Hi gang, i was curious to know, is the IS too small for a family car? How do the rwd models fain in snow, with snow tires? Or is awd a must?
thanks
fab

 

An is350 might be on the small side for a family car, the back seat doesn't offer much for leg space. You might want to check it out in person to decide for yourself. You might want to check out a gs350.

I believe this is my 5th winter with my is350 and it can be tricky, even with winter tires. I would definitely go with awd if you plan on driving your family around and get a lot of snow and ice.

 

i have a car seat on the right and a 14 year old boy that’s 5’6” on the left and it’s tight. Good for short trips. I’m 5’10” and like the seat back so I have to move it forward.
I have all season tires for the winter. I drive cautiously in the snow. Haven’t had a problem yet but only owned it for 1 winter. IS350 RWD. Last winter wasn’t bad at all. I have a 120 daily commute to work all highway.

 

Thanks gang. Hmm in this case, maybe an ES might be a better choice? More roomy and fwd? I had a 2002 camry and loved the room and driving it.
Fab

 

Not an easy find but the ls460 is quite roomy and be found in awd.

 

#IS is small but with one kid will work.

 

We have 2 toddlers, so maybe not a good option.
I was kinda wondering how the rwd model lexus’s do in snow?
fab

 

Look into the GS350 awd.

 

Steep gearing and an open differential make it no fun on occasion. Also the traction control is not your friend in winter.

 

It's a dammed if you do, dammed if you don't situation taking off up a slippery hill. With trac on, it limits power and can throttle the engine to idle if too much wheel spin is detected. Trac off and you're reduced to peg leg propulsion which may not get you up the highway. That is part of the reason the 350 is getting a proper LSD.

If you're in a hilly area, get AWD.