Who has driven the 250 and 350?
10-31-08, 07:10 AM
#17
I went from an 06 IS 350 to an 08 IS 250 (just because it was cheaper) and I can't tell you how much I miss that 350. 
Not that I used the power of the 350 that much (traffic doesn't allow that) but it was nice having it there. I'd go back to the 350 in a heartbeat
Not that I used the power of the 350 that much (traffic doesn't allow that) but it was nice having it there. I'd go back to the 350 in a heartbeat
10-31-08, 07:26 AM
#18
big power difference.
I don't know about handling tho.
I thought I was able to control the 250 better because I wasn't going so darn fast into the corners =P
about having bigger brakes, upgrade to the 350 brakes or F-Sport or any other BBK
I bought IS 350 brakes
I don't know about handling tho.
I thought I was able to control the 250 better because I wasn't going so darn fast into the corners =P
about having bigger brakes, upgrade to the 350 brakes or F-Sport or any other BBK
I bought IS 350 brakes
10-31-08, 07:30 AM
#19
As others have stated, yes there is a power difference for sure.
It’s all about what your expectations are. The 250 is fine for me as a daily driver. But yep, move to a 350 and there is a big difference power wise between the two.
Getting past raw power for a moment, the two cars are pretty much the same. Yes there are differences but in 2009 with the addition of VDIM to the 250 the differences are even smaller. I think the standard and sport suspensions are the same for both. The brakes are bigger on the 350 and they have all vented discs ipo just the front and the 350s have more aggressive pads (and as you'd expect more brake dust
)
I remembered and found this thread. It’s a 1SickLex review of an IS250. As you know he's a straight shooter, so hopefully it will be of some value to you.
1SICKREVIEW (act II) Lexus IS 250 (update April 08)
Good Luck in your search and please keep us updated.
TripleL
It’s all about what your expectations are. The 250 is fine for me as a daily driver. But yep, move to a 350 and there is a big difference power wise between the two.
Getting past raw power for a moment, the two cars are pretty much the same. Yes there are differences but in 2009 with the addition of VDIM to the 250 the differences are even smaller. I think the standard and sport suspensions are the same for both. The brakes are bigger on the 350 and they have all vented discs ipo just the front and the 350s have more aggressive pads (and as you'd expect more brake dust
)I remembered and found this thread. It’s a 1SickLex review of an IS250. As you know he's a straight shooter, so hopefully it will be of some value to you.
1SICKREVIEW (act II) Lexus IS 250 (update April 08)
Good Luck in your search and please keep us updated.
TripleL
Last edited by TripleL; 10-31-08 at 07:34 AM. Reason: typo
10-31-08, 07:59 AM
#20
When I bought my IS, initially I thought if the dealer can source a 350 that was only like $2000 more than the 250, then I will take the 350. But unfortunately the 350s available at that time all were loaded to a price range that makes them not attractive compared to other competitors. With that price, I rather pay several thousand more or 10-30 grands to get a IS-F, GS or even LS (though they are different style cars).
If the 350 can be priced equal as G35/37, then there would be a hot sale. But anyway my next Lexus will definitely not be an IS, may be GX or LS.
If the 350 can be priced equal as G35/37, then there would be a hot sale. But anyway my next Lexus will definitely not be an IS, may be GX or LS.
10-31-08, 09:40 AM
#23
i went side by side with a 250 being that my friend insisted and wanted to see the difference between his 250 and the 350 from a dig...
i told him i didn't want to do it to him.... his car looked as if it was at a stand still once the light turned green... he now has an ISF... i'm pretty sure i'm on the otherside of the fence now
i told him i didn't want to do it to him.... his car looked as if it was at a stand still once the light turned green... he now has an ISF...
i'm pretty sure i'm on the otherside of the fence now
10-31-08, 09:47 AM
#24
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i have driven both. if you like the speed get the 350. I sometimes wish I got the 350, but driving 30k a year in traffic I decided with a 250. I used to drive fast but I've gotten used to lightly tapping the pedal to accelerate slowly to maximize mpg. so uh now I can't break out of that habit! hahaha. damn i'm old. at least my car is nice to look at and comfy. hehe.
10-31-08, 11:38 AM
#26
yup, agree with you.
In Houston, with many oil company's headquarter sitting here and their rich employees all around, to be frankly a Lexus IS is NOTHING here, no matter 250 or 350. No need to think about what others will look at you, you own the car for yourself, enjoy for yourself; you don't buy a car for pleasing other people.
So my 2 cents: for the bad economical situation nowadays, if your shopping budget is around the IS series, got a cheaper one and save that several thousand dollars. Invest them wisely, the return may make you more happy than just owning a 350. Anyway our 2nd gen IS will be out-dated 3 years later, 300+hp V6 will not be so rare and the 350 will not be a point so bright then.
To sum up: go for a test drive and get the feeling yourself, think about what you really wants, plan your financial goals, then make your decision.
In Houston, with many oil company's headquarter sitting here and their rich employees all around, to be frankly a Lexus IS is NOTHING here, no matter 250 or 350. No need to think about what others will look at you, you own the car for yourself, enjoy for yourself; you don't buy a car for pleasing other people.
So my 2 cents: for the bad economical situation nowadays, if your shopping budget is around the IS series, got a cheaper one and save that several thousand dollars. Invest them wisely, the return may make you more happy than just owning a 350. Anyway our 2nd gen IS will be out-dated 3 years later, 300+hp V6 will not be so rare and the 350 will not be a point so bright then.
To sum up: go for a test drive and get the feeling yourself, think about what you really wants, plan your financial goals, then make your decision.
The reason why you feel the 350 is about the same as the 250 in the normal driving is because the 350 auto shifts to the top gear way too soon. it shifts to 6th gear at speeds as low as 35 or so mph. That is drop dead ridiculous. That's how you save gas on the 350 which is why it's not bad gas consumption in the city driving.
If you want more control and powa then turn the VSC/ Traction Control off and put it in ECT mode. That'll keep you on lower gears longer and will deliver power immediately.
But yeah, if you floor it, this car flies. The 350 is a very quick car.
If you get the 250 then you are making a big mistake. I see IS250 EVERYWHERE in my area (Indianapolis) but the IS350 is VERY rare. I see about 1 a year on the street. Now that I drive IS350 I feel damn special. My car draws a lot of attention from the young folks as soon as they see my 350 number on back.... They go
.
If you want more control and powa then turn the VSC/ Traction Control off and put it in ECT mode. That'll keep you on lower gears longer and will deliver power immediately.
But yeah, if you floor it, this car flies. The 350 is a very quick car.
If you get the 250 then you are making a big mistake. I see IS250 EVERYWHERE in my area (Indianapolis) but the IS350 is VERY rare. I see about 1 a year on the street. Now that I drive IS350 I feel damn special. My car draws a lot of attention from the young folks as soon as they see my 350 number on back.... They go
.
10-31-08, 12:57 PM
#27
One thing is putting the IS on a track and someother 100% different is to do some autoX. I've heard many times the frase "the IS is not a good car for autocrossing, low-rev, heavy and too big (size wise). You wanna succeed on autoX get yourself a 250 and with the difference buy an old civic and mod it.
My 2 cents.....
My 2 cents.....
