I think you guys are giving me the dose of reality that i needed. It is pretty tight and it would also be more of a grocery getter with the kids (no big trips, we have a CRV-wife, for soccer, etc. etc.), but i'm sure a small trunk and tight back seat will get old over time. Something for me to think about.

 

I know people have recommended the Accord 2.0T but there is a better handling car in the segment which is the Mazda 6. It has a 2.5L turbo and makes a ton of torque and is CHEAPER than the Accord by a good margin with great deals to be had. Also, Mazda has absolutely the best Red color on a mainstream car. Its a really great car.

 

If you want a RWD platform then I would second the GS as a great choice. Except fuel efficiency it checks all the boxes and gives you more space than a IS. If you have the time look around you should be able to find a 2015 or 2016 with around 40k-50k miles that fits your budget.

if you are ok with a FWD then I would pick a ES over a Accord or Mazda 6. You shouldn’t have any problem finding a good used ES that fits your 25k budget. Good luck !

 

Thanks, you're right. I found plenty of ES's around for under $25k and lowish miles. For the Mazda recommendations. I'll check the Mazda6.. Anyone drive a CX-5? I actually never drove any mazda. I heard they have a good driving experience

 

i drove a friend’s CX5 GT. It’s a peppy little thing. Gets good gas mileage. Handles really well, for what it is. It’s quite fun to be honest.

as for the Mazda 6, it’s nice... but it doesn’t have the huuuge back seat legroom of an accord.

 

The ES doesn't deliver on wanting a sporty and engaging car to drive.

You mentioned a CRV as a family car, so you're fairly accustomed to smaller cars (we would have a very hard time with a CRV being big enough with 2 kids for a family vehicle) you may very well be okay...

I would load the kids carseats up in it and see what you think.

 

Yes, this is a good suggestion. Hey if you can test-drive the car, you can test-drive the back seats, as it were.

The Mazda 6 would give you a little more room and be pretty fun to drive, from what I hear about it. Not a bad option either. And personally I find it to be the best-looking midsize sedan.

 

My wife has an IS200t.
I have GS350.

How long do you want to keep IS300 for?
5 years is okay, because your kids will still fit.
10 years, and you may want a midsize like GS etc. You might want to think reasonably ahead, but no need to get too far ahead.

Also I presume you want the quality & dynamics of RWD with double wishbone front suspension to maximize grip, as opposed to a Camry or Accord with economy simple single lower link MacPherson strut front suspension?
I also presume you want the longevity of Toyota/Lexus etc, so you're avoiding Golf and 3 Series etc.

The other thing to keep in mind is that IS and GS are both more sporty in nature, more sportily styled with sharp angular styling, have a slightly smaller interiors relative to their peers, and are both more firmly suspended with sharper dynamics than their more luxurious peers like the C Class/3 Series and E Class/5 Series.

Because of their luxury and sporty nature, I find that compact and midsize luxury cars like C Class/3 Series/IS, and E Class/5 Series/GS - ALL use relatively softer compound brake pads and softer compound tires - which need to be replaced more frequently than Camry/Accord.

 

Mazda 6 is a great car, I drove a current Signature model with the turbo engine. Sportier than an ES for sure, but would be a lot more than he wants to spend. Older ones have a NA 4cyl which is a dog.

Size wise I think we all forget its very personal. People in Europe for instance have small cars as their only family car. I'm accustomed to really big cars so small cars are an issue for me but if you're accustomed to smaller cars it may work fine.

 

The IS is too small for a family, but you are on the right track with Toyota/Lexus, if you are looking for a reliable replacement for your Subaru. If you want to give up a small amount of reliability for a more exciting driving experience, you could look at at Honda/Acura. Mazda and Hyundai would follow Toyota and Honda on my list of recommended alternatives.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Yesterday, I test drove the 2020 Accord 2.0T EX-L (drove the sport too but i just can’t love the cloth backing on the seat) and it was a lot of fun. The car feels much larger than my Subaru Outback for some reason, but in a good way. Definitely not as refined as the Lexus by any means, but i see myself not getting board of all that power. If I went 2020, I’d have to go on the lease side of things (trying not to buy a $31k car). A used 2018 puts me at about $25k with miles under 20k.

It seems to check most of the boxes of what I’m looking for. I would miss the certainty of AWD, but I could always get snow tires. Car play is there, which I enjoy. Another plus is thay I’d be over 30mpg on gas mileage and using regular.

I still have something inside that makes me want that IS, but it could be lust and not love.