mdk77

Hey guys, I've been reading posts for a few weeks now trying to decide if I want a Lexus. I currently drive a 2002 RSX Base and although that car has been fun to drive, I'm ready for an upgrade.

It seems that most of the people on here feel the IS 250 is not as powerful as it should be (in other words, they were disappointed with the performance), and the IS 350 is the way to go for a faster Lexus.

The problem is, the IS 350 is RWD and I live in Chicago. RWD in the Chicago winter is like toying with death, the winters get bad and you will end up in a ravine somewhere if you're driving a powerful RWD car. So this leaves me with the IS 250 AWD. The RSX base is 140 HP and the IS 250 AWD is 205 HP so to me I should notice a significant difference in power. In addition, the luxury features of the IS250 will be nice in comparison to the RSX.

Am I incorrect in any of these statements? - Thanks

slee18

iTrader: (1)

talk to passnu2 he has a 350 in the chi-town area. He can probably give you better answer because of his experience with both 250awd and 350. He is the man in Chi-town

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Honestly, RWD in snow is only death if you don't know how to drive in snow.

Granted, a LOT of people don't.

But a good driver with good snow tires will be just fine in a RWD vehicle.


All that said, if you find 140 hp in your RSX good enough, by all means drive a 250 and see if that is good enough too. If you're uncomfortable with your RWD driving in snow you'd be looking at the AWD 250, which is pretty heavy, so it might be as fast as the extra 60+ hp makes it sound, but give it a shot.

Faman21

I used to drive a 2004 rsx (eternal pearl blue) and now I'm in an is250 rwd and never looked back once. I'll admit there is a huge difference in comfort and speed between the rsx and 250, but if you want the real
Power 350 is the way to go. But I don't regret the 250 this car is amazing
It was worked best on my budget.

VikH

iTrader: (5)

With snow tires, the IS350 will do better than your RSX with all seasons. Our winter last year was the worst in 20 years, so it usually isn't that bad. I would go for the 350 with snows.

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

I went my first winter with the OEM 18" performance tires and only had one trouble spot by my work garage.

My 2nd winter I had snow tires/rims from a member that moved to CA. They worked great and I had NO issues driving through one of the worst winters we have seen in IL in years.

If you know how to drive your car then you don't need AWD! AWD doesnt cure what is going on with the weather and road conditions. In IL if you pay attn most that are flipped over, on the side of the road, or in an accident its the SUV or Trucks! People get AWD and think they own the road when it snows in IL

I lol at this as what did people due in the past when this wasn't around?!?!? haha...

myself and Paul both IS350 drivers where fine in the winter last year with snow tires!

PM me if I can be of more help!

Mike

slee18

iTrader: (1)

We would just twiddle our thumbs and hope for the best . I just go snipe hunting if you werent here

mdk77

I appreciate all the comments - I can say that I am a good driver in snow and never have been in a wreck with my past two cars. I test drive both the 250 and 350 and see which one I like better (and which one is best for my budget).

I will say that my RSX in snow doesn't handle well which is suprising since it is FWD.

IS35O

Ive had good luck with the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 tires in Maine and CT winters

mdk77

How much does a good set of snow tires run?

ELL Y

iTrader: (1)

I agree that driving in snow is more than AWD , which won't help you if your tires are worn or don't grip anything at all because the snow is too deep.

Prudence and common sense should tell people to stay indoors if it's really nasty out, and avoid taking unnecessary risk

VikH

iTrader: (5)

About $800:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...cleSearch=true

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

you can get rims and tires for around 1k...or find them from a member on here used. I got a set for ~500 and only used them for a few months and sold them off. I would do this as then you dont have to worry about the rims getting pitted or ruined from the lovely salt.

The RSX i think wasn't good in the snow as it had more or a all season performance tire. Snow tires would have helped the car. I had many TL's for work and they where not great in the snow being FWD IMO anyway.

there is a better selection on the 250 around here and you will get a better deal on one. A used IS350 (07) is selling for around 41k used we just dont see that many in our area and most want the security of the awd....

mdk77

That sucks about the IS 350. I plan on dropping by Arlington Lexus in Palatine to see what they got. Know of any good Lexus dealerships in the area?

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

I will PM you