So Close To Buying An Is350! Advice Needed Asap!

[Kif 350]

Hey guys!

Just signed up, I'm about to buy my very first Lexus. I've been looking at getting an IS for quiet some time now and have recently started looking at a few 350's (would love a flame blue one but I can't find one! Second preference will be white)

I'm leaning towards a 2011 model F Sport. I looked at a few Sport Luxury models but I'm sold on the F Sport interior.

Can anyone please tell me the main differences between the two models?

Are there any problems or common flaws I should check or look out for when looking at examples for sale?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

[Lexus Nerd]

Quick answer:

Feature comparison courtesy of Lexus Australia:

-----

The three equipment grades, in ascending order, are: Prestige, F Sport and Sports Luxury.

All three grades are highly specified and include Lexus' Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM), eight SRS airbags, powerful brake package, HID head lamps with cleaners, LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) and a sequential six-speed transmission with paddle shift.

IS 350 Prestige has split five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera with rear guide assist, touch-screen satellite navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, multi-information display, power-adjustable front seats, smooth leather-accented seat trim and front seat heaters.

It also has Lexus premium 13-speaker audio system with 6-CD multi-changer.

IS 350 F Sport has a unique suspension calibration and 18-inch alloy wheels with five close-paired spokes, as well as IS F-style rear spoiler and radiator grille upper and lower.

Its additional equipment over and above Prestige includes IS F-style sport seats with drivers' memory function, F Sport steering wheel and gear shift lever, sports pedals and unique F Sport badging.

The F Sport model also has power tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment (in lieu of manual adjustment), auto-retract and self-dimming exterior mirrors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and Mark Levinson 14-speaker premium audio system.

The Sports Luxury model has five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and moonroof.

It also has, over and above Prestige model, Active Cruise Control, Lexus Pre-Collision safety System (PCS) with newly adopted Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear clearance sonar, and self-dimming and heated exterior mirrors.

Inside, IS 350 Sports Luxury has the added features (over Prestige) of ventilated and heated front seats, semi-aniline leather-accented seat trim, Smart key card, self-dimming (electro-chromatic) interior rear-view mirror, driver's seat memory function, woodgrain-look trim and 14-speaker premium audio system.

-----

The moonroof is optional on F Sport, but standard on Sports Luxury.

I don't recall any common issues. Practically all the 2IS "common issues" were sorted out by the time the MY10 came along.

[DO IT]

Lexus Nerd has pretty much stated all the differences.

There shouldn't be any issues at all with the IS350s.

Although, make sure that the particular vehicle you are purchasing has had the recall done, provided it is needed (2010 - early 2011s has a recall). Nothing major, just an inconvenience if you have to do it yourself.

[Kif 350]

Thanks for the reply guys,

Been looking online at cars, got dealers interstate on the hunt for exactly what I'm after, hopefully something pops up soon.

Fingers crossed ey

[Kif 350]

Funny you mention that. I've actually found Vaku's old car at a dealer in Melbourne. Still trying to negotiate with the dealer.

Lexus of Chatswood have one coming in. Although they did call me the other day telling me that the car has arrived but is waiting for a brand new motor to be put in. No idea what's happened to that car. 2012 model with 38k on the clock. Sounds a bit sketchy!

Here's the ad for that one..

http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/2012-lexus-is350-f-sport-gse21r/AGC-AD-15224082

[Vaku]

yeah I told him all about my old ride, id go get it.. bring her back to Sydney :)

as per PM I really dont like the idea of a new engine on a 2012 lexus .. wtf is that?

you will forever be haunted having to explain it if someone with a keen eye spots its been swapped.

[Kif 350]

lol I went to look at it yesterday. Didn't say who I was. A sales guy came out, we were chatting and I asked him to start it up. Instantly you could hear metal on metal, something knocking about like crazy.

I asked what it was, "it probably just needs a tune up, it'll stop when it warms up" with that he switched it off. I told him to restart it so I can see if it stops once warmed up. He did, I then told him that I've been told the engine is cactus and that a replacement will be fitted this week as per my conversation with the pre owned manager. He then "oh right yeah this is the one getting a new engine, I forgot about that" (yeah right) lol we took it for a drive and it got louder.

I got back and they asked for a deposit, I told them no I'll be right. Oh but what if it sells they asked. I told them sleep wouldn't be lost if it did lol

[Vaku]

Yeah walk away....

[manboy]

Hey guys!

Just signed up, I'm about to buy my very first Lexus. I've been looking at getting an IS for quiet some time now and have recently started looking at a few 350's (would love a flame blue one but I can't find one! Second preference will be white)

I'm leaning towards a 2011 model F Sport. I looked at a few Sport Luxury models but I'm sold on the F Sport interior.

Can anyone please tell me the main differences between the two models?

Are there any problems or common flaws I should check or look out for when looking at examples for sale?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

Depending on your budget there are a few Flame Blue F Sports Currently on Car sales..

Good luck with the purchase ...

[Kif 350]

No updates as yet. Still looking, missed out on Vakus old car. Drove a flame blue one on the weekend but the paintwork was in ordinary condition. The search continues!

[manboy]

No updates as yet. Still looking, missed out on Vakus old car. Drove a flame blue one on the weekend but the paintwork was in ordinary condition. The search continues!

flame blue here:

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-IS350-2011/SSE-AD-2658022/?Cr=5&sdmvc=1

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Lexus-IS350-2012/SSE-AD-2728713/?Cr=10&sdmvc=1

What's your budget?

I would go with Pearl White but that's just me.

I Chose Pearl White over Black, It was a very hard decision but no regrets whatsoever.

Easy to keep clean and looks great with the Shadow wheels...

[Kif 350]

Budgeting for around 45k maybe more if the right one pops up. I've been looking at that 2012 one in the link. Looks like a good buy. I'm thinking maybe go with a blue one purely because I see white ones all the time lol

[Kif 350]

I thought about that but I'm obsessed with clean, glossy paint work as most of you probably are lol. I'm just worried I might buy the previous shape F Sport and then in 6 months it's worth next to nothing because of the new shape..... Or has that big fall in price already happened so they'll sit around the mid 40's for a while?

[Vaku]

will always be another one

id stick with white,mercury,blue or silver (in that order)

and yeah should be low to mid 40's max by the end of the year.

[manboy]

These cars will always have a great resale value, of course the longer you wait the cheaper they will get,

That's called depreciation..lol

Best to wait and get something with low Ks, you may pay a little extra but as we all know the lower the Ks the more interest

there is.

Not everyone likes the shape/grille of the new IS, there are still people who want a 2IS and for almost half the price of the 3IS

for a 2011/12 model they are very desirable, and if your not stuck on one particular colour there are some good deals to be had out there.

[BJ84]

The 350 is a great car, would recommend it