I am shopping for a new car, no hurry to buy one. I would like to buy a GS but don't want to pay for one!
.... I am curious what made you buy your ISxxx over some other model car. I have never driven a Lexus or owned any Toyota car.
.... I am older and want to buy a new car to keep and enjoy for ten years or more. I still enjoy driving my 2006 Mazda3 5sp manual that has a small 4cyl naturally aspirated motor.
.... Currently, my wife drives a 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8L v6 and I really like driving it also. Anyway, I don't particularly want a new car with a turbo.
.... I wish the IS350 was available with a manual transmission. I don't want anything with a CVT transmission and don't really care about all the new gadgets and such that new technology offers. I like basic dependable things. I drive a tractor trailer and have two motorcycles also so most any car is comfortable for me.
.... I just want a new car that will be dependable and enjoyable to drive for years to come. I know I may have to settle for some things that I may not prefer.

And one question I have since I have not even been to the car lot yet... I am wondering if the IS350 will at least have as much interior room as my Mazda3?
And are you still happy owning your ISxxx or what would you suggest that is comparable in price new?

Thanks in Advance for any responses and input.
((RWD and the v6 NA motor is what I like about the Lexus IS/GS models.))

 

 

I got my IS because I liked that in its current time-frame, it was the best handling, best looking, and coming from a dependable make. AND I got a massive discount off MSRP. But since then competitors have upped their game and now the Lexus is even more so the slowest in its class for both the turbo-4 and V6 models. If you're willing to purchase one of the oldest and the slowest car in its class, then you'll be fine. The interior is pretty good but is starting to show its age, especially next to a C-Class. Overall, it's a good buy ONLY if you can get a HEFTY discount on MSRP. Do not pay retail for this car. I would expect at least 3-4k off, if not more.

If you want this car, you'll have to be willing to compromise on fuel economy (350) and interior room (smaller than a Civic).It's certainly an emotional purchase rather than a practical one.

 

I got my is350 over other models because I liked how it looked, drives, and it was an incredible deal I got. It had more options, and felt better all round to me than the Infiniti. I didnt really want something German because I planned on keeping this car for as long as I can without selling all my organs just to pay for the parts. I wanted to see the famed Toyota reliability for myself as well.

although it's not perfect, its pretty darn close. Mines a 2017. Things I wish I had but wernt options on the fsport were memory seats, parking sensors, 360 view cameras, or at least front and back (yes I know bestsonic makes one).

 

The IS 350 is actually a compact car. Almost similar or slightly larger than your mazda 3. The front seats feel like crammed for some but I like it like that. Everything is easily reachable. Car drives well. The 2GR-FSE engine in this generation is one of the most reliable ones out there. If you get the FSport mode, there are some perks to it like the AVS and better seats. But even without that, there is plenty power and good driveability. You will not regret it.

 

I have a 2018 IS350 F-Sport AWD. I bought the car mainly for looks and as an entry level luxury sports sedan, it offered plenty of kick/power as compared to what I'm coming from (2004 Toyota Corolla). Another reason why I bought this car was that I've owned many Toyota's in the past and was looking to upgrade to Toyota's premium version of the brand, since it also touts reliability, safety and relatively low cost of maintenance, as compared with other brands, especially if you plan to keep the car for a while (which is my plan as well).

I bought my IS350 brand new and pretty much fully loaded, with an MSRP of around $52K. I think I paid around $48K OTD which was the best deal I could find around my area. As what others have mentioned, fuel economy is not known for this car and premium gas is needed but that still didn't deter me from buying the car. I think it you're looking for something entry-level but a 'luxury' brand, I think the IS gets you into that category for the price.

If you don't mind me asking since you haven't driven a Toyota/Lexus car before, what's making you consider a Lexus vs. any other car brand?

 

I feel the IS350 in 2015 was a great deal as it was very competitive for the segment at the time. Its very long in the tooth now and the competitors offer products that are better. I would look at the new Genesis G70 as its in the same segment but has all the bells and whistles of the newer cars with more power. I personally would look at an S4/S5 Sportback as a replacement also. The new G20 BMW 3 series also comes out sometime this year and you'd have a fresh car for a long time and reliability isn't bad (just not class leading).

 

"UnionCorps" ... "If you don't mind me asking since you haven't driven a Toyota/Lexus car before, what's making you consider a Lexus vs. any other car brand?"

... Because I favor the naturally aspirated motor, prefer a v6, reliability dependability factor, like the looks, RWD, only wish it was available in manual.
... Most competitors v6 or 4cyl have a turbo and I am not sure they would keep me happy for 10 or more years and the IS350 is RWD.
... I like my Mazda3 enough that I would buy another with the 2.5L NA motor and 6-speed transmission. The downside is that their newer motors have that cylinder deactivation I believe even in a 4cyl and even though FWD is okay and enjoyable in my Mazda3, I would still prefer RWD. And I like the looks of an IS350 a lot. I may consider getting a Mazda6 but have never driven one of those either. My last sports car was a 2003 Nissan 350Z, liked it a lot but want more than 2 seats and more trunk space. I know I need to go look at some cars but trying to narrow down the search with research first!
... I may even consider the new ES350, or the Avalon but I like the Lexus looks better than Toyota models. Since my wife has the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 3.8L v6 sedan, I don't really need another car that big.

Thanks to all of you for the replies and advice and your opinions! Hope to hear from others as well.
T.Morris / MorrisGray / Rock Spring, GA

 

Gotcha. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the new ES is actually a larger car than the GS by a few inches. The Mazda6 is a good overall car IMO, but appearance-wise, I think the IS has a more aggressive stance/styling if that's what you're going for and it does come in a RWD platform - unless you opt for an AWD version. But as you mentioned, I'd narrow down to the models and brands you'd be interested in and just do a test drive on them to see which you would like better.

 

13 years ago I bought a SC300 with 105k miles on it. The thing ran absolutely great and hooked me on the brand. The more I researched Toyota Lexus, the more I learned, the more I liked. Working in a shop for a while too I saw funky issues with just about all makes besides a Toyota or Lexus.

I bought my 14 IS350 mostly based on an emotional appeal than a logical one as well nevertheless. Imo it's literally one of the best looking cars on the road regardless of class or cost.

For the money I could of built something that would blow the doors of this car. And I did want something quick...it just wasn't #1 in my wants.

Always had a thing for sport sedans even though I have entirely no need for a 4 door car. Although it is nice for carpooling....really not needed.

Even more so a Lexus sports sedan when modded carries more classy irony than any other make I believe. It's just not something you see often unlike Acura, BMW, or MB, etc. I see a modded German car and think "oh pretty cool, theres another one"...I see a sport / modded Lexus and it excites the hell out of me lol. Even in the last 8 years I haven't owned one.

No regrets...but it's a personal fascination and attraction. Pretty biased response but these cars were engineered with the driver in mind...not the manufacturer.