[Slifer]

Hey guys, I'm planning to purchase a 2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport. Is there anything I should be wary of? What would you get if you have a $35K budget? (4 door sedan)

Thanks

[ilovebacon]

i would double my budget before getting a car that i truly like. I mean, if you like it, you like it. why worry about other things if you already have double the money to cover it.

[bananana]

Yeah, it's really, really, really slow. Like 1995 Corolla slow.

[wasabisashimi]

Yeah, it's really, really, really slow. Like 1995 Corolla slow.

But how fast do you really want to go from red light to red light? Dont have the new IS, but the older one seems pretty reliable car.

[Qmx323]

Hey guys, I'm planning to purchase a 2015 Lexus IS250 F Sport. Is there anything I should be wary of? What would you get if you have a $35K budget? (4 door sedan)

Thanks

Pros:

- Amazing interior fit/finish
- Exterior (to me) is very striking
- Toyota reliability

Cons:

- Poor gas mileage for a slow(ish) car, the IS350 actually gets about the same with 100 more horsepower
- Cabin space (subjective to driver/passengers tbh)
- Slow

If you're looking for a comfy smooth riding sedan, can't go wrong. Alas, I would actually try for a '14 IS350 RWD, similar gas mileage with loads more power. Might be a couple thousand over $35K though.

A TLX V6 is a solid choice too, you get the 9 speed and its rated for 34 MPG on the highway vs 27 hwy for the IS250 and 28 hwy (dafuq?) for the IS350.

[Slifer]

What about reliability and maintenance cost wise?

[Qmx323]

What about reliability and maintenance cost wise?

Brakes/tires will be the biggest killer for the IS, oil & filter services are on the low side for a luxury brand. It does use a timing chain instead of a belt so as long as previous owners kept up on oil changes you should be good for a long time.

You absolutely do not need to bring it in to a Lexus dealer unless it's for warranty.

Any shop/experienced DIYer can do the regular maintenance. Beauty of Lexus!

[bomboi1]

I love my 2015 lexus is250, altho its a lease i'm would consider buying it but with my job i have to continue leasing cars.

yes its not the quickest off the line, but comfort and reliability was what i was looking for and looks, the look of that f sport grille makes the car.

[bcrdukes]

As mentioned above already, brakes and tires are probably the largest consumable expense. Otherwise, just routine maintenance.

I find that the F-sport models try to be something it isn't meant to be, and that is to be a performance/sports car. It's still a big improvement over the non-F Sport models, but if you really want to punch it and get a thrill out of this car, it's a bit of disappointment. Having said that, and ironically, as a daily driver, I'd totally rock one; drive to work, get groceries, go out for dinner, run errands. :fuckyea:

[SoulCrusher]

Be vary of a guy named Anthony from Surrey

[mb_]

Tbh a brake job for an IS is on the cheaper side if you compare it to other luxury brands even if you bring it to a dealer

To the OP: if you can increase your budget for an IS350, that's what I would suggest. Depending on how long you plan to keep the car and how you drive it, you may run into issues with excess carbon build up like the 2nd generation IS250s as it is direct injection compared to direct and port injection on the IS350.

[vash13]

Looking to buy a used IS350 2015 as well. There's not much out there for used inventory. I also have been lurking on the Lexus forums recently to make sure there isn't any major recalls or common issues. Have a look there if you need some more confidence in buying the IS.

[jcmaz]

PM'd OP. I personally like the GS a bit more than the IS since it's a bit bigger inside and the proportions just look bang on. But the previous poster is right, there isn't much stock unless it's from a dealership due to lease returns.

[punkwax]

I've owned an IS250 and will say if you need a sedan for backseat passengers then stay away. An IS350 isn't going to be any better either..

Since you're looking for suggestions under 35k, I now own a V6 Accord Touring. Plenty of space, looks good (IMO), takes regular gas, cheap to maintain and with 280HP it can go when you need it to. If you can live with driving a plain old Honda I suggest testing one out. Could probably find a facelifted 2016 for 35k.

[roastpuff]

I've owned an IS250 and will say if you need a sedan for backseat passengers then stay away. An IS350 isn't going to be any better either..

Since you're looking for suggestions under 35k, I now own a V6 Accord Touring. Plenty of space, looks good (IMO), takes regular gas, cheap to maintain and with 280HP it can go when you need it to. If you can live with driving a plain old Honda I suggest testing one out. Could probably find a facelifted 2016 for 35k.

The back seat of an IS is non-existent... I agree with punkwax.

I also have a V6 Accord Touring (2015) and I agree - spacious (rear legroom is amazing), relatively handsome, takes regular gas, cheap, and surprisingly fast with a smooth, great sounding Honda V6.

I would even bet a 2017 can be had for around 35K since the 2018's are coming out soon.

[punkwax]

I'll also add, they have the same size gas tank (17 gallons after searching) and I consistently get 100+ more kms each tank with the Accord and don't use the 3 cyl fuel economy mode. Gettting 600kms + is no prob (mainly hwy)

[vash13]

What are your thoughts about getting an Acura tlx instead?

[punkwax]

At the risk of thread highjacking, I went Accord because the 9 speed auto transmission on the V6 got poor reviews (apparently the 4 banger is more fun to drive) and it requires premium vs regular.

[J-Chow]

I was originally looking at an IS350, but after reading the online reviews, I was like ... "meh". Not great, but not good, kinda in the middle.



So then I bought a mustang :lol

[roastpuff]

What are your thoughts about getting an Acura tlx instead?

SH-AWD supposedly has bad vibrations on the highway? Plus I don't feel you get your money's worth with the TLX compared to the 2016+ MMC Accord which is actually a good looking car, especially with the LED headlights.

I mean... it's actually pretty handsome.

https://s.aolcdn.com/dims-global/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/788x525/quality/85/https://s.aolcdn.com/commerce/autodata/images/USC60HOC011F01300.jpg

[Slifer]

Are the CarProof reports provided on Autotrader the latest?

[nsx042003]

third gen IS back seat has improved, but still not that big, corolla sized i suppose.

250 is worthless. same gas mileage as the 350, less power, i really didn't understand why they carried it through...which lexus probably realized and got rid of it good in 2016

[v_tec]

If you're looking for a comfy smooth riding sedan, can't go wrong. Alas, I would actually try for a '14 IS350 RWD, similar gas mileage with loads more power. Might be a couple thousand over $35K though.


To the OP: if you can increase your budget for an IS350, that's what I would suggest. Depending on how long you plan to keep the car and how you drive it, you may run into issues with excess carbon build up like the 2nd generation IS250s as it is direct injection compared to direct and port injection on the IS350.

Looking to buy a used IS350 2015 as well. There's not much out there for used inventory. I also have been lurking on the Lexus forums recently to make sure there isn't any major recalls or common issues. Have a look there if you need some more confidence in buying the IS.

2014 Lexus IS350 FSport AWD *Local Low Kms* - $36316 (Lower Mainland)
https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/ctd/d/2014-lexus-is350-fsport-awd/6302060856.html

[vash13]

Saw that post. Only thing it doesn't have compared to the 2015 is ventilated seats. Only looking for 2015. First world problems eh lol.

[Traum]

What would you get if you have a $35K budget? (4 door sedan)

Seriously, if it were my own hard-earned $35k, and I need a 4 door sedan, I'd go for a brand new Civic Si. A decked out (also brand new) Civic hatch would be a close second choice. A (brand new) WRX of some sort would also be a contender.

[punkwax]

Saw that post. Only thing it doesn't have compared to the 2015 is ventilated seats. Only looking for 2015. First world problems eh lol.

Really? My '07 had ventilated seats..

[gilly]

GTI or Golf R if I had 35k. practical and still fun to drive.

[Slifer]

Got my car on Friday :)

[vash13]

O nice! What options and engine?

[Slifer]

O nice! What options and engine?

I got the IS250 Fsport Series 2 with the backup cam, navigation etc.

[mb_]

Congrats! :)

Come see me for your service and repair needs!

[Slifer]

Congrats! :)

Come see me for your service and repair needs!

I would but I live in Alberta now :alone:

[jnesss]

i read through this thread yesterday morning. picking up a 350 awd f sport tomorrow :fullofwin:.