Lexus cuts 350 production....
I honestly hope that isn't the real reason. That would be one of the silliest things ever if Lexus is truly directing IS350 buyers to the IS-F. As good a performer of the IS-F is, I actually prefer the IS350 over it based on looks and over all performance vs cost. At the moment, I would actually buy an IS350 with Nav, but I wouldn't buy or get talked into buying an IS-F. That car is just not for me and if they are doing this I'd go to a competitor.
I honestly hope that isn't the real reason. That would be one of the silliest things ever if Lexus is truly directing IS350 buyers to the IS-F. As good a performer of the IS-F is, I actually prefer the IS350 over it based on looks and over all performance vs cost. At the moment, I would actually buy an IS350 with Nav, but I wouldn't buy or get talked into buying an IS-F. That car is just not for me and if they are doing this I'd go to a competitor.
The '09 new design A4.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks for the update Liz. The IS will be due for the usual Lexus 3 years refresh and with gas prices rising, the IS 250 demand might increase.
Initially Lexus estimated they would sell 70/30 in favor of the 250 but buyers wanted the 350 and production was moved to 60/40.
THey might move it back b/c people want better economy.
Initially Lexus estimated they would sell 70/30 in favor of the 250 but buyers wanted the 350 and production was moved to 60/40.
THey might move it back b/c people want better economy.
Maybe only the 4 doors because a 350 coupe is said to be coming out on Edmunds and in a post here that mentioned Lexus is applying for a license in Canada for sales a 1S 250 and 350 coupe.
Maybe a new design is coming out with the coupe.
I'm trying to hold out for the new IS design before jumping into a 350.I hope a new model comes out but I've read here that will happen in '12.
I can't wait till then.
As far as the IS-F,I think the IS-F won't be a big seller.
http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is350/2009/review.html
Maybe a new design is coming out with the coupe.
I'm trying to hold out for the new IS design before jumping into a 350.I hope a new model comes out but I've read here that will happen in '12.
I can't wait till then.
As far as the IS-F,I think the IS-F won't be a big seller.
http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is350/2009/review.html
I think it is going to get a refresh because the coupe/convertible is coming and Lexus won't introduce new IS's while keeping the same old body style for current ones. That would be sales suicide, right?
Thanks for the update Liz. The IS will be due for the usual Lexus 3 years refresh and with gas prices rising, the IS 250 demand might increase.
Initially Lexus estimated they would sell 70/30 in favor of the 250 but buyers wanted the 350 and production was moved to 60/40.
THey might move it back b/c people want better economy.
Initially Lexus estimated they would sell 70/30 in favor of the 250 but buyers wanted the 350 and production was moved to 60/40.
THey might move it back b/c people want better economy.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 127
Likes: 2
From: NY
Here in Buffalo, I don't think I've even seen a 350 on the road (actually, not many 250's either - it's an economically starved area). When i bought my IS250 I don't even know if the dealer had a 350 on the lot. In snowy parts of the country like here AWD becomes very important. I might've considered an IS350 if it were available in AWD, but since it isn't I went with the IS250 AWD. So as for young women being the primary drivers of the 250's, that might be true in warmer climates, but probably less so in colder, snowier ones.
As for the idea of Lexus cutting production of the 350s to get more people into the IS-F, if that's true then Lexus is making a big mistake. The IS-F is one hell of a car, but the price difference between the two is too extreme to push most potential 350 buyers into the F. Limiting production of the 350s might drive potential buyers out of the Lexus lineup completely - $40K can buy you a nice vehicle from another manufacturer.
I'm curious as to the IS coupe coming out. Every time I see a Scion tC I think that's what an IS would look like if it were available in a coupe. Not that there's anything wrong with the Scion (I actually am fond of the styling), but it's only a $17K car. Hopefully Lexus will not make the IS coupe look like a dressed-up Scion...
As for the idea of Lexus cutting production of the 350s to get more people into the IS-F, if that's true then Lexus is making a big mistake. The IS-F is one hell of a car, but the price difference between the two is too extreme to push most potential 350 buyers into the F. Limiting production of the 350s might drive potential buyers out of the Lexus lineup completely - $40K can buy you a nice vehicle from another manufacturer.
I'm curious as to the IS coupe coming out. Every time I see a Scion tC I think that's what an IS would look like if it were available in a coupe. Not that there's anything wrong with the Scion (I actually am fond of the styling), but it's only a $17K car. Hopefully Lexus will not make the IS coupe look like a dressed-up Scion...
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 7
From: FL
I keep reading about Lexus changing the design of the IS for next year, but it wouldn't really make much sense right now, IMO. They just released the IS-F, and they're really going to **** owners of that car off if they go and change the overall design only a year or so after the launch of their performance car.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 0
From: California
I keep reading about Lexus changing the design of the IS for next year, but it wouldn't really make much sense right now, IMO. They just released the IS-F, and they're really going to **** owners of that car off if they go and change the overall design only a year or so after the launch of their performance car.
I don't know where it is publicly but dealers get that info on a regular basis.
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 87
Likes: 1
From: New York
The 350 has always been hard to find. I believe my salesguy said in NY only 10-20% are 350s with the most popular being the 250 with AWD. I think similar situations happen in all makes & models where there is a choice of engines. The lower-powered cheaper version sells more.
it's the same with all luxury companies...like the bmw 328i sells more than the 335i...same with the C300 vs. the C350...so yeah...plus I believe the IS-F, M3, C63, RS4, CTS-V is for people that want all out performance...so they aren't going to make that many of them compared to the lower models...so its mostly for braggin rights...lol 
Yeah the IS-F isn't a big seller. Dealers are discounting it a lot already.
I think it is going to get a refresh because the coupe/convertible is coming and Lexus won't introduce new IS's while keeping the same old body style for current ones. That would be sales suicide, right?
I think it is going to get a refresh because the coupe/convertible is coming and Lexus won't introduce new IS's while keeping the same old body style for current ones. That would be sales suicide, right?
I can't see a big body redesign till the rumored '12.
My dealer has had 3 IS-Fs for a month.Two in the showroom.I was told by my salesman last week that they will discount the IS-F.