a1rh3adsz

Yes, finding one with a ML package is very exclusive. If not buying new and adding that package at the time, it will be very difficult buying one that is preowned. People tend to add that package if they are going to hold on to the car a while. Back when i bought my 350, it took me about 7 months to find one with ML especially With AWD.

NoMoreBimm

Hmm, well that's good info and what I was feeling after watching the market for a while. There's a red one for sale on CarMax that has the ML system in it, but after having a red Corvette I'd say I'm done with red cars. I'll add the ML to the "nice to have" list and hope for the best. Thanks again!

This has to be the most helpful car forum I've been on!

E46CT

If the 8 speed is ancient (and it is) the 6 speed is an absolute dinosaur. The 6 speed in my friend's 2G IS350 (not sure if it's the same) feels like a POS compared to the 8 speed in my 200t. it's slower, dumber, clunkier feeling.

The future will come, I think Lexus will install a 10 speed auto in the next group of cars, including the next IS.

E46CT

If it's a car you plan to own for a while, aim higher than being content. you only do it once (reasonably) and don't want any regret. Get the RWD simply for the 8 speed. It's nearly entirely identical, mainly except for programming) to the 8 speed in the IS-F/RC-F. Also shared with LS. So it's a world class transmission that's made to handle a ton of torque, therefore will be more durable long term. that in addition to just being a better overall transmission.

The times you'd actually need AWD may be less than 1% of your driving anyway, if at all. Turning and braking won't be benefitted at all by AWD.

Burrcold

The 6 spd in my 3G IS feels MUCH better and quicker than my 2G IS 6 spd.

E46CT

that's good to know. is it the same unit?

Burrcold

I believe they are both AISIN transmissions, but the gearing and overall feel (smoother, and better reacting) is far better in the 2018 350 AWD I have now.

E46CT

I looked up the codes, the Aisin A760E is the 2G IS350 transmisison and the Aisin A760H is the 3G AWD transmission. The ratios (with the exception of reverse) are identical. So the gearing is the same.

So for whatever that is worth. I'm not sure of other difference but that was just my experience with my friend's 2G IS350 vs my car. did not like his trans at all. not responsive. Not that the 8 speed is super responsive, but feels somewhat modern. though honestly the 8 speed is getting long in the tooth, too.

EZZ

I had the IS250 for 3 days and thought the 6 speed was lazier than the 8 speed. There was more delay in manual mode and the 8 speed had snappier shifts. It could be that the 6 speed feels different in the IS350 than the 250 but I thought they were the same unit. The 8 speed also rev matches in sport mode in manual mode. Does the 6 speed also rev match?

Burrcold

signdetres

Don't forget that tuning plays a major role in overall behavior and functionality. As the years go on, improvements through software tuning alone get exponentially better. As an example, our 2015 and 2018 GS F-Sports both use the same 8 speed but the '18 is immensely more responsive, smoother & more befitting of a luxury car than the '15 is.

Solara350

I thought AVS only active in Sport+ mode ?

EZZ

The AVS is always adjusting the dampers to give the best ride. sport+ makes the dampers more aggressive and stiffer.

GNS

This is my guess as well, Toyota describes the Direct Shift 10 speed as an FR transmission for luxury applications.

NoMoreBimm

After this more in depth discussion it sounds like the obvious winner is the RWD. I'd rather have a faster shifting transmission, it's one of the things I enjoyed the most when I test drove a 2015 F Sport. The winters in SW Ohio aren't too bad and I can pick up a set of snow tires easily enough.