New guy here - contemplating on getting a new IS 350. I've been lurking here for a few weeks and have already gained a ton of knowledge (thanks btw) but I'm still in need of some assistance.

I've been trying to decide whether I want the base model or the F sport model, and it might boil down to the suspension. I've driven both models and I think the base suspension is simply too soft and rolls too much. I can get by w/o the other F sport features, but the suspension is a deal breaker. The base model might work if I changed the springs and sway bars. I've seen the RS R springs (and plan to get them), but I haven't seen any sway bars. Are they available? If so, can someone point me in the right direction?

Also, does anyone know if the F sport grille will fit in the base model bumper? I prefer the base bumper but prefer the F sport grille.

I've noticed that the local (midwest) dealer inventories show cars that are heavily optioned. Is that the norm with Lexus? Is this the best way to search inventories (dealer website) or is there another option?

I'm heading to the dealer again tomorrow to compare the two cars...fun stuff.

Thanks in advance.

 

If you want a stiffer suspension and the F-Sport grille, why not just a F-Sport? The money you're going to drop on parts and labor to get those added will be over $1K I imagine. The cost between a non-F-Sport and F-Sport is only $3K. So basically cough up another $2K and you get the actual F-Sport....and cooler interior IMO.

 

Looking back... I would have been happy with luxury package with coilovers and f sport grill. With aftermarket rims

Rather than f sport, which did not come with f sport exhaust or intake.

 

Even with the F Sport suspension, the car will roll into the corners. I found that surprising when I test drove the car, and I'm even more surprised I haven't seen more ink on this topic in this forum. That said, I'd suggest getting the suspension you prefer as opposed to going to the aftermarket for a fix. I really like sport+ (I find that I drive in that mode 90% of the time). IMO, the F Sport was worth the extra coin for the handling improvement.

As an aside, the dealers in my corner of the southwest (southern NV) only have lightly optioned IS 350's on the ground. If I wanted ML audio or variable ratio steering on my car, I'd be waiting for months.

In any event, good luck with your decision.

 

I think it's worth it to spend extra on F-sport package and 350 option

 

Unfortunately, it won't fit into the base bumper. The F-Sport spindle grill is of a narrower shape and size.

 

I'm simply trying to get into the car for the lowest price and then modify it. The $2k+ could go towards aftermarket tires and wheels which in my opinion, do the most for the cars appearance. Trust me, I want a black/rioja red F sport but the only models available are loaded and msrp at $48.8k.

I'd like to find a non F sport with only the premium package (for the ventilated seats) and 17" wheels. Snow tires would go on the 17's and then I could go crazy on springs, sways, tires and wheels (19 or 20) for summer. In the end, I would have a unique car in the $45k range.

An F sport is possible if I could find one with zero options. I really don't want nav or any of the other options. All of that stuff is great, but it's very expensive and I'd rather not pay for it.

Bummer - thanks for the info though, much appreciated.

Are there any sway bars available for these cars?

 

I've actually got the F-Sport in Black/Rioja. The car I put on special order was just a 350 RWD F-Sport....no options. It would've been just under $45k out the door after a lot of haggling with the dealership....so it is possible to get what you want for that low if you can negotiate. I ended up finding the car plus a few more options(VGRS, BSM, ML, etc) at another dealership. Basically fully loaded for $47.5.

 

I drove the non F sport car again today and I think it 's the one for me. However the first round of pricing was completely unacceptable.

They found a RWD 350 non F sport in Nashville with the colors I want, but it had some options that I didn't really want. It stickered at 45,800 and they said my price would be....hold on.....wait for it...... $45,800. During my last visit, he said all their IS customers were paying full msrp. If that's true, their customers are morons. I told them this deal was absurd and told them I would buy the car from any dealer for the best price even if it was 1000 miles away. I also showed him some of the deals that people were getting per the following thread, and he was pretty much dumbfounded.
http://https://www.clublexus.com/for...250-350-a.html

To compound matters they gave me an Edmonds trade in value on my current car at $26,000 but I was fully expecting a KBB trade in value of $28,500.

They are currently working on a new price.

Any recommendations for a "good" dealer in the IN, KY, OH, IL areas?

 

Don't let them get the better of you! Do you have any alternative Lexus dealers nearby? They might be offering MSRP because they have very little competition.

 

They won't get the better of me. I already told them I would buy from the dealer with the best price so they know what to expect. They also know that I've done my homework in regards to what other people have been paying.

There are 3 dealers within 2.5 hours, however, there are no RWD cars anywhere close. I might have to do a custom order so that I can get what I want.....a black/flaxen RWD 350 with only the premium option that has an MSRP of $40,550.

I will see what their second price is before I start calling around.

 

Yeah I just bought the IS250 f sport , and I love it , the only thing that I regret is not getting the 350 instead but now I gotta deal with it , but that won't stop me from hooking it up and making her looking and sounding beautiful !!! ;-) good luck with your purchase !!

 

As an update, I drove to Nashville (5 hours) to pick up the obsidian/flaxen non F sport but I simply didn't like the car. The F sports in the corner of the lot caught my eye and after 3 hours of looking at the available color combos, I drove off with a silver/rioja red 350 F sport. The extra $2600 for the F sport (with ML) was probably the best money I ever spent. I love this car!

 

That's awesome !! Congrats !! Your gonna love it !! Post a pic ;-)