My 4 door Corolla XRS is getting long in the tooth being a 2005. My RX450h is our primary driver for family hauling doing 99% of the commuting. RCF is only for spring/summer and mostly just as a hobby. So, there was a gap for something that could be a back up to our RX450h so after shopping for many weeks, I narrowed it down to a 2015 RX350 F-Sport AWD and an 2019 IS350 F-Sport AWD. The RX350 F-Sport is a surprisingly fun SUV to drive. So much more sportier than my RX450h of the same generation. Eventually, decided to go with a sport sedan and get the IS350 F-Sport AWD. The 8 speed auto in the RX350 F-Sport AWD was a big draw as it is so much better taken from the RWD IS350 F-Sport than the 6 speed auto in the IS350 F-Sport AWD, but just due to low mileage and wanting to get something different, went with an IS350 F-Sport AWD

So, yeah I have three Lexus cars now LOL

Will have more pictures once I pick it up, but here are a couple of pictures.

 

i remember the 2nd get IS350s were geared for 0-60...so they would even get a jump on an ISF and keep up. Solid choice Rolla. We need a full review.

 

Thanks man. Yes, the gearing in the 1st and 2nd is fine. The 3rd, 4th seem very tall, but it is OK as it is really our daily driver like the RX450h. The transmission might grow on me as I use it more, but it does not properly rev match. It does a pseudo-rev match where you can still see engine is under load when the revs are being blipped rather than freely blipping the throttle. Also, there was no rev limiter. It will shift up at 6600 or so automatically even in manual mode. Anyway, it is all minor quibbles as it might grow on me.

I will definitely write a review once I have enough seat time. Maybe, an F-Sport vs F comparison setting aside the big power difference might be another.

 

Ummmm…I don’t need comparisons between me peeing next to a horse…😂

The 2nd Gen. IS350 had the 6sp geared for 0-60. Not sure about the 3rd Gen versions with the 8sp or 6sp now…I’m sure they changed due to mpg.

I do remember Lexus IS350 at when it came out in 2006 was advertised as a 4.9 sec car…and some owners were beating that handily.

 

Yeah, I remember that. Though, mostly an IS350 both 2nd gen or 3rd gen is a low-to-mid 5 seconds car in the 0-60 mph. I might do a Dragy GPS on it eventually.

 

Had one minus the AWD (Florida) a few years back, absolutely a fun little sedan.
Best of luck with it!

 

Yeah, it is a great car. It is comfortable, yet sporty. The induction noise is pretty loud in SPORT+ mode especially over 6000 rpm. I had driven an IS350 F-Sport AWD and RC350 F-Sport AWD back in 2015 years before I got my RCF, but I think I liked it more this time than I did back in 2015. It might have been incremental improvements over the years. It actually has a very compliant ride especially with the AVS even in SPORT+ mode. 311 HP, is close to E46 M3 level performance, but in today and age of 500+ HP cars, it felt somewhat tame, yet smooth especially on the highway. I will try to put better fuel in it and maybe, it will help. Not that I am complaining since it is really my family commuter and it does it with a fun to drive attitude. Will be writing a detailed review when I have enough seat time.

 

Brought it home today. Introduced it to the big boss of the house. Will write some detailed impressions as I get more seat time. As evident in the picture, length is roughly the same. RCF is lower, lower beltline, wider while the IS is taller and narrower. Hood is obviously a lot longer in the RCF, but cabin is much shorter. They both drive very differently. It is crazy how they feel so different feeling from the moment you start rolling. Both great, but very different. Details later.

 

Is that Atomic Silver?

 

Yes. it is atomic silver. Correct.

 

….but I keep hearing the most important aspect is the girth…🤔

😂

 

LOL..more on that later.

 

My first detail of the car and a ceramic coat (whatever product is in the carwash). Still learning the car and writing a review. Will have it up in the coming weeks.

 

Top Gear! Best car wash in town.

 

LOL... It really is, Duane