Teadrinker

Torn between getting an AWD automatic or a RWD manual IS250. Preferably a 2011, 2012 or 2013 due to the issues with older models. I love standard tranmissions and hate driving in snow.

The car will be my daily ride and during the winter months it will have snow tires. I live in Canada so we aren't talking about about a few inches of snow, when it snows it can snow a lot. Do all 2011 to 2013 IS250s come with snow mode? How is the RWD IS with snow tires and snow mode? Am I better off looking at an AWD with automatic transmission? I have driven a RWD standard BMW in winter and hated it. Also driven an AWD standard Audi in winter and loved it.

Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

Most 2IS up there is AWD. That is your best option. I've had my 350 in the snow (RWD), it's high stakes. Snow mode means it chops throttle response, starts in 2nd gear, shifts light. Disabling traction can get you unstuck, as soon as it hits a steady speed, it enables it.

AWD is the best choice for your area IMO with Yoda products in the snow!

hankrearden

Can't say for certain but my 2009 IS250 AWD has a snow mode. I change from summer tires to Michelin X-Ice Snow for the winter months.

I also used to hate driving in snow. Actually, I was terrified. AWD in snow mode with those tires has gotten me through everything including eight inches of unplowed snow. No longer terrified.
So did I, and so did I. Never again. I also had a FWD car that shall remain unnamed. FWD was useless in snow, much worse than RWD.