Going from 2015 IS250 to 2015 GS350. Need Advice!
#1
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So my lease is almost up on my 2015 IS250 and I'm contemplating stepping up to a 2015 GS350. My main thing is that I feel a bit cramped in the IS and I also feel need a bit more room for my kid. The increased power is also something I've been wanted to make this car a fun daily driver unlike the IS. Looking to see how many members have made the switch and can give me information that you think I might need. I will be financing this car and should be taking a look at it on Saturday. It has 12000 miles and is L/Certified.
#2
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I went from a 2014 IS350 to a 2015 GS350. Loved my IS but I doubt I would ever go back.
I needed more room for kids/car seats, and grew tired of the lack of features in the IS. The size has been great and it's really a big step up in terms of refinement, material quality, etc. There's a small penalty in weight and gas mileage, but not much, especially considering how much larger the GS is.
Good luck!
I needed more room for kids/car seats, and grew tired of the lack of features in the IS. The size has been great and it's really a big step up in terms of refinement, material quality, etc. There's a small penalty in weight and gas mileage, but not much, especially considering how much larger the GS is.
Good luck!
#3
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I went from a 2006 IS350 to a 2013 GS350 F-Sport AWD, and most recently to a 2018 GS350 F-Sport AWD. I made the change from the 2IS for a few reasons: I needed more backseat room as kids (including nieces and nephews) were growing up; the stiff ride was getting to me (drove the car to 198k carefree miles) so I wanted a little more luxury in the ride; and third, the staggered setup was pricey in terms of tires; and like you, the IS is a bit cramped.
The GS is a really nice car, but it's obviously bigger, so doesn't fit in tight spaces like the IS, has a good turning radius although not as good as the IS and the gas mileage stinks, especially compared to the IS250 (I got around 28 mpg on the IS at 75mph, with the GS I'm lucky to get 24-25 mpg).
There are other nits, but nothing significant in my opinion. I loved the IS350, but I have no plans going back to one. Good luck this Saturday - take all your stuff out of our IS when you go test drive the GS since there's a good chance you leave the IS behind
The GS is a really nice car, but it's obviously bigger, so doesn't fit in tight spaces like the IS, has a good turning radius although not as good as the IS and the gas mileage stinks, especially compared to the IS250 (I got around 28 mpg on the IS at 75mph, with the GS I'm lucky to get 24-25 mpg).
There are other nits, but nothing significant in my opinion. I loved the IS350, but I have no plans going back to one. Good luck this Saturday - take all your stuff out of our IS when you go test drive the GS since there's a good chance you leave the IS behind
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#4
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I went from a 2015 IS350 to a 2016 GS350. The IS started to feel cramped for me too. I don't have kids so I can't really comment on the back seat but the GS is definitely larger inside and more comfortable as such. I also definitely appreciate the power trunk, auto-folding mirrors, auto-seat/steering entry/exit and the few other luxury features that come standard on the GS as compared to the IS. Power-wise you can tell the GS is heavier if you start to get frisky but overall they handle/feel the same. The GS is definitely quieter and the ride is more refined. I have a heavy foot so I get about 1mpg better on the GS than I did the IS (15 vs 16mpg). I don't plan on going back to an IS. I tell all my friends the IS was the car for my 20's and the GS is the car for my 30's. They are essentially the same, one is just more grown up.
#5
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Went from an '11 IS350 to the '13 GS. Much more room in every way - front leg room, shoulder room, rear leg room, trunk space. Also, the GS feels more refined, more upscale with the fit and finish. The IS was crazy quick off its feet compared to the GS due to the weight difference but its not enough of a difference considering the extra room. Its like going from a cozy one bedroom that is just big enough, to a larger 1 bedroom plus den/office :-)
#6
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Seems everyone came from an IS350 prior to the GS350. Personally, I came from an 07 is250 to a 15 gs350 fsport. Within a year of owning my 250 I wish I had gone with the 350 as the power was near non existant. Needless to say, stepping up to the GS350 has been a game changer. At 6'8 I love the added room and comfort the GS offers and the fact that the car actually goes somewhere instead of just making a lot of noise when you put your foot down.
Dont get me wrong, I drove the heck outta that is250 (sold at 180k miles) and she never let me down but I'll never go back either. It's a no brainer, go with the GS.
Dont get me wrong, I drove the heck outta that is250 (sold at 180k miles) and she never let me down but I'll never go back either. It's a no brainer, go with the GS.
#7
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I became a loyal Lexus owner in 2007 when I bought my first IS350. I knew I wanted the IS350 vs. the 250 even though going up in horsepower kept me from adding more options. To me the additional power was worth it. I loved everything about the IS350 except the cramped drivers seat space. I’m a moderately bulking guy so the IS became more and more cramped. When the 4GS came out I knew this version was the best mix of IS and GS. I absolutely prefer the GS over the IS and enjoy the additional interior and trunk space. Plus, the additional options make the GS a rather obvious next step if you intend to stay with the Lexus brand long term.
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