2016 IS 200t or IS300

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Feb 4, 2019 | 07:17 AM

net4n6

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From: CA

2016 IS 200t or IS300

I am in a market for an pre-owned IS for my son. After doing some reading, I decided between the IS200t or IS300. I didn't include the IS250 because it discontinue after 2015.

I gathered the following major engine/transmission information:

IS200t

Engine. Turbo 2.0L I4.
Power. 241 HP / 258 LB-FT.
Transmission. 8-Speed Automatic.
MPG: 22 city / 33 highway

IS300

Engine. 3.5 L V6
Power. 260 HP / 236 LB-FT.
Transmission. 6 speed Automatic w/OD
MPG City: 19 / Hwy: 26

The horse power and gas mileage differences are very minimal. I like the 8 speed transmission in the 200t. In addtion, should I include the IS250 back in the list?

Important must have for me are the safety options. I assume both cars have BlindSpot monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. What package options do I need to look for?

Your advice and recommendation are greatly appreciated.

Feb 4, 2019 | 07:40 AM

JDR76

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From: WA

Aside from the engines, the big difference in the models you've listed is that the IS300 with the V6 is AWD, whereas the 200t is RWD. Do you have a preference in AWD vs RWD?

Feb 4, 2019 | 07:49 AM

net4n6

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From: CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDR76

Aside from the engines, the big difference in the models you've listed is that the IS300 with the V6 is AWD, whereas the 200t is RWD. Do you have a preference in AWD vs RWD?

Thanks for the quick response. I don't have preference in AWD vs RWD. I was not aware that the IS300 is AWD.
For the 200t, I am concerning the turbo engine. I grew up in the 80' and have heard horrible stories about turbo engine.

Feb 4, 2019 | 08:01 AM

BlazeL

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Joined: Oct 2018

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From: KY

Nothing to worry about at all with the turbo. They (like most manufacturers creating an entry level turbo'd car) utilize a very small turbo which is not likely to have a lot of issues. It is mostly a way to introduce a somewhat appealing sense of power with improved efficiency.

Feb 4, 2019 | 08:14 AM

E46CT

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Joined: Mar 2016

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If you want safety, I'd get a 2017, or 2018 model preferably. 2017 and 2018 saw subsequent structural reinforcements. And even then they didn't perform too stellar (it was a bandaid until Lexus can redo the Lexus IS from the ground up) Common for mid-cycle structural enhancements. BMW did the same for their F30 and still got meh results.

2017 and 2018 also saw crash mitigation/avoidance systems.

Does your son need rear wheel drive and tire scorching performance? I spent my "son" days in a busted honda accord with 200,000 miles. Can only go up from there.

Maybe consider a 2016 ES.