Hey guys was wondering what opinions would be on these two different cars I'm looking to buy. Cars are a little over 2k price difference with the 200t higher

2014 IS350 30k miles CPO, navi, ML stereo,heated/vent seats, tint windows. Warranty would run out in July 2019

2016 200t F sport 13k miles CPO, heated/vent seats. Warranty would run out in late 2021.

Both cars I guess have pro and con but it's driving me crazy since price is sooo close.

 

Yeah I know what you mean, have not driven the 200t yet as they just put it up for sale.Power is not really a concern. I wish that 200t had the ML stereo haha

 

If you read around, the 14 is known to have starting/reliability issues w/ the battery draining. Is it fixed? I don't know. Still though, I'd choose the newer F-Sport car. no brainer to me.

 

I've read about it, I would hope that issue has been resolved.

 

I have not heard the stock system in a lexus. Not sure if I'll be able to tell difference.

 

I'm not really either but I do love a good sound. I like to play music fairly loud. I think clarity is really important at high volume. I listen to a lot of sat radio which is 95% of what my future car will play. I've heard that the signal input doesn't sound great compared to an actual recording CD on either

 

The F-Sport package on the 200T doesn't have AVS which is a big bummer for me. The 350 also has ML which is a big bonus and 30k miles is nothing for the 3.5L in terms of age. Still a baby. The 200T does get noticeably better gas mileage though but reliability is still unknown for the 2L turbo.

 

That's what kinda worried me about the 200t.. Was the newer design engine. I was reading in other posts about the regulator or wastegate issues. I guess being under warranty for awhile would help but would be a headache if issues never get resolved

 

dblambo- I'd go with the 350 if I was you. That engine has been the sweet spot for Lexus for quite some time with a long reliability record. The 2L turbo is a rather new entry/experiment for Lexus. This alone should be enough of a reason. You mentioned power is no issue, but I see you're in Texas, and on a hot summer day with the AC on full steam and a small block 2L banger, you're not gonna be left with a whole lot of power for decent acceleration. Same thing for the ML. You're gonna regret when your base gives up on your favorite song. Since both cars are used, it's a coin toss whether you'll end up with a lemon. But since you're rolling the dice. I say the 350. Good luck.

 

Thanks for your input.. it does get very hot here!! Lol. I'll prob still test drive the 200t but I see what you're saying about the difference in engines. That 350 has had good track record

 

I have a '16 200T Fsport, haven't really had any issues with it. I personally would get the 200t since it is newer but I do understand the hesitation due to the 2L turbo. I typically don't have my music turned up too loud, but even when I do the sound isn't bad at all and the clarity is actually pretty good for stock speakers. On the other hand, if the song is punchy with a lot of bass, I do tend to turn it down since I feel like the sub itself is pushing a bit hard and I'm not really trying to blow a speaker lol. If power really isn't your concern, I'd just stick with the 200t. Plus the warranty is longer and it would probably start getting costly to have to maintain the 350 if you start running into issues. Just my .02

 

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.

 

Agree with these comments about the 200. Imagine having to downshift like 4 gears just to pass someone going slow on the freeway, did a few times and don't even bother anymore lol. One more thing, the turbo lag will def take some time to get used to.

 

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

 

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