I'm debating swapping my '14 GS 350 RWD for a '13 IS 350 AWD F Sport for 19k. I commute about 600 miles week. I'm wondering how this will feel as a commuter compared to my GS. I'm about 5'7" and not a big guy. The GS folks are saying the IS is too small to commute with.

 

If you are the only one in the car it will be good. Having multiple people that's where it gets tough. The IS is too small for that extra leg room needed for tall passengers.

 

I say keep the GS.
I drive to Florida from New Mexico twice a year. I'm 5'4 tall and its super uncomfortable after a long time.
I always travel alone but one time I had someone else with me and we could barely fit both of our stuff in the backseat and in the trunk.

 

+1. As long as you're not commuting with more than one person, you'll be perfectly fine. It really is more of a 2 door car with how poor the back seat is with room though. I always have a laugh when people want to cram into my IS. Driving isn't really an issue with this car, but I would be sure you like how it drives first since I believe it's a tad bit rougher than the GS is.

Though, any reason you want to downgrade? IMO, I'd stay with the newer gen car vs going back to older tech. That's just me though. The room is obviously a plus, case by case really though.

 

Turns out the one I'm looking at is actually a 2014. I was going to switch because of the visual appeal, and I don't have AWD. Current car 2014 GS 350 RWD 50k looking at 2014 IS 350 AWD 70k F Sport. Sounds like I should stay put.

 

I've made 3 trips back and forth between Northern California and Southern California in my 2010 IS350 Sport, which is roughly about 360 miles each way. My last trip during the Thanksgiving weekend was 10 hours due to traffic (the trip is normally about 6 1/2 to 7 hours). The car is very quiet and the seats are very comfortable. The back seats are comfortable unless you have taller people in the front or sitting in the back seat. It's not a good 4 seater for taller people! I am about 5' 7 and my wife is about 5' 2, my daughter about the same as my wife. My 16 year old son is about 5'10, but he fits comfortably in the back

 

Two people is fine and all is well IMO. Now if those two are short legged, then rear occupants would live, but there just isn't much leg room for rear occupants if the driver needs leg room. That said, the IS got dealt a crappy hand in the cup holder, key holder, where do I put my ****** department. I hate driving with stuff in my pockets and/or having a jacket on, so, by far my biggest 2IS gripe is the lack of places to store anything. Phones, keys, quick access items.

All of that aside, I'm doing 330 mi a week and it is the best car ever when you need to place the car in traffic and carry on. One could say, "point and shoot". lol Acceleration is spot on and it cruises at 80/90 mph no problem. I'll rate the ride as compliant, predictable, capable, and tactile. Well, not to mention fun. I have said this before but the F-sport microfiber seat are pretty awesome as you never move in them. They breath OK, but someone with a big bottom and/or thick thighs may feel crowded as the bolstering is somewhat narrow. Works for me though. Side note: I'm not a fan of wood grain or beige, white, grey interior. So the F-Sport black everything is fine by me.

As for 3IS, I'd like to shoot whoever thought it a good idea to place that pathetic analog clock in the center of the dash. That is just fugly and tasteless.

 

I commute 600 miles a week. Almost all highway.
I would like awd for the New England winters.
The IS has a firm suspension. Interior has plenty of room for the front passengers forget about rear passengers.

 

That is a lot in the area! How many miles are on it now?

 

I've always liked analog watches. To me analog watch is the old-school thing, kinda like the car with a manual transmission. You don't see too many of those anymore.
Sure digital has an undeniable see in the dark advantage, but it looks more like a computer part or alarm clock beside your bed.
Lexus had that 80's looking digital clocks in their cars until 2014. That clock in 2nd Gen IS looked like $15 Casio watch, lol. Progress is good.
I wouldn’t get my son a digital watch and let him drive automatic car until he learned analog watch and manual cars.
Does anyone even check the dashboard watch anymore?

I think I take this interior



over this one...





Just wait until they install digital screens displaying analog clocks...lol

 

Should note that the OP corrected the info a few posts down and mentioned it was a 14 IS and not a 13, he should probably post in the 3IS forum since it's a bit of a different car.

I'm with you there though. Much better design.

 

It'll be an option I bet! Maybe a 3D hologram. Lol

I'm not saying ours is 5 stars or theirs is less, but for me it doesn't work. And to your point I'll take our analog Tacho and Speedo set over a bunch gadgetry.
Not to derail, but I wasn't about to start a 3IS Analog Clock hate thread! haha!

A 2IS w some level of guidance. They did update this along the way...

 

Bought it on 3/18 with 126k. Just turned 170k last week . Some weeks my commute is about 300. body is dent and rust free. Under carriage has minimal rust. Front bumper could use paint from all the road chips.

 

Keep the GS