FSport differences
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 462
Likes: 56
From: Texas
The previous IS300 (14-16) had the same 3.5L V6 as the IS350, albeit detuned. Those could be retuned to match the output for $600.
Last edited by Tungstn-IS; Feb 7, 2019 at 05:41 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 774
Likes: 97
From: BC
Remember, the new IS300 has the turbo 4 cylinder, which to this point, has proven tough to make good cheap gains with. I would expect that to change as the engine ages and more parts become available, but it is what it is for now.
The previous IS300 had the same 3.5L V6 as the IS350, albeit detuned. Those could be retuned to match the output for $600.
The previous IS300 had the same 3.5L V6 as the IS350, albeit detuned. Those could be retuned to match the output for $600.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 462
Likes: 56
From: Texas
Right, but in Canada at least there is the 300AWD, which is the 3.5. 300RWD is the 2.0t, so maybe that was probably what the OP was referring to. For whatever reason, up here there's a much bigger price gap between the 300AWD and 350AWD than the 300RWD/turbo to 300AWD/V6.
So....rear wheel drive or all wheel drive?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 774
Likes: 97
From: BC
$41,050 - RWD300 (4cl)
$43,550 - AWD300 (6cyl)
$53,100 - AWD350 (6cyl)
I wanted an AWD so it's all I looked at. Most of the ISs are AWD here anyway. If buying new, I'd have a hard time forking over $10K more for the 350, no matter how many more options it may have.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
"While detonation is what damages the pistons, it's important to know that the EJ20 (EJ207 / EJ205), EJ25 (EJ255 / EJ257), and FA20 all have brittle pistons due to Subaru's material and design choices. The pistons are cast hypereutectic aluminum-silicon (Al-Si) alloy; a very common material choice for modern engines. Well proven engines like the 2JZGTE, 4G63, SR20DET, RB26DETT, LSX, K-Series, and others all use Al-Si alloys."
Just saying a lot of these tuner cars you have to babysit. may be worth it to some. i'm just too old to be babysitting my cars anymore. been there done that for nearly 15 years or more. i've done my car guy time lol!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: Washington
If I could go back when I was buying my car, and knowing what I know now, I would’ve purchased a luxury package car over an F-Sport car.
Some of the features I really miss in the car (rain sensing wipers, headlamp washers, etc.) weren’t available in the F-Sport for American models, but were available for Canadian ones.
F-Sport looks better and does have better performance stuff over the luxury, but IMO, it would be easier to swap a gauge cluster and bumper on a luxury model, then swapping in rain sensors and memory seats on an USDM model.
Some of the features I really miss in the car (rain sensing wipers, headlamp washers, etc.) weren’t available in the F-Sport for American models, but were available for Canadian ones.
F-Sport looks better and does have better performance stuff over the luxury, but IMO, it would be easier to swap a gauge cluster and bumper on a luxury model, then swapping in rain sensors and memory seats on an USDM model.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,593
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
If I could go back when I was buying my car, and knowing what I know now, I would’ve purchased a luxury package car over an F-Sport car.
Some of the features I really miss in the car (rain sensing wipers, headlamp washers, etc.) weren’t available in the F-Sport for American models, but were available for Canadian ones.
F-Sport looks better and does have better performance stuff over the luxury, but IMO, it would be easier to swap a gauge cluster and bumper on a luxury model, then swapping in rain sensors and memory seats on an USDM model.
Some of the features I really miss in the car (rain sensing wipers, headlamp washers, etc.) weren’t available in the F-Sport for American models, but were available for Canadian ones.
F-Sport looks better and does have better performance stuff over the luxury, but IMO, it would be easier to swap a gauge cluster and bumper on a luxury model, then swapping in rain sensors and memory seats on an USDM model.
I really hope they fix that for next generation ISs. F Sport or not, memory seats would be nice. It's almost like they are trying to make the car seem more sporty by having fewer luxury features, which is silly when the car already weighs a lot. /rant
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
My wife doesn't particularly use my car often, so I don't want memory seats, really.
I really hope they fix that for next generation ISs. F Sport or not, memory seats would be nice. It's almost like they are trying to make the car seem more sporty by having fewer luxury features, which is silly when the car already weighs a lot. /rant
I really hope they fix that for next generation ISs. F Sport or not, memory seats would be nice. It's almost like they are trying to make the car seem more sporty by having fewer luxury features, which is silly when the car already weighs a lot. /rant
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: Washington
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-addition.html
Racer
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 825
To sum it up, go with the 350 F sport. The styling is so much better and the power is unmatched. If youre not concerned about space and cargo, go with an RC, their styling is very very pretty. The benefits of the fsport outweigh the benefits of the base/luxury imo.
Rookie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 96
Likes: 9
From: CO
My 2018 IS350 F-Sport AWD has memory seats (and memory steering wheel position + side mirror position), power steeling wheel (6-way), rain sensing wipers, and heated/ventilated seats.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 317
From: SoCal
To the OP.
Based in what you've said it sounds most important that you like where you sit. As in, the functions, options and feel of the driver seat.
You get the same car with a Non-FS. I have it and my seats are very comfortable. It's a nice place to be
Which was important for me as I spend a good amount of time in my car.
I had a dilemma of styling over function. I needed something quick-ish and was intent on IS350 only. Specifically, an 2012 IS350 F-Sport. I gave up the faster 2IS (low mileage) for the more plush interior and modern styling of a 3IS and w/out F-Sport.
Based in what you've said it sounds most important that you like where you sit. As in, the functions, options and feel of the driver seat.
You get the same car with a Non-FS. I have it and my seats are very comfortable. It's a nice place to be
Which was important for me as I spend a good amount of time in my car. I had a dilemma of styling over function. I needed something quick-ish and was intent on IS350 only. Specifically, an 2012 IS350 F-Sport. I gave up the faster 2IS (low mileage) for the more plush interior and modern styling of a 3IS and w/out F-Sport.