SlickRSM

Well I have an apt. tomorrow at North Town Lexus in Buffalo NY. Im looking for a used IS 250 awd. I was thinking about a brand new one but im leaning toward a one or two year old model. Im still not a 100% set on the Lexus (also thinking Mercedes C300 4matic) but I do like the Lexus more. I def want navi and am also leaning toward some form of white for the exterior. I'll let everyone know how it goes and keep ya posted on the deals the send my way to hear some input. Anything I should know or advice anyone can post is appreciated.

acefalcon2

iTrader: (20)

i have a friend who sells a black IS250 RWD though here in IN..

SlickRSM

Im open to anyone selling an IS but it def needs to be AWD winters in Buffalo are pretty tough so that wont cut it! Thanks though!!

JKA.nyc

I'd definitely choose the 250 over the C, throw in the new Audi A4 and then it's a different story.

Tires count for a big chunk of snow performance also though, AWD w/ crappy tires isn't going to do much if anything for you and I've seen people on this forum complain about snow performace with the stock AWD 250 tires.

A/C

Just go for it and buy it ))
I myself bought a 3 year old IS250 AWD with 32k miles (paid a bit more over the market average price at that time) and I'm more than happy. It was a certified pre-owned Lexus so you could even get the warranty (if I didn't ship it to Russia ) No problems so far, only joy. AWD with proper winter tires withstood the winter test very well

Evil Teo

iTrader: (13)

i agree that awd with stock tires are basically useless in the snow. awd with snow tires is what u need for the weather up there.

tex2670

We've had a couple of measurable snow storms here in PA this winter, and the Bridgestone Potenza RE092's slide all over in the snow--with AWD. If you are buying used, and need to replace the tires, look for something on Tire Rack with better snow traction rating.

ELL Y

iTrader: (1)

my 250 awd with stock tires is still leagues better than my old FWD with stock all seasons, though not perfect still

SC300T

I agree, the stock Bridgestone RE92s are just barely adequate in very light snow even when brand new. Mine have just a few hundred miles on them and the car didn't do too poorly, but the snow was not deep.

Also perhaps of note is that the new IS250 AWD models have VDIM as opposed to VSC, and better stability through revised suspension / steering.

I drove an 08 IS250AWD demo (same RE92s) that had 5000 miles on it in similar winter conditions and it was downright scary. There was no straightline stability. It felt nervous, darty and tail happy on the snow.

I don't know how much of that was attributable to 5000 miles that was on the demo, or the suspension changes or the VDIM, but my 09 is night and day better on the snow in terms of stability and confidence. The 08 also exhibited some tramlining and followed ruts in worn pavement. The 09, so far, doesn't.