So i posted on the 2nd gen IS section about buying a 250 with a M/T. After reading the responses i was told to go with the A/T IS350. Soooo.. my first thoughts were, since its going to be an automatic, shouldnt i just go for a GS350?
My question is: Has anybody made the transition from an IS to a GS? if so what are your experiences, differences, pros and cons?

 

I actually went from a first gen IS to a GS......not by choice, but because my IS got totalled.

Let me tell you this: I loved the IS. LOVED it. It's tossable. It's a play toy. It's nice and sporty. However, the inside left much to be desired. The 2IS is way better inside and definitely improved on it.

I haven't owned a 2IS but I have test drove quite a few and always wanted an IS350.

However, after owning the GS.... honestly, I don't think I could go back. If anything, if I were to get an IS350, it would be as a second car or for the wife.

I think the IS350 would be more of a fun/sporty/fast car, and the GS is more of a comfy/luxury car that can also go fast.

Personally, I prefer the GS. My days of stop light 'racing' is over and though it is nice to have a nice and fast IS350, I'd rather have a relatively 'fast' sedan that is also super comfy inside. The IS350 is just not 'fast' enough to own as a sports car/sedan.

The IS-F on the other hand.... LOL ~~~

 

Came from 06 IS250. Originally looked for IS350, but ended up with 250. Very happy with it. Very fun to drive but underpowered compared to IS350. It was smaller than I liked but I put up with it since it was mostly me. However when riding with family it was just too small. Moved up to GS350 last year and never looked back. GS is roomy and fast. Great for long drives and is just smooth. If you have a family go for a GS.

 

My experience in case interested in handling/tossability aspect of GS. It seems most folks on this forum more the VIP hellaflush scene which is ok but my perspective is more performance side. My GS350 is a family hauler/weekend car and just got it in Dec 2012. I daily drive an 09 Pilot(which handles great for a big fwd SUV) and wife dailys an 08 Mazdaspeed3(turbo FWD that rotates like a RWD car). Also have an 02 S2000 which I tracked back in the days and now a garage queen. Always liked great handling lightweight cars. Decided to drive to the beach which is 40 mins away from my place which takes you trough roughly 30 minutes of twisties. First thing that you'll notice is the weight which frankly made me feel at little bit uncomfortable at first but adjusted for it e eventually by braking and turning in earlier. The rear seem to lag a bit as well with some float and twist at the very end. I'm sure sway bar would make it more settled but overall still not the car for it. Street and highway commuting this car is perfect but twisties not so much if that's a priority for you when getting car. If I didn't have to stick kids in the back then I would probably go with the IS350 for better handling. Next beach trip will be in the Mazda

 

I hate driving in the city with my gs. Horrible city roads with huge potholes.

 

My sister drives an is350. I'm 5'10" and it's way too small.

 

I came from an '06 IS350 to an '09 GS350. I'm 6'0" and never had any complaints about the IS being too small for me. However, my passengers couldn't always say the same.

I think the two cars are way more different than they appear to be. The IS was much more fun to throw around in the curves while the GS is more of a cruiser. The both have plenty of power but the extra weight of the GS does hurt it a bit. Interiors on both are top notch but the GS just seems to have so much more space and another step up on the luxury level (leather wrapped center console for example). I get as many compliments on my GS as I did with my IS. I think the best way to describe it is the GS is the grown-up version of the IS. Honestly though, you can't go wrong with either one. If you expect to cart family and friends around a lot, go with the GS. If it's just going to be you and your girl most of the time, get the IS.

 

I went from 06 IS250 to 08 GS350 AWD I love the upgrade, also the nice thing is the IS isn't priced far from the GS. So my upgrade was pretty good! The GS is more luxury and the IS is more sporty, both are reliable, both are great, both have pretty close mpg. You will love the GS, go for it!

 

One more thing on the IS's is after time, the dash board melts, and chips off common problem. The GS dash is different and a lot more durable and nicer. Just make sure to get navi, park sensors, and backup cameras its a must have