I’m currently in a predicament, im 20 years old. I’m currently driving a 2004 Toyota I’ve had since 16.
So I think it’s time for an upgrade, with whatever car I get i would want to take it for autocross or time attack as a hobby.

My 1st option is to save up for a 2007 is 350 but I also wouldn’t mind to take out a car loan for a 2014 is350, I think it may be the base model but I’m not sure 100% sure, I can always go check. But I need the community’s opinion? For numbers on the loan I would be paying 300 each month for 60 months, the 14’ is350 is atomic silver. The price my credit union is asking is $25,00 & has 43k miles plus I have 4% interest rate. So I think it’s a good deal. It fits my budget so price isn’t an issue, but again I’m not a Lexus guru so I want to know from y’all if I should just stick to the older version or newer 350? Especially for what I want to do take it to the track and do laps not drag race.

 

Both cars are the wrong tools for a time attack. For the same price as a 07 350, you could probably get a used GT86 and have far more fun on a track.

 

True but I am only deciding on those two cars, I want it to be my daily as well. Maybe not using as a time attack or track car but mainly daily driver. So scratch the race track or time attack part.

 

Yeah a Lexus is not the car for autocross or time-attack lol. The 86/FRS/BRZ is a much better option as EZZ stated.

 

If it’s going to be your daily then the 14’ makes sense. If you do track/timeattack then you’ll be pretty disappointed with the car lol.

 

Okay so what would either of those two models I’m looking at be good for (performance speaking)? Cause I’m only going to get one of the TWO cars.

 

Yeah if I were to go with the 14’ I wound modify it lol just simply keep it stock and just daily it. If I were to buy a 07’ I’d only add coil overs, new tires/wheels tune and intake.

 

Definitely go with the 14’ 350 if you insist.

 

I've had both and the 3IS is 10x more refined than the 2IS even with the same drivetrain.

 

Thank you, definitely will lean more towards a 14’. I’m just deciding what mods I can first do, any recommendations?

 

Based on your primary focus on performance and possibly making your daily driver into a time attack or autocross competitive car, your best bet is to go with the 07 IS350 and to do the mods that you mentioned above.



Performance-wise, the 07 IS350 has better attributes as a platform for competitive track events compared to the 14 IS350. The 07 IS350 has a lower curb weight (70 lbs less), better weight distribution (52/48 vs 53/47), shorter wheelbase for improved agility (107.5 inch vs 110.3 inch), tighter turn radius (33 ft vs 34 ft), and significantly quicker acceleration from 0-110 mph (07 IS350 is nearly a full second faster than the 14 IS350 due to gearing).







Regarding suspension tuning from the factory, the 14 IS350 has a better stock suspension tuning setup compared to the 07 IS350 but you can easily alleviate that issue with the aftermarket mods that you planned on doing.

 

I get it your a fan, I am too. I bought a Lexus at 18 or 19 yrs. old and had been shopping for twin turbo V6 or V8 coupes. It limped 0-60 in over 7 secs but I drove the wheels off it...and it kept going. Turned more heads too at the meets so at least you'll be the only guy there tracking they car! Lol.

I was originally shopping for 2nd gen partly due to about a .5-.7 sec faster 0-60 time. I didn't want to settle for anything over 5.2 but I too HAD to have a IS350.
That being said here is a pro and con I think you're interested in.
0-60 time difference is mainly due to 8 spd trans in the '14 350, over the 6 spd in the '07 (2nd gen hits 60mph in 2nd gear, instead of 3rd). Traditionally speaking more gears = better and/or more fun to drive, regardless of being slower off the line. It's also a more sleek design on the '14 and the interior helped sell me...as a daily it's a more comfortable place to be.

Aftermarket parts are more affordable for the 2nd gen. and with the cost savings you'll have more $ to put into it. For myself I don't scare easily on an older model...unlike some that talk about their car getting old after 5 years. I've seen these modded and they look great.

I think suspension upgrade 1st. Even just my springs with a 1" drop have helped the car drive like a real sports car. Looking forward to tires so it handles right.

 

So my union credit allows me to get a loan on 09 models or above, so in this case i would have to search for a 2009 is350, which isn't a problem. i just want to know if the same applies for the 09 is350 like the 07 is350? what i get from f-sport is that the trim looks a little more aggressive, suspension/damping is better. correct me if i'm wrong of course. i just want a reliable sedan that i can one day go to work or long distance road trip and on another day i can go have fun at my track (depending what model i end up choosing) or mod for extra HP. if i were to get the 14' is350 i wouldn't modify until i'm done paying it off.

 

I'd get pre-2014 then. No need to get into debt if you don't have to. Keep in mind the 2nd Gen backseats are worthless. They added space to the 3rd gen for the back seats to be decent. If thats not important to you, then 2nd gen all the way.

 

Yes, the 09 IS350 is essentially the same as the 07 MY besides some minor exterior and interior refresh changes.

For the 2nd Gen IS350, the F-Sport was available starting in the 2011 MY which has the features you mentioned. For the 3rd Gen IS350, the F-Sport trim was available at the beginning of the model's release in 2014 MY.