Hi everyone,

My situation is probably not new or interesting, but hear me out. Im in the middle of deciding which is a better choice for me to take of the IS line up. As we all know the IS-F is soon to be on show rooms in January. Im VERY interested in it. But considering where I live, I could easily damage it within the first minor pothole and vandalism problems in the area. I love what you get for the money (performance) as well as the sexy paint job. My other choice is the standard IS350 (around 43 grand according to Lexus of Rockville Center NY). I choose this simply cause its much more cleaner looking IMO than the IS-F. Also more fuel efficient and a decent list of tuning pieces. Can any of the owners of the IS350 wished they could have something more than for the money (bang for buck factor). I know the IS-F is one of those must have cars, but im getting impatient and fed up with my LS400 (first the power steering went and caused a huge buzzing noise, some plastic pieces that needed replacing and now a oil hose which has broken totaling to over $1600 in repairs).

What would you do if you were in my position?

 

I'd get the 335i.

 

That all depends on what your defination of "bang for the buck" is... If we're talking strictly about speed, there are faster cars to be had for less money than the IS350. For most IS350 owners, speed was but one of the attributes they wanted. Before I got my IS350 I looked long and hard at a Pontiac GTO. Hard to beat a 400hp car with nearly limitless potential for well under 30K. In the end, I decided I wanted more than just speed so I went with the IS350.

 

would it pain you to buy a IS350 with a few thousand miles on it? i see many of them avail. online for under $40K. this might help in the bang for the buck area.

as for the vandalism. "i would" buy a mugen honda fit and upgrade my flat. that might make me more happier than worrying about my car out in the cold.

 

pontiac doesn't offer more than just speed? interesting comment.

 

I would really have to see the IS-F in person, and then I could choose between my IS350 and the IS-F. Yah, I wish my car was faster, but that just cause I got used to it by now and thats going to happen with any car if you drive it enough. Just be patient and wait until you can compare them side by side....or go for the new Evo....

 

Personally, I would by an M3, or a 335i; I like the HP (425) of the IS F, but the styling is not really to my taste (hood and flares) and IMO it will have the same handling issues as its sibling(s). Rumor has it that they are only producing 1000 of them the first year so anticipate a heafty price and/or maket premium. If my heart was set on the IS F though, I would still wait a year and let Lexus work out the kinks.

 

Yea, I'm not a big fan of the IS-F also. The styling is too tuner looking for me while the new m3 has a much cleaner look.

 

like most cars, the first year productions always have a few bugs. At least with '07 or '08 IS350 your safe.
Before I brought my car I also stopped at Lexus of Rockville Centre. Worst quote I got out of the other dealers. Plus they ask for $5000 down payment non-refundable. I won't go there if i was you.

 

Thats how I feel. Lexus definitely puts cars together a little better. That being said Id get the IS350 now and stop throwing money into that LS400 that you dont want anymore. Nothing worse than paying for a car you dont like anymore.