Hi guys,

I'm in the process of buying a new car and I really like the Lexus IS. However, I'm unsure if I should go for the current model or the 2017 model. The pros and cons for the 2016 model according to me are: -

Pros - Like the exterior better than the 2017 model, will get a good discount and more scope for negotiation - much cheaper.
Cons - Don't really like any of the available colors (will have to make myself like one) compared to the 2017 model (I like the Nightfall Mica one), no standard safety features, smaller NAV screen.

I feel like I'm mainly thinking of the 2017 model only due to the Nightfall Mica color which will be available with it. I feel I can do without all the safety features, but since they are standard in the 2017 model, I feel it'll be good to have them.

Also, I'm not sure if a smaller NAV screen will make that much of a difference to me, I'll have to see the new one in person.

I just wanted your opinion since so many of you know much more than me about cars and Lexus, too. Given my pros and cons for the current model, what do you think would be a better choice?

 

If you can afford it, wait for the 2017; the updated exterior and interior styling will grow on you, while the bigger sat nav is far more functional.
The only advantage of the 2016 is the discounts.

 

I will also suggest to go for the 2017 model, the options and the facelift will be better.

 

Thanks for your replies, guys.

A dealer here offered me an OTD price of $37K for a 2016 IS200t F-Sport - lesser if I negotiated further. I feel that would fit my budget quite nicely.

Any idea how much more would a similar 2017 model cost? The discounts on the 2016 model include $2.5K off if I finance it myself which certainly won't be the case for the 2017 model.

 

Seems like budget is a concern. Go for the 16. Same car. Not as many tweaks and goodies. but nothing major

 

Hi,

When you say the NAV screen is far more functional, could you tell me how exactly is it better than the 2016 one? I was under the assumption that the only difference is the size being increased to 10.3 inches.

 

10.3" is significantly larger than a 7" screen, which will allow you to see more items and information on the same screen.
The only 2 major differences between a 2016 and 2017 are the navigation screen size and the facelift / buttlift? lol. Everything else is pretty much the same

 

The software will be changed to optimize the larger display.
If you can afford it - wait for 2017.
I'm sure you can afford it.

 

I have a feeling the 17's software will be heavily updated. the 14-16 nav and infotainment software is absolutely miserable to use. I have a 14 and yes i've used the 15s and 16's in loaners and they aren't better. makes me really wish i had nothing in the center stack except for a radio and usb hookup.

 

The GS has the larger screen (10 inch) but doesn't utilize it any more than our 7 inch screen.

 

The GS has a 12.3" screen and on the 16s, you can display the map on the full screen.

 

The IS (at least in the 15s) can do that as well.

 

Yes, it only comes with the navigation package which I think costs around $1.5K. It says so in this link: -

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/...afety-tech.htm

 

I was addressing your comment that the GS doesn't utilize the screen any more than the IS. It's correct that they both give you a full screen, but in the GS that's a full 12.3" of map, which is a significant upgrade in my opinion. The new 10" display in the IS should be fantastic.

 

Yeah just noticed this..I guess it's kind of a free upgrade if someone is going to get '17 over '16 anyway. If only the previous gen owners can mod theirs to fit 10" but I doubt the resolution will match up.