This question is more complex then it seems. Recently I bought a is250, around 3 months ago, a 2010 with 75,000 miles. Overwhelmed by purchasing a car on my own, I did not realize that this car was underpowered for me, and also didn't come equipped with any of the features I needed such as GPS. I love my car don't get me wrong, but a 350 would no doubtly be a better fit. The Lexus is350 is a 2009, with 80k miles but fully loaded, gps, backup camera, the whole 9 yards. Seems like a no brainier to me. But I was wondering if the difference in miles, and or difference in years is a big difference let me know!!!

 

Yes. Do the trade

 

Agreed. The IS250 is the bastard Lexus IMO. Down 100hp vs the 3.5 V6 IS350, same gas mileage, and the smaller 2.5 V6 has a notorious problem with carbon buildup in the valves and combustion chamber that can lead to catastrophic engine failure that may or may not be covered by Toyota.

Anybody shopping for an IS should NEVER buy the 250 IMO, I don't care how cheap it is(well okay it might be a good chassis/shell with a blown motor for a GM LS swap), keep looking for a 350.

 

No question...do it!

 

Go for it ASAP IS350 is one of the most reliable engine and 306 hp is good power or go with V8 IS-F it's good price right now. For me navigation system is a must.
IS250 get 24 mpg 204 hp V6.
IS350 get 23 mpg 306 hp V6.
IS-F get 21 mpg 416 hp V8.

 

Like other say IS250 have carbon build up and engine issue. Here is my IS350 got it last year and I'm in love with it, but if do again I would go with an IS-F.

 

Absolutely do it. You will be very glad you did.

 

Yea do it the mileage isn't different at all. And the 350 is much much better than a 250. Go for it

 

lol... it all depends on what you are doing/want to do with the car.

My 250 is powerful enough for me. Lacking some power on highway due to small displacement of course, but that's something I knew before buying and it's still more powerful than the average car. I don't have any problems overtaking cars on roads. Plus, 350s are way more expensive than 250s where I live (5000$). If you don't need the extra 100 ponies, why get it?

Would I buy a 350 if it was roughly the same price? Yes!

 

I find it a little odd that you bought the car and realized what you needed after. (no test driving and no walk around the car?)
to answer your question. 5k miles is nothing on our engine as long as both cars are equal. there is no significant changes between 09 and 10 so you wont miss out on much. I would trade it in a heart beat.

 

That's how i feel the is250 is fine. (coming from a guy that had a 350)

If he has the opportunity to trade it s a no brainer...i do feel like some info is missing from this. Whats wrong with the 350 lol

 

I traded in my 08 IS250 for my 2010 IS350 and I still wonder how i ever drove a 250

DO IT !!

 

I don't hate the car for being down on power, its mainly the engine failure and carbon buildup problems that come with the smaller motor. As for the $5000, well just save up some more, that isn't much of a stretch IMO like jumping to an IS-F. Plus if your motor on the 250 does pop or need serious work, you just flushed part or all of that $5000 down the toilet, the 350 doesn't have any of the carbon buildup issues.

 

Isf. Better option lol

 

In terms of equipment, it is an upgrade from your base 250. Switching to a car with 5k more miles than what you originally got isn't too bad imo. I don't think there's much of a difference between 2009 and 2010 MY aside from the nav upgrade. If you bought your 250 outright, I'd say do it as it seems like you want to but in the end, it's up to you whether you decide to or not, you'll have to live with it so go with the one that would make you most happy. Take your time with the decision and have some hands on time before you decide it's what you really want