mvlbr

This is my first auto and to be honest the only reason I went for an auto instead of manual was because of all the stories I've read online of the infamous jar of marbles which to me is unacceptable in a car of this caliber. No to mention it's easier to resell as opposed to a manual.

FisforFast

+1. A used, manual IS250 will not sell very well a few years down the road, not only because it is a luxury car with a manual transmission, but because the latter is out of a truck.

Initial G

iTrader: (38)

Since it's going to be your car and your daily driver, I suggest simply test driving both and deciding which one suits you best.

Manual is great but it lacks the kick in HP the 350 has. But if HP is not important to you a manual might be right for you.

Mvlbr made a good point in the previous post, an automatic is easier to resell.

wilwilB

trust me its not as bad as what you read
the only problem i've had so far is sometimes the second gear is kinda hard to shift into other then that nope the car is running fine no transmission problem whatsoever
this car is not fast but still very fun to drive because of the manual if you're a guy like me i can't imagine driving this car in auto if u like driving manual then get the manual
just my opinion though. test drive it like other people have said

shui3000

notice how the only people bashing the manual drive automatics... go with the manual, it's more fun.

mvlbr, is that really true about the resale value? i figured if anything, people buy a "sport" sedan to have the feeling of a sporty car... automatics don't feel that sporty to me.

fasteddy91

iTrader: (5)

If i had to do it again, I would get the manual. Driving an auto is boring.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

I can't ever figure out how driving a faster, better mileage, much less of a pain to drive in traffic car is "boring" but that's what the manual lovers keep telling me.

I just drove my wifes manual SC300 today... it wasn't exciting, it was annoying. And that's a worlds better quality manual than the one Lexus sticks in the IS250.

fasteddy91

iTrader: (5)

^ I hear ya Kurtz. I guess I really enjoy driving a stickshift car. The first car I drove was a Datsun hatchback with a manual when I was 12 .....Been hooked on stickshift cars ever since. now that I'm 37, being a dad with 3 daughters meant I had to be a family man and settle down with a sedan and all. The sedan part is fine, but driving an auto is just plain boring and I don't like how the auto tranny is so slow to respond to the drivers input. I guess I should of gotten a DSG tranny car or an ISF. better yet, buy a BMW 328/330/335 with a real tranny. Then again, the horror stories I hear about them changes my mind. At least I still have my MR2 turbo to drive on the weekends for my fix.

Sorry to stray away.....in my opinion, if you are one who is a diehard or loves to drive stick, then get the stick. the Auto will disappoint you and that's not bashing on the auto tranny, that's just a general feeling how I feel about all auto trannys due to them being boring to drive. At least the manual tranny in the is250 is better than the 1st gen Eagle talon/Mitsu eclipse turbo trannies. Now that tranny was a piece of junk. I know from experience.