I drove the IS350 and the IS500. When you see me in your rear view mirror please please yield the right away, and listen to my V-8 as I pass by in my IS500. 😊
I test drove both the IS 350 & IS 500. I ended buying the 350 bc I love V6 engines. I own a 1997 Toyota 4Runner with 53k miles a gem and a 2009 Toyota Tacoma with 79k miles which is my daily. I never see myself needing a V8.
With this being your daily, and your travel car, did you consider getting the ES? I understand that the IS is the sportier car, but did that really out way your other needs? Just curious to hear since I am considering both. Thanks
Good question. The sporty look had a lot to do with me picking the IS, also I may replace my wife's Corolla with an ES (she seemed to like it) so I didn't feel like getting one right now
Es is the better daily in my opinion. More spacious interior, both up front and in the back seats. Better fuel economy, still quick. Sleeper! The area where the is350 beats the ES is on a backroad. Being RDW, It’s a good all around sports car. If you’re commuting, and doing errands, the ES would be my choice.
I’ve owned 2 ES350 and it’s by far the smoothest and most comfortable car I’ve ever driven. It’s a smoother, more comfortable ride than the IS and roomier. Only downside is that it’s fwd, and the IS is a better choice in the snow with awd
When I ordered my IS500 last year, it was during a time when used cars prices were sky high and the IS500 reviews were somewhat rare. So I was lucky enough to be able buy during a time when the dealerships weren’t considering MSRP an outrageous price point and just wanted them off the lot. The new mustang wasn’t out yet but coming off an ‘08 Acura TL-S, I had to have a high revving V8. A used LC500 in decent condition was going for $80k which put me right out of my price range. But I really love the IS500 for the dual personality. On the highways it behaves differently enough than a 350 but in the streets, it drives very similar.
I like your value-proposition rationale. I bought a new '23 350 F-Sport with the handling package. I only briefly considered the 500. Like you I intend to drive the car on long trips with the wife. Her car is an '05 ES-330. Excellent for relaxed interstate cruising. I prefer backroads America. I'm fine with the mostly early-century tech inside. Otherwise the interior of my wife's car seems of better quality, slightly; less plastic and more of a luxury interior there. But I'm for the cut-and trust suspension of the 350. Plus it harkened my return to a normally-aspirated engine (with port and direct fuel injection). Down on power? Yep. That puts it in the category of the BMW 330i (4-banger), which has more rear-seat room. At 5'8 I can help those behind me, for that rare eventuality. The car cruises nicely too. The "premier" sound system ain't really all that to my ear; muddy bass. But the driving is the thing. I can feel the Torsen rear diff rotating the car in tighter turns taken a bit too fast. Had to get used to that too. I hadn't owned a rear-wheel drive machine in a long while. Front-wheel dominated for a while, then all-wheel drive for the past 21 years (my 2013 Golf-R sits in the garage on a trickle charger nowadays). This car drives like an Alfa Giulia that's gained some weight, but still dances almost as light on its feet. And I trust it to get me from coast to coast without undue worry. That's huge for me. Especially on the back roads. Down a bit on mpg? Sure. But good premium gasoline is it's own reward. I'm comfy driving in eco mode, or normal mode most of the time. Those modes are more than adequate for city driving. Won't see me holding back traffic. I see the car in the light of a "4-door Miata" sort of daily. It won't hold a candle to my tuned Golf-R off the line. There's something to be said for a car that is exciting to drive when the road gets twisty. While not the quickest bat out of Hell, it affords one time to linger on, and enjoy the only-slightly-longish rush to speed. Driving a slow car fast is it's own reward. So I chose the IS 350 F-Sport with rear-wheel drive even though I live in a climate given to show. Grew up on RWD cars and driving in snow, so...I'm home.
Looking at both of these myself with the same dilemma. How much difference was the insurance per month? I think the AWD capability of the V6 is most likely going to steer me toward the 350 as well. Id sure love the new 2025 is500 in the yellow though!
If you’re so picky on the colors, why not just order one? It just seems like a hassle to find a low production vehicle with the exact specs that you want
Great video I agree. After owning an is500 for about a year and a half it’s really a lot more expensive then the is350 and you really don’t get much more for what you pay. Also there’s like 1,000 white is500’s already made so it would just be average my opinion. The only colors worth getting I think is blue or red they are a lot harder to find and might hold their value a lot better.
I have never driven the IS 500. I agree with your decision based on your needs. I have a 16' IS 350 F Sport. I like it but I do find myself looking at preowned IS 500's. Enjoy your new vehicle.
I think the whole car culture in the US is going the wrong way. I don’t think anybody has to explain why they like certain cars. Saying nobody can tell the difference between is350 and is500 from the outside is totally irrelevant. Just get what you like and enjoy. Japan has alot of LC500h and LS500h. Because they like it. Simple as that. They dont give a shit of what others think. Stop chasing others opinions. Cheers
This video was not about explaining why I didn't like certain car, it was about the research I did and how I got to that conclusion so it can help someone deciding on same as I did.
I’m looking into an IS500, and like every Toyota dealership experience, getting EXACTLY what you want is nearly impossible. I considered the 350F sport previously, but from a performance standpoint, the TRD Camry was the better option at its price point (I know the Camry is not a luxury car) to buy. But now I’m considering upgrading to the IS500. Essentially the only option is to put in a request for allocation with your preferred options/colors and see what Lexus sends the dealership. And you’re right - zero base cars being built. At least Toyota/Lexus consistently ensure you a complete headache out of the buying experience.
I love, love, love the IS body style, unfortunately for me the tech holds it back. I know there are lots of people who love the old school tech. Because of that I purchased an ES 350 UL (Grand pa car) however I still want the IS. As you stated the IS 500 is exactly the same car as the IS 350 interior wise. Hopefully the 2025 IS 350 will have the updated Lexus infotainment system.
I bought an IS 350, and let me tell you that it looks dated, but the car has all the features new cars have like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Assistance, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, and the cruise control is like an auto pilot, Its pretty cool. I think all features in huge screens are not that easy to use, especially while driving, and old school buttons makes it easy and down to the point. Also, the 10 inch screen controls many features including the AC, and its not necessary. It actually makes it difficult., and that's when you realize buttons are the way to go. I agree with you that they should have made it more futuristic even if using old school buttons. The CD player is ridiculous, they could've used that space for something else, like a slot for the your cell or wireless charging. Also, Car Play is not wireless, That's my biggest complain.
@@gregjones2472 Let me start by saying I’m a person who loves tech, the ES does an OK job with tech. An opportunity exists for Lexus to put the same tech in their sedans and coupes as they have in their SUV’s. Yes it’s a grandpa car, but the reliability makes it hard to walk away from. The IS has even less tech but the exterior design is AMAZING IMHO. An LC 500 would be the solution.
I was on the fence with a Used IS350awd 23, But I did not like that the Performance equated to that of a New WRX. I felt like for the new price, I should get a smidge more from the engine. Audi S3 Fits.
@CarMarketGuy I was honestly very Surprised. And not a Manual WRX. The New WRX with its so called SPT auto trans (CVT). It's the same get up and go for 15,000 less. Nigh the same 0-60. But the Lexus is more Plush and Nicer riding overall. At that point I dropped both options and went for an Audi S3. Very satisfied, Good mileage.
![[Live] : ONE FIGHT NIGHT 25 วันนี้!! "อเล็กซิส vs รีเกียน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/suVr9a6BM2g/mqdefault.jpg)
I drove the IS350 and the IS500. When you see me in your rear view mirror please please yield the right away, and listen to my V-8 as I pass by in my IS500. 😊
I will do ;)
If you like it, great choice 🎉 I purchased the IS500 because I wanted the V8. I'm glad sport sedans still exist in this SUV world
Hey this is all my opinion, I am glad you are enjoying yours ;)
I test drove both the IS 350 & IS 500. I ended buying the 350 bc I love V6 engines. I own a 1997 Toyota 4Runner with 53k miles a gem and a 2009 Toyota Tacoma with 79k miles which is my daily. I never see myself needing a V8.
i want the is 500 but don’t want the higher insurance…. im super happy with my is fsport 350
I compared the IS 350 and IS 500 insurance and it’s not too bad.
With this being your daily, and your travel car, did you consider getting the ES? I understand that the IS is the sportier car, but did that really out way your other needs? Just curious to hear since I am considering both. Thanks
Good question. The sporty look had a lot to do with me picking the IS, also I may replace my wife's Corolla with an ES (she seemed to like it) so I didn't feel like getting one right now
Es is the better daily in my opinion. More spacious interior, both up front and in the back seats. Better fuel economy, still quick. Sleeper! The area where the is350 beats the ES is on a backroad. Being RDW, It’s a good all around sports car. If you’re commuting, and doing errands, the ES would be my choice.
I’ve owned 2 ES350 and it’s by far the smoothest and most comfortable car I’ve ever driven. It’s a smoother, more comfortable ride than the IS and roomier. Only downside is that it’s fwd, and the IS is a better choice in the snow with awd
When I ordered my IS500 last year, it was during a time when used cars prices were sky high and the IS500 reviews were somewhat rare. So I was lucky enough to be able buy during a time when the dealerships weren’t considering MSRP an outrageous price point and just wanted them off the lot. The new mustang wasn’t out yet but coming off an ‘08 Acura TL-S, I had to have a high revving V8. A used LC500 in decent condition was going for $80k which put me right out of my price range. But I really love the IS500 for the dual personality. On the highways it behaves differently enough than a 350 but in the streets, it drives very similar.
Hey I am glad you are enjoying it :)
I like your value-proposition rationale. I bought a new '23 350 F-Sport with the handling package. I only briefly considered the 500. Like you I intend to drive the car on long trips with the wife. Her car is an '05 ES-330. Excellent for relaxed interstate cruising. I prefer backroads America. I'm fine with the mostly early-century tech inside. Otherwise the interior of my wife's car seems of better quality, slightly; less plastic and more of a luxury interior there. But I'm for the cut-and trust suspension of the 350. Plus it harkened my return to a normally-aspirated engine (with port and direct fuel injection). Down on power? Yep. That puts it in the category of the BMW 330i (4-banger), which has more rear-seat room. At 5'8 I can help those behind me, for that rare eventuality.
The car cruises nicely too. The "premier" sound system ain't really all that to my ear; muddy bass. But the driving is the thing. I can feel the Torsen rear diff rotating the car in tighter turns taken a bit too fast. Had to get used to that too. I hadn't owned a rear-wheel drive machine in a long while. Front-wheel dominated for a while, then all-wheel drive for the past 21 years (my 2013 Golf-R sits in the garage on a trickle charger nowadays). This car drives like an Alfa Giulia that's gained some weight, but still dances almost as light on its feet. And I trust it to get me from coast to coast without undue worry. That's huge for me. Especially on the back roads. Down a bit on mpg? Sure. But good premium gasoline is it's own reward. I'm comfy driving in eco mode, or normal mode most of the time. Those modes are more than adequate for city driving. Won't see me holding back traffic. I see the car in the light of a "4-door Miata" sort of daily. It won't hold a candle to my tuned Golf-R off the line.
There's something to be said for a car that is exciting to drive when the road gets twisty. While not the quickest bat out of Hell, it affords one time to linger on, and enjoy the only-slightly-longish rush to speed. Driving a slow car fast is it's own reward. So I chose the IS 350 F-Sport with rear-wheel drive even though I live in a climate given to show. Grew up on RWD cars and driving in snow, so...I'm home.
Looking at both of these myself with the same dilemma. How much difference was the insurance per month? I think the AWD capability of the V6 is most likely going to steer me toward the 350 as well. Id sure love the new 2025 is500 in the yellow though!
It was $500 extra to insure the IS500 (this is for full 6 month)
If you need AWD then 350 is your option for sure.
If you’re so picky on the colors, why not just order one?
It just seems like a hassle to find a low production vehicle with the exact specs that you want
You lost me at “ I looked at a mustang “ 😂
Good thing that was later in the video ;)
First time viewing your channel. This is a great and very honest review, which provides a lot of food for thought. Thanks for sharing.
Great video I agree. After owning an is500 for about a year and a half it’s really a lot more expensive then the is350 and you really don’t get much more for what you pay. Also there’s like 1,000 white is500’s already made so it would just be average my opinion. The only colors worth getting I think is blue or red they are a lot harder to find and might hold their value a lot better.
The red is a fantastic color but its makes the car even harder to get plus I heard some dealers doing mark up on red.
I have never driven the IS 500. I agree with your decision based on your needs. I have a 16' IS 350 F Sport. I like it but I do find myself looking at preowned IS 500's. Enjoy your new vehicle.
So you bought a IS350 because you couldn't find a IS500 in the color you wanted at the price you wanted. Got it.
@@V8Brah that was part of it, yes
I think the whole car culture in the US is going the wrong way.
I don’t think anybody has to explain why they like certain cars.
Saying nobody can tell the difference between is350 and is500 from the outside is totally irrelevant. Just get what you like and enjoy.
Japan has alot of LC500h and LS500h. Because they like it. Simple as that. They dont give a shit of what others think.
Stop chasing others opinions. Cheers
This video was not about explaining why I didn't like certain car, it was about the research I did and how I got to that conclusion so it can help someone deciding on same as I did.
Congratulations. You can’t lose with any IS model IMO.
This is true
I’m looking into an IS500, and like every Toyota dealership experience, getting EXACTLY what you want is nearly impossible.
I considered the 350F sport previously, but from a performance standpoint, the TRD Camry was the better option at its price point (I know the Camry is not a luxury car) to buy.
But now I’m considering upgrading to the IS500.
Essentially the only option is to put in a request for allocation with your preferred options/colors and see what Lexus sends the dealership.
And you’re right - zero base cars being built.
At least Toyota/Lexus consistently ensure you a complete headache out of the buying experience.
I love, love, love the IS body style, unfortunately for me the tech holds it back. I know there are lots of people who love the old school tech. Because of that I purchased an ES 350 UL (Grand pa car) however I still want the IS. As you stated the IS 500 is exactly the same car as the IS 350 interior wise. Hopefully the 2025 IS 350 will have the updated Lexus infotainment system.
I bought an IS 350, and let me tell you that it looks dated, but the car has all the features new cars have like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Assistance, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, and the cruise control is like an auto pilot, Its pretty cool. I think all features in huge screens are not that easy to use, especially while driving, and old school buttons makes it easy and down to the point. Also, the 10 inch screen controls many features including the AC, and its not necessary. It actually makes it difficult., and that's when you realize buttons are the way to go. I agree with you that they should have made it more futuristic even if using old school buttons. The CD player is ridiculous, they could've used that space for something else, like a slot for the your cell or wireless charging. Also, Car Play is not wireless, That's my biggest complain.
Are you happy with the ES, or do you regret it because it is just too much of a grandpa car?
@@gregjones2472 Let me start by saying I’m a person who loves tech, the ES does an OK job with tech. An opportunity exists for Lexus to put the same tech in their sedans and coupes as they have in their SUV’s. Yes it’s a grandpa car, but the reliability makes it hard to walk away from. The IS has even less tech but the exterior design is AMAZING IMHO. An LC 500 would be the solution.
@@mr.c.6620 Agreed, LC 500 is always the answer!
I was on the fence with a Used IS350awd 23, But I did not like that the Performance equated to that of a New WRX. I felt like for the new price, I should get a smidge more from the engine. Audi S3 Fits.
Interesting point
@CarMarketGuy I was honestly very Surprised. And not a Manual WRX. The New WRX with its so called SPT auto trans (CVT). It's the same get up and go for 15,000 less. Nigh the same 0-60.
But the Lexus is more Plush and Nicer riding overall.
At that point I dropped both options and went for an Audi S3. Very satisfied, Good mileage.
I’d be really happy with either one🙌🏆
@@jpdoc5722 Either one is a great car :)