Thoughts of your is350/250
11-22-15, 08:44 PM
#1
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Location: Texas
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Thoughts of your is350/250
Hey guys I currently don't have a Lexus but am hopefully going to be selling my 06g35 sedan and going to buy a Lexus soon but just wanted to know what I was getting my self into before I go ahead and buy one. So I'm looking for Lexus is350, 2008 because I heard 06-07 models had horrible steering feeling. My budget is about 14-15 grand. How reliable are these cars and what are so issues that most of you guys run into. Anything warning or anything I should know before buying one ?
11-22-15, 10:50 PM
#3
Check out the Buyer's Guide for a full list of info and issues you may come across.
Quick differences between 06-08 models:
As for reliability, both are pretty reliable. The 350's engine is nearly bulletproof. Worst thing about the 250s are the carbon build up issue, although it's not always a problem. Steering is a bit tighter on the 08, nothing special, you can swap it out with the IS-F steering ECU and/or change the steering damper to the IS-F to give it an even tighter/heavier feeling if you want.
As for your budget range, depending on where you are in TX, you can probably find some high 90s/low 100k mile 350s. Options and years will def vary, most likely will see more 06-07s. You can find some 250s at that price range, with more 08s as well, with lower mileage (70-80ish). More options for your money with the 250, more power and a better engine with the 350. AWD is available on the 250, but being in TX, I doubt you need an AWD model.
Can't go wrong with either. It's up to you if you want to gamble with the carbon build up, less miles and less horses, or go with the more power and higher miles. Gas mileage difference between the two is maybe 1-2.
Quick differences between 06-08 models:
06->07:
Shark fin added
Trunk/gas buttons relocated slightly and illuminated
X package offered for first time
07->08:
More rear legroom due to reshaped seatbacks
Improved steering feel
Default illuminated scuff color changed from blue to white
18" wheel color changed to liquid graphite
Coin holder added to dash
(this is the best looking year IMHO)
Cashmere carpet/mats changed to black for cashmere interior (this was a mid-year change, early 08s still got all cashmere)
Shark fin added
Trunk/gas buttons relocated slightly and illuminated
X package offered for first time
07->08:
More rear legroom due to reshaped seatbacks
Improved steering feel
Default illuminated scuff color changed from blue to white
18" wheel color changed to liquid graphite
Coin holder added to dash
(this is the best looking year IMHO)
Cashmere carpet/mats changed to black for cashmere interior (this was a mid-year change, early 08s still got all cashmere)
As for your budget range, depending on where you are in TX, you can probably find some high 90s/low 100k mile 350s. Options and years will def vary, most likely will see more 06-07s. You can find some 250s at that price range, with more 08s as well, with lower mileage (70-80ish). More options for your money with the 250, more power and a better engine with the 350. AWD is available on the 250, but being in TX, I doubt you need an AWD model.
Can't go wrong with either. It's up to you if you want to gamble with the carbon build up, less miles and less horses, or go with the more power and higher miles. Gas mileage difference between the two is maybe 1-2.
Last edited by Zmon; 11-22-15 at 11:03 PM.
11-22-15, 11:41 PM
#5
Instructor
- 06 and some 07 needs pedal dance to fully shut off traction control 08+ for sure don't need the pedal dance to do that...
- bluetooth audio available 2010 and up i believe...
- 350 gets equal or better mpg than 250
- 06-08 have the LED reading lights with the turning **** for sunroof which i love...
- steering u can change ecu and damper to fix that also can install figs engineering Front LCA Rear bushing to make it feels better that also fix the front camber wear problem...
- u need to worry about melting dash cuz u live in texas...
- bluetooth audio available 2010 and up i believe...
- 350 gets equal or better mpg than 250
- 06-08 have the LED reading lights with the turning **** for sunroof which i love...
- steering u can change ecu and damper to fix that also can install figs engineering Front LCA Rear bushing to make it feels better that also fix the front camber wear problem...
- u need to worry about melting dash cuz u live in texas...
11-23-15, 07:28 AM
#6
Driver School Candidate
I bought my IS250 about 8 months ago, they only thing that I regret is not getting an IS with a Navigation System. Other then that I love my car haven't had a problem with it at all!
11-24-15, 11:55 AM
#7
It mainly depend on your budget, obviously 350 is going to cost more. However I have the 250 F Sport and I love the way it looks and power wise it's ok for me since I don't drive fast anymore plus a few mile gas saving works for me 
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11-24-15, 02:07 PM
#8
The '08 models have the same or very similar steering ecu from the factory as the '06 and '07. So the steering "feel" will be the same. Now, no matter the year make of your 2IS, you can upgrade the steering ecu to help with the steering "feel".
Keep in mind, these 2IS vehicles are ALL have electronically-power assisted steering racks.
Keep in mind, these 2IS vehicles are ALL have electronically-power assisted steering racks.
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