Lexus Is For Newcomer

[rooket]

Hi I am new as well. I am wondering what is series car is recommended for good fuel economy with automatic transmission (maybe selectable automatic, I haven't looked into if these cars have that)

I like how the previous two body styles look so I am definitely not set on buying the newest model out and it looks like the previous body style had better MPG than the ones previous to it.

So it looks like 2.5L V6? With automatic and these use 91 octane minimum right?

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to make a move and buy one, but I decided on this one because Mercedes is known to be costly to upkeep and I'd only end up with a C series anyway and probably wouldn't be happy since german cars are costly to keep up and that is a low class car (plus I don't want a benz because I don't want to look like someone who I am not, although the C class is ehh). I'm also not a 3 series bmw fan, practically all my neighbors have one and it doesn't impress me. I also don't want a G35 because I knew a guy who had one and every bozo/gangsta around here has one of those so that isn't a good choice.

Thanks for any help.

[13IS250C]

I get 24.5 mpg in my IS250. It is slow compared to other cars I have owned, but it is responsive and I don't have any trouble getting around anybody I want to get around.

I don't recommend the Infiniti. I had a G37 coupe. Bought it new and I had a lot of issues with it.

[rooket]

Thanks yeah I am kinda straying from Infiniti. I heard the dealers charge a lot to fix them and it just doesn't seem to be my thing. The company that makes the Lexus has always been good.

I saw a red G37 the other day and wasn't really all that excited about it. I have seen a lot of IS around and they look like a good car. My neighbor has an Acura TSX but Honda has quite a ways to go on styling for their cars. I just don't plan on buying a car and driving with something with a chrome beak, it is quite silly tbh.

I also find that this car is RWD which is quite excellent. The Acura is FWD, I'm kinda tired of cars with FWD, just my personal preference. No need for AWD; no snow here hence not looking for Subaru WRX either.

I find these cars at high milage 98,000 for around $16k. How long does the drive train last in this car? I assume there is a slight possibility that these might go over 250k but this car isn't a 4cyl Japanese car so I'm not sure.

[13IS250C]

Sorry, I can't answer your questions about longevity. I'm more of a love it and leave it type person. I trade cars every 2 or 3 years.

It is a shame that Honda dropped the S2000. That was such an awesome car. I kept mine 4 1/2 years and it never went back on the dealership lot once I drove off of it. It was such a fun ride.

I really think you would love the IS.

[LEX-SV]

rooket - The ISx250 is a solid choice. The differences in gas mileage between current generation and last generation is insignificant. Only EPA ratings model year 2008 on are reasonably accurate and comparable.

I wouldn't be too concerned about what neighbors think, since it's your personal car. The current generation (model year 2008 on) Mercedes C-class is very reliable and more costly for routine maintenance.

Do you currently have a 09 IS350? If so you will miss the 100 horsepower if changing to a IS250, even with the 10% difference in fuel economy.

[rooket]

It's cool that some of you have owned several vehicles but I can't afford to swap that often. Well I suppose I can but then I would have a small bank account.

No I don't own a lexus currently. It makes you select a car when you sign up. I would have to say that I wouldn't miss anything with an automatic, as long as the auto does 0-60 in 10 seconds or less they all feel the same to me. I have driven 1989 Escort wagon and 1996 contour which had more power, they both worked quite well and amazingly enough that escort seemed to haul up the grade on the highway really strong and on level ground it pushed hard and C&D rated it at something like 0-60 in 12.0s.

Anyway I'm sure if I look around enough I can find an is250 with lower mileage for a better deal somewhere locally. These car dealers don't advertise everything that is out there on autotrader I believe.

[13IS250C]

Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.

[tex2670]

Thanks yeah I am kinda straying from Infiniti. I heard the dealers charge a lot to fix them and it just doesn't seem to be my thing. The company that makes the Lexus has always been good.

I saw a red G37 the other day and wasn't really all that excited about it. I have seen a lot of IS around and they look like a good car. My neighbor has an Acura TSX but Honda has quite a ways to go on styling for their cars. I just don't plan on buying a car and driving with something with a chrome beak, it is quite silly tbh.

I also find that this car is RWD which is quite excellent. The Acura is FWD, I'm kinda tired of cars with FWD, just my personal preference. No need for AWD; no snow here hence not looking for Subaru WRX either.

I find these cars at high milage 98,000 for around $16k. How long does the drive train last in this car? I assume there is a slight possibility that these might go over 250k but this car isn't a 4cyl Japanese car so I'm not sure.

I can't imagine that the Lexus dealers are any cheaper than Infiniti. I've had my IS250 for 7 years, and I've never regretted my purchase.

You might want to consider the Audi A4 too. I test drove an ATS this spring, and was pretty impressed with that too--much quicker than my IS.

[rooket]

nah I don't like Audis, they definitely aren't my style and I wouldn't be happy owning one. There's an IS that I like but it is the first gen and I found that the mpg's on it don't make any sense at all for it being a small japanese car. So the 250 came out later and its specs look better in that area. I may also end up considering a non luxury brand because they get even better fuel economy than luxury brand cars.

Thanks yeah I am kinda straying from Infiniti. I heard the dealers charge a lot to fix them and it just doesn't seem to be my thing. The company that makes the Lexus has always been good.

I saw a red G37 the other day and wasn't really all that excited about it. I have seen a lot of IS around and they look like a good car. My neighbor has an Acura TSX but Honda has quite a ways to go on styling for their cars. I just don't plan on buying a car and driving with something with a chrome beak, it is quite silly tbh.

I also find that this car is RWD which is quite excellent. The Acura is FWD, I'm kinda tired of cars with FWD, just my personal preference. No need for AWD; no snow here hence not looking for Subaru WRX either.

I find these cars at high milage 98,000 for around $16k. How long does the drive train last in this car? I assume there is a slight possibility that these might go over 250k but this car isn't a 4cyl Japanese car so I'm not sure.

I can't imagine that the Lexus dealers are any cheaper than Infiniti. I've had my IS250 for 7 years, and I've never regretted my purchase.

You might want to consider the Audi A4 too. I test drove an ATS this spring, and was pretty impressed with that too--much quicker than my IS.

[nick07]

I have a 2007 is250 that I bought new and now has about 68k on it. Took it on my cross country trip last summer and was very pleased with the gas mileage(33mpg) for the trip. The ride quality and handling were very comfortable and would not hesitate in recommending this model to anyone that is thinking about getting one. I am in California also and we put about 3500 miles on the trip. Servicing at the Lexus dealer is a bit pricey but they give you a loaner, wash the car and fill up the tank. Good luck in your search.

[LEX-SV]

nick07 - Thanks for your trip report from last summer with the IS250, impressive fuel economy.

I also have a 2007 (IS350) and use the Lexus dealership service too. The service pricing is reasonable versus most premium cars (versus Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Jag) and customer service first rate.

[rooket]

Welp I came, observed, and proved my own point to myself. Same thing goes on here as on any car forum. I think I'm fine for now, going to be looking at other makes and models.

The IS250 is the best of these.