carrwash13

So I am looking to buy an IS 250/350 (haven't decided yet) in the next few months. I just love the overall look of the car and that's what's drawn it to me. I am driving a 94 Honda Accord that I've owned for 10 years and decided it's time to upgrade. I got about $18k in my car fund saved up so far and I am hoping I can get a good price (obviously more than $18k though) in this down economy.

1. Is it reasonable to think I could get a used one for around $23k give or take a few?
2. Should I stay away from any specific years? I know some cars have troublesome years.
3.I really don't race or go past the speed limit. Is the 250 alright for me or is the 350 the only way to go? I know I am the only one that can really decide but would love input from owners. I AM concerned about gas mileage though.
4. What do you guys think of buying one off ebay?
5. Any other things to watch out for or note?

Thanks in advance.

IS_Sunny

iTrader: (1)

I'd like to know this as well.
I'm in the same boat as you buddy... ready to pull the trigger.

papaalex

if you can afford the 350 buy it.. I have a 250 but when i test drove my friend's 07 350 the 100 horses is a huge difference

Sytfu_IS

iTrader: (4)

I have a few friends that regretted buying a 250 just cause of the power difference, I drive a 350 and still want more power. Our cars are heavy so I think the extra power is necessary. Try getting an 07-08 unless you don't like the sharkfin besides that the 07-08 have traction control button instead of doing pedal dance on 06 and I forgot other benefits for 07-08 haha


1. Is it reasonable to think I could get a used one for around $23k give or take a few? I think you can get a 350 for maybe 28-30 not sure
2. Should I stay away from any specific years? I know some cars have troublesome years. 07-08 Most refined I believe
3.I really don't race or go past the speed limit. Is the 250 alright for me or is the 350 the only way to go? I know I am the only one that can really decide but would love input from owners. 250 is fine if you don't like accelerating to needed speed fast imo
4. What do you guys think of buying one off ebay? You'll have to pay for shipping, should try local like craigslist haha
5. Any other things to watch out for or note? Dash rattles

ELL Y

iTrader: (1)

I believe that the 250 will be fine for you if you do not seek the extra power (since you're not racing it anyway) or recognition from people who would tell the difference.
I drive the "slow" 250 awd and i'm more than satisfied by it for regular driving. Of course, my opinion is moot since as you said, it boils down to your desires anyway!

brtnrdr1x

iTrader: (3)

honestly, movin from a 94 accord, an is250 would sit perfect with u. and also u will have the choice between awd or rwd..if u have the money the is350 is a beast haha, won't fight with that. buying a used one in great condition for 23g's idk..haven't looked. ebay should be fine.

ELL Y

iTrader: (1)

Hmm, I didn't think that the traction control button would be that important since OP said he doesn't race or drive past the speed limit.

carrwash13

Wow, fast reply's guys! Thanks alot. I would like to own an AWD but HATE the extra wheel gap. Is is possible to lower the AWD to the RWD height? Will camber kit be needed if so since it's a small drop?

Gus738

Hey since this thread is already open i might as well ask too, (sorry op for hijacking) or how do the mods feel if i open a new theread?

Ok well i plan to keep my next car around 10yrs i was hoping to get the 0.9 APR so i can get the is close to 40k or less

i ended up with these choices,

mitsubishi lancer EVO (08/09) so thats an evo X ? $33-35k 0% apr no intrest

09 honda accord v6 271 hp $27,475 OTD maybe 0.9-1.9% APR

Lexus is 350 (maybe 250 if well read bellow)

Ok the 250 might be an options if its 0-60 is compareable to these

accord v6 0-60? vs is 250 or vs evo X vs is 350???


know im comparing diffrent cars, the evo well its looks get my attention, plus the 5yrs with no intrest really sweetens the deal, the accord being a honda seems reliable and the lexus im dieing for!!!

speed wise the is 250 how does it compare to the honda accord?

the evo whats its time?

i wont go to the track but on a highway run or just for race out of nowhere i want to know how these cars compare

evo

accord v6

is 250

is 350.

well i know the 350 fastest but how is the is 250 compareable to the evo and the accord?

its only 204 hp vs the accord 271

pli

iTrader: (1)

well you said you dont race or anything, so just stick with the 250. its cheaper and you'll definitely get a used one for around 23k. i recently picked up an '06 IS350 for 27k otd, with 18k mi and navi too. if you've driven an accord for 10 years, im sure a 250 will be fine for you. plus, it'll save you gas(above 20mpg). it also seems like it will be your daily driver. thats another reason to get a 250. unless you dont mind paying more for gas and want the extra horses, then sure, go for the 350.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

drive both cars back to back. if you can afford it im sure you will end up with the 350. i dont speed often, but even now it would be nice to have more power.

IS-SV

With a tight budget, the IS250 will be the only choice (vs. 350).

kayotik

iTrader: (6)

1. Yes, you can find a used 06 model for around that price, nicely equipped.
2. All years are great, but probably stay away from 06 because it is the first year model.
3. 250 is more than enough power. I rarely find the need to really push the car like you needed the power. This is very subjective though. IS250 power is what i need. I average 28 to 30mpg daily driving.. 80%hwy/20%city
4. eBay isnt that much of a deal when it comes to cars.. IMO.
5. Think objectively!

mvlbr

Be sure to check insurance because when I went from a 2003 Matrix XR to this my insurance doubled(BTW I wasn't caught off guard after the purchase cuz I called my insurance before I purchased the car).

Orion

iTrader: (1)

As everyone else said its all about the engine and how much you're willing to spend for more power. I drove a friend's 250, 350, and another's Dinan 335i before getting mine. At the time I needed an ultra reliable and quick car I could eventually daily drive. The 350 fit the bill.

With regard to eBay, I bought my '03 Accord coupe locally off eBay and got a better bargain than they were willing to offer in person! lol.

I also owned a '94 accord before too! they last pretty well dont they? hehe