View Poll Results: Which Lexus IS F-Sport would you purchase?
IS 250
14
38.89%
IS 200t
22
61.11%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll
IS 250 F-Sport vs IS 200t F-Sport
11-15-15, 08:39 PM
#1
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IS 250 F-Sport vs IS 200t F-Sport
Hi all,
I've researched both models and have checked out all the current threads on this topic. I am interested in a new IS nebula/black with navigation, BSM, illuminated sills and trunk spoiler.
The thing I'm having a hard time deciding is between an 2015 IS 250 or 2016 IS 200t. Yes I do know the 350 is the better car but I don't need that much power and the worse fuel economy to name a few. Here are some pros I made a list of of each.
IS 250:
Bullet proof V6
Sound generator
Torque on demand
Buttery smooth V6
IS 200t:
Better fuel economy
Newer year, perhaps higher resale value
241 HP
Boost
8-speed
I'm in so cal, 909/951 area, and I know some dealerships have already started the December to remember event. I'm looking to finance so I know a good deal can be had on both. Any feedback is much appreciated and if anyone wants to add to the pros and cons please do.
I've researched both models and have checked out all the current threads on this topic. I am interested in a new IS nebula/black with navigation, BSM, illuminated sills and trunk spoiler.
The thing I'm having a hard time deciding is between an 2015 IS 250 or 2016 IS 200t. Yes I do know the 350 is the better car but I don't need that much power and the worse fuel economy to name a few. Here are some pros I made a list of of each.
IS 250:
Bullet proof V6
Sound generator
Torque on demand
Buttery smooth V6
IS 200t:
Better fuel economy
Newer year, perhaps higher resale value
241 HP
Boost
8-speed
I'm in so cal, 909/951 area, and I know some dealerships have already started the December to remember event. I'm looking to finance so I know a good deal can be had on both. Any feedback is much appreciated and if anyone wants to add to the pros and cons please do.
11-15-15, 09:46 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
One correction I have to mention (hopefully it isn't a deal breaker for you) is that the IS250 actually doesn't have an intake sound generator. The IS200t might have Active Sound Control (but not completely sure...but it basically pipes engine sounds through the speakers)
This is a hard one because my vote is for the IS350. Both the IS250 and IS200t have their flaws; IS250 has anemic performance figures (204 hp, 185 lb/ft, 0-60 in 7.7sec, 21/30 mpg) and the IS200t has turbo lag, unknown long term reliability, and less refinement (241 hp, 258 lb/ft, 0-60 in 6.9sec, 22/33 mpg). If you can swing the higher price, I'd say go for the IS350 (306 hp, 277 lb/ft, 0-60 in 5.6sec, 19/28 mpg). Depending on your driving style, if you tend to expect more performance from driving and tend to have more aggressive driving style you might get similar mpg figures as the IS350 (at least when compared to IS250). Those cars have significantly less horsepower and torque, therefore if you tend to want to get up to speed faster, you'll be pushing those cars harder. The IS350 F-sport also gets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ drive mode, intake sound generator (all IS350), and bigger brakes (all IS350), which aren't available on both IS250 and IS200t F-sport models. You owe it to yourself to try the IS350 F-sport while you're at the dealer.
This is a hard one because my vote is for the IS350. Both the IS250 and IS200t have their flaws; IS250 has anemic performance figures (204 hp, 185 lb/ft, 0-60 in 7.7sec, 21/30 mpg) and the IS200t has turbo lag, unknown long term reliability, and less refinement (241 hp, 258 lb/ft, 0-60 in 6.9sec, 22/33 mpg). If you can swing the higher price, I'd say go for the IS350 (306 hp, 277 lb/ft, 0-60 in 5.6sec, 19/28 mpg). Depending on your driving style, if you tend to expect more performance from driving and tend to have more aggressive driving style you might get similar mpg figures as the IS350 (at least when compared to IS250). Those cars have significantly less horsepower and torque, therefore if you tend to want to get up to speed faster, you'll be pushing those cars harder. The IS350 F-sport also gets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ drive mode, intake sound generator (all IS350), and bigger brakes (all IS350), which aren't available on both IS250 and IS200t F-sport models. You owe it to yourself to try the IS350 F-sport while you're at the dealer.
Last edited by dchar; 11-15-15 at 10:15 PM.
11-15-15, 09:49 PM
#3
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How much cheaper is it for the IS 250? I also imagine the CPO market for the IS 250 must be a buyer's market with the 200T out now. I've read on this forum that there's a noticeable turbo lag, but I'd opt for the 200T if I had the choice.
11-16-15, 02:55 AM
#5
Thats well said.
One correction I have to mention (hopefully it isn't a deal breaker for you) is that the IS250 actually doesn't have an intake sound generator. The IS200t might have Active Sound Control (but not completely sure...but it basically pipes engine sounds through the speakers)
This is a hard one because my vote is for the IS350. Both the IS250 and IS200t have their flaws; IS250 has anemic performance figures (204 hp, 185 lb/ft, 0-60 in 7.7sec, 21/30 mpg) and the IS200t has turbo lag, unknown long term reliability, and less refinement (241 hp, 258 lb/ft, 0-60 in 6.9sec, 22/33 mpg). If you can swing the higher price, I'd say go for the IS350 (306 hp, 277 lb/ft, 0-60 in 5.6sec, 19/28 mpg). Depending on your driving style, if you tend to expect more performance from driving and tend to have more aggressive driving style you might get similar mpg figures as the IS350 (at least when compared to IS250). Those cars have significantly less horsepower and torque, therefore if you tend to want to get up to speed faster, you'll be pushing those cars harder. The IS350 F-sport also gets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ drive mode, intake sound generator (all IS350), and bigger brakes (all IS350), which aren't available on both IS250 and IS200t F-sport models. You owe it to yourself to try the IS350 F-sport while you're at the dealer.
This is a hard one because my vote is for the IS350. Both the IS250 and IS200t have their flaws; IS250 has anemic performance figures (204 hp, 185 lb/ft, 0-60 in 7.7sec, 21/30 mpg) and the IS200t has turbo lag, unknown long term reliability, and less refinement (241 hp, 258 lb/ft, 0-60 in 6.9sec, 22/33 mpg). If you can swing the higher price, I'd say go for the IS350 (306 hp, 277 lb/ft, 0-60 in 5.6sec, 19/28 mpg). Depending on your driving style, if you tend to expect more performance from driving and tend to have more aggressive driving style you might get similar mpg figures as the IS350 (at least when compared to IS250). Those cars have significantly less horsepower and torque, therefore if you tend to want to get up to speed faster, you'll be pushing those cars harder. The IS350 F-sport also gets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ drive mode, intake sound generator (all IS350), and bigger brakes (all IS350), which aren't available on both IS250 and IS200t F-sport models. You owe it to yourself to try the IS350 F-sport while you're at the dealer.
11-16-15, 05:04 AM
#6
If the 200T is only direct injection with no port, I wouldn't even consider it due to the carbon build up issues on direct injected engines. If the 350 was only direct, I would not have purchased it. Been down the road many times with German cars and the carbon build up issues. Glad the 350 is also port to keep things clean inside.
11-16-15, 06:20 AM
#7
The pursuit of F
One correction I have to mention (hopefully it isn't a deal breaker for you) is that the IS250 actually doesn't have an intake sound generator. The IS200t might have Active Sound Control (but not completely sure...but it basically pipes engine sounds through the speakers)
This is a hard one because my vote is for the IS350. Both the IS250 and IS200t have their flaws; IS250 has anemic performance figures (204 hp, 185 lb/ft, 0-60 in 7.7sec, 21/30 mpg) and the IS200t has turbo lag, unknown long term reliability, and less refinement (241 hp, 258 lb/ft, 0-60 in 6.9sec, 22/33 mpg). If you can swing the higher price, I'd say go for the IS350 (306 hp, 277 lb/ft, 0-60 in 5.6sec, 19/28 mpg). Depending on your driving style, if you tend to expect more performance from driving and tend to have more aggressive driving style you might get similar mpg figures as the IS350 (at least when compared to IS250). Those cars have significantly less horsepower and torque, therefore if you tend to want to get up to speed faster, you'll be pushing those cars harder. The IS350 F-sport also gets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ drive mode, intake sound generator (all IS350), and bigger brakes (all IS350), which aren't available on both IS250 and IS200t F-sport models. You owe it to yourself to try the IS350 F-sport while you're at the dealer.
This is a hard one because my vote is for the IS350. Both the IS250 and IS200t have their flaws; IS250 has anemic performance figures (204 hp, 185 lb/ft, 0-60 in 7.7sec, 21/30 mpg) and the IS200t has turbo lag, unknown long term reliability, and less refinement (241 hp, 258 lb/ft, 0-60 in 6.9sec, 22/33 mpg). If you can swing the higher price, I'd say go for the IS350 (306 hp, 277 lb/ft, 0-60 in 5.6sec, 19/28 mpg). Depending on your driving style, if you tend to expect more performance from driving and tend to have more aggressive driving style you might get similar mpg figures as the IS350 (at least when compared to IS250). Those cars have significantly less horsepower and torque, therefore if you tend to want to get up to speed faster, you'll be pushing those cars harder. The IS350 F-sport also gets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ drive mode, intake sound generator (all IS350), and bigger brakes (all IS350), which aren't available on both IS250 and IS200t F-sport models. You owe it to yourself to try the IS350 F-sport while you're at the dealer.
I agree with you on the pros and cons and to check out the 350.
But to the OP, answering your question between the 200t or the 250, for my city use where launch, low-speed responsiveness, engine note, and smooth vibration-free power is a priority, my choice is the 250 all the way. And this is how I voted. And note, I have the same 2L Turbo in the NX, almost 1 year now and I'd swap that engine for the 2.5L V6 any day even if I lose 1 second 0-60 since I just can't get over the long lag and less refined engine (but among the 4 Cyl engines out there, it's one of the smoother quieter ones). My wife feels the same way and prefers driving my IS over her NX.
A final note, if you don't mind AWD, the IS 300 is a good value proposition since it's faster than the IS200t with all the benefits of the V6 since it's a detuned version of the 350.
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11-16-15, 06:32 AM
#8
Lexus Champion
For clarity, the IS 250 F Sport does have the intake sound generator which amplifies the existing natural intake sound above 3500 rpm piped towards the firewall so it is heard more in the cabin. It is not an artificially digitally enhanced sound like ASC does to the 2L 4Turbo heard the through cabin's the speakers.
11-17-15, 09:22 PM
#10
I have a IS250 F and thought about trading it in for the IS200T but I don't think it's worth it. If I was in your case, I would get the IS200T because it issues the IS350 brake calipers, 8-speed tranny, more power, cool turbo boost gauge.
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