Looking at getting an IS..is the 250 really a dog to drive?
05-25-06, 03:49 PM
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Looking at getting an IS..is the 250 really a dog to drive?
Of course I cant afford to get a 350 so a 250 manual is a possible solution for trading in my 2004 VW passat. I was wondering, with only 204 HP, is this car very slow? Coming from a Turbo charged car in which every mod is globs of power, I'm worried that the IS is not going to satisfy me. I want to here your guys $0.02...I'm I way off line?
TIA!
darin
TIA!
darin
05-25-06, 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Darin45
Of course I cant afford to get a 350 so a 250 manual is a possible solution for trading in my 2004 VW passat. I was wondering, with only 204 HP, is this car very slow? Coming from a Turbo charged car in which every mod is globs of power, I'm worried that the IS is not going to satisfy me. I want to here your guys $0.02...I'm I way off line?
TIA!
darin
TIA!
darin
Now use search or go through past threads, we have discussed this.
Search 1SICKREVIEW to see what I think of the 250.
IMO, not a dog at all and surprisingly peppy.
05-25-06, 03:56 PM
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05-25-06, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Darin45
Of course I cant afford to get a 350 so a 250 manual is a possible solution for trading in my 2004 VW passat. I was wondering, with only 204 HP, is this car very slow? Coming from a Turbo charged car in which every mod is globs of power, I'm worried that the IS is not going to satisfy me. I want to here your guys $0.02...I'm I way off line?
TIA!
darin
TIA!
darin
If you can wait for a few months and save a few grand more and get the 350 probably be better.
goodluck
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05-25-06, 04:31 PM
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First, my background:
I am a previous owner of the following: BMW M3 (e46) - 333bph, Audi S4 - 250bhp, Lexus SC430 - 288bhp and a Honda S2000 - 240bhp.
People who are saying that the 250 is slow are on drugs. It is a quick off the line car and goes through the 6-speed transmission like butter. Is it as fast as the 350? Of course not, who would even suggest such a thing? But that is why the 350 is several thousand more. Will the 250 be faster than your turbo Passat - yes. And more refined, and more reliable.
For the money, the 250 is a GREAT car and a fantastic deal with some real zip. All of these horsepower comparisons are moot anyways since most of the time we are all restricted to driving the speed limit and behaving ourselves.
So, perhaps your real questions is, for the money, and for a similarly styled car, is there something zippier? Not really. Maybe the 3er from BMW, but you'll pay more and be about 2-3 tenths of a second faster. The TSX is a bit slower and boring. And since you are coming from a Passat I doubt you are looking for a less refined car.
So, go drive the 250 and see for yourself - it is a great car and yes, it is zippy, no doubt about it. And what's more, the paddles offer a nice blend of manual and automatic driving if yo don't want to always have to use stick.
I am a previous owner of the following: BMW M3 (e46) - 333bph, Audi S4 - 250bhp, Lexus SC430 - 288bhp and a Honda S2000 - 240bhp.
People who are saying that the 250 is slow are on drugs. It is a quick off the line car and goes through the 6-speed transmission like butter. Is it as fast as the 350? Of course not, who would even suggest such a thing? But that is why the 350 is several thousand more. Will the 250 be faster than your turbo Passat - yes. And more refined, and more reliable.
For the money, the 250 is a GREAT car and a fantastic deal with some real zip. All of these horsepower comparisons are moot anyways since most of the time we are all restricted to driving the speed limit and behaving ourselves.
So, perhaps your real questions is, for the money, and for a similarly styled car, is there something zippier? Not really. Maybe the 3er from BMW, but you'll pay more and be about 2-3 tenths of a second faster. The TSX is a bit slower and boring. And since you are coming from a Passat I doubt you are looking for a less refined car.
So, go drive the 250 and see for yourself - it is a great car and yes, it is zippy, no doubt about it. And what's more, the paddles offer a nice blend of manual and automatic driving if yo don't want to always have to use stick.
Last edited by exilio; 05-25-06 at 05:58 PM.
05-25-06, 05:01 PM
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Test drive both of the cars back to back. I bought the 250 because I dont really think I needed the extra zip. The car is still sporty, but won't WOW you. If you want a sportier ride, get the 350. In general the ride is great, smooth, and soft. Love this car!!!
05-25-06, 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by exilio
First, my background:
I am a previous owner of the following: BMW M3 (e46) - 333bph, Audi S4 - 250bhp, Lexus SC430 - 288bhp and a Honda S2000 - 240bhp.
People who are saying that the 250 is slow are on drugs. It is quick off the line car and goes through the 6-speed transmission like butter. Is it as fast as the 350? Of course not, who would even suggest such a thing. But that is why the 350 is several thousand more. Will it be faster than your turbo Passat - yes. And more refined, and more reliable.
For the money, the 250 is a GREAT car and a fantastic deal with some real zip. All of these horsepower comparisons are moot anyways since most of the time we are all restricted to driving the speed limit and behaving ourselves.
So, perhaps your real questions is, for the money, and for a similarly styled car, is there something zippier? Not really. Maybe the 3er from BMW, but you'll pay more and be about 2-3 tenths of a second faster. The TSX is a bit slower and boring. And since you are coming from a Passat I doubt you are looking for a less refined car.
So, go drive the 250 and see for yourself - it is a great car and yes, it is zippy, no doubt about it. And what's more, the paddles offer a nice blend of manual and automatic driving if yo don't want to always have to use stick.
I am a previous owner of the following: BMW M3 (e46) - 333bph, Audi S4 - 250bhp, Lexus SC430 - 288bhp and a Honda S2000 - 240bhp.
People who are saying that the 250 is slow are on drugs. It is quick off the line car and goes through the 6-speed transmission like butter. Is it as fast as the 350? Of course not, who would even suggest such a thing. But that is why the 350 is several thousand more. Will it be faster than your turbo Passat - yes. And more refined, and more reliable.
For the money, the 250 is a GREAT car and a fantastic deal with some real zip. All of these horsepower comparisons are moot anyways since most of the time we are all restricted to driving the speed limit and behaving ourselves.
So, perhaps your real questions is, for the money, and for a similarly styled car, is there something zippier? Not really. Maybe the 3er from BMW, but you'll pay more and be about 2-3 tenths of a second faster. The TSX is a bit slower and boring. And since you are coming from a Passat I doubt you are looking for a less refined car.
So, go drive the 250 and see for yourself - it is a great car and yes, it is zippy, no doubt about it. And what's more, the paddles offer a nice blend of manual and automatic driving if yo don't want to always have to use stick.
05-26-06, 12:01 AM
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Originally Posted by exilio
First, my background:
I am a previous owner of the following: BMW M3 (e46) - 333bph, Audi S4 - 250bhp, Lexus SC430 - 288bhp and a Honda S2000 - 240bhp.
People who are saying that the 250 is slow are on drugs. It is a quick off the line car and goes through the 6-speed transmission like butter. Is it as fast as the 350? Of course not, who would even suggest such a thing? But that is why the 350 is several thousand more. Will the 250 be faster than your turbo Passat - yes. And more refined, and more reliable.
For the money, the 250 is a GREAT car and a fantastic deal with some real zip. All of these horsepower comparisons are moot anyways since most of the time we are all restricted to driving the speed limit and behaving ourselves.
So, perhaps your real questions is, for the money, and for a similarly styled car, is there something zippier? Not really. Maybe the 3er from BMW, but you'll pay more and be about 2-3 tenths of a second faster. The TSX is a bit slower and boring. And since you are coming from a Passat I doubt you are looking for a less refined car.
So, go drive the 250 and see for yourself - it is a great car and yes, it is zippy, no doubt about it. And what's more, the paddles offer a nice blend of manual and automatic driving if yo don't want to always have to use stick.
I am a previous owner of the following: BMW M3 (e46) - 333bph, Audi S4 - 250bhp, Lexus SC430 - 288bhp and a Honda S2000 - 240bhp.
People who are saying that the 250 is slow are on drugs. It is a quick off the line car and goes through the 6-speed transmission like butter. Is it as fast as the 350? Of course not, who would even suggest such a thing? But that is why the 350 is several thousand more. Will the 250 be faster than your turbo Passat - yes. And more refined, and more reliable.
For the money, the 250 is a GREAT car and a fantastic deal with some real zip. All of these horsepower comparisons are moot anyways since most of the time we are all restricted to driving the speed limit and behaving ourselves.
So, perhaps your real questions is, for the money, and for a similarly styled car, is there something zippier? Not really. Maybe the 3er from BMW, but you'll pay more and be about 2-3 tenths of a second faster. The TSX is a bit slower and boring. And since you are coming from a Passat I doubt you are looking for a less refined car.
So, go drive the 250 and see for yourself - it is a great car and yes, it is zippy, no doubt about it. And what's more, the paddles offer a nice blend of manual and automatic driving if yo don't want to always have to use stick.
Test drove the 350, and it is wicked fast, but I won't be able to make use of all that power. The 250 is just my cup of tea, and I got the drop and the rims. 
05-26-06, 09:49 AM
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i got the 250 also...i figured i would rather have the luxury but where am i going to use 306 hp on these crowded streets! anyways, i decided to get the manual and its fast enough
05-26-06, 09:53 AM
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Thank you for all your help guys! I've been a die hard VW fan and have owned over 8 of them including a 2002 Audi A4 1.8t, that was modded. We currently have a 2007 Passat with the 2.0Turbo motor and its a nice car. My other car is the 2004 passat that has been chipped and modded too...making approx 235hp/ 255lbs.
You guys have been making some good points. I will go and test drive the IS this Sat to see what I think. I know the 350 is quicker but at a premium of $40k...ouch! and no 6 speed!
I'm open minded tho and I'll see what the local lex dealer has to offer...
thanks guys!
You guys have been making some good points. I will go and test drive the IS this Sat to see what I think. I know the 350 is quicker but at a premium of $40k...ouch! and no 6 speed!
I'm open minded tho and I'll see what the local lex dealer has to offer...
thanks guys!
05-26-06, 10:12 AM
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Ill agree with exilo on this one. The IS 250 is by no means what so ever a slow grandmas sunday drive car. The car is fast agressive and demands respect on the road. The 350 is great but does not make the 250 seem any less of a car. I test drove the TL , Bmw 325 , and audi A4, and 350. I chose the IS 250 for the price and beacause I wanted the toys that came inside it. navigation parking assist ect.. It is an amazing car and will most defenatly satisfy any need for speed you may have. I love the 250 and I garentee you once you go Japanese you never go back to german made cars.
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