New IS200T vs used 2014 IS350 AWD
04-27-16, 09:28 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
New IS200T vs used 2014 IS350 AWD
Hey all,
I am in the market for a new daily within the next few months. I have a second car for the late spring/summer/early fall. I really like the IS. I'm not cross shopping for anything else. If I were to buy new, it would be a IS200T with the F sport package, I think this is an awesome combo with the new 2.0T and the 8 speed transmission and RWD. Anything above that is more than what I want to spend, or want. I am fine with not having the gadgets and all the technology. I live in the snow belt so I would be getting winter tires on the oem wheels. There are a lot of incentives now for 2016 models, which will not be around I am sure when the 2017s come out. I know the 2017 models have undergone a mmc/update, but they don't really do that much for me personally.
Recently, I found out a buddy is coming up on the end of his lease on his 2014 IS 350 AWD F sport Series One with about 55k kms (~35k miles) on it. It has no nav, no sunroof, rear camera or bsm. I am fine with that, I wouldn't want to pay for that in a new car as I don't feel the need. It is REALLY dirt cheap at his buyout price after looking at similarly equipped models at Lexus dealerships which are CPO'ed. Even though it is three years old technically, it is a higher up model with a bigger/nicer engine and has the adjustable suspension that the IS200T F sport does not have and still has a year left of warranty, not that I would expect to use it as it is a Lexus and Toyotas run forever and are reliable. I'm coming from Hondas and would cross shop BMW or Audi if I was leasing new, but I am not and plan to pay cash keep this car for at least three years at least.
I can't see anything needing replacement on the buyout 2014 other than new tires, possibly brakes and fluid flushes. Is there anything to look out for in these cars at this age and mileage?
At this point, I think the used IS350 AWD would be a better choice due to the price and not having to pay for depreciation, I think this should be a no brainer. It seems like more car. Any thoughts?
I am in the market for a new daily within the next few months. I have a second car for the late spring/summer/early fall. I really like the IS. I'm not cross shopping for anything else. If I were to buy new, it would be a IS200T with the F sport package, I think this is an awesome combo with the new 2.0T and the 8 speed transmission and RWD. Anything above that is more than what I want to spend, or want. I am fine with not having the gadgets and all the technology. I live in the snow belt so I would be getting winter tires on the oem wheels. There are a lot of incentives now for 2016 models, which will not be around I am sure when the 2017s come out. I know the 2017 models have undergone a mmc/update, but they don't really do that much for me personally.
Recently, I found out a buddy is coming up on the end of his lease on his 2014 IS 350 AWD F sport Series One with about 55k kms (~35k miles) on it. It has no nav, no sunroof, rear camera or bsm. I am fine with that, I wouldn't want to pay for that in a new car as I don't feel the need. It is REALLY dirt cheap at his buyout price after looking at similarly equipped models at Lexus dealerships which are CPO'ed. Even though it is three years old technically, it is a higher up model with a bigger/nicer engine and has the adjustable suspension that the IS200T F sport does not have and still has a year left of warranty, not that I would expect to use it as it is a Lexus and Toyotas run forever and are reliable. I'm coming from Hondas and would cross shop BMW or Audi if I was leasing new, but I am not and plan to pay cash keep this car for at least three years at least.
I can't see anything needing replacement on the buyout 2014 other than new tires, possibly brakes and fluid flushes. Is there anything to look out for in these cars at this age and mileage?
At this point, I think the used IS350 AWD would be a better choice due to the price and not having to pay for depreciation, I think this should be a no brainer. It seems like more car. Any thoughts?
Last edited by 387; 04-27-16 at 09:36 PM.
04-27-16, 10:36 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
I've test both an is200t and is350 when I was looking to buy a new car.
At frist, I thought I wanted the is200t, since its cheaper, better fuel economy, and looks exactly the same as the is350. However, after I test drove the is350, I couldn't go back to the is200t. The 350 is more fun to drive.
I also commute to work, and the fuel economy is only slightly different if you were to compare the two.
Depending on the price and condition of the is350.. I would say get the is350 is its REALLY cheap.
At frist, I thought I wanted the is200t, since its cheaper, better fuel economy, and looks exactly the same as the is350. However, after I test drove the is350, I couldn't go back to the is200t. The 350 is more fun to drive.
I also commute to work, and the fuel economy is only slightly different if you were to compare the two.
Depending on the price and condition of the is350.. I would say get the is350 is its REALLY cheap.
04-28-16, 06:50 AM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
@387 I'd go for the 350. the 200t is good, RWD, 8 speed transmission, performance wise it is slightly above the 250, but not by much. The 350 AWD has the 6 speed transmission, but overall, it is a better car, better engine, and marginally higher, but not by much, fuel consumption. I would go for the 350.
Financially, the lease buy back means your friend paid the depreciation, Freight/PDI and you are picking it up at a good price. You can buy it out now, drive it for a year or two and sell it privately for close to what you pay as the buy back and still buy a new car then. Plus the 350 doesn't have any known major issues, but you can still buy a warranty extension, but I wouldn't personally.
PS: Brake pads for the IS are dirt cheap and replacement is a DIY, with instruction on this forum.
Financially, the lease buy back means your friend paid the depreciation, Freight/PDI and you are picking it up at a good price. You can buy it out now, drive it for a year or two and sell it privately for close to what you pay as the buy back and still buy a new car then. Plus the 350 doesn't have any known major issues, but you can still buy a warranty extension, but I wouldn't personally.
PS: Brake pads for the IS are dirt cheap and replacement is a DIY, with instruction on this forum.
Last edited by My0gr81; 04-28-16 at 07:12 AM.
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04-28-16, 02:01 PM
#10
The pursuit of F
If fuel economy is a priority, the 200t is your choice. Case in point, my 400lb heavier NX 200t consumes about 10% LESS fuel than my IS 250 AWD. The 350 AWD is the worst offender - expect about 13L /100km if you do mostly city and about 9.5-10L / 100km for the IS 200t.
Putting fuel economy aside, the 350 AWD is the best deal. Benefits:
- I'm guessing it's around the 30K (Cdn) range vs 43K for a new IS200t.
- With AWD you can survive winter with a good set of all-seasons instead of swapping winters in/out twice a year.
- The 350's engine is powerful and responsive. On the flipside, the 2L Turbo's lag can be an annoyance requiring an extra second or two of anticipation in certain driving situations: when you need instant takeoff from a standstill or low speed such as making a quick left turn at an intersection to avoid incoming traffic.
One thing I'd ask your friend is if the battery ever died on him. Some '14s (like mine) have a battery drain issue that just recently Lexus has resolved with an ECU replacement: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ml#post9465698
Putting fuel economy aside, the 350 AWD is the best deal. Benefits:
- I'm guessing it's around the 30K (Cdn) range vs 43K for a new IS200t.
- With AWD you can survive winter with a good set of all-seasons instead of swapping winters in/out twice a year.
- The 350's engine is powerful and responsive. On the flipside, the 2L Turbo's lag can be an annoyance requiring an extra second or two of anticipation in certain driving situations: when you need instant takeoff from a standstill or low speed such as making a quick left turn at an intersection to avoid incoming traffic.
One thing I'd ask your friend is if the battery ever died on him. Some '14s (like mine) have a battery drain issue that just recently Lexus has resolved with an ECU replacement: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ml#post9465698
04-28-16, 03:48 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
04-28-16, 03:48 PM
#14
Lexus Champion
I agree with the others and would take the bargain on the 350. The 6 speed is great, and AWD, while not necessary, will come in handy.
04-28-16, 09:17 PM
#15
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Thanks for the input everyone.
This buyout is about 10g less than a similar car and kms at a Lexus dealership. I have noticed that cars with the F Sport Series with Nav and the tech are a lot more abundant and are priced about $2g more, and there are from what I have seen fewer Series 1. After taxes, it's less than 30g. I think this is one of those buy now, think later can't lose type of deals.
If this opportunity didn't come up, I think I would have just gone the IS200T route. The IS300 AWD is out of my price range and I wouldn't want to settle for a detuned version of the IS350 AWD and a new IS350 AWD is way out of my budget. Last year, I did consider the IS250 AWD, but the motor was a turn off.
I live in the snow belt, but I have gotten around fine with good all season tires on a FWD car. I live in the city, it's been really mild the past few years and think I can get around better with AWD and good all seasons on a heavier car even better. I realize winter tires help stop, but with the IS200T being RWD, winter tires would be mandatory to get the car moving. I plan to lower it right away probably with RSR downs or maybe even super downs and leave them in year round. I can't imagine getting stuck with AWD and good all seasons (thinking Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+). I feel that with the RWD platform it is a better drivers car. @ corradoMR2, you bring some good points about the AWD system and the response pickup from the 6 in city driving for quick maneuvers. I did not think of that, but I am used to it because I have only had 4 cylinder Hondas. The turbo and the torque from the IS200T is nice compared to the IS250 AWD, but yeah I can see this car being able to hook up better and boogie.
I read up on the battery drain issue last night, it looks like it is the only real issue with this cars and it's not that bad as it seems there is a solution to it. Is there a TSB out for it yet? And is this based on build date?
I committed to this car. It's been dealer serviced, garaged at home and work. The rear bumper was repaired or replaced due to getting tapped on the rear corner while parked. It got pushed in. The rear passenger arch did rub up lightly against a concrete pillar, but it was just a paint scuff, no dent of filler used. Both repairs were done at a Lexus dealer body shop or one they subcontracted to, so it would be at least average or above average. It's actually my cousin's; I drove the car the day, right after he picked it up. I guess this should be a no brainer. I think even with budgeting new brakes, tires, springs, alignment and a paint correction (it's black....so high maintenance, but windows are already tinted and has a clear bra -bonus), I think I'll be way ahead and have a much nicer car.
This buyout is about 10g less than a similar car and kms at a Lexus dealership. I have noticed that cars with the F Sport Series with Nav and the tech are a lot more abundant and are priced about $2g more, and there are from what I have seen fewer Series 1. After taxes, it's less than 30g. I think this is one of those buy now, think later can't lose type of deals.
If this opportunity didn't come up, I think I would have just gone the IS200T route. The IS300 AWD is out of my price range and I wouldn't want to settle for a detuned version of the IS350 AWD and a new IS350 AWD is way out of my budget. Last year, I did consider the IS250 AWD, but the motor was a turn off.
I live in the snow belt, but I have gotten around fine with good all season tires on a FWD car. I live in the city, it's been really mild the past few years and think I can get around better with AWD and good all seasons on a heavier car even better. I realize winter tires help stop, but with the IS200T being RWD, winter tires would be mandatory to get the car moving. I plan to lower it right away probably with RSR downs or maybe even super downs and leave them in year round. I can't imagine getting stuck with AWD and good all seasons (thinking Michelin Pilot Sport AS3+). I feel that with the RWD platform it is a better drivers car. @ corradoMR2, you bring some good points about the AWD system and the response pickup from the 6 in city driving for quick maneuvers. I did not think of that, but I am used to it because I have only had 4 cylinder Hondas. The turbo and the torque from the IS200T is nice compared to the IS250 AWD, but yeah I can see this car being able to hook up better and boogie.
I read up on the battery drain issue last night, it looks like it is the only real issue with this cars and it's not that bad as it seems there is a solution to it. Is there a TSB out for it yet? And is this based on build date?
I committed to this car. It's been dealer serviced, garaged at home and work. The rear bumper was repaired or replaced due to getting tapped on the rear corner while parked. It got pushed in. The rear passenger arch did rub up lightly against a concrete pillar, but it was just a paint scuff, no dent of filler used. Both repairs were done at a Lexus dealer body shop or one they subcontracted to, so it would be at least average or above average. It's actually my cousin's; I drove the car the day, right after he picked it up. I guess this should be a no brainer. I think even with budgeting new brakes, tires, springs, alignment and a paint correction (it's black....so high maintenance, but windows are already tinted and has a clear bra -bonus), I think I'll be way ahead and have a much nicer car.