So I have been trolling the forums for a few months. I have to say, you all make a pretty compelling argument in favor of the 2nd gen IS which has lead me to seriously consider one.

The story as it goes...My vehicle journey started back in 2000 with my Dakota R/T...by 2007 I was buying a 2004 Sienna (kid hauler) and my wife's 2002 Jetta 1.8 Turbo became my daily driver. Fast forward 12 years and 132k miles later my kids are bigger and I'm still driving the Jetta. Driving a fully owned car for so long has been great and I have been super happy with how well the Jetta has held up, but now I am considering it adult time, which has lead me to start my search for a new car.

I have been looking at newer models...Camry, Accord, Altima and even considered a newer Jetta, but then I became enamored by the 2nd gen IS.

I am currently seriously considering a 2006 IS250 AWD (132K or 111k mileage). Maybe I'm currently blinded by love, but it seems the IS is far superior to some of the other newer cars. I can spend more on something newer, but I really love the design, build and function of the IS vs some of the newer model cars I have been trying out. I would not even consider a car is old and high mileage but seeing (driving) has me believing. Not to mention my 2004 Sienna is approaching 200k and still running strong. I would consider a 2007 or 2008 IS, but the closest are about 300-500 miles away.

I am taking into account the carbon issue that the 250 has. There are two available in my area and have looked up their service records with Lexus and I did not see the carbon issue addressed in the Lexus service records.

At the time of test drives I could not get the two IS models to show any symptoms of the carbon build up per Club Lexus instructions. With the money I'd ultimately save with the IS, I would be happy to purchase another car in 3-5 years.

Pros:

• Lexus build
• Saving $7 - $12k
• Rear leg room vs Jetta

Cons:

• Older
• Higher mileage
• Out of warranty
• Carbon issues not addressed

After writing this out I feel like I know what I will choose, but if anyone wants to chime in with their thoughts it would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

In my opinion I would stay away from the IS250. I don't know how many times the question of "which one should I get or should I get an IS250" comes up, but the answer is always get a IS350. If you are determined to get an IS250 then set aside 7k for a new engine.

I would also avoid the AWD but I understand why some people want it.

At the end of the day it's your decision but you're going to have to live with either "I should have listened" or "man was I stupid".....Pick one.....

 

Just get a 350 dude. You will not regret it. Much much faster and gets about the same mpg. Much more rare and no carbon build up issues to worry about. It's a no brainer.

 

I just bought IS 350 2006 with 80k and absolutely love it. Like it more than my 2013 Cadillac ATS turbo lol no joke and hopefully can upgrade to IS-F in few years.

 

Im in an opposite camp. I had an 350 and loved it. I have a 250 and love it. Drive them both and see what you like.

 

I imagine in SD that y'all have prettty snowy winters. So The AWD will be more beneficial for you. Also , the leg room will be similar to the jetta or any small car you intend to pursue. The IS platform is very small. Its just a compact car that is RWD (with awd option) so it may look bigger. But none the less , back seat is tiny. Im 6-2 , maybe 6-3 and its tight behind me. I have a forward facing car seat and with my wife in the car (5-0) its still tight for the little one. Empty front seat ; seat back is straight up, and the entire seat is rolled towards the front. 3.5 year old can still kick the seat. Lol. I hope thos helps you out.

 

I recently got an IS350, I love it. I came from a BMW 3 series so I'm used to a small car like your Jetta, the IS does feel a little bit more compact than the 3 series I had. My only complaint is the steering is not as tight as I'd like.

 

Depending on you budget, look for an AWD 350. I had an 06 RWD and traded for an 12 AWD. Don't regret it at all. It is the best of both worlds. I've had a 250 as a loaner and couldn't wait to get mine back, it just leads you to have a slightly heavier foot

 

I don't think the 250 is that bad, but I would definitely test drive the 350 first before deciding.

 

I am in Boston and bought my wife RWD 350 and never looked back. Drove it through the worst snow blizzard last year with packed snow on all highways....car was stable at 50-55mph, 60+ was getting scary

 

+1 for 350

 

IS350 all the way! Its a fun car.

 

Common trend amongst most 250 owners is that they wish they went with the 350.

 

350 or GTFO

 

I appreciate the replys and agree that the 350 would be ideal. The big problem I run into living is South Dakota is accessibilty to the 350. I have never seen one for sale let alone driving regularly around. I would have to make a special trip to Denver or St. Paul.

I did get to drive a 2013 GS 350 which was great, but once again that car is long gone and have not seen something similar since September 2016.

I checked out a 2013 Civic just for kicks and it seemed like a cardboard box. Road noise was terrible...could not hear conversations from the front passengers. People in front thought I was being anti-social... no just can't hear. Hehe

I will be making a business trip to Denver in March so maybe I will hold off until then, but that under $10k price for seemingly solid 250s entices me. I feel like I'd be getting a good deal...I haul kids, have a short commute and road trip during the summer.