drewington

Looking at a 2011 IS 250 and 2014 both are CPO but is the 2014 worth $6K more than the 2011? I'm interested in a lexus I like them all but which one would give me the most out of my $$?

S2000toIS350

We need more info
Miles and options on each
Intuitively the 14 sounds better because if you eyeball depreciation at 10% a year for a like for like Lexus 3 years newer car should be more than $6k more.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

It depends on mileage and option packages.

If they are similarly packaged with the same miles, I wouldn't mind the older body style, and the savings.

Aron9000

Neither of these cars are the best buy IMO. Go buy a CPO IS350. Enjoy 100 extra horsepower and the peace of mind knowing that larger motor suffers from none of the carbon buildup problems that the smaller 2.5 V6 enjoys. BTW, in certain cases the carbon buildup can be so bad as to lead to a total rebuild or engine replacement with the smaller 2.5 V6 found in the IS.

Seriously, if you are laying out 20k+ on a car, don't buy one with the turd engine under the hood. My 1992 SC300 would run circles around your IS250, and it is "slow" by modern standards.

mmarshall

Welcome to CL as a new poster.

Depends on what you mean by "bang".

If power is the main issue, then probably a used IS-F that is at least several years old, depreciated some, and well-cared for....newer ones will cost too much. Same with sharp handling.

If traction is the main issue, then obviously the AWD models. In my area, the IS250 is extremely popular even as a new car, and (seems) to handily outsell the regular RWD version.

If utility is the issue, then, of course, the IS300 SportCross wagon, though very few of them were sold in the American market, and it will be very hard to find as a used car.

Given the specific choice between the two cars you mentioned, and the normal IS depreciation curve, I'd go with the newer one...the 6K difference will probably be worth it., though you may (?) personally prefer the 2011 for whatever reason (interior, styling, general build quality, etc....). If that's the case, of course, then fine.

Also, speed and power are not an issue with me, but I agree with Aron that if it is with you, keep in mind that an IS250AWD, because of the relatively small engine displacement, no turbos, and the added weight/drag of AWD, is going to be a little on the slow side. I wouldn't call it a (turd) engine like he did..as it is a reliable power plant, but it definitely is not a dragster.

tex2670

First things first, which style to YOU like better: 2nd Gen IS, or 3rd Gen IS. Personally, I would not want a 3rd Gen.