NorCal510

As the title says... I'm looking into purchasing the 2011 model in either the IS350 or the IS-F. The car will be daily driven, which is like a 40 mile commute one way.

Just want to get opinions and thoughts on which car to go with. I'm coming from being a long time BMW owner. So therefore the IS-F would make more sense to me in terms of keeping the same performance and suspension feel, but I could always just save the extra $20k by buying a IS350 and modding it .

Suggestions, thoughts?

nmpeter

iTrader: (15)

IS-F if you can afford it without sacrificing anything IMO.

Redfire03

I dont see how you are even comparing these two cars. They are priced $30,000 apart, and are designed for different things.

If you really can afford a $70,000 car you should be comparing something else to the IS-F.

That being said the F will have a stiffer suspension and wont get as good of gas mileage. Make your pick based on what you want.

bnizzle87

As a daily driver, I think the 350 would suffice. The F for me is my weekend ride, which, considering gas these days, is a good thing. The 350 gets pretty decent MPG, is pretty darn fast, and has an even greater assortment of mods compared to the F, not to mention probably lower monthly payments and overall debt. But if you want to mod your ride, I'd suggest the 350. Which colors and options were you checking out?

T-Rex06

iTrader: (12)

I have owned an IS350 before and I now have the F. Both of them are daily drivers. I'm not sure what your expectations are, but I can tell you that the 350 will not give you the sharp handling like the BMW equipped with sport package. You'll get about 25-26 mpg depending on your driving style. The paddle shifter on the IS350 is misleading. It acts like a highest gear selector. It's not a true manual sequential gear box. Keep in mind that Lexus is not known to be tuner friendly like its counterparts when it comes to ECU.

IS-F, of course, is more refined in terms of handling. 2011 models have an improved suspension which is supposed to be more compliant. Currently, I get about 20-21 mpg. There's a significant price difference since they're two different kind of cars. If you really break it down, I think you get a lot out of the car for the price. 5.0L V8, true manual shifting, Brembo brakes and performance oriented seats.

You should test drive both models and pick one that suits your need and what makes sense financially for you. Good luck.

Terrance

RastaRacer

iTrader: (5)

get the F dude.

NorCal510

Decent MPG is definitely a factor, considering my bmw doesn't give me that with the long commute and stop & go traffic.

Thinking of going with the USB or smokey granite fully loaded equipped with the f-sport package.

I'm well aware of the handling on the IS350 isn't going to even come close to the bmw, however I'm willing to dish out the extra $$ for mods in terms of coilovers, sways to improve handling. (modding is always fun).

Besides 306hp seems adequate enough for a daily driver, I'm most likely to upgrade the intake and exhaust to squeeze out some extra hp!

Great comparison though of having owned both models!

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

^ Sounds like your already happy with a IS350

I would just get the IS350, and with the money you save, mod away!! You can do some pretty sweet mods with the money you save over buying the IS-F.

Keppie

Which BMW was your most recent? This will help get feedback. Regardless, my vote would be a 350. They are plenty fast and powerful.

NorCal510

Currently use the '02 330ci (will be traded or sold b4 lexus purchase) w/ 18" staggered ssr setup lowered on h&r race springs, pushes about 225hp and a '06 330i 6spd w/ bilstein pss9 coilovers and simota cai, which is about 265hp.

Keppie

If you had an M I might say F but I still think the 350 will cover all your needs and more.

iRock

iTrader: (12)

350............

anthrax144

Most of the modding is to make our cars more like an IS-F (springs, exhaust, intakes, etc...) If you've got the money, get the original! There is no way to get that transmission into a 350. The only drawback to an F is the stiffer ride which coming from a 3-series, you'll probably not notice (oh, and a few mpg's...)

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

If you got $ to burn, then get the F to stand out a bit more. If you want to save 20K...talk to me and I'll help you spend the 20K on your car like I did! Come out to a meet and see some of our cars if you're in the East Bay.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

If you had an M i would say the 350. But in your case, I would get an IS-F and daily drive your bmw