SparkLex

Money. I had been driving my 2003 Mazda6 and suddenly, some weird engine problems happened, and by the time we troubleshot them, I'd lost $2500 on it. I REALLY wanted something ultra reliable, and stretched things to finally get into a Lexus, so found a used 2009 IS250 with some cosmetic defects. I love it! Would I have preferred an IS350? Absolutely. Couldn't swing it. Yes, I knew enough about the carbon build-up problem to research it and make sure my garage new about the additive that the Lexus dealer talked about..... what else can I do? I'm a bit worried about how badly everyone's talking down the engine now here. (biting nails)

nosurprise

iTrader: (1)

Relative to the IS350, the IS250 seems not as reliable, but I think it's not as bad as other brands outside of Lexus. Audi and BMW had or have the same carbon buildup problem.

I guess what I'm saying is that the IS250 is not that bad and still quite reliable, but if you have few extra grand and don't need AWD, of course IS350 is better :/

BrownPride

Recent college grad and I was able to find a well-equipped slightly-used 250 AWD within my budget. Clean car and got it for several thousands of dollars below the KBB price. Plus, once you've driven an E90 3-series BMW nothing else feels like a driver's car in comparison, so why get 300 hp in a car that won't fit the bill as far as driving dynamics goes? Also, the 250 drinks enough gas already.

smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

That's cute..What do you know about driving dynamics? Have you tracked your IS? Did you know a F-sport IS350 would give a 335 a run for it's money on the track? There was an old thread with track times that showed the IS350 not far behind than a 335.

A member over on BMW forums posted results that the 3IS IS350 had better track times than a F30 335.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1032320

Gas mileage.. Did you know that an AWD IS250 gets 1MPG better on the highway and 2MPG in the city compared to a IS350? If 1-2 extra miles per gallon is such a big deal to you then maybe a luxury sport sedan isn't the right car for you.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

To be honest, some folks just don't know that there is a 2.5L and 3.5L variant of the vehicle.

DVS

I got a 250 because of the price with the F Sport package is what I really wanted than the bigger motor. The 250 drive fine and is able to keep up in my daily driving plus I don't drive fast anymore.

Regarding the mpg, I have several friends that owned a 350 and for some reason they think the 1 mpg less is bull**** Maybe someone with a 350 can chime in on this??

smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

I guess this is BS too.

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

On the highway at 75, I average around 25. I've yet to break that though, I drive with a lead foot.

SQLnovice

When I was shopping for and IS, my first choice was a 350. I couldn't find any 350 used within our price range of 20k, back in 2009. So I ended up getting a 250 for my wife and I know that it will eventually be handed down to me. I recently give her my 2012 Acura MDX and took her 2007 IS250. If I had to choose, I would choose a 350 over a 250 any day. However, it's more of a want than a need.
I can't wait for the beatsonic dash kit to come out so I can start my SQ audio upgrade.

M1AH3A7

I own a Bugatti Veyron but I only bought a civic because of the good gas mileage and front wheel drive.

And only the regular version of civic will do because the civic SI might have been too much power for me as my daily driver.

I dont want performance from a car that I will drive 90% of the time i want the honda reliability...........

Tro209

Oh cool, I had an 03 ZSP , but I got it out of warranty. I was pretty naive back then lol. Loved the car when it worked though.

Tro209

Lol I love this reply ^^

Oh and just for the record I'm not trying to bash anyone. I have just always wondered why people buy an IS250 over a 350? I understand some people don't like used cars that are a little older but if you get more bang for your buck and better reliability to boot, why get the 250?

Also this question mainly applies to people who had the money to buy an IS350. If you couldn't afford it then that's understandable I guess , but if you deliberately chose a 250 over a 350 when you could have afforded a 350 (even with a little more miles) then this question applies to you .

Like I said before , in the case of my brother, he tells me he wishes he would have just got a 350 every time he drives my car . But then of course he'll try and justify it by saying "oh but it has AWD, so it's faster and safer and gets better mpg" even though the car is actually heavier, gets LESS mpg than a standard 250, and is slower. Plus we live in NorCal where we're begging for rain lol. Why would you need AWD?

EyeSF

Don't be too harsh.

Some people do drive an exotic on weekends and drive unassuming cars to work daily.

MWIS350

It all depend how you drive. Someone with IS350 will have heavy foot with 306 HP.
IS250 = mpg 24
IS350 = mpg 23

MWIS350

Happy I got IS350. Where I lives about 7 out of 10 Lexus IS I seen are IS250. Love the 306 HP look good and pretty quick.