Difference between IS 250 and IS 350 (other than the obvious)
#1
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Hi all,
I'm going back and forth between an IS 250 or IS 350 prob a used 2014. Other than the engine, is there any difference between these cars as far as what options you can and can't get or any other differences? I drive a LOT so the gas mileage on the IS 250 might be preferable and I don't really consider the 250 slow, but the 350 certainly is a faster ride.
Thanks in advance.
I'm going back and forth between an IS 250 or IS 350 prob a used 2014. Other than the engine, is there any difference between these cars as far as what options you can and can't get or any other differences? I drive a LOT so the gas mileage on the IS 250 might be preferable and I don't really consider the 250 slow, but the 350 certainly is a faster ride.
Thanks in advance.
#3
Lexus Champion
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Assuming you're looking at used, as the 250 has been replaced by the 200t.
Off the top of my head:
All 250s come with the 6 speed, whereas the RWD 350 gets the 8 speed (AWD 350 uses the 6 speed).
250 has smaller front brakes.
In the F Sport, only the 350 has the variable suspension and VGRS option.
All 350s (F Sport and non) have the intake sound generator, whereas only the F Sport 250 gets it.
Different wheel options (non F Sport).
I'm struggling to come up with anything else.
Off the top of my head:
All 250s come with the 6 speed, whereas the RWD 350 gets the 8 speed (AWD 350 uses the 6 speed).
250 has smaller front brakes.
In the F Sport, only the 350 has the variable suspension and VGRS option.
All 350s (F Sport and non) have the intake sound generator, whereas only the F Sport 250 gets it.
Different wheel options (non F Sport).
I'm struggling to come up with anything else.
Last edited by JDR76; 03-02-16 at 02:04 PM.
#4
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Everyone I know that has had the 250 and went to a 350 wishes they would have gotten the 350 out of the gate. I went straight for the 350. Gas mileage is not that big of a difference between the two. I would rather have the power.
#7
Lexus Champion
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Up through 15 both the base 250 and 350 have 17" wheels standard with 18" optional. My IS350 had the 18" wheels, which became standard for the 350 in '16.
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#8
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there is minimal gas mileage difference between the 250 and 350 and the 250 is simply not worth getting.
get the IS350 or get another car. a 328i will get you better gas mileage than a is250 and be more fun to drive.
Only true w/ RWD. both AWD 250 and 350 have a 6 speed transmission.
get the IS350 or get another car. a 328i will get you better gas mileage than a is250 and be more fun to drive.
Only true w/ RWD. both AWD 250 and 350 have a 6 speed transmission.
Last edited by evident; 03-03-16 at 07:06 AM.
#9
Lead Lap
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I have an IS 250 F Sport now and I love the car, but not enough to buy it. If it was a 350, I would buy it. It is white with red guts and I think it is a beautiful car. The gas mileage difference may be 2-3 MPG, which, to me, is not worth it. When I got the car, I was driving 10 miles a day round trip on surface streets. Later, I was driving 25 miles each way to work. Trust me, you will never, ever say, "I wish I had 100 fewer horsepower." Don't get me wrong. The 250 is a really nice car and I do love it, but if you are on the fence, get the big motor. I have not driven the 200T and I won't. I am getting the 350 when my lease is up.
#11
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Ah right, I forgot the 18”s are all optional for the base. What I meant to say is that I didn’t like how Lexus restricts a specific model wheel to either car—since they have 2 optional wheels. The 250 gets the nice mesh 18” as an option while the 350 gets the plain 5 spoke 18” option. I wanted the 18” mesh but because I was getting a 350, it wasn’t an option for me!! So lame. So I wasn’t about to go and pay extra for the optional 5 spoke which I didn’t like. I ended up deciding to stick with the 17” base wheels and save the money towards a 19” upgrade later on down the line. I’m a bit bitter since I hate the base 17” wheels and it’ll be a while before I can afford 19’s.
#12
Lexus Champion
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Okay, that makes more sense. It worked out for me because I hated the mesh wheels but loved the 5 spoke.
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