reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

This is just a rant I guess...

August 2009, I bought an IS250 AWD, MSRP was $46,450 (I'm from Canada btw) including leather seat, moonroof and navi packages.
That time, I really wanted the IS350 but it only came in RWD which can be a big problem in the winters here...

Now there is the 2011 IS350 AWD, and for a MSRP of $48,700 (just $2,250 more), you get everything from my IS250 PLUS a 3.5 V6 that produces about 100 extra hp and torque, as well as bi-xenon headlamps, better suspensions, better-looking rims, tinted side glass, and other minor things, etc.

Wrong time wrong place? I guess life just ain't that fair.... if only Lexus thought of the AWD for the IS350 a year ago *sigh*
Don't get me wrong, I still love my car. But being a car enthusiast, performance does count and the IS250 really lacks that.

Now, the IS350 AWD would really be what I call a PERFECT car... Beautiful looks, Toyota's reliability, Lexus' luxury & comfort, an AWD system for the horrible winters here, and a 3.5 V6 that produces a crazy 306 HP and 277 Torque while not giving up much gas efficiency. Pursuit of perfection? Hell yeah.

Anyways, here's an awesome commercial for those of you who haven't seen it yet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjVE6bc79C0

ltzSupra

If you wanted it that bad, you'd trade it in. Just sayin...

MiiK350

iTrader: (8)

If it really bothers you, take the hit and trade it in. It makes no financial sense. Its extremely stupid financially. But, if having what you REALLY want is worth it to you and will make you happy, DO IT. You live once. I did it, and don't regret it one bit. I'm happy, and I won't put a price on that.

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

Lol thanks for the advice guys, but if I could then I really would. Unfortunately, I'm just a 21-year-old poor student, and the 250 is on a lease.

Avarec

what 21yrd buys brand new is?

BORIS350

iTrader: (1)

i would wait a year or so till some lexus dealers will have a used one and then trade it if you ever think about doing it..

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I was 20 when I bought my 350 new

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

It's a lease just wait till it up return it and then when the new body style comes out get that or a use 11 model

ScKcBc

iTrader: (2)

Bah, 40 years ago, 99% of cars were RWD. You should have just bought the 350 and if you were that worried, put blizzaks on it. AWD doesn't help you brake. Blizzaks on a 350 would do just fine in snow. Yes the 250 has more ground clearance but it's not THAT much.

This petrification for RWD and SNOW seems to be a real epidemic among <30 year olds. I'm 26 and for some reason, it just NEVER bothered me. I took my is350 on oem all seasons 4.5 hours away to vermont snowboarding last year. I was driving in snow for a good hour or so each direction and it was fine. You just cant drive like an idiot ya know?

j1huynh

how do you have enough money to buy a new car when you are 20y old and going to college..?? When I graduated, I had about $18k debt after my BS degree, and another $10k debts after my MS degree.. total $28k debts.. how can you have extra money?? I was working and interning at a company also while I was in school.. your parents are rich?

Phresh2010

iTrader: (3)

i was 19 when i bought my is250 brand new

no i am not a baller, im poor as S*** because of it

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Almost nobody who thinks they need AWD actually does. Mostly they're adding weight, giving up mileage and power, and gaining some imaginary sense of improvement that better tires would've actually given them.

And for some context... I've lived in Ontario. With an old RWD Chevy that had a V8 350 in it. No problems whatsoever in the winter on good tires and driving sanely. Doing that in a V6 with modern traction control, snow mode, etc would be a walk in the park.

PaPaHoFF

iTrader: (19)

i was 17 when i paid and bought my 2006 is250 awd. age is just a number. hustling is what gets you those expensive things.

Gaugster

I had a meeting with some Lexus Engineerings and Marketing people from Japan last year in regards to the current and upcomming 3rd gen IS.

Was informed about the 350 AWD and my response was that Lexus was 4yrs late in my case as I would have purchased a 350 AWD back in 2007 if it was avilable. I own my current ride and won't be changing for at least another 5-7 years.

reyoasian

iTrader: (2)

I guess AWD is just the "new thing" for this generation. Partly it was because my parents didn't like the idea of me driving a RWD car in winter, else I wouldn't have minded. The AWD did help me get out of certain extreme situations tho (my friend's rwd 325i and fwd mazda3 both got stuck on a driveway and I didn't and the 325i get stuck literally once every week) Overall, just for emergency? I had to drive in a storm once and I really did feel the AWD kick in and saved my *** from driving off road into the trees, and I got snow tires too.

What the guy belows says.... and my parents bought me RESP so school is somewhat covered along with government loan.

+1

Had no idea. I get all my information from websites like MotorTrend and EdmundsInsideLine.....I don't know how to get insider info.

Agreed; 4 years late in any case, not just yours. Stupid move Lexus, everyone went to buy G35/37x, 335xi or C350 4matic.

Even though mine's a lease, I am still planning to keep it. It's just that a lease fits in my budget more than financing for now. The lease ends 2 years after I graduate, so hopefully I've saved up $20,000 by then to buy it out. I had a good interest rate of 1.1% on it as well, compared to the 2.9% for financing.