Not much has changed from the 2012 (mine) IS350 to the 2017 (random car in bank parking lot) IS350.......virtually same body style (except front grill), same motor, same, same, same.......of course except for some minor newer technology and gadgets.......I'll stick with my 2012 just cuz I think it looks cooler......and of course the upgrades like the F-Sport exhaust, Megan coilovers and RC-F LCA just to name a couple make mine better.....

 

One thing I can tell you sitting in and driving a 3rd Gen (2020 IS350 F-Sport) is that they are way more comfortable and refined. Better gages. Much quieter, and the damping changes when going into Sport Plus. Honestly, on a long trip I would rather be in the 3rd Gen. That being said, I would only buy a Lexus used, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen. or whatever gen

 

Going by looks, the 2nd Gen looks better. The only piece I like better on the 3rd Gen is the side mirror blinker's chrome fits the car better; otherwise, everything else in 2gen is better.

 

2nd Gen has a timeless look. IMHO. Today a guy in a newer, probably 2020 or 2021 IS350 F-Sport was driving besides me, he kept looking over at my car. He knew who his cars daddy was!

 

Haha, I can not lie. I have done the same...



I'm good w the 2013 and what it brings to the table. It seems to have plenty of gadgets as is and I really don't need more... Well, maybe more power but there we go. No changes there!

Ya, another dirty car pic ^^. That was fire season last year.

 

Maybe it's just me but the 2nd gen looks more "muscular".......maybe it's the lower grill or the lower grill with the more pronounced "lips" under the fog lights.......just looks bad a$$ compared to the "elegant" front grill of the 3rd gen........just my opinion........I'll keep mine because it's paid for and does exactly what the 3rd gen does.......maybe even better with my upgrades.......but I am looking forward to driving the IS500!!......might upgrade if I can swing it and they have the USB Mica color!!

 

I definitely like the 2nd Gen grill over the GIANT grill on the 3rd Gen. Unfortunately the trend is bigger grills, I guess compensating for shrinking...nevermind! But as I mentioned, there are definite improvements over the 2nd gen. Engine and transmission are more refined by better tuning, Interior is quieter and more comfortable (those F-Sport seats are comfortable!), and the 2020 I drove had adjustable dampers. The 8 speed auto is great, but it's less aggressive than my 2010's. One thing that can be annoying is that it shifts all the way into 8th gear cruising at 50mph which saves you gas, but the engine is running just above 1000 rpm. At 80 mph its less than 2000 rpm. When you need power it does jump straight into lower gears, but once driving at lower speeds it did get confused for sec.

Like you I'm happy with my 2nd Gen, so I want to keep it in the family. I'm going to give it to my son when he turns 19 (he's 17 right now), he will be finishing his 2nd year of college by then. Then I'll try and pick up a 4th Gen GSF or GS 350 F-Sport, 2016 through 2019! Maybe in 10 years from now I'll pick up an IS 500...if I'm still alive!

 

I agree about the timeless look of the 2nd gen. We also have a 2017 IS so I’ve driven both. In regards to the front, I like the clean design of the headlights on the 2011-2013 since the DRL is integrated with the headlight but at least they went back to this on the 2021.

 

I don't know, I think this 2014 IS350 F-Sport looks better than my 2010. It's on sale, asking price $17,500








My 2010 IS350 Sport

 

At least it has two cup holders in nearly logical placess.
Simply monthly payments, and it can all be yours!

JM2C, screw that ****-log clock! It just doesn't work for me. I understand Opinions may vary...

 

I have Zero plans to buy it. I have zero monthly payments right now, and plan to keep it that way. BTW, what's up with Lexus and that analog clock? It's been carried over since...

 

here is So CA there are so many IS models (IS 200, 300 & 350) that I see them ALL THE TIME!......and it just saturates the market and makes them look "common and boring".......that's why I like my 2nd gen.......a lot less of them on the road especially the IS350 in the USB Mica color.........and why "upgrade" to virtually the same car except a newer look??!.......I wasn't crazy about my son's 2006 IS350 when I bought it cuz the front end looked like boring crap.......so I upgraded to an E-bay ISF knock off front end......it looks bas a$$ IMHO and it sticks out from the crowd.......and no need to "upgrade" to a newer model with possible payments but basically the same car......the 2006 to today still has virtually the same 3.5L motor and HP......so no need to "upgrade" especially for a 16 y.o. learning to drive...

"before"

E-Bay knock off bumper

"after".......yes also knock off newer IS rims

 

They are also very popular here in NorCal as well. I agree with you, no need to upgrade and have payments. When I do give my car to my son in about 2 years from now, I'll try and pick up a 4th gen GSF. That will probably be my last car I buy for myself. In the meantime, I want to keep her looks as stock as possible