Hey everyone,

I've been lurking in the forums for the last week reading through the IS sub-forum to get an idea on whether i'm considering the right car for my next vehicle. Hoping some of you can weigh in. I've used forums in the past to help out and the feedback directly from owners who share my situation has been incredibly helpful.

The situation:

Currently working from home due to COVID, but normally, i drive about 27,000 miles per year. Mostly highway
2 kids - 8 years old and 3 years old. Booster and convertible seat. They're in the car 2-3 times per week
Coming from a 2010 subaru outback limited. 200k miles on it.
I have a 2nd car (2004 Honda S2000).

I have enjoyed owning a wagon, but it drives like a boat and i'm hoping to find something that keeps my interest, is fun to drive, while remaining reliable down the ride without too much depreciation and maintenance costs.

What i've found:

2017 Lexus IS 300 in White, 23,000 miles. Traded in at a dealer and negotiated the price to $24,800. They'll also put on new tires (OEM).

What i've learned (correct me if i'm wrong):

Poor gas mileage and premium fuel required - Seems to get the same MPG as my outback FWIW
Hoping the brake pads last longer with mostly commuter driving. I was replacing pads and rotors almost every year with the outback
Tires -same. Hoping they last longer than a year
Obviously smaller than the outback in the trunk and rear seat. But felt surprisingly bigger than i thought it would (hard to explain)
It's really nice looking and fun to drive. I really like the safety features over the outback (dynamic cruise, lane keep((whatever Lexus calls this))).

Otherwise, i drove the car twice so far and it's awesome. Just trying to get some opinions on whether other dads/moms have made a similar choice, or if i should consider something else.

Thanks!

 

with 2 kids I would consider something different...like a 2019 Accord 2.0 sport.

1. Its bigger
2. better mpg
3. handles pretty well
4.Tires and brakes should last longer
5. Similar safety features and more updated infotainment
6. Just as fast

Ideally a SUV would be better with 2 kids but if you want to stick with a car I would take the Accord.

 

The new Outback is pretty sweet. I wonder if you could get one of those lightly used for similar money - unless you are looking to get away from that particular model.

The IS doesn't have much rear-seat space, so if more kids are on the way, could be an issue. Otherwise, the IS would work fine.

 

Thanks for the feedback.. The 2.0T accord was on my list of considerations. The new subaru outback, even used, is holding strong in value. Over $30k. I could look at a 2017, but there's something uninspiring about driving that car. It's so big. I feel like Steamboat *****. Even though i have another fun car, it only gets used a few months out of the year (OHIO). It would be great to have something that makes my commute halfway fun.

I also looked at a Golf Alltrack, but concerned about reliability given how much i drive and maintenance.

 

VW "reliability" is over-hyped. The main things that will go wrong on the Golf platform have already been revised with new part numbers, so if all recalls and part replacements have been done, I wouldn't be too scared of an AllTrack or perhaps a Sportwagen. I've only had minor squeaks with my GTI so far, with over 54,000 miles on the odometer. Mechanically, everything is fine. But it would be a more entertaining drive than the Outback for sure, and should get great mileage. I guess the miles you put on it are a legitimate concern. I have no idea how it'll hold up past 100,000 miles.

 

Since we're on the subject of VW - how about a 2019 Jetta GLI? If you can find a CPO, it will come with 7 year 84K mile warranty, which should provide for at least 2-3 years of worry free driving. It seems like their biggest problem is leaky sunroof.

 

Yeah, either leaky or creaky... mine was definitely the latter. Disclaimer - I don't have a GLI, but a GTI, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have similar sunroof design.

GLI is a fantastic deal. Maybe not quite as nice on the inside as the Golf, but newer and just about as roomy. I would have gotten one if I didn't like the looks of the GTI better, and the hatchback design. The GLI is definitely a good deal in comparison though.

 

I got my IS when I had just one kid. Once she finally went forward facing, I rushed right to the dealer and bought the IS. And then 6 months later, we found out we were having another kid. Oy.

I managed with both kids for another 6 months after my son was born. Your situation will be easier as you're not stuffing in an infant seat. So my take on the situation is, you can make it work, but it will be a bit tight, especially when you start talking about strollers, diaper bags, etc. Other than the space with two kids issue, it was a very enjoyable ownership experience for me and I would likely have kept it longer if I didn't grow tired of the situation and decide to upsize to the GS, which solved all of my problems.

As for tires, yes, the IS does eat tires, though there are some steps you can do to mitigate that. Gas mileage isn't great, though it does well enough on the interstate.

Good luck in your decision.

 

I had the 3rd gen IS350 for 5 years. It was a wonderful car for my family (2 kids) and I didn't have issues but it was mostly a drop off car for school. If we needed to go far, we'd have a minivan. My other take is that the 2L turbo isn't that much better than the V6 on the highway for fuel economy. The V6 is also a far better engine for spirited driving (and more reliable) so if you can swing for that, i highly recommend it.

 

I test drove the 2.0T accord touring(not sport).
it was extremely roomy, and quick as one could need for a commuter.
I’d give it a test drive before you decide on the IS. I wouldn’t consider anything smaller than GS with 2 kids in seats.

 

Back seat too tight for 2 kids. You might end up selling it after a brief honeymoon period.

 

I am assuming the IS300 you are looking at is not the F-Sport. If that's the case, it should be pretty good on tires and brakes. You won't be able to rotate the tiires, but they will last much longer than the F-Sport tires.
The IS is a reliable and stylish investment. It's just a question of space for the kids. I think it's do-able, but there are probably roomier sedans. If I was in your position, I'd also be looking at the Accord or Camry. Both solid choices, as well as the IS. I'd avoid German, as they mostly start costing a lot after the warranty dies.

 

You could consider a GS. A bit more rear headroom space and a bit more leg space for the kids. Handles just as well as the IS.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I'm going to search for a 2.0T i can test drive. The IS just felt like a glove, but i can also see it being a honeymoon situation.. The GS is SWEET. But for what i'm trying to spend (under $25k) .. it's only high mileage and 2015 and lower :-/. Jetta GLI is sweet, but man, the resell value just takes a giant dump after some mileage and a few years.

I just miss having an every day car that is fun to drive, nice to look at and holds it's value w/fair maintenance costs. Test drive day is today!

I'm still in the game! Crunch time.

 

I think space is the only issue. The IS is pretty small.

I would echo about the GS, even if you have to go a little older. The GS is a great compromise, bigger, but a great chassis and great to drive. They too are not big though, and having my twins in 2015 is what made me upgrade to the LS, and then in 2017 upgrade to the LWB LS. Although, my wife and I are both tall so its hard to find a car that could accommodate rear facing car seats and allow us to leave our seats in the normal spot. In the GS with the drivers seat adjusted to accommodate a rear facing car seat behind it I could not even get into the car.