So, I test drove an IS350C today with a sticker price of about 55K. The dealership had added its own upgrade of worth about 2K, so that brought up the price. IS has been one of my favorite cars aesthetically in this class, but when I stepped in, I was a bit disappointed. It was responsive and fast, but the "feel" wasn't quite what I expected of a car at this price. My brother has a latest model 3-series, and that felt much more solid and well built. Is the 350 worth the stick price difference over the 250? I didn't test drive the 250 because I was running out of time, but I understand that it goes from 0 to 60 in over 8 seconds. My old Jeep was faster than that!

What are you thoughts on the 250 (or the 350 or the convertible versions)? Thanks for reading!

 

Welcome to the forum.

There's only a handful of IS-C owners on the forum, and most all of us love the car, but do have some shared gripes/issues.

I would recommend using the search button to search within the IS-Second generation. Most of us have already posted our opinions/feedback to other potential buyers. You can see here to start: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...0c-thread.html

Not trying to be a jerk.....just cutting down on the redundancy.

 

I personally don't like the convertibles. Maybe if they had different tail lights it wouldn't be so bad.

 

If you're going for speed don't get the 250, convertible or sedan model. It's not exactly a slug but just not nearly as quick as the 350. It is however strong in many other areas; ie, comfort, reliability, looks, technology (depending on which options u get), very nice cornering, pretty decent gas mileage, etc.

If you don't need a convertible the sedan is a great alternative. Am sure many would agree on this forum.

Hope this helps!

 

well, the 250 is slow enough, i can't imaging the added weight of the convertible will do to the car. no offense but an IS250 convertible is a definitely a girl car.

 

What if the OP is a girl...

 

why do u guys say the 250 is slow? off a red light yes but when its fast its good

 

I'm offended by that (lol jk) not a convertible fan myself, sunroof is enough, plus like you said they're always heavier. whatevz to each his (or her) own

 

OP is a man guys, lol. Thanks for all the responses! If I were to buy one right now, I'll probably go with the 250ISC.. or IS350. I do like the convertible, though. I don't really need rear seats, either. I going to hold off on getting a new Lexus. Let's see if the dealership calls me back a few times. hah.

 

I like my is250 because of the gas mileage. I don't speed or anything so i choose mpg > power. If you a do a lot of driving and know you don't need the performance, the 250 is a better choice. If you want a sportier and faster feel, the 350 is better for you.

BTW for about $40k you can buy a used ~08 IS-F here in CA

 

I have both a 2010 250 and an 08 350. The 350 is def faster than the 250 but unless you plan on going WOT from each stop light there is really no need for that much constant power IMO. The 250 is plenty quick for daily driving and since I own both I can more than vouch for that. Everyone here tries to play the 250 off like it's a 14 second zero to sixty corolla but it has its own kick no doubt.

 

Just an aside, it always makes me chuckle when some ppl totally diss the 250's b/c their 0-60 is "too slow" or the car is "not sporty enough" etc., etc. Well, it's not meant to be a race car.. It's a sporty sedan. I suppose some of em are just jealous b/c they can't afford one or something?...

Yes, even my 250awd is plenty fast for me. Would I like an extra 30 hp? Sure! Do I need it, no. I don't want to be a ticket magnet.

Just my $.02 that's all.

 

If it was just an extra 30 horsepower, maybe. Check the rated horsepower difference between the 250 and the 350. If I'm not mistaken, it is 204 for the 250 and 306 for the 350. I have driven both, and there is a huge difference to me. I don't nail it from light to light, and don't often go over 80mph (or so). However, when you lean on the throttle at 35-40 mph and feel the full of the extra power, it makes a difference.
As for the original question and the reason for the thread, I have never been a fan of convertibles. They are fine for what they are, but not my cup of tea. Too many issues to deal with (noise, etc), they are heavier, and rarely handle as well as the hardtop version. Seems like the more I like a car model, the less likely I am going to like the convertible version. They just look so different, and many of the body's lines that I liked in the first place, are either different or not there at all.

That was a bit wordy, so I guess that was my $.03. Ha!

 

Well, We got a 250 C in December. We have both been pretty happy with the car. It drove much better than I expected. As you can see from my Sig, i've had quite a few Lexus' and was worried the ride would be too harsh. I/We don't need tons of power or the back seat. Now that the weather has warmed up, it is quite enjoyable to cruise around... and good MPG's too...


Laketuna,
You can shoot me a PM. I have a really good connect w/ my dealer in So Cal. Unbelieveable deals with no hassles or games

 

Yea.. I test drove both 250 and 350... almost 100 horsepower difference. I could really tell the difference but honestly, 250 didn't feel slow. Plus you can get better MPG~ Now gas price is like $4.40 now