Jblaze2

My dad offered to go in 50/50 on a reasonable car of my choice. I was initially going to buy a Camry but the base model IS250 wouldn't cost me that much more. At the same time I'd rather not spent my dad's/my own extra money unless it's completely justified. Is a base IS250 worth the extra money over a fully loaded Camry? If so, why?

Thanks!

AsianGirl007

iTrader: (1)

Howdy and welcome to Club Lexus!

Yes you will be MUCH happier with the IS250 over Camry. Camry's a nice car but i think your age bracket you'll like the IS better.

fyi, Lexus Financial Services offers special deals for you, ask for "College Graduate Program".

cocopops

iTrader: (1)

test drive both models. You seem to be a guy who would probably keep the car for some time, so choose one that you would not regret over the course of the ownership. If you do decide to get the Camry, let me know. My uncle have a connection with a toyota dealer (he got all his oil changes free).

Jblaze2

I will eventually go and test drive both models, but I'd like to do a little research first before talking to the salesmen.

BTW-I will probably keep this car for some time like u said. I had my last car for a little over 8 years.

Reyngel

I can't stress test-driving enough. I was -this- close to buying an Acura TSX. I had the car ordered, and a day scheduled to come in and sign the papers. During the wait time, I went in to test drive an IS250. That same day, I called up Acura and told them I wasn't interested. That's how much better the IS is when compared to other cars in its class. You can just feel the better quality when you're sitting inside, it's that obvious. I couldn't justify not spending the little bit more for the car. I think you'll feel the same way once you drive one.

ff_

I haven't been in one of the new Camrys yet, but have been in several of the other new Toyota products. The build quality and materials in the Lexus is much better. I think the IS is a much better looking vehicle too. That's enough to warrant a look-see, if I was in your shoes.

SerKevin

Randh,

Having moved from a 2002 Camry XLE to a 2006 IS 250 I can tell you that YES, the IS is worth the extra cost!

Don't get me wrong the Camry is a fantastic car with a great ride and high build quality... however it can't hold a candle to the quality of materials, attention to details, luxury, and the shear fun of driving the IS 250.

As others have said, go drive every car in this class. That way you'll know that you have the correct car for you without regret later. That is what I did before I bought my IS. I drove every car in this class, some slightly above and some slightly below. It took me nearly a month but every time I kept coming back to the IS.

Something else I would stress is something that you noted... DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Know everything about the car and what it is selling for in your area (example: Edmunds.com). That way you can deal intelligently with the dealership and minimize the chances of getting screwed in the deal.

Good Luck with your purchase and if you have any specific questions for me, please feel free to ask since I've owned both cars you are looking into.

ff_

Fixed your post

(it all depends on what you're used to)

ABC

Agreed. I test drove the IS, TSX, G35 (last gen), Camry and accord before i choose. Aside from performance, every time i sat in the lexus, i was like, "wow". None of the other cars gave me that feeling. The materials used and the fit and finish were far above the rest of the pack IMO.

However, the IS did have some downfalls: Small backseat, small trunk compared to the others, IS250 lacked power... But to me, those were not large issues

Good luck with your decision!

CAIFAN_64

iTrader: (1)

I would go with the IS250 all the way I love my car but if you compare a fully loaded camry vs a base model IS250 thats a very hard choice. The camry fully loaded comes with everything that the IS has and plus it comes with navi and a most powerfull engine 3.5, for about 30,000dls. On the other hand you can't get an IS250 base model they at least come with premium package and I think you can get it around 31,000dls

Soda

Or you can get a fully loaded Camry SE V6 w/nav that has ALOT more power than the 250 for about the same price. I'm sure both cars will last the same. The lexus may be prettier, but depends on what you're looking for. I know the 350 requires premium fuel while the camry V6 is regular. Believe me, I'm not against the lexus, I have one, but you can get a great deal on a camry and it's a great car!!! And the SE looks VERY similar to the IS. You'll just have to drive them both! Good luck!
FYI, 07 camry SE V6 inv. $28,262 w/ FE NV QB QC RF SR VS Z8 Z1 GO BM! MSRP 31,966.

LexusTime2

I was in a similar boat as you. I considered the 07 Camry vs. the 07IS250. Like everyone said, you must test drive both and see what fits you best. You can score a great deal on an IS250 for really not that much more than a Camry. Both cars are great but you can't go wrong on an IS.

SolaraToIS

I totally disagree with this statement the two look NOTHING alike.
The IS is much more sportier.

homer4598

The Camry SE with the V6 is pretty nice. I'd rather have the IS (which explains why I ordered an IS350), but it's a nice car...