IS350 or IS250

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Jan 23, 2012 | 04:10 PM
  #1  
Hello all

I am in the process of ordering an IS. I work for TMS so it will be a company lease. For $50 more a month I can get a 350. I am trying to justify the extra money. Is it worth it and why?

I have owned an IS250 sedan before and also owned an IS250c as u can see from my signature. I do not have the vert anymore.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Jan 23, 2012 | 04:16 PM
  #2  
Do you like a relatively fast car? If so, yes it is worth it.
Do you not care about speed? If not, then no, it is not worth it.

It's a lot faster car for a very minimal fuel cost. The 350 is a great car. I'd have one if it came with a manual for sure.

Jeff
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Jan 23, 2012 | 04:16 PM
  #3  
I would say if you want the power/quickness..go 350. That's the only difference. You already know the interior and exterior look, but the power will be nice!
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Jan 23, 2012 | 04:20 PM
  #4  
The only way to determine this is to drive a 250, then drive a 350.

They're the same car, except one has 100 more HP and will get a few MPG less on average than the other, depending on driving style.

Is it worth the extra money? Well, do you value performance? If you don't value performance and only want the IS for the looks/interior/reliability/luxury/etc, then don't bother.

However, if you value performance, then you've answered this question. And judging from your signature and all the F-Sport performance parts you added to your 250C, it appears to me you value performance. For only $600 per year, you get 50% more HP. Nowhere in the car world will you find the opportunity to boost your HP by 50% with no downsides for that low a price.

Again, there's no mystery here. 200 HP or 300 HP?
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Jan 23, 2012 | 04:25 PM
  #5  
Go for the 350 because it's something different (more power) since you already previously had the 250 and 250C. It's not your money so why not max out whatever they are willing to pay?
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Jan 23, 2012 | 04:28 PM
  #6  
Agreed, if you've already had the 250 and 250 C, get the 350 and switch it up
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Jan 23, 2012 | 04:58 PM
  #7  
When its not your money always spend as much as possible lol
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Jan 23, 2012 | 05:02 PM
  #8  
Awesome feedback already, thanks!

I do love all the Fsport stuff and would order the 350 in Ultraonic blue with Fsport package. Also within TMS lease program I can get the lowering springs, sway bar kit, exhaust on the vehicle. I will also add the HiD lights, navigation, and floor mats/trunk mat.
And I will add the Fsport intake outside of the lease.

I broke my foot and had to turn in the 250c since it was manual or i would still have it. I have a loaded FJ Cruiser now all done up with TRD stuff - black wheels, exhaust, K&N intake, PIAA fog lights, etc, but am ready to get back to luxury.
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Jan 23, 2012 | 05:07 PM
  #9  
350 hands down since you already had a 250 it just be the same car. At least with the 350 the extra 100hp be different
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Jan 23, 2012 | 05:48 PM
  #10  
350 if you have the money and like speed.
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Jan 23, 2012 | 06:01 PM
  #11  
Also hasn't been mentioned yet, but keep in mind that there's nothing you can do to appreciably increase the IS250's power if you're not happy with it when you get it. I've seen quite a few 250 buyers with buyer's remorse on CL who realized later on they weren't happy with the power and wanted to increase it, and past exhaust/intake, there's simply nothing you can do.
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Jan 23, 2012 | 06:26 PM
  #12  
Not many IS350's out there in comparison, I would think that resale value would be a good amount more...plus the 350 is way more fun!
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Jan 23, 2012 | 06:44 PM
  #13  
Sounds like you already made up your mind to get a 350 but just one more thing - no carbon build-up issues with the 350!
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Jan 23, 2012 | 07:08 PM
  #14  
Please do the following... Get one with EVERY option Nav, Parking Assist, Radar Cruise, EVERYTHING... Then when you turn it in. please tell me where to get it
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Jan 23, 2012 | 07:08 PM
  #15  
Definately get the 350. Pardon my ignorance but what is TMS?
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