Hey guys, I'm in the market for a new Lex. I can't seem to make up mind between a used LS430 (2004+ model) and a new IS350. Its pretty much a wash on price, I just can't decide if I want that big LS430 or the sporty IS350.

I thought I would start a thread and get some input.

Thanks guys!

 

here are some pics to help.

 

Those cars are so different. You should ask yourself what you want - comfort or sportiness. Maybe compromise on a GS instead for a little bit of both.

 

maybe you also need to ask yourself whether you will be carrying a lot of passengers often or not.

As a previous ES300 owner, I think 'graduating' to the LS was a good move, as I like the space in the car. The IS is just too small for me (6'3) and friends whom I often carry.

And power ... once you go to V8, you'll never want to go back to V6.

 

Tim, agree except for this statement. The v6 in the IS350 is more powerful than the v8 in the LS (306 hp). Torque characteristics are much different, but the IS350 is much faster than the LS430, from anywhere to .5 to a full second quicker 0 - 60 depending on test source.

 

You are comparing global luxury to sport luxury.

The IS has sport, and it does have better gas mileage. But the LS trumps it on everything else: comfort, class, luxury, status (aka bling factor), size, technology (older tech, but definately more of it), amenities, reliability (we can only estimate/compare with the IS300), better materials, etc, etc, etc.

Don't be fooled by the freshness of a brand new car that is at the top of its class. No matter the class the IS falls into, it can never achieve the class that the LS dominates.

 

mm....true that the IS350 has better hp ratings. But in the real world, wouldn't an engine with more cylinders and more engine displacement 'feel better' during overtaking and day-2-day driving?

 

In my world the LS would wins hands down. Best car I have EVER owned.

Frank

 

IMO no. Passing and overtaking will be easier and more effortless and handling is much better in the IS. What would feel better is the more luxurious suspension, bigger size, more comfortable seating and headroom, etc in the LS

Two totally different cars built for different things.

 

You have to define your uses for the car.

To me, the IS is an around town car. Even though the size of the new IS is a bit bigger, it would not suit my uses for a long distance or client car. Peformance is kick butt for this sport type sedan so it is quite appealing if that is what you want. For me, I'd take the LS anyday as it is a car that grows with you. Obviosuly, it is no sports car so you'd want to have space in the garage for a "fun" type car.

 

BTW, the picture of the LS430 you posted is of an '01-'03 model. Just pointing that out because you said you're trying to decide between a used '04+ LS430 and an IS350.

I'll take the IS350 over an LS any day.






















Hah...

 

The IS is nice, and what teenage girls might call cute, but theres no room for anything in that car. Way too small to be practical. Unless you Used to have an SC, you wont be a big fan of the IS's back seating.

 

I haven't driven the IS350 yet, but I looked at them in the dealer showroom. It's a nice car, but frankly I was expecting more in terms of interior refinement. The exterior looks pretty good, but I want to see it with some aftermarket wheels. I wouldn't dream of trading my LS for one, though.

Regarding the appearance of the new Lexus lineup, I don't particularly care for the way that some of the manufacturers of higher-end cars are making all of their cars look alike except for size, and I hope Lexus doesn't go that route (but it looks like they are heading that direction). Manufacturers are trending toward simply offering a small, medium, and large version of a car. BMW started it years ago, and MB does it to excess now too . IMO, the next-generation LS shouldn't simply look like a slightly larger GS. At first I liked the new GS, but then I noticed that I have to look twice to see if it's an Accord, a Sonata, a GS, or one of the other generic Japanese sedans. At least with the current generation LS you don't mistake it for something else. I hope they keep the current look but just update it a bit.

 

imho, at high speed (60+) if you punch it the v8 might start to shine, but anything before that the is350 is going to smoke the ls430. i drove it, it's THAT fast

regardless, the two cars are way too different to even be in the same comparison man.... you have to go back and think about what you want in a car -- space, speed, handling, comfort, luxury, quietness, status, etc... that would answer your own question

i would ask myself whether i want the ls430 or the s class, but i wouldn't ask whether i want the ls430 or a c class

 

My guess is that if you run the same poll in the IS forum, you'll get different results.....