I have been thinking about a new IS to replace my 2008 IS 250 AWD. The models have changed a bit and I get confused - does anyone know which model is the most similar to the one I have - the F Sport, IS 300 or IS 350. I love my car and the only two things I wish were different were a little more legroom/space in the back and slightly higher car as I'm always scraping the underside of the bumper! But those are just minor irritations. I love my IS and wouldn't mind getting a new one and one thing that is also giving me pause is some of the reviews I've read haven't been glowing. But I'm trying to put that in perspective and wonder how it compares to the model I have. I started looking at the ES line as well... not sure if I should go that route or not.

If any one has any tips or thoughts, I'd be interested in hearing them.

 

If you're in Los Angeles area, PM me i got a saleswoman who'll give u a great deal!

 

The IS300 AWD would be comparable to your 2IS. That said, it's fairly different. The 2 liter turbo (2.5L replacement) does not come with an AWD option, therefore Lexus detuned the 3.5L to 260hp and paired it with the AWD system.

 

The power difference in a new IS 300 AWD would be night-and-day. You'd get up to 60 MPH in about a second less time compared with an IS 250.

 

Most similar would be a 2014-2015 is250.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. It seems as though everyone who owns a recent IS is happy with it, despite what reviews I've been reading.

 

You defiantly should! It is worth the upgrade!

 

Depends on the review.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...-65-3-roa1013/

https://www.caranddriver.com/compari...f-sport-page-4

Honestly, it doesn't have the most power or the best mileage or the best interior but...its one hell of a driver's car and the ride quality / handling compromise is the best in class.

Great car.

 

I just wanted to say that I, too, love my 3IS! No problems thus far, knock on wood!

 

What's funny about the Car and Driver review is that they have pretty much changed their tune about the IS recently, probably due to the realization that the IS is not just the IS 350 F Sport, but the other versions as well. However, they still gave it a 4/5 in their detailed review.

In my experience the IS has pretty much nailed what I personally wanted in this type of vehicle - it's fun to drive, looks good (for me, I guess - that's your opinion) and puts a smile on my face on a regular basis. If I could change one thing, I would have gone for the full beans 350 instead of the 300. I'd gladly take a slightly higher payment to get it.

 

The higher horsepower is nice but the AVS that comes only in the 350 is what makes the higher payment worth it for me. Makes the handling feel solid and changes the character of the car in the canyons. I get to rent the other IS versions whenever i get a loaner and none of them feel like the 350 variant.

 

Hmm, yeah the suspension on the more basic F Sport models is pretty firm all the time, but I'd say it feels fine when pushing it hard - maybe just a tad bit of lean if you're really going for it. I guess the AVS would eliminate that?

 

The AVS in Sport+ mode eliminates some of the bounciness on uneven pavement. It also corners much flatter so I appreciate the suspension changes. Of course a good set of coilovers would probably feel even better but at the expense of the ride quality.

 

I did not have AVS on my IS350 and never missed it. I found the handling to be fine without it.

Then I got my GS with AVS and would have a hard time going back...

 

Thanks for all your feedback and info, as well as the article links. I test drove a couple cars, including the 2017 IS 200t F Sport... nice ride. Now I have some thinking to do. I was thinking the Nebula Pearl Gray, but the Atomic Silver attracted me too. They said the 2018 IS 300 is basically the 2017 IS 200t this year... I was going for a 2018, but if the discounts right, may settle on 2017.