Lexus IS 350 and IS 250

texasmerq

Just about every company does some form of engine block sharing. Lexus does the same thing with the IS engine except instead of "detuning" the displacement is reduced and the direct injection isn't dual mode. For all intents and purposes the engine block is the same just bored and stroked differently. Nissan does this for all of their VQ engines from the Altima to the M35 to the truck versions also. BMW decided it was just less expensive to them to create 2 "separate engines than to make a more complicated induction system. I personally don't see the problem with it but thats my opinion.

legar

HOST, please post a Sedan Comparison Thread link, because I do not want compare BMW and IS 250 REviews in here.

oac

OAC have you driven the IS350 yet or will this be your first drive?

Waiting for my test drive. Hopefully this weekend... Has been tough to get a tester IS350 at my local Lex dealerships here in San Diego. They are all SOLD by the time they reach the dealer lots. Hopefully, I'll be able to *steal* a ride in one before it gets delivered. Going back in this weekend....

oac

HOST, please post a Sedan Comparison Thread link, because I do not want compare BMW and IS 250 REviews in here.

Why not create one in the Sedan's Board for IS250 v e90 325i. Or, use the Entry Level Lux Comparison forum also in Sedan Comparisons...

gstois

Hopefully, I'll be able to *steal* a ride in one before it gets delivered.

That's why I told my salesman that I was going to check the miles on my 350 and that he better not let it get test driven!

harrybush00

That's a great point merq. Apparently, I COMPLETELY missed the point. I am sooooo sorry everyone! So, let me get this straight. We got people complaining about the 3-series because it has the same engine with different outputs vs. me comparing, say, I don't know, a Lexus ES330 and a Toyota Camry, which also have the same engines, drives pretty much the same, boring way, but look different, that Lexus has the right to charge people thousands more? I'll take it even further by saying, had BMW kept the 2.5L I6 engine in the 325i with the same price, will people complain less? Oh yeah, that makes a lot more sense. Again, everyone, my sincerest apologies.

legar

2006 BMW 3-series vs. 2006 Lexus IS

I started a new thread where we can compare the 2 cars!!!

blueguydotcom

Lexus of El Cajon had one Saturday.

dl7265

Remember the old Porsches? boy I sure do and your friend was not even close to the only one that experienced that......

DL

dl7265

Have you driven a E90 325i ? its actually quicker than the old 330i. Not to mention much more sophisticated. Albeit smaller brakes. The New E90 got a 45hp boost, nothing to sneeze at. My sister owns a IS300 and theres just no comparison. ( yes I realize its an out going model). My opinion as for the Bimmer is concerned that a lightly equipped 325i is the steal of the bunch, and a much better value. Start getting up in the 40's there are other options. I do agree wit Blue that if you going to get all the do dads than yes id spring for a 330i also.

Whats funny is ppl complaining that Europe gets a 2.5 liter 325I and we get a 3.0, who knew Americans would complain about getting a larger engine ??

DL

prime203

is lexus even sellin the IS with the luxury package right now? the online car builder only gives you the option for the premium package (that really isnt much). Am i wrong??? does anyone know?

g17

Here are invoice prices. Sorry I don't have them for the packages.

9501 Model IS250 6 Speed Manual RWD
MSRP: $29,990
Invoice: $26,389

9502 Model IS250 6 Speed Automatic RWD
MSRP: $31,160
Invoice: $27,419

9506 Model IS250 6 Speed Automatic All Wheel Drive
MSRP: $34,285
Invoice: $30,168

9510 Model IS350 6 Speed Automatic RWD
MSRP: $35,440
Invoice: $31,186

newcars

I am not complaining about engine sharing. I'm just saying that to me it simply doesn't make since for BMW to have the same engine, just de-tuned, in the same model of car.

Seriously, aside from the lower price, why would anyone prefer the BMW 325i over the 330i?

And most of the price difference is do to options on 325i being standard on the 330i. Why not simply offer a "de-contented" version of the 330i instead?

gstois

Yes. I have a Luxury package with NAV coming on a 350 any day. The Lexus web site if off as to the types of packages available in various areas. I am in So Cal by the way.

newcars

Again, you're missing the point. But answer me one question:

If given the option of:

1) the current e90 BMW 325i

2) an e90 BMW 330i with the same equipment level as the e90 325i but costs only $1500-$200 more (if that much)

Which car would you choose?

I would be so much over the latter that I wonder why they would even bother with the former. Basically, that's all that I'm saying.

andyroo

Who did you order from? I live in So Cal and I've been looking everywhere for a 350 with either sports/luxury and navi.

gstois

Lexus of Mission Viejo. I was there first thing Saturday morning. They pulled out their list of what was coming in and at the time I think they had two. My salesman sold at least 4 himself over the weekend, so I wouldn't be surprised if they are spoken for.

Kirstie_H

Please take the BMW and BMW vs Lexus conversation to the new discussion:
2006 BMW 3-series vs. 2006 Lexus IS

Off-topic posts may be removed without notice.

stickguy

not sure you could pay me to go in there...

Kirstie_H

Don't worry... I won't

texasmerq

Okay I was under the impression that you had already driven the new IS250/350 by the way you disputed everyone's negative points toward the IS. Maybe you should have waited to drive it yourself before doing that. I have a feeling you will like it regardless, but I just thought that was a little different how you have blind loyalty towards a car that you have never even driven.

gadawg1

I thought the brakes were pretty sweet as well. The best testament to them is that I didn't think about them at all, they just plain worked...well

gadawg1

The tires are fine. They held well, were quiet and felt good. I haven't read every message here, was someone complaining about the tires?
I'm not a fan of convertibles, but if they do make one, it'll take an already cramped backseat and put it in the same league with the USELESS SC backseats.
I'm not making my eventual purchase until next summer or fall as well, that's why I want to nail down my choice with months of research...not to mention the eventual willingness of dealers to actually "deal." Must be nice to be looking at an IS in High School...if you're actually buying it yourself, I'm impressed.

gadawg1

You'll have a blast when you finally get out there. Given my positive opinion of the IS, I have to add that it did NOT have the sport package either, so expect the experience to get only better when I get my hands on one.

I completely agree with touting the merits of the engine...its sweet and REALLY hauls. Additionally, as I point out in my review, the Lexus reliability is without many (or any) equal.

I think they will probably come out with the MT, which if I do get the IS, I'll have to swap rides. I also agree that the majority of the Lexus customers will opt for the slush box, my Dad included. I think if you took this ride out on a track and REALLY rung it out you might notice the VDIM's input, but I didn't sense it much, if at all.

gadawg1

I think I tried one multiple click downshift, but I have to admit I didn't analyze its response as well as I should have. Now I have another reason to go back and take it for a spin...thanks BGDC.

wale_bate1

I'm not surprised the brakes are a selling point in the least. The current model's brakes, as I've said many times, are top notch as well.

Black one heading the other way this AM. Good color for it; makes it look smaller, more like a sport sedan. Bad color for me; pain in the buttocks. I think thecar does kind of get lost in the crowd a bit. I noticed it immediately because I'm interested in it, but trying to be impartial, I think it blends in a bit more than I'd like. That's very Toyota, of course, and not all bad, especially for a driver such as I.

May cause some in here to gag, but I'm interested to see what the tuner world can do with it. Typical coil-over, ninja-winged lunacy aside, I clearly remember seeing some early mods for the '06 GS that were a vast improvement over the production model's rather sedate aspect. At the very least I think much could be done to subtly toughen up the grille and front fascia.

I actually did spend some time looking at the configurator, and using the Secaucus zip code, I saw the sport pkg interior shots. After seeing the aluminum trim with the perf'd leather, I personally can't imagine taking the car any other way. The birdseye just doesn't belong in there, IMO.

It's annoying, however to have to entertain a whole mess of equipment I really don't want (like HVAC seats) to get at what I do want. [sigh]

oac

"....but I just thought that was a little different how you have blind loyalty towards a car that you have never even driven."

Blind loyalty ??? I own 3 Toyota products currently. Let's just say I put my money where my mouth is. None of these cars/trucks have disappointed me for a single day since I've owned them. Would you consider that evidence of loyalty to a brand ? I guess, these days you cannot like a brand without being accused of blind loyalty !!! Bah.

gstois

I got an email from the dealer saying that my car SHOULD be on tomorrow's truck. I guess it's time to go camp out in the bushes to make sure nobody takes it off the lot but me.

wale_bate1

LOL!

Don't ya just love the anticipation? And don't ya just hate the anticipation? :shades:

Christmas comes early for gstois...

gstois

Yup, I am driving my wife nuts talking about it.

If I disappear for a while you'll know why!

wale_bate1

"If I disappear for a while you'll know why!"

Because your wife finally duct-taped you and tossed you in a closet?

blueguydotcom

I understand experience with a manu makes one more (or less) inclined to embrace a new product. So far my family has had nothing but superb luck with Mazda products. My 2003 Protege was the best car I've ever owned (far better than my BMW, VW, Nissans).

Does that mean I'd wholeheartedly endorse the next Mazda product before I'd ever driven it? No way in hades. I think Tex, like me, finds it odd that people go whole hog behind a vehicle when they've had no tangible experience with it.

gstois

If the car doesn't come tomorrow and you don't hear from me, please file a missing-persons report.

oac

My 2003 Protege was the best car I've ever owned (far better than my BMW, VW, Nissans).

And pray tell, how long did you own this Mazda ? And how many other Mazda's have you owned and for how long ???? FWIW, I have also owned a 626 for 3 years.... it was a pretty good car, but would I buy another Mazda ? Not in this lifetime !!!

wale_bate1

I really don't think Mazda is the point. At all. Nor Toyota.

texasmerq

I think he knows that and clearly gets what we are all really talking about.

I guess I could spell it more clearly for him so there is no confusion. The point is how can you refute or argue with anyone's observations when you haven't personally driven it yourself? While you may have had great luck with your past Toyota products, every last one of them is different to some end. That's where the blind loyalty comment comes in. It's the same loyalty as the diehard GM or Ford fans who would refuse to ever own a different product even if a better matched vehicle is offered by a different company. I'm not saying an IS wouldn't be a great vehicle for you. I'm only saying that you are in no position to comment on people's objective reviews until you have driven and experienced it yourself.

I hope that the IS is everything that you are looking for in a vehicle personally as I hope everyone finds what they are looking for in their next vehicle- no matterwho makes it. I don't personally have a stake in any automotive company so I will just go with who ever make the best vehicle to me when the time and price is right.

suave_tequila

Hey Gstois, where in So Cal are you located? Im at Valencia near Magic Mountain Theme Park! Since im curious wether the dealership has any available IS 350 with nav and ML system.

blueguydotcom

I was making a point - my good experiences don't mean that I assume every Mazda is a good car. I'll drive it before I'll defend it vehmently.

You own toyotas and somehow make the leap from good toyota trucks to the Lexus IS being a good car even though you've not driven one.

gstois

I bought mine in Mission Viejo. I think if you were there first thing Saturday morning, you could have had one that was on the boat. As of now, I'd be surprised if they have any available for the next month. That was already the case with the 250 with NAV last week. They had a couple of 250's to drive, but that was it.

alex7037

Replying to: harrybush00 (Oct 20, 2005 10:08 pm)

You completely miss the point, harrybush00. The difference between the Lexus/Toyota and Infiniti/Nissan examples you gave is that they are, at least, different models with different options, interiors and even driving characteristics. You can argue that the difference between the models is not that great -- and, truth be known, I often do -- but at least they are still different models. But BMW took the exact same engine in the exact same model and de-tuned it. Why?

Hi all, This is my first post, but back to this topic at hand, i understand the Camry/ES330, the Nissan VQ examples, but i think the epitome of de-tuning an engine in the same model goes to Acura, isn't this similar to what Acura did with the last gen Acura 3.2 TL, 3.2 CL, and RSX? simply tune the engine for higher output and label it "S"?

suave_tequila

Yeah I have a little over 15K saved up from 3 yrs now from all those summer and fall jobs lol. But I will need my dad to be the co-signer or something which I really dont know much about. anyways is this the best thing to do to start my credit score? (I too am confused about this) Since I have no one to ask. None of my friends are car experts lol ! THANKS!!!!!

alex7037

If Lexus makes a hardtop convertible, hopefully it's on par with Volvo's C70 in terms of back seat room. My mouth has been watering for a hard top convertible, and the only available ones were from Benz, and of course the SC. This should make a very affordable option, but i'm afraid it might start at like 40k :- ( . Nonetheless, it might still be worth it. I'm surprised i haven' heard more talk about the coupes/convertibles. Am i the only awaiting the word on these two hot items? What do you guys/gals think the odds are of a release a year from now?

alex7037

Replying to: gadawg1 (Oct 21, 2005 1:06 pm)

Yeah I have a little over 15K saved up from 3 yrs now from all those summer and fall jobs lol. But I will need my dad to be the co-signer or something which I really dont know much about. anyways is this the best thing to do to start my credit score? (I too am confused about this) Since I have no one to ask. None of my friends are car experts lol ! THANKS!!!!!

Get a credit card, don't spend more than 20% of whatever your Limit is, e.g. if it's a $1000 card, don't spend more than 200 (as tempting as it might be, it's not free money), and make EVERY payment on time. WIth your first credit card, your credit score will probably fairly high at the start. Don't spend more than you can handle.

texasmerq

The best advice I could honest give you is save your 15K. If you "need" a car get something that you can really afford. Ownership goes well beyond the negotiated price. You also have to think about insurance, gas, maintenance and incidental damages that may not be covered under warranty or insurance. There will always be a "nicer" car that you will want. A car is nothing but an depreciating asset no matter what company you buy it from. At your age an investment would be money better spent for the long-term. If you do buy one of these cars the are definately all nice cars but I promise you in a few years your eyes will be on a new toy.

wale_bate1

Hey! The future is here.

Our little object of attention is on the street and feeling the heat! Maybe we should be headed for the Sedans world with this thread?

crzy8t8

I been lurking around is topic for long time now ever since I heard about the new IS. Originally, I was to buy the ES330, I've plonked down $500 (Okay LOL away) but then started second thinking and doing re-research. This is how I came about this forum. You are all great, you debated on just about....everything, which is good, because It provided me with much information.
Well, I test drove it today and was impress. While at the stoplight I found the guy next to me in a g35 coupe gawking at IS. Also got to tailgate a MAYBACH!!!! first I've ever seen on the road, but it is ugly to me anyways..haha. Car is wicked fast straightaway, didn't get to try out on a twisty road, but hey. Here's what I'm going to have to shell out, $43069(MSRP) $45,395 OTD (sport package) loaded except ML sound. He said I would have to "special order it". At this point 45k, I can live w/o ML sound. So, I'm basically paying MSRP, dealer wouldn't budge . I will regret not waiting another few months. But I need car now.
BMW fan will laugh, but I laugh at my brother who owns a 97 328i and its constantly in for repairs. ahaha. My other choice was Audi 06 A3 quattro, but who knows when it will be available in the U.S..BTW, not sure if its already been corrected/covered, but parking brakes are located on the floor for is350s. yikes.

suave_tequila

Yeah Alex, I too am very very very interested in IS that will offer available it as (hardtop) convertible . I dont know where exactly on the net I read that Lexus was going to offer it. But I doubt it but that would be reallly cool though, since its always sunny here in CA!!!! :shades:

suave_tequila

Thanks Texas and Alex I appreciate both of your advices, its that its soo hard to

choose which car i would like to drive.Here are my top 4 choices:

1) Lexus IS 350

2) BMW 330i (had to put it on 2nd!)

3) Chrysler 300C

4) Chrysler PT Cruiser GT/ Acura TSX (Tied)

I know from 2 high-end(ish) makers to Chrysler and Acura which are OK dealers (I Guess) is that bad!? lol THANKS!!

mikegiller

"The best advice I could honest give you is save your 15K. If you "need" a car get something that you can really afford. Ownership goes well beyond the negotiated price. You also have to think about insurance, gas, maintenance and incidental damages that may not be covered under warranty or insurance. There will always be a "nicer" car that you will want. A car is nothing but an depreciating asset no matter what company you buy it from. At your age an investment would be money better spent for the long-term. If you do buy one of these cars the are definately all nice cars but I promise you in a few years your eyes will be on a new toy. "

This is the best advice you can come across. Not necessarily "save" your money, but invest it. Research ways that you can get more return on your money. Put money down on an investment property (do some reading on this). Make sure you can make those payments for the several years you will be financing if you don't take this advice.

The best advice I can give is hold your horses, wait a year or two, see how your finances go. The worst thing you can do is save all that money and blow it on a car that decreases in value. Cars are not assets, they are liabilities. If you invest properly, you can buy yourself an IS and then get your parents a car too.

blueguydotcom

Nothing wrong with Acura. They're a fine brand (as good as Lexus and BMW in my eyes) and the TSX is a great little car. with a 6 speed the car's quite a bit of fun. I love honda's 6 speeds though...like butta.