GNG

I still own my 2003 IS300 and recently bought an IS250. Before I bought it I asked for your thoughts and got lots of good feedback, albeit split down the middle on whether I would be happy with the 250 or wish I got a 350. So after a couple months of driving, here are my thoughts.

1. IS300 is much more responsive. It has more pickup, from off the line to passing on the freeway. When I want to pass, I'm already there.

2. IS250 has the power, but I find I need to drive it more aggressively to get to it. It downshifts to pass, for example, whereas the IS300 never feels strained.

3. IS250 handles way better than IS300. I can take corners faster and more confidently.

4. Paddle shifters in IS250 are great and actually useful. When I want to show off the speed of the car, I go to paddles and push the RPMS - and then the car screams and accelerates very fast, faster than the IS300 in auto for sure. I never liked the shift buttons on the IS300 and never used them.

5. IS250 is much quieter, much more refined drive, much more luxurious. The entire package is much more "Lexus", whereas the IS250 always felt a bit like a kids car. (I know, some of you reading this qualify as "kids" but hopefully you know what I mean). After driving the IS250 for a bit, getting back into the IS300 is a huge letdown in terms of comfort and refinement. Oddly, I think the IS300 has more legroom in the backseat, at least in real life settings. I never felt like I was punishing those who sat in the back of the 300, but find myself scooting the seat up on the 250.

6. IS300 much "zippier" due to size. I can cram that car in any parking space, whereas the IS250 feels like a full size car.

7. Gas mileage is incredible on the IS250. On a flat highway going 80 I get 31 to 32 MPG. On average, 26 MPG is about the lowest I get. The IS300 gets 23 on a good day (ie: flat road with wind at your back ). With gas going up again and the predictions of $4 a gallon coming, this is a huge benefit.

8. Great stock stereo on the IS250 with way more bass than the IS300. Gets louder and stays clear. Of course, the mirror vibrates like hell on the IS250!

9. After adjusting the HIDs (raised them), headlights are significantly better on IS250.

That's about it for my random thoughts. In hindsight, I probably should have gotten the IS350 but I really did not want the payment and, as my wife reminds me, it gives me something to look forward to in a few years when I trade up. I really like the IS250 and am having a great time driving it. It's a great overall car and a nice upgrade from the IS300.

Next car - IS-F?

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

GNG -

Maybe you should have picked up an IS350?

BTW - number 1 and number 4 kind of contradict each other.

c.

GNG

I think I said that! I probably should have gotten the IS350, but am satisfied with the IS250 for the cost and MPG.

As for 1 and 4, let me clarify - in AUTO mode comparing the 250 to the 300, the IS300 is faster. Comparing paddle shift mode in the IS250 to AUTO mode in the IS300, the IS250 is probably faster. I don't know if test reports show this to be true or not, but it feels that way to me. Of course, comparing AUTO in one car to PADDLE in the other is a bit like comparing Apples to Oranges, but just my observation.

And before anyone flames me that I am somehow dumping on the IS250, let me restate that I love the car. I just wanted to post my thoughts comparing the IS300 to the IS250 now that I have both cars.

ben_r_

Crazy. I never really liked the IS300. Once I sat inside it one time I was done.

VIS250P

iTrader: (1)

My fiancee have 05 LExus IS300 and I have 08 LExus IS250.. IS300 have more options then my car but I love my car lol...

iialcii

iTrader: (3)

im happy with my is250

theres a tsib for the rearview mirror seach for it. But it depends on the production of your car VIN#

ba-b4

Try driving around in the 250 with ECT-PWR mode on. It might make it more "zippy" feeling.

avfs313

I had the IS300 for three years until I traded in for a IS350 six months ago. I think they are totally two different cars.(imo) IS300=younger & agressive/ IS350=mature & experienced.

cneeley

I'm surprised no one has brought up your comment on the is250 handling better. I made the same observation when I changed from my 03 is300 to my 07 is350 (lux package) and people were on my back quick with data showing that the 300 actually does handle significantly better. Now that being said I think on less than perfect roads the 2gen IS handles better. I notice going through a turn if you hit a bump the 2gen IS just eats it up and keeps going whereas the 300 would bounce a little. I think this is the main reason you feel more confident in the 2gen IS, therefore thinking it handles better.

UNMENDIGO

I drive both cars regulalry. i didnt want to trade my car in because i liked it so much, much to the dismay of my wifey. But when i got my is250 i matched with her rx, so i got points!

anyway, two completly diffrent cars. i agree with everything you said. the tech aspect of my is250 has no comparison to the is300. i miss the ipod jack and navi, but its funner to drive...yet is isnt..huh?

i know you know exactly what i mean...in other words i dont realize i miss either car until i drive it

Perfection

I hate the IS300's interior period.

BlackGhost

I like em both, each one of em has its cool features

GNG

I really liked the suede door panels. I got tons of positive comments on it - "What is this? Suede???? You got to be kidding me!" I sort of wish they kept the suede on the doors.

ldc

The 250/350 is alot newer in looks than the 200/300 and so has more street appeal, but the 250/350 is kinda boxy and the interior is not as sturdy in design as the 200/300. There are also blind spots in the 250/350...all in all i recon the 200/300 is easier to get around town than the 250/350.