bygtimaish

So ive decided, that i can't drive an auto anymore, but i'm not ready to let the IS go either, so what do i do? Has anybody on here gone from an IS350 to an IS250 stick? If you have, do you regret it? Would you rather keep the 350 or the 250 manual? Any thoughts would be greatly appriciated..thanks

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Do you care more about speed or control?

Speed = 350.

Control = 250.

caymandive

iTrader: (2)

I have a feeling you will regret the decision to switch. If I were to go manual I would consider a BMW or Infinity. There has been one too many people with manuals complaining about problems or having gripes with it.

rroy

iTrader: (1)

I love my manual IS but if i owned a 350 first, i would miss the acceleration... Try one out [IS manual]; but def check out a BMW manual.

rroy

iTrader: (1)

and before the IS manual problems start showing up in this thread; I have had no problems after 13k miles.

Dj_AmtraX

iTrader: (2)

350 will dust the manual 250. You might end up paying full pop on a 250 manual because they don't stock it. So don't be silly and lose money on the 350.

XIS350

and a Rustang GT, Nissan 350Zzzzz or a Ford Lighthing truck....

taminatorv

I understand why you're thinking about this. For me, you get used to power, but shifting is something you can always enjoy. That's been my experience after 20 motorcycles, 14 cars, and a 125cc shifter kart. After a while, even 0-60 in 3 seconds seems uneventful. But a great shifter and good feel on the pedals is something you can enjoy for the life of the car.

That said, I was pretty disappointed with the manual IS250. The shifter was vague with long throws, the pedals were poorly placed for heel/toe, and the overall shifting experience didn't have much feel. My favorite manual tranny so far has been in a Miata and S2000. Even my previous car (2005 G35 Coupe 6MT) felt better that way. With the amount of traffic around here, along with how good the auto was, I settled for the auto. I love the IS for everyday use, but plan to buy a used Miata to scratch the shifting itch.

neova

You can't compare the power/torque of the 350 to the 250, and if you want the whole package of power and a manual transmission then look at the 335i or Audi S4 or the G35 sport.

The IS250 Manual isn't that great to drive, its shifter is notchy and clutch pedel placed a bit high (i prefer sports clutch where the engagement point is at the bottom of the travel). However, I would still take the IS250 MT over the IS350 AT, just because I have a preference for manuals and I'd like to stay within the Lexus family, especially the IS family.

I think the IS, and Lexus in general, is already a bit disengaging for the driver. So at the minimum I would need the manual transmission so that i can regain some of that driver interaction. I know the 250 is slow (heavier and less power/torque than the outgoing IS300) but when you're driving a manual, having control of your car, it can be enjoyable at anyspeed (just not traffic jams though).

Just make sure you're okay with giving up 100hp and 90lb/ft of torque.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

I would say test drive a 6MT first before making the decision.

If you want power, 350 is the way to go.

I guess I am the lucky guy who got the 250 6MT. And yes, it's extremely hard to find one (for the whole western region, they only got 7 blacks and 7 silver).

I am lucky to get it below invoice......

I enjoy every single minute of it when I drive the car. I know they do have issues about the transmission, but that doesnt stop me from getting the car!

hope this helps and keep us posted !

good luck!

bygtimaish

thanks fellas...i really want to stay in the Lexus family, but its so difficult because they dont offer the IS350 in manual. You know, it still doesn't make sense to me even after all the never-ending discussions about this whole issue. I guess ill have to test drive the 335i now..



thanks alot for your help

Ramon

I wouldn't recommend it... Plus from what i've heard and read, the manual in the IS250 isn't a very good one. If you've got your heart set on a manual, you're better off with a different vehicle all together.

Hartawan

iTrader: (1)

I tried my friend's 250RWD auto, it was like 350 on snow mode.

sailing217

I have the 250MT and drove the 350 several times. Like others have stated, if you miss shifting, buy a different car like a 335 or S2000. Even if you got a 250 MT without any issues, the throws are long and it's a very notchy shifter. But if you really want to stay Lexus, it does give more control feeling to the car.
For the depreciation hit I'd use that money on a lightly used S2000 or Miata. My next car will be my shifting toy of either: Elise, Boxster, or NSX and the Lexus will remain my daily commuter.

tqlla3k

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately, if you need an MT, Lexus isnt the family for you. I'd suggest a BMW 335i or an infiniti G35 sedan

I was hoping that an MT woudl appear for the 07, after I sold my 06. But that never happended. Oh well, AT for me.