Hello all,

This is probably in the wrong area, however I didn't want to post in the official "welcome thread" (because I don't have a "is" yet). I have been looking around and this forum seems to have a wealth of information about what will be my next car. The styling of them is absolutely great and it seems to be a very reliable car.

Here is a little info on me. I have had several BMW's, mostly E30s, and do have a decent knowledge of cars. Right now I have a 05 Tc ( for sale) and a 2013 Acura ILX. I live near Portland, OR and can't wait to own a Lexus.

I do have a couple questions though. I will most likely be taking the car up to the mountain to go snowboarding. I assume I can find a roof rack for it, but I wonder if it would be better to go for a is250 and get the AWD version, or stay with the more powerful and loaded 350 version with a good set of snow tires... Does the snow setting seem to work well? and is the AWD really good?

Thanks guys and girls. All comments and direction will be greatly appreciated.

 

If your a good drive and don't live up hill area. Then rwd with snow tires be good. It all on your driving ability too. Gotta remember it doesn't snow 24-7 a day so roads will be clear.

 

Makes sense, I guess I was just worried about going to the mountain. But even then, the roads are not normally too bad.

Thanks.

 

Timberline wouldn't be fun, ski bowl and meadows are a better choice
I'm Vancouver/PDX as well - welcome!
I haven't experienced my rwd is350 in the snow (new here too) we have an xterra and 4ruuner for hunting/mountains - but I would kick myself in the *** daily if I went with a 250.
For the little additional money, the 350 is worth every penny.
Depends what really matters to ya, but a 306hp rwd car sure is fun
PS - I watched CL PDX for 3 months before finding a like new 07 is350 with 37k on it - drove up to Bellevue to get it. Watch SEA CL too.
You'll see a ton of 250 deals - be strong, hold out for the 350. My only advice
PS - most folks here say the rwd with good snow tires is more capable in the snow than a awd with non snow tires.
The traction control in the recent rain, is amazing. Lexus did good there.

 

Yeah, I pretty much only go to meadows. Sounds like the extra money for the power is worth it, I 'll just have to find the right deal, and get some snow tires.

Thanks FI4runner, that helped a lot. I'll be on the hunt in up north too.

 

Well if your in a area that has a lot of awd IS then the rwd 350 well be cheaper. I live in the northeast and rwd are cheaper then awd.