Hi all,
I'm going back and forth between an IS 250 or IS 350 prob a used 2014. Other than the engine, is there any difference between these cars as far as what options you can and can't get or any other differences? I drive a LOT so the gas mileage on the IS 250 might be preferable and I don't really consider the 250 slow, but the 350 certainly is a faster ride.

Thanks in advance.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the 250 has a 6 speed transmission whereas the 350 uses an 8 speed.

 

Assuming you're looking at used, as the 250 has been replaced by the 200t.

Off the top of my head:

All 250s come with the 6 speed, whereas the RWD 350 gets the 8 speed (AWD 350 uses the 6 speed).
250 has smaller front brakes.
In the F Sport, only the 350 has the variable suspension and VGRS option.
All 350s (F Sport and non) have the intake sound generator, whereas only the F Sport 250 gets it.
Different wheel options (non F Sport).

I'm struggling to come up with anything else.

 

Everyone I know that has had the 250 and went to a 350 wishes they would have gotten the 350 out of the gate. I went straight for the 350. Gas mileage is not that big of a difference between the two. I would rather have the power.

 

between the 250 and 350, the mpg difference is 1-2 on the freeway at most. it shouldn't be a deciding factor.

 

I ended up with a 350 Non-F sport and I couldn't believe Lexus would put 17" wheels on the 350 non F while the 250 non F gets nice 18" mesh wheels. end rant...

 

Up through 15 both the base 250 and 350 have 17" wheels standard with 18" optional. My IS350 had the 18" wheels, which became standard for the 350 in '16.

 

there is minimal gas mileage difference between the 250 and 350 and the 250 is simply not worth getting.

get the IS350 or get another car. a 328i will get you better gas mileage than a is250 and be more fun to drive.


Only true w/ RWD. both AWD 250 and 350 have a 6 speed transmission.

 

I have an IS 250 F Sport now and I love the car, but not enough to buy it. If it was a 350, I would buy it. It is white with red guts and I think it is a beautiful car. The gas mileage difference may be 2-3 MPG, which, to me, is not worth it. When I got the car, I was driving 10 miles a day round trip on surface streets. Later, I was driving 25 miles each way to work. Trust me, you will never, ever say, "I wish I had 100 fewer horsepower." Don't get me wrong. The 250 is a really nice car and I do love it, but if you are on the fence, get the big motor. I have not driven the 200T and I won't. I am getting the 350 when my lease is up.

 

Currently I have both a 15 250 and 16 350. I'm telling you won't regret getting the 350. Its a completely different care than the 250. Trust me on this and pay the extra money.

 

Ah right, I forgot the 18”s are all optional for the base. What I meant to say is that I didn’t like how Lexus restricts a specific model wheel to either car—since they have 2 optional wheels. The 250 gets the nice mesh 18” as an option while the 350 gets the plain 5 spoke 18” option. I wanted the 18” mesh but because I was getting a 350, it wasn’t an option for me!! So lame. So I wasn’t about to go and pay extra for the optional 5 spoke which I didn’t like. I ended up deciding to stick with the 17” base wheels and save the money towards a 19” upgrade later on down the line. I’m a bit bitter since I hate the base 17” wheels and it’ll be a while before I can afford 19’s.

 

Okay, that makes more sense. It worked out for me because I hated the mesh wheels but loved the 5 spoke.

 

Thanks all!

 

350 F sport all the way , i had the 2014 250 and If I could turn back time I would of got the 350 from day 1

 

Do not get IS250. We had it about a year and trade it in. For gas mileage not much different.
IS250 about 24 mpg.
IS350 about 22 mpg.