Loaded IS250 or base IS350?
09-11-07, 04:25 AM
#17
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Personally I'd go with the loaded IS250 - I cannot LIVE without my Nav and I like that its integrated - I wouldn't want something sticking out of my lighter. (And the radio, bluetooth, other car settings are used by the same screen, which I love. So that screen is way more than Nav IMO) But I don't care as much about HP, the 250 is fast enough for my driving - and I wanted AWD since i live where it snows.
09-11-07, 09:42 AM
#20
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I opted for a base 350 last january, I literally have only 40000 cash for the car and couldn't add anything.
Yes, i still misses the navigation, and really hope to have one.but after i step on the gas pedal, everything else doesn't matter anymore.
Yes, i still misses the navigation, and really hope to have one.but after i step on the gas pedal, everything else doesn't matter anymore.
09-11-07, 12:27 PM
#21
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Is this a trick question, you already have a '07 IS250 ???
FWIW, to answer your question, I would've bought a fully loaded IS250 since I wanted the ML/Nav & sport pkg, but they don't allocate 250s like this for SoCal, so instead of a special order and waiting 120 days, I upgraded to the 350
FWIW, to answer your question, I would've bought a fully loaded IS250 since I wanted the ML/Nav & sport pkg, but they don't allocate 250s like this for SoCal, so instead of a special order and waiting 120 days, I upgraded to the 350
09-11-07, 12:36 PM
#22
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I would personally go for the loaded 250. I had a bare bones 250 as a loaner the day before I got my car and hated not having the nav/bluetooth. If you can get a loaded 350, that would be badass.
I personally chose the 250 because of cost/insurance/registration and gas mileage. In 3 years when I get my promotion I may look in to a 350 or IS-F.
I personally chose the 250 because of cost/insurance/registration and gas mileage. In 3 years when I get my promotion I may look in to a 350 or IS-F.
09-11-07, 12:49 PM
#23
I was on the same fence about a year and half ago. Has a choice between a loaded IS250 (everything except ML I think) and a bare bone IS350 (the only option is the 18" wheel). I ended up with the IS350 because the only other option that I really wanted is the Navi (the dash looks much better with it). The driving experience between the two is just un-comparable.
My suggestion is...If you decided to go with the IS250 then just DON'T DRIVE THE IS350 no matter what. I drove both, the IS250 by no means is a slow car but the IS350 is just much faster. After all I know I might get tired with all the gadgets one day but would never with that 306HP engine.
Just my 2 cents.
My suggestion is...If you decided to go with the IS250 then just DON'T DRIVE THE IS350 no matter what. I drove both, the IS250 by no means is a slow car but the IS350 is just much faster. After all I know I might get tired with all the gadgets one day but would never with that 306HP engine.
Just my 2 cents.
09-11-07, 12:49 PM
#24
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I have always considered the "big engine" IS350 overpriced, in the great European luxury car tradition, vis a vis the IS250 and the discounting on the IS250 exacerbates the discrepancy. Your call, but my advice is buy the deal because the car is great either way. And I disagree, I say drive them both and go with your heart. Some people really, truly could give two shakes about power and the 250, while slow, certainly isn't "underpowered".
Last edited by CRB; 09-11-07 at 01:27 PM.
09-11-07, 01:08 PM
#25
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Options do play a role!
Keep in mind that options are pretty worthless when you resell the car. Imagine selling a couple years from now what would you rather buy? A loaded IS250 or a base IS350 for similar price? you would need to discount your loaded IS250 even more just to make it attractive to buyers, otherwise most would opt for the IS350. Even a base IS350 has enough luxury items.
I did a theoretical search on Kelly Blue Book and my search yielded the following...
I compared the Private Party value of a loaded 250 vs. a Base 350 (w/premium pkg). Both were in "Excellent" condition and both had 20K and both had a spoiler.
The Private Party value of the Loaded 250 was $31,245
The Private Party value of the Base 350 was $33,355
Just for kicks, I did the same for a Base 250 and the value was listed at $28,830
The options clearly play a key role in determining the value of the car.
09-11-07, 03:06 PM
#27
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I think even IS250(200+ hp) will overkill as a daily car. However, It is nice to have powerfull car and performance always win my vote. I have 01' base BMW 330i and I am very happy about that. My engine sound blow my speakers away.
Base IS350 If I were you. I think IS350 + cup kit=rock. GL
Base IS350 If I were you. I think IS350 + cup kit=rock. GL
