In case it matters, my vehicle was built 09/05.

 

I came out of a 2000 Audi S4, a car that supposedly has a stiffer suspension than an A4 w/sport package, and my IS350 with the Lux package and 18" wheels may even have a tad stiffer ride than that.

I had seriously considered buying the IS350 with the sport package, but after driving the Lux package for 5 months on New Jersey's pot hole infested roads, I'm glad I didn't.

 

I personally like my sport and have no regrets getting it. But then again, I haven't really ridden the lux for very long (test drove at Taste of Lexus very briefly) so I can't really do a good comparison. All I know is that the sport isn't as stiff as everyone makes it out to be. It feels smooth and fine to me. Plus, I like how it corners well. I assume that sport prob corners better than lux.

Like eveyone else keeps saying on here, you just need to weigh the pros and cons of each. Like make a list of what you like/don't like of each pkg. Whichever pkg has more pros, you should get that one.

G'luck!

 

04 grand touring 6spd, stock except for clear turn signals and stealth turn bulbs. (Had the canzoomer chip for a while, not worth it)

Also had a 93 blk/blk rx-7 that had horrible cooling system problems.

Love both cars, actually, just can't stand Mazda's service locally.

 

Agree with you 100% here. I don't know what people are talking about the sport's rides being so stiff. They must have really bad roads in their area?

 

Love my sports packaged car. I think its rides great. I really wanted the illuminated door sills though. If they are really plug and play I'd buy them in a minute. Has anyone else besides sickntired been able to do this without messing with rewiring?

 

currently have a .75" lowered prelude with 215/35/18 tires, ill be able to handle it, it used to be lowered 1.5" a while back

 

You might try removing the sill plate and see if an empty connector is hanging out in there somewhere. Should not be too tough.

I love the way the sport handles and rides! Never drove a Lux, but the base that I did drive seemed a ok, but was nothing compared to the sport!

 

Okay, thanks Phil

 

I personally didnt see much hight difference. Its what 1/2" ? Its not enough for me to call it a drop really. I drove both before i got my Luxury and the sport wasnt much of a difference there. I personally could have drove either. The LUX like others have said are much stiffer and firmer ride then alot of other cars as it is. I like it. My decision was made easy do to all the extras i get with the luxry. The wood grain for me was a must on a 47K car. The door sills, the rear window shade were also some extras i can say that i have and friends dont. I like haveing alot of gadgits and luxury items. I can always lower the car or buy some used stock sport springs (when someone removes then for a real lowering kit). I have did that on all my previous cars and could do it again if i wanted. But i cant add the wood and rear sunvisor without out some major mods or money.

 

my main reason for gettting the sport was because I didn't want all the wood trim. 2nd was the drop. The Lux's look like 4x4s.

 

I think that was my post. I am not very happy with the ride on the sport model it is really stiff don't get me wrong I love the car and it handles like a dream but the Tokico strut/shocks are set up very stiff compaired to my 300 which is lowered 1.3inchs and on 19's. This is my wifes car and she would rather drive my lifted truck. I believe that the dampening of the Tokico's is set too high and i am looking into either changing the struts or gettin adjustables.

 

I'm happy with my sport pkg IS350.

 

For a lot of people it comes down to whether you prefer wood or no wood. I didn't want the wood look (the metallic finish is sportier and younger looking IMHO), but most people either like one or the other. Honestly I would think about that first, since many other differences are either not that noticeable (ride height), not that useful (rear sun shade), or able to be modded after you get the car (sport pedals, illuminated sills).

 

I love the tight ride. It was a good adjustment coming form a 350Z. I tested both and would not change my mind.