2014 2IS F Sport or 3IS Regular
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 452
Likes: 7
From: OC, CA
Honestly, you'll never ever use that much power unless you go on tracks. 204hp/185 ft-lbs is more than enough for your everyday driving.
Also, F-Sport's got the look, inside and out.
Out of the 2 options, you're better off with a full loaded 250
Full Spindle Grille + F-S Badges/Interior + Instrument Cluster = Total Awesomeness
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: tn
when you buy the 350. you will wished you had got the is 250 fsport
the is 250 fsport has plenty of power and looks way better than the standard 350
also the is 250 f sport has a 5 link rear suspension
you really need to drive a is 250 fsport again.. those can be had for 36000.00 -37000.00 and that's new
the is 250 fsport has plenty of power and looks way better than the standard 350
also the is 250 f sport has a 5 link rear suspension
you really need to drive a is 250 fsport again.. those can be had for 36000.00 -37000.00 and that's new
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Hi everyone! New to these forums, but have been looking at threads a lot in the past couple of weeks.
I am looking to purchase a new car in the time frame of late August/early September of 2014. I have test driven the IS350 non F Sport twice for about ~30 total minutes and the IS250 F Sport once for about ~20 minutes.
I am torn between the two because I loved the way the IS250 F Sport looked (gauges and grill), but I did like the way the IS350 non F Sport drove. My biggest concern is whether the IS250 is adequately powered. I currently drive a 2007 Honda Civic Sedan and I get frustrated sometimes when trying to pass a car but am unable to at times. Looking at the 0-60 times of the 2007 Civic and the 2014 IS 250 F Sport, it looks about the same...Honestly though, I didn't notice it much when test driving the IS250 F Sport.
Also, the IS350 F Sport is not an option due to the price. I would say ~42K OTD would be where I am comfortable with.
I am looking to purchase a new car in the time frame of late August/early September of 2014. I have test driven the IS350 non F Sport twice for about ~30 total minutes and the IS250 F Sport once for about ~20 minutes.
I am torn between the two because I loved the way the IS250 F Sport looked (gauges and grill), but I did like the way the IS350 non F Sport drove. My biggest concern is whether the IS250 is adequately powered. I currently drive a 2007 Honda Civic Sedan and I get frustrated sometimes when trying to pass a car but am unable to at times. Looking at the 0-60 times of the 2007 Civic and the 2014 IS 250 F Sport, it looks about the same...Honestly though, I didn't notice it much when test driving the IS250 F Sport.
Also, the IS350 F Sport is not an option due to the price. I would say ~42K OTD would be where I am comfortable with.
Having 2IS 250 I regret my choice every day.
If you're gonna spend that money get a car that it's truly an upgrade to your Honda.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 517
Likes: 6
From: South Florida
I can tell that if you get frustrated with your civic, you'll get just as frustrated with IS250. That car is just as slow.@8 sec. Go over the look and get the IS350. you can always update the grill. Plus you get 8 speeds instead of 6.
Having 2IS 250 I regret my choice every day.
If you're gonna spend that money get a car that it's truly an upgrade to your Honda.
Having 2IS 250 I regret my choice every day.
If you're gonna spend that money get a car that it's truly an upgrade to your Honda.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: Florida
It is an upgrade from a Honda... Just because it's slow, doesn't make it a step down. There is a huge difference between this car and a Honda. Not just performance wise. I said it once and I will say it again. It all depends on if you want to spend that much more money for those more options. I got my car for $39K and change. Not that expensive for what you get.
As for 40k not expensive for a 8sec car. it really depends of the person. I will never pay that money for an IS 250, Plenty of better cars for the buck and I'll rather put 10% more and get the IS350.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
From: California
You guys saying the 250 has plenty of power must be coming from a 10 speed schwinn, it's a 4 banger and it isn't even turbo. Say it has plenty of power when you'r trying to pass at 70 on the freeway and there's a clown who wants to make sure you don't. The 350 barely suffices. To each their own but if you're coming from a 4 banger honda and want more performance the 250 isn't going to give it to you, sure it has better interior and looks better but that doesn't equate to power to the wheels. There are minivans that make it to 60 faster than this thing, that's FRS/BRZ acceleration territory and if you're happy with that then by all means jump in. The price difference between a 250 F-Sport and a 350 non f-sport is virtually non existent, I can find people who paid $5k more for their 250 than I did for my 350 but hey if it puts a smile on their face so be it, it wouldn't put one on mine.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Driver
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
From: Texas
you know i brought my car 2014 Lexus IS 350 F Sport (super white / red interior, clear shield, and tint) for $39400 cash plus my 2005 Honda Accord EX-V6 traded in... (after tax and everything)
Last edited by Helterran; May 8, 2014 at 07:38 PM. Reason: 39400 lol i got # wrong
If I were you I'd save up for a 350 fsport. It makes no sense to get the 250 when you have complaints of your civic being slow. If you just can't afford it why not get a fully loaded accord v-6. Its got all the bells and whistles and gets better gas mileage and you'll save 5k. Consumer reports bashed on the 250 and all their points were valid.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 182
From: Los Angeles, CA
whichever f-sport - the 350 or the 250 - doesn't allow to combine certain packages that some prefer, namely the luxury package.
i really could not buy the IS without getting the luxury package and when you fully load the 250 to have the amenities that you want, the price paid can climb. it's really all about priority. think it over carefully and make up your own mind.
i am 100% content with the 250 and haven't wished for a second that i wanted the extra x, y, and z that posters claim the 350 will provide for.
i really could not buy the IS without getting the luxury package and when you fully load the 250 to have the amenities that you want, the price paid can climb. it's really all about priority. think it over carefully and make up your own mind.
i am 100% content with the 250 and haven't wished for a second that i wanted the extra x, y, and z that posters claim the 350 will provide for.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 532
Likes: 15
From: Singapore
It is an upgrade from a Honda... Just because it's slow, doesn't make it a step down. There is a huge difference between this car and a Honda. Not just performance wise. I said it once and I will say it again. It all depends on if you want to spend that much more money for those more options. I got my car for $39K and change. Not that expensive for what you get.
then maybe you shouldn't look at Lexus cars first.
Look for a VW (gti), BMW (235i) or other turbo-charged cars.
Mustang is fast and cheap
Mazda Speed3
Subaru Imprezza.
If you want quality and luxury then speed. then get a lexus.
priorities!!
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 517
Likes: 6
From: South Florida
Agreed, if fast is the main criteria. with limited budget.
then maybe you shouldn't look at Lexus cars first.
Look for a VW (gti), BMW (235i) or other turbo-charged cars.
Mustang is fast and cheap
Mazda Speed3
Subaru Imprezza.
If you want quality and luxury then speed. then get a lexus.
priorities!!
then maybe you shouldn't look at Lexus cars first.
Look for a VW (gti), BMW (235i) or other turbo-charged cars.
Mustang is fast and cheap
Mazda Speed3
Subaru Imprezza.
If you want quality and luxury then speed. then get a lexus.
priorities!!
Cheap and Fast, but not Good.
Good and Fast, but not Cheap.
Cheap and Good, but not Fast.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 9
From: CT
I don't believe the IS 250 is a 4 banger, that being said I had 2 IS 250 loaners and compared to the IS 350 it just does not have very much power especially at passing speeds. Its a little better 0 to 40 or so but then flattens our quite a bit after that. The other thing I noticed was the gas mileage was not all that better with the IS 250, maybe 2 MPG or so better. The 250's drove very nice and I imagine the F Sport 250 will be even better, its just under powered in my estimation for the price difference.
You guys saying the 250 has plenty of power must be coming from a 10 speed schwinn, it's a 4 banger and it isn't even turbo. Say it has plenty of power when you'r trying to pass at 70 on the freeway and there's a clown who wants to make sure you don't. The 350 barely suffices. To each their own but if you're coming from a 4 banger honda and want more performance the 250 isn't going to give it to you, sure it has better interior and looks better but that doesn't equate to power to the wheels. There are minivans that make it to 60 faster than this thing, that's FRS/BRZ acceleration territory and if you're happy with that then by all means jump in. The price difference between a 250 F-Sport and a 350 non f-sport is virtually non existent, I can find people who paid $5k more for their 250 than I did for my 350 but hey if it puts a smile on their face so be it, it wouldn't put one on mine.