I will be borrowing a 2IS loaner car for tonight through tomorrow afternoon. I hope the 2.5L engine will be enough for me. I'm coming from a 3.5L with about 270 hp. The dealer is willing to let me get one for $500 over invoice, so it's definitely very tempting.

 

You must be talking about the ES350 with the 272HP? It will feel like a huge differance even when the ES is FWD.

 

It will be a rougher ride and a lot less room..

 

If I don't feel like the IS 250 is powerful enough, then I will wait a while longer and get an IS 350. I'm not in dire need of a new car, but I don't particularly like FWD and a floaty suspension.

 

You said it best, I have been borrowing an ES350 loaner for almost a week to get 4 TSIB's done, and the ES is awesome, but does have that floaty suspension. It has some great HP with the 3.5 though. I do look forward to getting my IS back even though the ES350 is such a great car that puts you back in the seat. I am not a fan of FWD cars as well.

 

I don't know what the ES 350 drives like, but I can't imagine that it would be much different from my 2006 Toyota Avalon.

 

IMO,it's a much smoother ride than the Avalon.
The ES 350 really has a fantastic smooth,quiet ride.I was very impressed when I had one as a loaner.

 

I drive a lot of highway miles and really like how the Avalon can get up to speed in a blink of an eye. I'm very curious as to how the IS 250 will do.

 

We"ll,

I'll save you the time, if you need that pick-up from either the Avalon's 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 produces 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque or the ES350's 272 HP, definitely buy the IS350. The 250 will not be enough and it sounds like you love the power more than fuel economy.

 

I really appreciate your inputs. The people here are really great and it appears that there is a real sense of community. Sure there's a few immature people around, but what forum doesn't have those. I have quite a decision to make and will keep you guys updated!

 

I don't know the Georgia market, but I'm guessing IS350's will be going for invoice in many large markets later in the year.

I bought my 07 under invoice in December 06. Come December 08, the car will be in its mid-life, and I'm pretty sure the economy will be in the tank. You can definitely get a good deal then if you're not in a hurry.

 

250 is not that bad...you just need to REV it

last time I got the ES350 as loaner and yes -- it is FWD and a floaty suspension.

If you are coming from ES350, IS350 would be a better choice for you....

 

In most parts of the country the IS350 is still a relatively rare car at most dealer's. There is usually one or two in stock, but the dealers aren't flooded with them. So don't know how cheap they will be later this year. CA is a completely different market than the rest of the country. Latest indications are the economy will not go in the tank, and there are always people with money to buy cars like Lexus in good times and bad.

 

the es350 is a great car... for my parents.

 

Haha even my dad hated it when I got it as a loaner - I drove pissed off for 2 days.

THEN I got an RX.....I won't start. Aiya I have no idea what to do to stay in the Lexus family when I make more money except a GS.