and lookin at buying a IS250 RWD Manual or IS350; havnt decided yet because my problem is that I want a manual yes it sounds stupid but it would be nice to have a stick shift car. I was wondering those with the IS250 how do you like it? power etc. Im assuming the interior for the IS250 and 350 are the same just different motors right? My other question is those with the IS350 how do you like the sport shift?? does it lag or does it shift on demand?

Thanks

P.S.
Ive looked around online and what car would be perfered for modding? seems the IS250 has a tad more aftermarket than the IS350....

 

Welcome to the best LEXUS club....
I've a 350 and the paddle shift have 1 or 2 second delay, but it is nice to have an automatic car and a kind of stick at the same time you know.

 

Hi Grey Cam,

I'm new on here just like you. Before you jump into the decision of a stick shift car, are you sure you wouldn't mind driving one everyday? I ask this because I'm in the market for an IS350 and the main reason for my change is I'm sick of driving a stick shift. I currently drive an Acura Integra GSR, a graduation gift from my parents, and of course, it only came in stick shift (GSR and Type R's). It was great at first since I didn't have a long commute to school, it sucked when I started going to college. Driving a stick shift in bumper to bumper traffic just sucks. I'm just warning you, if you haven't really owned/driven a long time, a manual transmission vehicle, it is fun at first, tiresome after a the first year.

 

also, as far as aftermarket goes, you're better off with the 350. seems like things are made for that first, then the 250. i think the majority of people wanting to mod will get 350s initially anyway.

if you really want the power, go for the 350, as there have been numerous members that have not been satisfied with the 250s power.

the sportshift (or whatever its called) does lag, although i use it all the time. people have their complaints here and there about the auto tranny on the car, but for me, driving an auto before this, i'm happy with it.

lastly, the big differences between the 2 are hp (306 v. 204) and bigger brakes on the 350.

 

I have been driving a stick for 10 years. Now I finally picked up an IS250 auto. Its nice to have a change especially in traffic.

 

welcome!!
good to have another preson from VA on here..where in va?..
have you driven the manual yet..

 

Welcome to the Club!

For the 250, it has good power, but definately not enough for enthusiastic driving. If you like power and the control of a manual, I think you'll be satisfied with control only. For most of the guys that have manual trannies, they like it, but are looking to other cars (IS350, G35, 3-Series) for more power.

The interior of the 250 and 350 are the same. Only a climate smog sensor differentiates the two.

As for the Sport Shift on the 350, it o.k. I would definately prefer a manual, as the Sport Shift has a 1-second lag with upshifts, and the car still automatically downshifts. However, from slower speeds, it helps with the acceleration. It isn't as good with twisties because the paddles move with the steering wheel.

I hope this helps.

Good luck and keep us informed when you get the car!

 

I live over in Warren County.

Thanks for the info guys helped me out alot. Reason I want stick is because I live out in the country side and long stretch of twisting roads. Im planning on going to the dealer as soon as I have some time. I already have some money summed up just tryin to get a couple more for the down payment and waitin for tax return as well. This forum has been alot more help than some other forums.

Thanks

 

Go with the IS350.

If you do a search, you will find many disgruntled owners of the manual transmission, myself included.

The most irritating problem to me is the hanging revs where the engine will hold onto the revs before dropping back down allowing you to match the rpm for your next gear. A typcial shifting process is: accelerate, clutch pedal in, shift, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, clutch pedal out. The car is pretty much just coasting for 2-3 seconds everytime a gear shift is made.

It really is a shame, because the car is actually quite fun to drive when in gear, but all that fun ends as soon as you have to make a gear change.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have went with the IS350.

 

dont buy the 250 stick if your **** about noises from the tranny when u start off in first gear and the occasional 2nd gear crunch.
fedor explained the rev thing pretty good.
if u like power get the 350. if u love driving stick and dont care about power get the 250 stick.
overall i love my 250 stick. i wouldnt trade it for a 350 ever.....

 

I was in your shoes once. After driving the IS350, I had a SmilE from ear to ear. Trust me, drive it. You will pay the $4K more.

 

It's more the along the lines of a 1/2 sec delay. Def. doesnt take a full 2 secs for the tranny to react.

 

thats funny what you said cuz my mechanic says that lag in toyota cars in general happens a lot. i've driven both cars and hard and really objectively the 250 just does not have enough power.

 

Welcome to CL!