AZ09

Hello, first off, I'd like to thank everyone for the help! I have developed a few questions as I am researching potential cars. I've read quite bit and just need some confirmations and clarification. I have been primarily focused on researching a 2016 IS300 AWD F Sport and a 2017 IS300 AWD. I have test driven both and they ride very differently, which points to a few more asks.

• I read that the 2017 center console changed - some people have said there is slightly more leg room due to knee bolster changes. It seemed like there was more room in the 17 near the knees, however I could have had the steering wheel in a different place. Was it actually reduced in width?
• I've also read a couple times that the 2017 front suspension was updated - this one I am unsure about because I rarely see it mentioned. Was it updated and does this help prevent the inner tire wear?
• The 2016 F Sport I test drove was significantly smoother and handled bumps/potholes much better than the non-F 2017. Is this expected? I assumed the opposite with "sport suspension".
• The F Sports braking was also noticeably better - is this simply the "high friction brake pads" or are calipers/other parts different but not mentioned?
• The 2017 has navigation - if you have this, do you eventually come around to using the mouse? Or do you regret needing it?
• Outside of the safety system, new front/rear design, is there much else changed in the midcycle update? I would love to hear little specifics you've come across.

I am trying to decide between the 16 F Sport and the 17 non-F, and I have been going back and forth. The 17 safety features are a great benefit. Unfortunately very free CPO 17s are around, and it would seem like a CPO 17 F Sport, when they do show up, would be about a $4k premium. I can afford it, but I am not sure if the value is there.

Thank you for the help!

E46CT

I'll address what I do know.

F Sport uses high friction metallic pads out of Germany -- same lifetime supplier of BMW pads. I discovered and told this forum this fact a while ago. It is the superior pad. The standard pad is low friction from Aisin.

The 17+ uses the suspension from the GS. I believe the change is more to streamline production and aid in unsprung weight (more aluminum). I've seen nothing to suggest it affects inner tire wear substantially, if at all. That's just the nature of the beast here.

If by "safety system" you mean electronic crash avoidance systems, yes there's that. But there's also incremental structural changes for 17 and 18 models with the 18 having the best and freshest updated structure.

The 16/17 argument is easy for me. 17 is the superior choice. 18 is the best choice.

2ndName

I'm in a similar boat. Right now, 2016 models are abundant here in the Bay Area. I'm waiting for the cycle of 17s before I pull the trigger on an IS. Unsure what your purchase time table is but if you can wait, wait it out for a 17 F Sport. I personally like the way the F Sport model looks versus the non F.

KYLexusMkr

Welcome first off, I own a 17 non. Brakes- Just as stated the pads are different but calipers are the same. Suspension- They do ride totally different, I preferred the non over the F, but that is all subjective to the driver and area. I have not experienced the front inner tire wear though as others have, but I did experience it in the rear, after aligning again, this seems to have been remedied. Navigation- I at first did not like it, but have grown to get use to it and seems to work fine after a while of using. I wish I could offer more and I hope this helps. I chose the base over the f sport for a couple reasons, when I purchased mine I liked the option package it had, not that the sport didn’t come with them, but there weren’t any near me that had them, mainly being the awd. Then there was the fact, I’m not a big fan of the mesh grille, I just thought the bar style looked nicer and more refined, but this is just my tastes. I also liked the Eminent white color better as well. The last reason was there wasn’t any base 350’s with awd within 500miles in Eminent white either. I’m sure whichever choice you make though, you’ll be happy. Just peek at the forums, take it all in, and know you’ve made an informed decision. Good luck and welcome!

GaryJG

Get the 2017.

Just for the fact that the 2016 and older look so dated with their front bumber. The 2017 and newer look way more aggresive and modern.

arentz07

And, the 2017 has the larger infotainment screen and updated crash safety, and all the safety tech standard. I'd only go for the 2016 if it were a really good deal.

TOPENDMS

Which safety features are you referring to?