taxidrivr

Currently exploring options on new cars to lease to replace my 07 GS350. Also considering Volvo S60, Acura TLX. Looking to get a deal on a 2016 model.

Everything about seems great and sufficient except for a few things I could use some clarity on:
- is the interior as tight/narrow as I'm expecting coming from the GS? assuming backseat is mostly useless
- am I gonna miss the v6 power in my GS? is the turbo-4 enough to get around in mostly city driving (LA) ?
- any options/packages that are must haves?

E46CT

I can't speak for GS vs IS in terms of seat room, but I must say my IS200t is more than adequate.

As far as power, the IS200t is more than adequate. The torque of the 200t is especially good at low rpms--the exact situation you'll see driving through LA traffic. Full 258 lbs of torque is available at 1,650 rpms whereas the 350 engine comes available at around 4,600 I believe. So you won't need to rev the 200t as hard or as high to achieve its full torque. Turbo is a nice thing.

Must haves? Lighted door sills. Blind spot monitoring. F sport package. All cheap options which are no brainer. The F sport was a must of me for the upgraded LED lights, firmer suspension tuning, and better wheels w/ summer tires. Mine came with the add-on rear spoiler. Could live without that.

PM me if you'd like a sales referral in the LA area. My guy gave me a great price.

Logitech

The only exterior design I hate about the IS is the black lip in the bottom rear.

I just got my 200t and it's fine in LA traffic. You'll have to try the car out yourself to be sure if you like it. If you've got some relation with your dealer, try and get an overnight or weekend test drive to see how it fits with your lifestyle. I didn't get the f sport version because it meant uglier interior imo and harsher ride. It also meant different front bumpers that are no bueno with my driveway. The f sport gets that sick digital dash but I knew I would rarely use the features of it.

JDR76

I did not find the back seat in my IS to be useless at all. I even did a road trip with 4 adults and everyone was fine. It's not huge, but fine. The only real challenge I had back there was with my son's infant car seat, which was huge.

Note that a benefit on the IS is that the rear seats fold down for transporting larger/longer items.

taxidrivr

I don't have a relationship with any dealers around me but a weekend test drive would help big time. I'd be looking to get it in black so the lip won't bug me as much .

E46CT

Anyone ever paint the rear piece body color? Doubt i'd do it. just curious how it would look