I'm getting pretty close to buying a new IS300 FSport this week. I had an 11 IS350 that I wish I still had, but I'm hoping this will be close. Deciding between Ultra White and Nebula Gray Pearl.

I know there's a new refresh for 17. Is there anything else I should know before I make the decision? Keeping in mind that I currently have a CT200, will I be OK with the 255 HP? If I go with white, I'm considering Rioja Red interior. Did anyone that has the red get tired of it, and wish they had gone with black? What about packages or options? Anything I can't live without? Is the ML sound worth the added expense? Does anyone wish they had made a different choice of cars altogether?

 

If i were you, i would pass on the IS300 and get the IS350.

I have a 2014 IS350 F
Ultra white
Rioja red interior
ML sound system w/nav

the only thing i would of done different was to wait a few months for the RC-F. other then that im still happy with the car!!!

 

also, i think going to is300 from 350, you'll be dissapointed from the lack of power!.

 

Quite content with my cruising / passing power with my 2016 IS300

And I use to drive a 355 rwhp IS300 before

 

If you care at all about power, go with the 350. You'll regret it if you don't.
IMO, even the 350 is a bit underpowered. I can't imagine it with 50hp less...no fun..

 

I'd go with the red interior and ML sound system.

I hate all black interiors - almost anything else will do. I've passed on a couple of cars I liked because the black interior felt like a cave.

 

Really? I think the black interior on the F Sport looks nice. They didn't have red when I went to the dealer but all black inside looks clean.

 

For me - yes, worth it. All your questions are so dependent on personal preference (and that includes engine power) that I would not even touch them with 10-foot pole - for example would never consider black or red interior.

 

This is just my personal opinion for your reference only

1. Get an IS350 instead of IS300, you'll be glad you did

2. Red interior all the way. It is the best color choice. I have it for 2 years, and it never gets old

3. ML is definitely worth the price. Not saying it's the best out there, but ML audio is significantly better than the stock premium sound

 

I would definitely go with the IS350, for the added power. Your mind could change once you test drive them both. I went to the dealer to purchase a white IS350 with red interior and left with an atomic silver RC with black interior. Love it everyday!

 

Well, I drove the IS300, and you all were right. I was disappointed in the lack of power. Thank you all for that help! I was also a bit disappointed in all of the options you lose when choosing an FSport. I guess I'm getting old, when the luxury options outweigh the performance. I'm a little embarrassed. The best thing th IS has going for it in my humble opinion, it the looks. I do love it.

In the end, practicality won out, and I chose an NX FSport. It actually feels like it has better acceleration and throttle response, I got the options I wanted, and I like the looks on this car a lot, too. It's a little weird having an SUV for my car, though. I may tell everyone it's my wife's car (not really. I really like it). I may miss the handling, but I'm pretty pleased with my choice.

Thanks for the help!

 

Congratulations! I had an NX loaner for a week and really enjoyed it.