Apologies if already discussed, but I can't find anything on this subject (I am sure due to my poor searching skills). I am in the market for an IS350. I have only one question and would love to hear from people who owned or have experience with both cars.

Is it worth buying the 2021 model WITHOUT the DHP over the previous generation (2018-2020 models that came standard with variable suspension and LSD)?

I do not care about CarPlay or cosmetic changes. I plan to get a used low mileage car. The difference appears to be around $10k. 2021 with DHP would be a lot more in this market. I drive canyons and like spirited driving. Don't track. I did drive both cars but very briefly. I thought the older gen felt lighter and maybe a bit more responsive (thanks to the Sport+ mode which 2021 does not have), faster, but I did not get a chance to really push them. The 2021 model was smooth, but I think I felt a bit of a delay in the throttle response. Handling seemed on par. Please share your thoughts!

 

katran - Welcome to the forum. I have owned a 2015, 2017 and now a 2021 (and owned a 2019 RC) - All but my 2021 IS have had the adaptive suspension and I must admit that I wished my 2021 had HOWEVER, I didn't want the DHP for the 2021 because I didn't want the black BBS wheels. My 2022 IS500 will fix that but that is a separate discussion.

If you want the adaptive suspension, are you also against getting the DHP? If not, only you can make the ultimate decision. Personally, the 2013-2020 IS is a fine car and there is nothing wrong with it at all and still look very modern (I know you want the MMC refresh which as a MY 2017 and beyond). To me, and to many, the fact that the 2021+ has the touchscreen is a huge plus for many, myself included but maybe that is not important to you. Keep in mind the newer version will stay a bit more in style a bit longer. There is no question the Sport+ gives the throttle response a bit of a nudge and the tighter steering/suspension will make it feel a bit more nimble. Changing the OEM LCA bushings would help with the feeling of agility but won't help with the throttle response.

In the end, there is no bad choices - I mean the 2021+ with the DHP would solve all your issues but will cost a bit more for sure but there isn't anything wrong with a 2018 IS either. Keep another thing in mind, if you are going red inside, may prefer the Rioja red from the 2013-2020 version over the circuit red from 2021....If you have any other specific questions, don't hesitate to ask

 

Thanks wthrman2! A couple of reasons I would rather not get a 2021 with DHP: hard to find the right color combo, if found it will be about $60-65K for a new one (can get an M340 for that much) or about $56K for a used one. As much as I like Lexus, it is just too much. Plus I kind of like the looks of the older model. I like smaller cars and it looks/feels smaller. But I am also considering the 2021 model for other reasons you mentioned.

 

I agree that the market is a bit insane out there right now!!! That being, if you are going to get a car, don't compromise because of availability - It is worth being a bit patient and get what you want, color/combo and all. That being said, if you like the 2018 body style, which is still very modern and attractive, then there is nothing wrong with that either. In the end, just know these are not bad options, they are both extremely good choices Best of luck and keep us posted

 

My take on the LSD is that it's not necessary unless you're driving in inclement weather a lot or are driving at 9/10ths or 10/10ths. For me, I am not tracking the car, and it's honestly not easy to make the wheels spin in normal driving or even spirited driving unless it's raining. The 2021 has 265-width rear tires, compared to the 2020's 255-width tires.

As far as the adaptive suspension goes, I honestly think that the same logic applies. The base suspension gives the car really nice ride quality, but it also does not feel like a boat. Sometimes, my 2016 IS 300 AWD F Sport could feel a little too firm, but I find my 2021 glides over most smaller imperfections in the road while retaining good body control.

Do I wish I had the adaptive suspension and LSD? Sure. But, it wasn't worth the price or worth waiting for my local dealer to get one in. However, I think the other meaningful updates to the 2021 like the styling, Android Auto (and Apple CarPlay if you have one of those phones), and the improved suspension setup are all things to consider. I would say that, on pre-2021 models, the adaptive suspension may be more important than now... I seem to remember thinking the 2015 IS 350 F Sport RWD I drove, along with a 2018 IS 350 AWD F Sport, both had nicer ride quality than my 2016. But, for 2021, even the base suspension is very good.

 

I agree with the price you quoted for used. But I ordered a fully loaded 2022 IS350 with every single option checked off (including DHP) and was quoted $56120 since I also got all weather mats and illuminated door sills. It is very much possible to get them at MSRP

 

This is definitely something to think about, thanks! Isn’t the base IS500 going to be about the same $57k? Although now dealers will probably add another $10k to that.

 

Yeah but you are comparing a full loaded IS350 vs a stripped down IS500....in the end, the price is what you pay includes all the features. When you get a fully trimmed IS350, you are paying for all the toys, such as ML, sunroof, blah blah where if you get a stripped down IS500, you are paying for the power train in lieu of the bells. Some like the goodies while others prefer the power....It's a matter of what is important to you and it is great that you guys have a chance to decide what you want Some may not need/want 472HP and a pricier fuel budget, they just want luxury and comfort and lots of goodies

 

Yeah, but the 57k is without Delivery. Regardless, there were a lot of options that I wanted which the base IS500 doesnt offer, so I would have to get the premium and that jacks up the price even more. Also, our running theory in the IS500 thread is that the base models will be VERY rare. My personal theory is that they created the base model solely to be able to say "the IS500 starting at $57,000" which sounds better than "the IS500 starting at $63,000"