I am looking at purchasing a used IS200t or IS250 in the near future and I would like some owners thoughts.
No matter which model.. it will be a F Sport.
I will do some small accessories to the car but nothing crazy. This will be my daily driver also.

Please give me you opinions on why.

Again... thanks for the help and information!!
Future IS owner

 

200t definitely. The 2.5 engine is extremely old and dated. 200t also means it's a 16+ so you got some parts updated and revised. you also have the unique situation where if you get a 200t, the particular exterior design/engine combo existed one model year

2014 IS250 (prefacelift)
2015 IS250 (prefacelift)
2016 IS200t (prefacelift)
2017 IS200t (facelift)
2018 IS300 (facelift)
2019 IS300 (facelift)

 

Definitely agree with all of the updated parts etc etc but Also think about longevity, your NA engine in the 250 will cause you less problems in the long run(less pressure on components, less intricate parts relating to the turbo etc etc.) Fuel efficiency is dependent on so many different things so i'm hesitant to bring it up.

 

 

So I own both engines you are asking about - my '14 IS 250 and my wife's '17 NX 200t. If you want more acceleration and don't mind the turbo lag, then go for the 200t, but it is louder and idles rougher. If you value smoothness and refinement, you cannot beat the 250 - it's buttery smooth. It also gets great mileage - 2 hour trip down interstate this week at 70mpm and got 35+ mpg.

 

I also get 35 mpg doing about 75mph with ac on on a highway trip with the 200t. But with the added benefit of the torque coming sooner, and more of it. =)

As for "more pressures on internals" comment.. yes that's true but don't forget the 8AR is built for that. It's forged internals and the block (casing) is specifically reinforced.

 

At 70-75 I don't see any differences between the two - both are very smooth on the open road. However, the 250 is much smoother at low speeds and in traffic. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you value more - acceleration and torque over sound level and smoothness. I own both and enjoy driving both of them, but they do have much different personalities - it really comes down to personal preference.

 

Damn, how have you managed that lol. The most I have gotten is 31 MPG d:

 

Thanks for all the replies and great advice. For those who have installed exhaust on both... how does the exhaust sound on the 200t (4 cylinder) and the 250 (6 cylinder)..

does the 200t sound ricey???
Again thanks for the help

 

 

200t

When your on boost you just feel so much power on tap, not only that the 200t comes with the bigger IS350 brakes

 

 

@E46CT Technically the IS was released in 2006 with both the GR-FE family of engines, 2.5L and 3.5L...so they are equally old...which is no direct comment on their performance. And to go a step further, the 3.5L (port injection only) was actually released in the 2005 Toyota Avalon, so technically it's older than the 2.5L. This is in relation to North American vehicles of course.

To the OP, it really depends on what you're looking for. If you have the budget for a 2016 200t, then you definitely can afford the 2015 IS250.
If you're looking for performance, then the 200t is the obvious choice. If you looking for an extremely reliable Daily Driver with a proven track record, then the 250 is the obvious choice.
Yes the 200t comes with bigger brakes all around...but that's a simple upgrade if you want/need the bigger brakes on the 250.

I think this is a situation of comparing an apple to another kind of apple...it really depends which apple you prefer, cause either way, you're ending up with an apple.

 

I just dont see a turbo engine running 250k miles with no engine issues like my pop's 2007 ls460l. Lexus/Toyota builds(or used to build) beasts of engines. Slapping a turbo on adds a whole new realm of possible problems. That being said, I do agree, the 8AR should put up a fight with all the extra pressure and wear.

 

Spark plug changes required at 40K miles puts me off the turbo.