MikeDS

Hey guys,
Been looking for my 2nd car for a while and thinking of upgrading to a Lexus IS.

My 2 current options are the 2nd Generation IS350 F sport or the 3rd Generation IS250 as they're both in the same price range (mileage around 40-50k kms / 25-30k miles) . My question is how reliable/has there been many reported issues with the 2014 IS model? Seeing as it it the first year of the new generation, there should be some kinks yet to be worked out. I've driven in both and love the engine from the 2nd Gen but the 3rd Gen interior is just so much better (also, the space in the 2nd Gen is atrocious).

Would love to know your thoughts on the 2nd Gen vs 3rd Gen

Sasnuke

Given your 2 options, if you don't need the extra 100hp, then go with the 3IS.
The 14 has some issues, but nothing with regards to powertrain or drivetrain...mostly interior issues.

EZZ

Depends. If you like driving fast, the 3.5L is much much much better. The 250 is very slow.

evident

350 all the way

jnesss

3rd gen 350 all the way. i wouldn't even consider the 2nd gen, or 250.

test drive them both if you must.

nykos5000

The 2GR-FSE engine is a carry over from the 2nd gen so 3rd gen IS350's aren't a difference powertrain wise but suspension wise is a nice upgrade. The 3rd gen definitely handles better than the 2nd gen but you will definitely feel the power difference between the 250 3rd gen and 350 2nd gen. This is now a matter of handling versus power. I would rather the better handling car or wait to upgrade to a 3rd gen 350.

JDR76

Between these two choices I would choose the 2nd gen IS350.

TsunamiF

Not necessarily true. Though the handling on the base 2IS is lacking, the F-Sport variants of the 2IS can more than hold their own compared to the 3IS F-Sport. Motor Trend provided a comparison between the 2011 IS250 F-Sport and the 2014 IS250 F-Sport. The 2IS F-Sport pulled a higher skidpad and a better time around the figure eight course compared to the 3IS F-Sport:

2011 IS250 F-Sport
Skidpad: 0.91g
MT Figure Eight: 26.2 secs

2014 IS250 F-Sport
Skidpad: 0.85g
MT Figure Eight: 27.1 secs

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1304_2014_lexus_is_250_f_sport_first_test/

A 2IS equipped with the OEM F-Sport Accessories package will also pull a skidpad of 0.89g and a slalom speed of 71 mph (which exceeds what I could find for any published 3IS F-Sport data).

EZZ

Hard to compare as the 3rd gen 350 has the AVS and the 250 doesn't. Its essentially a different suspension especially in sport+ mode as the body motions are much better controlled. Did the 2IS with F sport have an adjustable suspension?

JDR76

Very good point. The 2IS F Sport did not have AVS, though it was a very well sorted out car. Wouldn't mind having one myself.

jahhaitian

Currently have a 2nd Gen IS 250 but looking to upgrade to 3rd gen IS 350 F Sport ...i definitely would recommend getting the 350 F Sport

tea

I'd get the 3is . Only 2nd gen I'd get would be the isf

Solara350

Suspension ? ask me , i have owned 2010 IS 250 AWD, 2011 IS350 AWD, current 2015 IS350 AWD Fsport, 2nd gen IS Fsport compared to non-Fsport = the same thing, suspension in Lexus IS OEM stock do not come with upgrade like Swaybar Strut or lowering spring, you have to pay for the upgrade on your own, even Fsport Exhaust not include, 3rd Gen IS Sport also do not come with F-sport accessories, 2nd IS Fsport or not suspension = THE SAME.

3rd Lexus IS like 250 or 350 yes they carried the old Engine and Transmission over but the rest are totally all New, suspension are different, Gen2 IS chassis is GSE20/21 , gen3 IS chassis GSE31/35, different setup better handling more SAFETY awesome feel absolutely fun to drive like having s e x. comparing 2nd to 3rd = Day and Night different, i only drive and Own Lexus IS all kind of IS so i know better, there is no way 2nd IS handles like 3rd or equivalent.

I watched all Motor Trend video and talk show, THOSE GUYS IN THERE TRIED TO DE-GRADE LEXUS IS , THEY ARE NOT JUST UGLY PEOPLE BUT UGLY MOUTH too, they all said bad things about Lexus IS, they said Lexus IS is the most ugly car, Lexus copied German cars like BMW etc, Lexus stand last in their LISTS, i don't know if they still have those videos on YOutube, they really made me MAD.

By the way you don't listen to stupid Motor Trend, i have tested ALL LEXUS IS myself before i KEPT my current 2015 IS350 AWD Fsport, some people complaint about Wheel misalignment in 3rd gen IS, i bought a brand new set of Yokohama testing for a year now and they still looks NEW no inner or outer premature wears nothing, there a video from the guy name Salvage Geese talks about 3rd gen IS suspention, PHUC those guys even more stupid than Motor Trend.

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Save up $$$$ for 3rd/4th Gen Lexus IS350 Fsport, forget 2nd Gen trust me, 2nd Gen IS350 is outdate and probably time to fix a lot of thing in their now, "issue for gen2 IS350 = Alternator noise, Water pump noise, piston slap, camshaft, some has problem with Rear differential case, and then AIRBAG recall, the head light bulbs probably time to replace too they are not cheap and you have to replace in PAIR

Don't make mistake , We here to give you good idea and suggestion ! if money is an issue for you, buy 2014 IS350 RWD , trust me 2014 IS250 costs almost the same to 2014 IS350, but if you have no choice, GET 3rd Gen Lexus IS250 AWD fsport. IF I WERE YOU to get 2nd I WILL GET Lexus IS-F ! no F no Phuc !