I know these cars are different but I'm trying to give you an idea about the two engines. It's all depends on your preference.

taxidrivr

yes, 2007 350

taxidrivr

I had a GTI in the past and all too familiar with the pros/cons of a turbo engine. I should probably test drive soon

Gs3500

hows the mileage between the 2? Big difference?

tayslexus

I think I was getting 8.0/100L in the NX when driving in the city. I get that in the GS when driving only hwy.

YxUxMADDDD

iTrader: (2)

Ever thought about the GS200T or GS250?

Sodium

If you haven't already gone through with it, consider this:

1. If you go to a good independent shop for the 90,000 mile service and you get the water pump replaced and you get reasonably good tires, you're probably looking at around $2500, maybe a bit less. And 90,000 is nothing for these cars – another member has an '07 GS350 with around 330,000 miles on it, and it's been completely trouble free. And if you can DIY the service and water pump, the cost goes down to $1000 - $1250.

2. If you sell your GS and lease the IS, you'll be getting a significant downgrade in power and interior space, you'll have a very restrictive mileage limit (probably 5000 miles per year), and then after 36 months you'll have to give it back.

So essentially, your choice is either spend at most $2500 now to maintain the car you fully own and which is running perfectly, or spend many times more than that in 3 years when your lease is up to buy or lease another car, and drive a car with inferior power in the interim.