Just sold my 2004 IS300 and im looking to buy 2nd gen IS!
what should i look for when buying one? Should i be catious if its over 100k miles? Are the is250 M/T reliable?

 

Go right below 3nd paragraph:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...iy-thread.html

 

I have the is250 and i wouldn't recommend it to a previous is300 owner, mainly because it's a little slower. Just look for a is350 that will be your best bet.

 

You will eventually go back to the IS300.

Got both of em and I pick to drive the 300 over the 250 any day (Even tho it cost twice as much in gas.. Turbo or not)

 

I have a manual transmission. It isn't that great. I'd get the 350 also. 100 more HP.

 

I wouldn't get the M/T in the 2IS, go with an automatic. You'll probably enjoy the IS350 more coming from an IS300.

 

If manual is important to you, I would not look at the 2IS.

If paddle shifting is acceptable, then you can look at the ISF. The IS350 does not have paddle shifters. The IS250's manual transmission is very mediocre, not to mention the car is severely underpowered in its class.

The IS350, on the other hand, is among the most powerful in its class, but it only comes in a fully automatic transmission, and you can't mod it for significantly more power.

Edit: For example, I have an IS350 and I absolutely love it. However, I'm not a manual transmission kind of guy, nor am I a mod-maniac. I only drive stock cars, with the exception of modding the suspension (eg. I have F-sport sway bars on my IS350, but that's it).

 

The IS250/350 DOES have paddle shifters,... they just happen to be programmed as "top gear limiters".

 

Wow was not expecting to hear all that. Makes me second guess getting a 2nd gen. I really wanted it to be a manual IS thats why i wanted a 250 over the 350. Then again the HP difference is just as important.
If only Lexus made a M/T IS350....

-Thanks for the responses!

 

So THAT's what those flat silvery things are..... maybe I should try them out.

 

If you've not test driven a 350, then you might change your mind about it being only available in auto. Trust me, I have only owed/driven manual trans cars before my current '06 350; but with the combo of the 300hp & and the 4.10 final drive you'll be pleasantly surprised. Plus it's not a slushbox...it does have precise, quick shifts that will put a smile on your face.

GL on your search.

 

The IS250/350 does not have paddle shifters.

Gear limiters are not paddle "shifters."

 

They're useless, unless you want to limit the top gear temporarily for illegal street "roll" racing.

 

I agree, among automatic transmissions the IS350 has a very good one. If AT is ok with the OP the IS350 is a phenomenal choice. Luxury, reliability, and power.

I would go as far as to say that the IS250 AT is better than the IS250 MT. Sure, the IS250 is a bit underpowered, but it's not really underpowered for daily driving.

The IS250's MT is derived from the MT in the toyota tacoma truck.

 

Manual was one of my top requirements in a car.I have yet to test drive either the 250/350. By the sounds of all this, i think ill give the 350 a try and see how that goes.