IS350 vs 200t
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 703
Likes: 97
From: California
I would go for the IS350. Like others have mentioned, the reliability of the engine has been proven. I found the IS200t to be too slow and felt very laggy. It feels like there is very little torque in the lower RPMs, which is annoying when you are trying to accelerate quickly from a stop to exploit a gap in traffic. Plus, the 8-speed makes it even worse since it has to shift down so many gears.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 8
From: CA
if you don't care about speed like you mentioned, i'd go with the newer car with less miles on it. that's 2 years less time in the sun, 2 years less of possible road debris, 2 years less of wear and tear
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 519
Likes: 93
From: az
Lexus isn't going to make the 200 faster than the 350 when stock, that'd be foolish. They have some powerbox tunes that'll give you the extra power to match a 350
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 182
Likes: 24
From: IA
If you see yourself trying to upgrade the 200T to make it faster (like powerboxes, intakes, exhaust)....then I would get the 350. The power difference between stock 350 and 200T is pretty significant. I bet if you drive both back to back you will pick the 350. As for miles that is a wash in my book. The ML is a plus for the 350...the only thing that would sway me to the 200T is the color combo. If the 200T has rojo red for interior and the 350 doesn't then I would be at coin flipping stage 
The rojo red interiors adds that much to the car in my book.
The rojo red interiors adds that much to the car in my book.
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 94
Likes: 6
From: Ontario
350 hands down if you can afford it. I've driven a 250 and it's just no good. I had to floor it just about everywhere. With my 350 unless I want a very aggressive start, just feather the throttle at it still takes off pretty dang quick.
I'm in Toronto and being able to move quickly has saved me from a few accidents. Just yesterday I was signaling to move to the right lane, some guy decided to pull out and almost hits me. I put the car in manual, it selected 2nd gear and I floored it. Took off so quick I avoided the accident. The idiot then speeds in front of me and then cuts me off causing me to almost tbone him. Good thing I just had new front rotors and pads installed.
Even if you don't like to drive fast, having the option of doing so is extremely helpful.
I'm in Toronto and being able to move quickly has saved me from a few accidents. Just yesterday I was signaling to move to the right lane, some guy decided to pull out and almost hits me. I put the car in manual, it selected 2nd gear and I floored it. Took off so quick I avoided the accident. The idiot then speeds in front of me and then cuts me off causing me to almost tbone him. Good thing I just had new front rotors and pads installed.
Even if you don't like to drive fast, having the option of doing so is extremely helpful.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 76
Likes: 5
From: TX
If you see yourself trying to upgrade the 200T to make it faster (like powerboxes, intakes, exhaust)....then I would get the 350. The power difference between stock 350 and 200T is pretty significant. I bet if you drive both back to back you will pick the 350. As for miles that is a wash in my book. The ML is a plus for the 350...the only thing that would sway me to the 200T is the color combo. If the 200T has rojo red for interior and the 350 doesn't then I would be at coin flipping stage The rojo red interiors adds that much to the car in my book.
The rojo red interiors adds that much to the car in my book.ClubLexus Stories
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Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 76
Likes: 5
From: TX
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,944
Likes: 182
From: Los Angeles, CA
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,537
Likes: 2,592
that regulator is a tiny $200 part. not the biggest deal. as far as being a newer engine, the engine is actually a VERY old design based on an older Toyota 2L. They strenghtened the block with more ribbing and strengthened rotating assembly for turbo. The inherent design itself is old. Conservative Toyota at it again. I wouldn't worry.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 76
Likes: 5
From: TX
that regulator is a tiny $200 part. not the biggest deal. as far as being a newer engine, the engine is actually a VERY old design based on an older Toyota 2L. They strenghtened the block with more ribbing and strengthened rotating assembly for turbo. The inherent design itself is old. Conservative Toyota at it again. I wouldn't worry.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 489
Likes: 22
From: CA
I would get the 350 since it is a lot closer to what I have - a 2016 IS350 with luxury package, ML, not f-sport, etc. Extremely smooth engine, phenomenal sound. And color selection both outside and inside (hate black interiors) was important to me so I had the car custom built. But this is your car so your preferences count.
