Hello, Been awhile. My wife had a 2nd Gen IS250 but we sold it after the carbon build up issue.

Looking to replace my BreakMyWallet 3 series with another IS but appreciate some opinions. My intentions for the car are DD for a 60mi round trip commute, 3-4 days a week. Most likely little shade while parked at work. Stupid hot here in the summers. Garaged at home though. Rough roads. Choices are 2nd Gen IS350, or 3rd Gen IS 250, or 300. Not sure why the HP difference between the 3rd Gen 250 & 300, and it seems like the 3rd gen 350 engine is a carryover from 2nd Gen. Car will most likely get modded somewhere along the line. What model do you recommend and why?

thanks in advance

 

Why not consider a GS350 or GS200t. (is the IS300 you're considering the turbo 4?) the turbo 4 w/ 8 AT might provide the best fuel economy for your 60 mile round trip.

i would definitely not go 2nd gen. no way.

 

I mean, the 2nd-gen versus 3rd-gen argument is mostly going to come down to budget.

Personally, if it's a commuter car only, I'd probably say the IS 300 RWD is a good bet, or IS 200t for some model years. If you're in AZ, I doubt you really need AWD, and the RWD setup will get you an 8-speed automatic instead of a 6-speed, further increasing your MPG.

 

3IS 250 has 204hp I believe and I think the 200t/300 has about 240hp. Also the 3IS 250 only has the a 6sp AT, while the 300 has the 8sp AT. Honestly, I'd go with the a 3IS 350 if it's in your budget. If it's not, then the 300 for sure. The 250 was only made for the 1st 2 years of the 3IS and then they switched to the 200t and renamed it the 300 in 2018 irc. You'll have a better choice of cars and their milage with the 300 too.

 

Thanks for weighing in.

Budget is somewhat of a factor.

Just curious why recommendations to stay away from the 2nd Gens? Is it because the door cards and dash flaking issue?

Yeah not looking for an AWD.

 

what are you switching from? You mentioned a bmw 3 series. Which model?

if a lack of quick-feeling acceleration, v6 engine sound and adaptive suspension are not your main concerns , is200t ( later renamed into is300) is gonna do you just fine! RWD, 8 speed tranny, Same cabin as is350..

is250 has a nice v6 sound, but it lacks the punch of is350 if I am recalling my single test-drive.
is300 feels a quicker than is250 does, but there is a bit of a lag in is300/200t(turbo engine).

3rd gen overall has a much better suspension, compared to 2nd gen! This is true for all 3rd gen model, but especially true for is350. Double wishbone and multilink glue this car to the road in the corners very well..


Savagegeese reviews:
savagegeese - is350 f sport rwd
savagegeese is200t f sport review