ATS 2.0T Manual vs Lexus IS350

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cyclistca

Platinum Member
Dec 5, 2000
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Anyone here get into analysis paralysis when buying a car. After month of research and testing driving I've narrowed it down to these two vehicles. Right now in my mind there are enough pluses and minuses that it's not tipping one way or another. Anyone else ever run into this?

ATS 2.0T Manual

Plus
Manual transmission
Lower price
Lower insurance cost
4 years free maintenance
Better equipped (Would have to buy top of the line Lexus to get backup camera)

Minus
Styling, very conservative compared to Lexus
It's a Cadillac. Perception is it's an old mans car even though it's not.
CUE yes it as bad as they say

Lexus IS350 F-Sport

Plus
Exterior styling more interesting
Like interior better than the Cadillac
May be more reliable over the long term

Minus
Purchase cost
Insurance cost
Maintenance cost during first 4 years. Long term might be the opposite.
Has an automatic transmission thought it's one heck of an automatic transmission

My gut tells me that the Cadillac is going to be more interesting for the majority of the driving I do which is city based. If I did more highway driving the Lexus might be better. On the highway it seemed to be were you could really enjoy the engine.
 

Jimzz

Diamond Member
Oct 23, 2012
4,399
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I prefer the Cadillac but either should be nice.

I bet they are both about the same reliability wise. That and not many see Cadillac as a old mans car anymore. The V cars, esp the CTS-V, has changed that a lot. Let alone the styling and much improved handling, drive trains, and firm bucket seats.
 

ballmode

Lifer
Aug 17, 2005
10,246
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If its the new redesigned IS350 I'd take that, the one with the 8 speed auto. If not I'd go with ATS
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,534
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I have zero experience with the ATS but own an IS250. Lexus dealer service is top notch, we've owned this car for almost 10 years and have always taken it to the dealer. They always give us a loaner car and have even fixed stuff out of warranty for free.

I wish we bought the IS350. I've driven that car and I really liked it. Plenty of power, great chassis and brakes, and it is a really nice looking car inside and out. A little too small in the back seat but otherwise just a home run for Lexus.
 

ballmode

Lifer
Aug 17, 2005
10,246
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Speaking of the IS350, I've considered getting one.

I'm seeing on the Clublexus forums that you really can't crack the ECU.

The best mod seems to be getting IS-F front/rear sway bars as the F-Sport are too stiff and cause it to be tail happy.

I really want the 2011+ as it gets the USB updated nav and has those nike swoosh LED strips up front. They are starting to come off 3 year leases too :)

A/C front seats is like the biggest plus for me, I really REALLY want them and my future kids will thank me.
 

ballmode

Lifer
Aug 17, 2005
10,246
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If I'm reading it correctly the IS350 has an open diff with electronics, however the IS-F LSD diff will fit the IS350

Per wiki, "A mechanical limited-slip differential is standard with the turbo-engined variant and is an available option on vehicles equipped with the V6."


DONUTSSSSSS
 

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,053
571
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The numbers tell one story but are meaningless if you don't like the way the car drives.
 
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