Lexus IS 250 or 350?

Asked by Alec May 29, 2008 at 10:11 AM about the 2007 Lexus IS

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

I am trying to pick out my parents and I are wondering whether it would be worth it to upgrade to the 350 or is
not that big of a difference from the 250?

10 Answers

185

I personally don't wee much of a difference in the day to day... The 350 obviously has a good deal more power, but it will also cost you quite a bit more, both up front and through insurance.

10 people found this helpful.
285

Depends on where you live. The 350 is rear wheel drive, while the 250 can come in rear wheel or AWD. You definitely want to take that into consideration. You won't have a prayer in snow w/ the 350. My 250 is AWD and was AMAZING in the snow this past winter. I love it. I had considered the 350 as well until I read some reviews and spoke w/ the dealer. I needed a reliable car in all searsons. I recommend the 250, but if you're in a state w/ beautiful weather year round, I'd go w/ the 350 for some extra power!

21 people found this helpful.
65

If the 350 comes with 6-speed manuel, I will definitely go with the 350. But I picked the IS 250 Manuel.

6 people found this helpful.
165

The answer depends on whether you want power or economics. They are exactly the same car, except the 350 had a bigger engine with around 100 more hp and torque. So ask yourself, do you want to go 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, or do you want to save at the pump and at the insurance office.

12 people found this helpful.
885

No difference...until you hit that long pedal on the right. I test drove an IS250 and was disappointed in the power. The extra 50% boost in horsepower won me over the minute I started driving a 350. If you want to look forward to your next errand I would spring for the IS350. But of course I would say that, thats what I did. If this car is for you parents and they don't care so much about performance, save some money and go for the 250. Final thought: weather conditions are a big consideration. I don't even drive my car when theres snow on the ground. From 2006 to 2010, the only way to get AWD was with the 250 but last year Lexus began offering the all wheel drive on the IS350 as well.

11 people found this helpful.
30

For your parents? the IS250 is hard for my mother to get in and out of my car wrong choice unless you have young parents. You will not get anyone in the backseats they are for looks only unless you have a child

3 people found this helpful.
30

For an IS350 switch to snow tires for the winter months if not awd.

3 people found this helpful.
100

We test drove the IS250 sport and regular models this past weekend as well as the ES 350. The difference, and this is what the Lexus professionals had to say...the 250 is the base car...close to the 200 and 300 series BMWs. They have a rougher ride. Trust me, I know. The 350 is roomier, has more power, and is a smoother and quieter ride. The 350 also comes either in RWD, FWD, or AWD. You will pay more for AWD, so FWD is the best option, and just as good if you know how to drive in snow. My current V6 is FWD, and I've never had an issue in snow. So, I was set to get an IS250, and I decided that since I'm older and want to make a few road trips, I'm going for the ES350 for the space, power, and all-around comfort.

10 people found this helpful.
10

A great question can you change a Lexus is250 engine into a 2013 Lexus is350 and why or why not?

1 people found this helpful.

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