Debating between IS 250 and IS 350
Sorry lomobaiz, but I get 20.5 commuting just like everybody else. I got stellar mileage when my trips were never less than 106 miles on an all freeway run.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: San Diego, CA
I average high 23's with most of my fillups on my 350. Every once in a while I'll average a 25MPG tank, and while I rarely floor my car, I do like to accelerate at a brisk pace.
FWIW, you don't need to be a "street racer" to opt for the 350. There are plenty of every-day type scenario's that the extra power can come in very usefull. The power drain of a hot summer day with the AC blasting is felt a lot less in the 350 than it will be in the 250. Add passangers to the mix while accelerating up a freeway onramp, and you'll definatly put the additional HP and torque to good use.
I've driven a MB C230 (which has similar performance to the 250) in exactly those conditions, and while my overall speed in my IS wasn't any greater, it was a heck of a lot easier to drive. I didn't have to push the car anywhere near as hard to do simple things like accelerate or pass.
FWIW, you don't need to be a "street racer" to opt for the 350. There are plenty of every-day type scenario's that the extra power can come in very usefull. The power drain of a hot summer day with the AC blasting is felt a lot less in the 350 than it will be in the 250. Add passangers to the mix while accelerating up a freeway onramp, and you'll definatly put the additional HP and torque to good use.
I've driven a MB C230 (which has similar performance to the 250) in exactly those conditions, and while my overall speed in my IS wasn't any greater, it was a heck of a lot easier to drive. I didn't have to push the car anywhere near as hard to do simple things like accelerate or pass.
Last edited by Ramon; Sep 6, 2007 at 12:10 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,030
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From: Windward, Oahu
Oh i thought it was you who got 26mpg... hmm... who was it now... oh well... yea i get 18 *according to the dash*. All stop n go city driving and my highway driving is up the pali 2kft elevation IF i goto honolulu.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 267
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From: NV
It's only 3,000 more for 100 HP and better brakes (at least back in Oct 2005). In addition, the difference in fuel economy is only 1-2 mpg for average daily driving for most people (not a big deal).
The main thing is AWD vs. RWD. I went with the IS350 and ended up paying another 2 grand for spare rims, winter tires, and sensors cuz I live where it snows.
The main thing is AWD vs. RWD. I went with the IS350 and ended up paying another 2 grand for spare rims, winter tires, and sensors cuz I live where it snows.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: CA
test drive both first
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: BC
make the commute a bit faster
Pole Position
Joined: May 2007
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From: NV
You're comparing apples to oranges. You need to compare them with the same package. Also, you usually can't get as good of a deal on a 350 as a 250.
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 583
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From: CA
OP, just buy what you feel like buying. Take some considerations on your needs though. How far do you commute? Do you need 306HP for an 11 mile drive on a congested freeway? Do you need to accelerate fast on surface streets or bumper to bumper traffic? etc, etc etc. ..........How many HP does your old car have? Is the 350 comparable to or have way too much power than your old car? Is buying a faster car really gonna save you alot of time during rush hour? Anyways, good luck. Keep us posted.
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