Hey All,
I jumped the gun on a 07 IS350 for $19k + taxes (at 80k kilometers). For anyone that has the same model in the same generation, I wanted to know how the peformance is? Im buying this car from a performance perspective and I was wondering if anyone could provide any insight into things like the power, handling, acceleration or just give me a general overview of their driving experience. In addition, if there are any reliability concerns that'd be great to know. I'm essentially comparing this to a bummer, but as it has to be after the 09 facelift, only a 328xi is viable for me. A comparison between the two would be great. I've also heard the electric steering isn't as fun as a bimmers, and that the transmission on this car isn't "tuned for performance" (just from word of mouth) any insight would be appreciated.

 

The search button is your friend. This has been discussed many times before and you will find lots of answers to your questions....probably more than you'd need.

And welcome

 

If you are only considering the Lexus from a performance aspect, then there are much better packages out there for you. If you are looking for a low-cost of ownership and yet still a FUN ride, then the IS350 definitely fits the bill.

Check out my signature for a slight peak into the perforance a "stock" IS350 is capable of.

 

You didn't test drive various models before you purchased?? Wow.....

 

Of course not! We were all able to sit in the car and get a feel for the car, but as it was past closing time they wouldn't let us drive it. However, they did drive it (and hard) with us in the car. We were actually interested in an ES350 instead, but that car was just recently brought to our attention, and as I am looking for something more performance based, I think the IS 350 would be a better fit. We had only put a deposit of $1000 and right now we're debating between the ES 350, IS350 and an Audi A4 they have on the lot. We did test drive the ES350 and that was the car we agreed to put the deposit on, but now we're considering the IS.


TL;DR we put a deposit for the ES350, but are now questioning whether the IS350 fits our needs better.

 

Last summer I started looking to purchase a different car than the one I had. I also started looking at the ES350, other things as well. I wasn't finding cars at prices I liked locally, and arranged 3 viewings a short drive away for the following day. One was for an IS350, one for an ES and one for a Hyundai. I pretty much convinced myself to pass on the is350. Test drove the ES, but couldn't come to a price. It was late enough by then that I could only go see one of the other cars. Since the Hyundai was at a dealership, I didn't feel too bad about blowing them off. I was pretty convinced I wasn't going to buy the IS, he was asking more than I really wanted to pay and was wondering if I should just cancel, but decided to go anyway. Liked the guy enough and the looks of the car that I figured I'd give it a test drive. Really liked it. Didn't give up on the luxury aspects of the ES, but more fun to drive. A little less room, but not uncomfortably so. I liked enough to go offer about $1500 more than I'd planned on spending. Ended up making a deal. Still smile everytime I drive it. No regrets.

 

I have an 07 IS350 and really have enjoyed the car. I drive conservatively most of the time but every once in awhile I'll stomp it. Fun car to drive and has plenty of pickup when you need it. My friend has a 07 335i and I think overall the 350 is better. Much better interior and just more luxurious feel to the car.

 

i agree with this. if a performer is what you were after, then there were alot of other cars i would choose before the is350. but for the price a 350 can be had for, and how nice it is compared some other cars, and it still pretty fun........ its hard to not consider the 350 ahead of alot of cars