New Guy Here Looking For Advice On Purchasing The Is350

[NightTrain]

I haven't yet bought a Lexus but am seriously considering the IS350.

I'm a former Corvette owner that wants similar performance and handling for 4 people. Seemed like such a waste to have it sitting in the garage when we'd take the grandkids/other friends somewhere for a ride. Soooo...I've been looking. I've already checked out the Infinti G35 and it's a sweet handling car for sure...seems to be a bit light on the acceleration though. How does the IS305 compare to that?

Are there some things you wished you'd known before you bought your Lexus? I'm trying to gather a lot of information before plunking down the 40K.

Thanks for your help...

[lambobaby1218]

I haven't yet bought a Lexus but am seriously considering the IS350.

I'm a former Corvette owner that wants similar performance and handling for 4 people. Seemed like such a waste to have it sitting in the garage when we'd take the grandkids/other friends somewhere for a ride. Soooo...I've been looking. I've already checked out the Infinti G35 and it's a sweet handling car for sure...seems to be a bit light on the acceleration though. How does the IS305 compare to that?

Are there some things you wished you'd known before you bought your Lexus? I'm trying to gather a lot of information before plunking down the 40K.

Thanks for your help...

I have a 250, so can't help you out there. But with the car itself, if you want 4 people to fit into it, comfortably, I'd say this car isn't good for you. Only because I've had people complaining (including myself, to be honest) that the back seat is small. If you want to put your grandkids in there, and they're younger, or you're just going for a short ride, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

I actually like the smallness of my car, but when I put one of my best friend (6'2") back there and drive for an hour, he gets cramped and I feel his knees in my back the entire time........

[NightTrain]

I haven't yet bought a Lexus but am seriously considering the IS350.

I'm a former Corvette owner that wants similar performance and handling for 4 people. Seemed like such a waste to have it sitting in the garage when we'd take the grandkids/other friends somewhere for a ride. Soooo...I've been looking. I've already checked out the Infinti G35 and it's a sweet handling car for sure...seems to be a bit light on the acceleration though. How does the IS305 compare to that?

Are there some things you wished you'd known before you bought your Lexus? I'm trying to gather a lot of information before plunking down the 40K.

Thanks for your help...

I have a 250, so can't help you out there. But with the car itself, if you want 4 people to fit into it, comfortably, I'd say this car isn't good for you. Only because I've had people complaining (including myself, to be honest) that the back seat is small. If you want to put your grandkids in there, and they're younger, or you're just going for a short ride, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

I actually like the smallness of my car, but when I put one of my best friend (6'2") back there and drive for an hour, he gets cramped and I feel his knees in my back the entire time........

Thanks for the reply...

Actually my grandkids are quite small...one is 7 the other will be 3 this month so the space won't be an issue. Guess I'm wondering about the car after the "new-car smell" is gone. Do you like it as much as you did when you bought it? Any problem areas to be aware of? I've heard nothing but good things about Lexus but I want to get the scoop from guys that actually live with one.

[Bourne33065]

I haven't yet bought a Lexus but am seriously considering the IS350.

I'm a former Corvette owner that wants similar performance and handling for 4 people. Seemed like such a waste to have it sitting in the garage when we'd take the grandkids/other friends somewhere for a ride. Soooo...I've been looking. I've already checked out the Infinti G35 and it's a sweet handling car for sure...seems to be a bit light on the acceleration though. How does the IS305 compare to that?

Are there some things you wished you'd known before you bought your Lexus? I'm trying to gather a lot of information before plunking down the 40K.

Thanks for your help...

I have a 250, so can't help you out there. But with the car itself, if you want 4 people to fit into it, comfortably, I'd say this car isn't good for you. Only because I've had people complaining (including myself, to be honest) that the back seat is small. If you want to put your grandkids in there, and they're younger, or you're just going for a short ride, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

I actually like the smallness of my car, but when I put one of my best friend (6'2") back there and drive for an hour, he gets cramped and I feel his knees in my back the entire time........

Thanks for the reply...

Actually my grandkids are quite small...one is 7 the other will be 3 this month so the space won't be an issue. Guess I'm wondering about the car after the "new-car smell" is gone. Do you like it as much as you did when you bought it? Any problem areas to be aware of? I've heard nothing but good things about Lexus but I want to get the scoop from guys that actually live with one.

The kids are small so this is definitly the car for you. I have had my 350 for almost a year now, and Iam still loving it. As soon as I get in I remember why I bought this car. Trust me, you will have no regrets!! Good luck with your search

[NightTrain]

The kids are small so this is definitly the car for you. I have had my 350 for almost a year now, and Iam still loving it. As soon as I get in I remember why I bought this car. Trust me, you will have no regrets!! Good luck with your search

Not only are they small, they are with me no more than maybe couple of days a week for a few hours.

When I had the Vette, I'd go get them in the old SUV I had... As I said earlier, I want to have a fun car with speed, handling and comfort and not have to drive the old beater when I take out family members other than my wife.

Going down to look at the IS350 tomorrow...

What are the things you like most about this car?

[caraveli]

Great car, I have it for 8 months (IS350).

I know alot of people will boo me for this but you should look into a low miles M3 or the new BMW 335.

These 2 cars are very fast and the 335 will come in 4 doors in a couple of months.

I saw it and it is sweet. It is the fastest and has the best handling in its class but as far as luxury Lexus is better.

It also comes in stick which Lexus does not offer.

[NightTrain]

Great car, I have it for 8 months (IS350).

I know alot of people will boo me for this but you should look into a low miles M3 or the new BMW 335.

These 2 cars are very fast and the 335 will come in 4 doors in a couple of months.

I saw it and it is sweet. It is the fastest and has the best handling in its class but as far as luxury Lexus is better.

It also comes in stick which Lexus does not offer.

Thanks for the tip. I just spent the last 45 minutes on their interactive website exploring the qualities of the new 3 series coupe. Nice car.

Still gonna go see the IS 350 tomorrow...

[bartkat]

In a few words, eveything the IS350 does, it does well and it does smoothly. Smooth is where it is at in my book. I've had mine for a year and I still get a kick of anticipation every time I push the start button.

[lambobaby1218]

Thanks for the reply...

Actually my grandkids are quite small...one is 7 the other will be 3 this month so the space won't be an issue. Guess I'm wondering about the car after the "new-car smell" is gone. Do you like it as much as you did when you bought it? Any problem areas to be aware of? I've heard nothing but good things about Lexus but I want to get the scoop from guys that actually live with one.

Yes, I really do still enjoy my car. However, I wouldn't mind trading up to the 350, from hearing everyone talk about how much better it is!!! lol.

[coughlig]

I haven't yet bought a Lexus but am seriously considering the IS350.

I'm a former Corvette owner that wants similar performance and handling for 4 people. Seemed like such a waste to have it sitting in the garage when we'd take the grandkids/other friends somewhere for a ride. Soooo...I've been looking. I've already checked out the Infinti G35 and it's a sweet handling car for sure...seems to be a bit light on the acceleration though. How does the IS305 compare to that?

Are there some things you wished you'd known before you bought your Lexus? I'm trying to gather a lot of information before plunking down the 40K.

Thanks for your help...

I drive a 350Z and bought the wife an IS350 and I prefer to drive her car anytime over the Z. The acceleration is excellent and it handles like a dream. The main difference you'll have to adjust to is that its looks are under stated and not "Flashy". It is not the attention getter your probably used to.