Potential IS Buyer - Any advice?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 853
Likes: 175
From: Ontario
you’ll be slightly, 10whp, more powerful than a stock 350. I would stop there. You’re going to pay an arm and a leg for headers, exhaust and tune and even then only 290-300whp...maybe a 5 second 0-60... not worth 3-4000$ for 30-40whp over stock.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: PR
I agree. Also, I really do not want to mess up the car.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 853
Likes: 175
From: Ontario
aftermarket support is virtually non existing compared to most other cars. It’s really not a car you build unless money literally does not matter and even then you’re not making real power compared to competitors. Wonderful car to own and drive and have fun with, not a true performance vehicle.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 508
Likes: 100
From: CA
Hello everyone, my first post!
I am strongly considering a pre-owned Third Gen IS F Sport. 2014-2016, maybe 2017 (if I find a good deal). I love the car's styling and like the brand for its famous reliability. I would like to get a unit with the lowest miles possible. I have been researching the past weeks but I know there are things that only owners know and I would like to know the do's and don'ts.
My first impression is getting the IS250F for the smooth V6, following the logic that the turbo IS200T could be less reliable but I read it is noticeable slower. I am sure there are threads about that.
But getting a pre-owned unit, what should I watch out for? Is it worth it? Is there a "best" year?
Thanks!
I am strongly considering a pre-owned Third Gen IS F Sport. 2014-2016, maybe 2017 (if I find a good deal). I love the car's styling and like the brand for its famous reliability. I would like to get a unit with the lowest miles possible. I have been researching the past weeks but I know there are things that only owners know and I would like to know the do's and don'ts.
My first impression is getting the IS250F for the smooth V6, following the logic that the turbo IS200T could be less reliable but I read it is noticeable slower. I am sure there are threads about that.
But getting a pre-owned unit, what should I watch out for? Is it worth it? Is there a "best" year?
Thanks!
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 508
Likes: 100
From: CA
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 217
From: PA
as a 2014 owner i would say get one. all my issues have been relatively harmless, the most annoying being the battery drain which eventually got resolved. entertainment system is going to suck on all lexus models, period. save your cash and get the 14. No matter what year you get, the only choice that matters is the engine: get the 350.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
The IS350 F-Sport is the only variant that comes with AVS (adaptive variable suspension) and made the car much more lively in handling. The other F-sport version don't have Sport+ and are cosmetic changes only....so get the 350 for sure. its a much better car.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 67
Likes: 20
From: Texas
It just really depends on what you want out of the car.
The IS200T and the IS300 AWD are very comparable. The 200t makes less horsepower (although has less parasitic loss being RWD vs AWD) but makes more total torque and more torque down low which is desirable. The IS300 is AWD which is great if you live in snow areas but the trade off is worse fuel economy than the 4cylinder turbo. On paper get the de-tuned IS300 AWD V6 if you live in inclement weather and just do not want a turbo car. If total performance is what you want, the 350 is the obvious choice if you want to stay in the IS model line, but frankly if you want the best performance sedan on the market there are better options but that is for another discussion.
The IS200T and the IS300 AWD are very comparable. The 200t makes less horsepower (although has less parasitic loss being RWD vs AWD) but makes more total torque and more torque down low which is desirable. The IS300 is AWD which is great if you live in snow areas but the trade off is worse fuel economy than the 4cylinder turbo. On paper get the de-tuned IS300 AWD V6 if you live in inclement weather and just do not want a turbo car. If total performance is what you want, the 350 is the obvious choice if you want to stay in the IS model line, but frankly if you want the best performance sedan on the market there are better options but that is for another discussion.
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