Wow. The IS250 AWD has really grown on me
10-01-09, 11:29 PM
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Wow. The IS250 AWD has really grown on me
Ok let me just start of by saying that I can be very critical of Lexus cars. Not so much the SUVS which I think are outstanding. Its the LS/GS/ES I don't like. I have to say that the last little while the IS 250AWD has really grown on me.
Currently we have two vehicles. My other half drives a LS430 which she drive quite at bit, she loves it and I really like it but I a truck/SUV guy and don't really drive it all that much. I drive a 2003 Toyota truck ((Limited Tundra)) which is our road trip vehicle and highway cruiser. Currently I park the truck underground in my parking spot...I back it in because it is a PITA to park forward and then reverse. The LS430 never goes into the garage because she does not like to back it in and it is also a ***** to back out.
My parking neighbour underground has an IS250 AWD a grey colour which has grown on me. I find myself checking it out almost everynight that I come home from work. I always park next to it and I check out the front profile, the interior and angles of the body, the grille, the wipers. I have begun to really like the IS250.
Now, I have been thinking about getting a new car for a while and trading in the big LS. The insurance, premium fuel, gas mileage (which is pretty good) the maintenance has just been getting to me. The maintenance always seems like I am paying so much for services, flushes and timing belt changes. We have a lot of mileage on both our vehicles....
There is another IS 250AWD in my underground garage. The Lexus is white and is simply gorgeous. I also find myself kind of drawn towards it as I often walk about 10 car spaces to check it out late at night if my neighbours grey Lexus is not there.
Now I do like the Lexus 3.5 motor they are using in the IS350 but I am not looking to spend a lot of money on my next car. A new LS is out of the question as the design I do not like and I am not willing to spend so much on a car this time. I am not a fan of the GS and ES is not my thing. My dad has an Avalon 3.5 and I know how good the motor is but I an extra $10k of whatever it is...I still have to check pricing.
I have narrow it down. I can get an IS250 awd with nav package for about $48k...I am not sure if we can live without the nav as the LS has it and it will be a step down with out it. The Tundra has a aftermarket nav and it work well for me.
Everytime I park my Toyota truck next to my neighbours IS...it makes me realize they compliment each out.
Heres it is.
1. The IS250 awd makes the perfect car for cruising in and around the city picking things up...exactly what we need. Looks like it is simple to park judging by the leftover space in my neighbours parking spot.
2. Its looks has caught my eye.
3. I like the functional layout of the interior. It is not as nice as the LS430 but I don't want to pay a premium...so I can live without certain things.
4. I have always liked the Lexus/Toyota nav integrated nav systems. I do think the LS needs the mouse controller but I can live without it in a IS
5. The LS430 is way more car than we need
The only thing I wish it has is AVS
Folks....my next car may just be an Lexus IS250 AWD with the nav pacakge.
Currently we have two vehicles. My other half drives a LS430 which she drive quite at bit, she loves it and I really like it but I a truck/SUV guy and don't really drive it all that much. I drive a 2003 Toyota truck ((Limited Tundra)) which is our road trip vehicle and highway cruiser. Currently I park the truck underground in my parking spot...I back it in because it is a PITA to park forward and then reverse. The LS430 never goes into the garage because she does not like to back it in and it is also a ***** to back out.
My parking neighbour underground has an IS250 AWD a grey colour which has grown on me. I find myself checking it out almost everynight that I come home from work. I always park next to it and I check out the front profile, the interior and angles of the body, the grille, the wipers. I have begun to really like the IS250.
Now, I have been thinking about getting a new car for a while and trading in the big LS. The insurance, premium fuel, gas mileage (which is pretty good) the maintenance has just been getting to me. The maintenance always seems like I am paying so much for services, flushes and timing belt changes. We have a lot of mileage on both our vehicles....
There is another IS 250AWD in my underground garage. The Lexus is white and is simply gorgeous. I also find myself kind of drawn towards it as I often walk about 10 car spaces to check it out late at night if my neighbours grey Lexus is not there.
Now I do like the Lexus 3.5 motor they are using in the IS350 but I am not looking to spend a lot of money on my next car. A new LS is out of the question as the design I do not like and I am not willing to spend so much on a car this time. I am not a fan of the GS and ES is not my thing. My dad has an Avalon 3.5 and I know how good the motor is but I an extra $10k of whatever it is...I still have to check pricing.
I have narrow it down. I can get an IS250 awd with nav package for about $48k...I am not sure if we can live without the nav as the LS has it and it will be a step down with out it. The Tundra has a aftermarket nav and it work well for me.
Everytime I park my Toyota truck next to my neighbours IS...it makes me realize they compliment each out.
Heres it is.
1. The IS250 awd makes the perfect car for cruising in and around the city picking things up...exactly what we need. Looks like it is simple to park judging by the leftover space in my neighbours parking spot.
2. Its looks has caught my eye.
3. I like the functional layout of the interior. It is not as nice as the LS430 but I don't want to pay a premium...so I can live without certain things.
4. I have always liked the Lexus/Toyota nav integrated nav systems. I do think the LS needs the mouse controller but I can live without it in a IS
5. The LS430 is way more car than we need
The only thing I wish it has is AVS
Folks....my next car may just be an Lexus IS250 AWD with the nav pacakge.
Last edited by pagemaster; 10-01-09 at 11:40 PM.
10-02-09, 05:51 AM
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Yeah, I spent a few hours behind the wheel of my dad's last week. I discovered that I really do like it. Its handling is far superior than the IS300. The 250 just needs 20 more HP or to lose 300 lbs. ...I'd prefer the latter.
10-02-09, 06:28 AM
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Extreme ripoff (unless a typo) for any IS250, as an IS350 with every single option stickers for a hair under $48k, including destination. In fact, a reasonably well-equipped 335xi (including nav) or a fully-loaded 328xi sticker for the same amount.
10-02-09, 07:48 AM
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10-02-09, 08:28 AM
#9
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10-02-09, 08:41 AM
#11
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You have to remember that a lot of those extra 300 lbs. is the weight of the AWD system. The IS (and, in fact, most AWD cars) does not have a simple, symmetrical AWD system like our Subarus........the extra hardware to compensate for this adds more weight. In the past, I have found, in test-drives, that the IS250 AWD has roughly the same pickup as N/A 2.5L Imprezas, and slightly more than N/A 2.5L Outbacks, which are heavier than Imprezas. That may change, though, with the new CVT in the new 2.5L Legacy/Outback.
10-02-09, 09:59 AM
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I should of mentioned Canadian prices.
10-02-09, 01:50 PM
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i am happy with mine. even though my car sits lower (springs + lip kit) than the standard awds, i drove my car during last winter in seattle without any problem. everyone was surprised that i could drive to pick them up.
10-04-09, 10:42 PM
#15
IS250 AWD is a nice compromise (safety of AWD and a normal set of tyres. The RWD models have a staggered layout). I've driven all 3 versions several times and I've been impressed with the way they drive and the interior. The rear is a bit tight, yes (everyone knows that by now) and I found the rear window a tad small (but if you have the nav, you'll probably have a backup camera anyway).