In the market... debating between IS 200t and IS 300
02-13-19 | 04:15 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2019
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From: BC
In the market... debating between IS 200t and IS 300
I'm in the market for a used Lexus 3IS and I've been looking primarily at 2016-2017 IS 200t because the fuel economy is significantly better and I have no use for AWD .I 'm coming from a compact economy car so power to me doesn't mean much though some low end torque does appeal to me hence why I'm looking at the IS 200t. Unfortunately, there seems to be much fewer IS 200t in the market so I'm considering an IS 300 as well.
Has anyone driven both and can comment on the differences (particularly in driving feel)?
Has anyone driven both and can comment on the differences (particularly in driving feel)?
02-13-19 | 06:13 PM
#2
haven’t driven the 2.0l IS, but you are better off with the 300, in real world driving the 4 cyl honestly from what i’ve seen does not get much better gas mileage at all, you’ll appreciate the smooth V6 with plenty of power with the 300, plus it’s tuneable to make it a 350 for $450 from RR Racing if you do get the itch for more power
02-14-19 | 04:51 AM
#4
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From: GA
The gas mileage is a sham lol. I get like 24 MPG avg with my 4 banger turbo. None of the IS get really good gas mileage. The BEST I’ve done is 31 MPG and that was a long straight flat drive on the interstate. The 350 can manage these numbers as well. Don’t make a decision based on MPG.
02-14-19 | 10:43 AM
#7
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No one said the 200T isn't fun. However, engine refinement is definitely not its strongest attribute - just a fact of it having only four cylinders. That said, I've heard that because it's RWD and lighter than the 300 AWD, you do have a bit more agility in the 200T.
What I said was to buy the one that the OP liked the best, without worrying about gas mileage.
What I said was to buy the one that the OP liked the best, without worrying about gas mileage.
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02-14-19 | 10:57 AM
#9
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 164
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From: Ontario
No one said the 200T isn't fun. However, engine refinement is definitely not its strongest attribute - just a fact of it having only four cylinders. That said, I've heard that because it's RWD and lighter than the 300 AWD, you do have a bit more agility in the 200T.
What I said was to buy the one that the OP liked the best, without worrying about gas mileage.
What I said was to buy the one that the OP liked the best, without worrying about gas mileage.
02-14-19 | 03:57 PM
#11
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: GA
Part of me wishes I had one, just for the RWD dynamics. AWD is great for utility and for snow, but most of the time, it's not really necessary. I have a friend who has a 350 RWD and seems to have no trouble in the snow here.
02-14-19 | 08:36 PM
#13
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 288
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From: Toronto, ON
The 3.5L V6 is older but reliable and proven. The 2.0 turbo is new but seems to have growing pains.
I appreciate the AWD in cold, wet and snowy conditions just as much as on dry, hot pavement. The AWD just grabs.
I was between a new 2016 IS200T F Sport vs used 2014 IS350 AWD F Sport off lease and went with the later two years back. No regrets...
I appreciate the AWD in cold, wet and snowy conditions just as much as on dry, hot pavement. The AWD just grabs.
I was between a new 2016 IS200T F Sport vs used 2014 IS350 AWD F Sport off lease and went with the later two years back. No regrets...
02-15-19 | 03:33 AM
#15
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From: GA