Nixcision

iTrader: (3)

*There's a recent thread floating around about a M/T 250 vs 300 and which one to pick, but I didn't want to hijack that thread with my questions!*

As winter approaches, I'm beginning to realize that I want more from my 250. Splurging on a body kit (and maybe boost of some sort) seems great, but at the end of the day its expensive and still won;t get me to where I want to be. The wheels come off and my ride height gets raised as soon as the snow falls.

I've been thinking about this, back-and-forth, for a while and am considering buying an IS300 which I would turbo.

I could take advantage of the change of season and part my mods out for money towards turbo'ing the is300.

As discussed above, the 250, being a more modern car, is really nice and quite luxurious for an entry level Lexus. On the other hand, the 300 is older but also has so much more potential power and modification wise.

I hope to find a 300 with a clean history and a black leather interior - still undecided on a M/T or A/T.

Essentially what I'm looking for are opinions on what would be better in the long run (i.e. 5 years down the road).... Would a modded 250 be something to admire or would a 1st generation 300 be a better choice?
I keep thinking the 300 because of its 2jz and boost potential and the fact that it is a first generation IS, making it more special in the future!

Thoughts on which choice for longevity?
Thoughts on A/T vs M/T?

heyarms

iTrader: (5)

between the girlfriend and i, we've had 3 IS300's and we have a boosted is250 and boosted is350. The is300 has a better feel driving it, handling wise due to the feedback from the steering. The is300 is very dated right now interior wise. If youre craving power above all else, the is300 is easily your answer. If you just want something fun, i would boost a 2nd gen IS. It maintains its reliabilty and the car has some years left until it all around old. Boosted longevity of a is300 all depends on what amount of power you end up with, but its a 2jz... it wont be hard to source or replace the parts when and if needed. A 2IS boosted is pretty solid reliability wise since you cant go crazy with boost.

TL;DR - Power? IS300. Comfort, more modern style? 2IS.

Nixcision

iTrader: (3)

Its a tough choice because I'd hate to see my 2is go, but at the same time performance is a big attraction, especially seeing as with the 250 you're limited on boost numbers and output.
I'd have to find an is300 with a black leather interior in immacualte condition, thats for sure!

I wonder if an is300 will be more of a special car in 10 years than an is250..? Thats one of my main decision makers.
Long term? Having an older boosted 2J IS and a nice RC-F (N/A).
Planning my future here haha