I wanted to introduce myself to this forum as I expect myself to contribute and learn from this forum. I have owned a 2014 RX450h and 2016 Lexus RCF CF/TVD edition for a few years. I used to have a 2008 Lexus RX400h before I sold it to get the RX450h. So, I have had quite a few Lexus cars already. Just last week, I purchased an Atomic Silver 2019 Lexus IS350 F-Sport AWD with 28,000 KM on it. I have driven it only a couple of times. It just drives beautifully. I also considered an m340i to have something different than a Lexus, but after talking and researching, I went back to the Lexus I had yearned since 2014 to have in my garage. I will have lots of thoughts and questions, but man I am happy with this car. It is the perfect balance between practicality and sportiness. Especially with this refreshed (LCI) version, Lexus put some really nice improvements. I remember driving a 2015 IS350 F-Sport AWD many years ago and I was not as impressed with that as I am with this 2019 I own. Must be some incremental improvements.

Here are some pictures

 

Congrats on the new ride! Great color choice too.

 

Thanks very much. Appreciate it.

 

Congrats, that's very low mileage for a 3 year old car. Atomic Silver is such a great color, I can't stop looking at mine sometimes, when the light hits it right. You're going to love that AWD up in Calgary and with the snow that you get sometimes, I'd imagine.

 

Thanks. Much appreciated. Yes, AWD is definitely one of biggest reasons I went this route. As a matter of fact, I had a RWD 2014 IS350 F-Sport and 8 speed option also available, but I wanted to play it safe and even with all-season tires and since I want to keep it for a long time, having much lower mileage/newer IS350 (have OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL400), they drive really well in the winters. I really like the LCI updates as well Lexus made to the 2017+ IS. Although, we don't get that much snow accumulation. Mostly, very cold temperatures and some ice etc. When I test drove the car, it was that one week when it was brutal (down to -30C) and it did quite well. When it is time to replace the tires, I will go with Michelin Cross Climate 2 as they are great all-weather tires.

The one thing is, we have rock chips here during winter so I need to put the 3M PPF on it like I have it on my RCF to keep the paint in good shape.

Regarding Atomic Silver, same here as it always makes me smile looking at in the garage. Like I said above, this was the color I always thought would be the ideal color for me to buy an IS in. I am sure when the spring/summer comes when I can actually keep it clean, it will look amazing with a proper detail on it.

 

OP - Congrats!!! I think you did a great choice and will love the IS 350 It does look in great shape indeed.

EDIT - For the record, you didn't get rid of your RC F right?! Also, I will say, I wish the pedals on the 2021+ models would be these, I find them so much more sportier looking.....

 

Would the older aluminum pedals fit? They might have the same attachment points, I think it's just a plastic loop on the back of the pedal or something.

 

Thanks man. Appreciate it. You can see picture of both my RCF and IS350 together. Of course, RCF is a keeper and my hobby/project car that only gets driven occasionally and spring/summer etc. so it was about finding an alternative to the RX450h as some times we would need another car.

I wanted something that fits in very nicely between the in-your-face personality of the RCF and the utilitarian approach of the RX450h. You are right, RCF feels like a totally different car, but both are great in their own ways. The IS350 F-Sport fits in very nicely where it is the perfect size with enough practicality and is very fun to drive and sporty to drive daily. I will have a detailed review I will put together for the IS350.

 

^^ Thanks god!! I love your RC F and having an IS 350 as a daily driver is a great option for sure....Better than my Corolla (lol)

 

Yeah, the way I see it. In daily driving street situations, the IS350 F-Sport is pretty much as much fun as the RCF to drive with all of the limits on the streets of space and speed etc. RCF is a lot more stiffer even with IS350 F-Sport in AVS SPORT+ so it is more forgiving on the real roads where there are imperfections. I am so glad I have a remedy for withdrawals of not being able to drive the RCF.