You are in california, so I would say get the 350. I live in Chicago so it was imperative that I grab an AWD 250. I crashed a GS300 during a snow storm so I can appreciate an AWD and what it can do and keep me from doing.

 

As far as we know, there is a member with over 265,000 miles on their 2006 IS250 here:https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...es-review.html, so at least we know that the IS250 is very reliable. But we don't know if there's an IS350 that's close to that many mileage. So it would be safe to assume that at least with the IS350, you can reach the same amount of mileage without worrying about carbon build up.

 

Just because its AWD doesn't mean it saves you in the snow. Still need a good set of snow tires to be as safe as possible, and a few members here have attested to the fact that a RWD model with snow tires is better than an AWD model without them. And as always, common sense and driving skill play a huge roll too, AWD or not

 

Your experience is strange, but they certainly have not changed the spark plug replacement interval. You can see for yourself in the latest service manual for the 2012 IS350:

http://www.lexus.com/pdf/service/Lex..._C_ISF_WSG.pdf

Are you sure someone hadn't already replaced the spark plugs as part of an earlier service?

 

i do all the regular service myself and the only time i bring my car in is when ever there is a recall, so i'm pretty sure they are NOT that bored to want to replace my plug for free.

When I did my 100k valve adjustment i had them do the plugs at the same time, so i only have to pay for the parts. Even then they didn't inform me "it's time for you to replace your spark plugs".....

maybe i'm lucky or maybe my car is messed up and I don't even know. So far the car drive and run strong so i hope it'll hit 200k before i replace my next plugs.

 

350 > 250 in so many ways. Maintenance is easier on the 350 - sparks plugs and brake pads are easier to swap out on the 350. MPG is negligible. Power is 50% more. No carbon build-up on the 350. When I was shopping around a 350 was the same price as the AWD 250 so it was a no brainer for me. Just be sure to get the one optioned out the way you want. I got the Sports package with Nav and Mark Levinson stereo. Personally, I think it's the best setup out there.

 

I too am about to buy an IS, i have opted for the iS350 because i did not want to worry about the Carbon build up in the 250 later down the road...

 

Also may i add that the IS 300 has to be more reliable as well , as this engine does not have direct injection. Hence I believe this rids it of the dreadful carbon buildup problem or so I hope . Fingers crossed.

 

Definitely get the IS350

 

Yup... Is350 all the way... no more carbon build up hiccup at the stop light!

 

Alright, I have decided to go for the IS350. Thanks everybody.