Okay people,

So my dads not too thrilled about a brand new V6 Stang for his 16 yr old son (even though half of its money from my 3 part time jobs lol)

So ive been researching and i came up with the IS-350. I can afford a 2008/2009 ish model year. It produced 306hp, which is basically same as the Mustang. And its 4-door which is a plus. I wud like to hear all of your general impressions on this car. How fast it is, how it handles, quality, how it looks in person, etc thanks


Also, do they make performance exhaust for this kinda car? Its 'track inspired " according to Lexus, so i believe ther would be

 

they are very nice, dependable, nimble, spunky, good on gas cars.

 

Brand new one is $39,000, so 2008-2009 model year should be right around $30,000.

I would rather spend $30,000 on a brand new car than on a 3 year old Lexus. Just my .02.

 

Nope. 24-25g on cars.com. thats what my results came up with

 

You sure that's IS350 and not IS250?

 

If you have 25k to play with... I'd rather get in a Cadillac CTS than a Lexus IS....



Possibly even a 2008 Saab 9-3 TurboX.

 

What makes the lexus better in the eyes of your dad? Stick with the Mustang!

 

If you have 25k why not just get a used 05-09 mustang GT. Thats 300HP and you can mod it.

 

I love the IS class

 

sorry, I just dont like the direction that toyota/lexus is headed with their cars (rediculous amounts of recalls nonwithstanding). Aside from that, a lexus is going to be hella expensive to buy parts for and repair. how's the price of insurance compare to the two?

I'd go with the Mustang, but I'm certainly biased.

 

Lexus is a pretty reliable car company, they don't really have many problems.

I would personally buy a previous generation Acura TL.

 

I drove the IS 350 when they first came out and my impression: Automotive Perfection. From the feel of the steering wheel to the power, to the fit and finish - they are great cars. But we ended up buying a 2005 IS 300 instead of the IS 350 - My wife said the older version felt more spunky and fun. And she is right. The IS 350 is refined and smooth and everything you would expect from a Lexus.

We still have the IS 300 and she loves it like a child. I NEED a Mustang, though.

Couple plusses and minusses...maintenance can be extremely expensive. If you just do what is recommended in the owner's manual, you will be fine, but if you do all the dealerships recommend...well, let's just say, that is when you feel like you drive a luxury brand, when the dealership wants to charge $1200 for a 30k mile service and tell you "that's the price of owning a Lexus".

They are great cars and will run forever. We needed a battery and 2 sets of tires in the last 50,000 miles. Plus a few oil changes and fuel. ALL cars have recalls and TSBs, so don't let that bother you. Insurance is way more expensive than a Mustang. At least it is for me in California. 2005 Lexus is same rate for 37 yr old w/ no tickets as a 2009 Mustang GT would be, at the time I checked. So definitely look into that before buying. It's probably because of all the tools that buy them to rice and race them. Plus the cost to replace parts and paint match, etc. "premium brand" you know. The brand new Lexus loaner cars from the dealership are sweet. And they treat you nice at the dealership, not like Ford service...it's like Pep Boys service bays.

Can't go wrong with Lexus IS 350, but you may regret it if you have your heart set on a Mustang. Fight for what you REALLY want.

 

Oh wow. That bit on insurance would b the reason hewud let me stay Mustang. Theyre being picky on insurance.

Other than that, thank u for the fantastic write up. It seems like a great choice if the Mustang doesnt work out, which i think it will. So now my question to every1 is...


if u had 25k, what would you do? I thought an older M3, IS350, or even...a.... 2001Benz SL500 (or was it 550?) Jk. I wudnt want that lol

And fyi, id like to stay away from Civics and those....economy cars with tweaks is all i see

 

Yeah its the 350 not 250

 

Insurance on V8

 

IS350 is a sweet car. My mom has a 350, my buddy and GF a 250, so I've had my share of time with the car.

Looks great, excellent quality inside/out. They handle fantastic and the 350 pulls pretty hard/smooth for the 306hp V6 up front. Paddle shifters are fun to play with, but quicker shifts would make it even better.

Definitely a fun car. If I wasn't into the Mustangs I'd probably be in the V8 IS-F right now.

 

I've driven a 250. They are nice cars, great fit and finish, comfortable seats, nice steering. Way different animal from a Mustang though. Even the 250 was peppy enough, compared to my 200ish 11 year old V6 4-speed auto...

 

How about a 2009 V-6 Mustang that you can add the Vortech Supercharger to? Make yourself a Terlingua. Low mileage V-6 'Stangs are plentiful and usually well kept, so finding one in the low teens ($13k) is easy. Low insurance and infinitely mod-able. For the rest of the $25k, you could add suspension, supercharger and brakes. I saw a few Terlinguas out at the Shelby Bash in January and they ate up that track like Sunday dinner. They do sound strange though.

But as far as price of entry, insurance, base platform to start mods, it is hard to beat. PLUS, you cannot overlook the Mustang Community. You will not find a Lexus Club in every city in America, or a thousand IS 350s on display at Knott's Berry Farm for the Fabulous Ford Show every year. Owning a Mustang means belonging to something. Heck, you are here on these forums recieving excellent advice. That has to count for something towards buying a Mustang - buying into a family of car knuts.

Sounds like you have a great head on your shoulders, so whatever you decide will be right for you. Thanks for inviting us to be part of the decision. When my son turns 16 in 6 more years, I am sure we will be having a very similar discussion about what he wants to drive. Check out this internet review of the Terlingua.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FLbt...feature=fvwrel

Cheers and choose well.