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Hello all, I'm a current RX300 owner and frequently post over there. I occasionally check in on you guys regarding the IS since it probably will be my next lexus. The lease printed above #444 will most likely come out to around $2600 out of pocket as you will have to include security, acquision, and first month payment, ask total out of pocket to get the exact $ amount(I could be wrong). Also reply to the message and ask if you are leasing through LCF (that's lexus). I recently received a $500 coupon from lexus for the IS as they are not selling as expected. Also prospective buyers have been hearing about the improvements for 2002 and are holding off their purchase(I'm one of them). Lastly regarding lease prices, when the car first came out I was quoted $520 per month 39 months 12,000 miles/year with $1500 total out of pocket, I then checked back in Dec. and was quoted $470 per month same terms as above. I see that the dealers as well as Lexus have been more eager to move this car lately due to slow sales, which is good for consumers.
I've seen a picture of the IS with the manual trans I believe that it will have 18' wheels but don't quote me. Other changes I've read are a Nav and center arm rest, though I'm sure that the arm rest can be retrofitted for the 2001.
The 2002 IS300 will have the additional center armrest, a manual transmission, and will gain other convenience features like auto up/down windows with pinch protection and memory seats, and dimming mirrors. and some other minor luxury features. 18" wheels is a high possibility as a option for manual equipped IS300s.
In addition to the lease special mentioned above, my dealer told me this weekend that Lexus is offering a $1000 factory to dealer rebate on the purchase of the car. I would assume this is nationwide - I live in the NJ/NY area so I know its available here. I asked him of that meant we could automatically just take $1000 off the previous price we negotiated and he said yes. That wouold get me a loaded (all option) IS300 for about $31.3K including T&L (taxes excluded). Pretty good deal if you ask me.
IS 300 is just another souped up Toyota Corolla with fancy wheels. It's too much of a boy racer look. I bet you it cost Toyota only $18K to build this boy racer vehicle and slap a Lexus logo on it.
Check out the latest issue of Road and Track and see what they say about it. (I'll give you a hint: they rated it number one, over the Merc, Bimmer and Volvo.)
Please forgive me if this questions been asked and answered a million times. This is the first time I've been on this board. I am interested in getting an IS in the next month or so. I wanted to find out what a reasonable price is for the IS. I want one w/ the leather/escaine pkg. How much should i be paying? Thanxs guys.
This car has suddenly taken a beating on price. Great buying opportunity now. Invoice deals are not out of the question depending on where you live, of course the dealer gets to keep the extra cash mentioned in a previous post.
Hi guys: I have been driving this car for almost 4 month. I can tell you this much. No, it is not a toyota corolla with a lexus badge. It is a very well built sporty look car. The ride and performance is very impressive. Standard 6 disc CD changer and Xenon lights(cost about 2-3K for bimmer or mercede as optional equipment). For a car that is around 35K out the door fully loaded, you can't beat that(except if you like the look of the Acura CL or TL). The downside for this car would be it takes a lot of gas, but it is extremly fun and has excellent performance. IF you are interested in learning more about IS300, you can also check out www.is300.net.
Was reading the USA Today pg. 2 had an IS lease special $399 a month/ 39 months approximately $2400, tax extra. Options include moonroof, leather, etc. The lease is subsidized through LCF, there might be purchase specials also. I'm sure that current Lexus owners can get a better deal because of Loyalty rebates and deposit waivers. This ad just echos the comments above, this car seems to not be selling as expected. Although I was interested I can't see trading in my RX300 with the scheduled improvements for the IS in 2002.
Good deals are now certainly available. I just got mine with the following options: luxury leather trim, limited slip differential, heated seats, moonroof,trunk mat, wheel locks for 31,200 in the SF/SJ Bay Area
The IS300 stacks up just great against the competition. I had a chance to drive it on a closed course and go for it against the competition (all were automatics). I'm an Audi A6 owner, but tried to have an open mind. The little A4 was very smooth and capable, but somewhat short on power. The 328 felt just as quick as the IS, but not quicker. In every other way, the IS was vastly superior. It's brakes were rock solid and felt like you could stop on a dime. But, it was the handling that was outstanding. Despite what just about every magazine article stated, the BMW was not even close; it felt LOOSE! The IS on the other hand felt absolutely balanced. No matter whether you were sticking the corner, or in a four wheel slide, you felt like you had total control. The IS inspired incredibly confidence. Looks are subjective, but for the money, the IS is the performance value. Can't wait for the manual. Now if I can just convince my wife that she likes to shift, she'll be getting a new car in the fall.
I'm glad this car is not selling as well as expected. This means I can certainly swing a great deal in about a month. I can't really wait for the 2002 IS since I have no car at all now. (working on the road, company rental)
I'm targeting $30,000 plus TTL. Purchase area will be in Houston, Texas. What do you guys think?
Any plans for that? I live in the northeast in an area where we get alot of snow. I have an audi that really kicks [non-permissible content removed] when the snow comes down. From the experience I see of people here, the rear wheel drive lexus is a real problem in the snow.
I'm intrigued by the lexus, if it went to all wheel drive though, because i suspect it might be more reliable than the audi (though i havent had any problems yet, knock on wood) As far as the beemer, I wont buy one on principle.
I work with a guy who deals with Texas dealers on a regular basis. You can try the car with options at your price but many dealers won't negotiate that low. In a month, who knows?
Sounds to me like you got a great deal on the IS. for $31,200 what a steal. Which SF/SJ dealership did you go to. I live here in San Jose also. Do you remember which salesman you talked to. maybe your can recommend him to me. thanks man!
Can anyone explain to me why the IS 300 gets such poor EPA #'s? It makes no sense when compared to other Lexus engines - esp the LS 430. Here is a car that weighs 20% more, has 33% more HP, has 45% more torque and gets BETTER gas mileage. It's also (much) faster, but that is not relevant.
No (duh) they are not comparable cars but it is very disappointing to think that the obviously intelligent folk as Lexus couldn't squeeze a few more MPG's out of this car.
In a more comparable arena, the BMW 330 has comaprable weight, HP and Torque but has EPA #'s of 19/27 vs the IS's 18/23 and the Bimmer is faster and roomier.
I'd rather have the reliability of a Lexus, but I just can't get over what seems to be a pretty inefficient powerplant application.
I agree about the gas mileage...but as far as I'm concerned it's really the only drawback to the IS300. I bought the car KNOWING about that feature. I've been driving the car for six months now and I LOVE it.
My wife and I just bought an IS300 two weeks ago. We also looked at the BMW 325I. Here is our opinion for what it's worth.
The two cars are basically identical, size, handling, performance, build quality.
The Lexus we bought had a sticker of $34,160. The BMW 325I, with the same equipment, $36,220.
The Lexus dealer was willing to negotiate on the price, not so much at BMW.
We felt the BMW was noisier during acceleration, and not quite as fast (both cars had the automatic transmission). It seems that the BMW is really meant to have the 5 speed. Remember it has 31 less HP and 43 lb ft less torque!
Advantages for the BMW: Driver seat memory for the power seats Head curtain airbags Trip computer Center armrest 36 month scheduled maintenance.
Advantages for the Lexus: Automatic headlights 6 disc in-dash CD ($600 more for BMW trunk CD) Security system (BMW dealer installed $450) Lexus has a 6 year, 70K powertrain warranty. Lexus quality reputation a bit better. More quiet ride (lower DBA levels in tests).
I think anyone interested in this type of car, should drive both cars, I think if you do you'll see how similar they are.
But if you are anything like us, money does'nt come cheap, so I see no reason to pay about $4,000 more (actual buy prices) for the BMW.
I have to think that the IS300 isn't selling that well (measured against Lexus' expectations, that is.) Yesterday in the mail, my wife (who wouldn't know an IS from an A4 from A 3 series...) received a post card from Lexus describing the $399/mo. lease on a loaded IS and inviting her to our local Lexus dealer to check it out. Lexus proactively seeking customers? Good for buyers... Where did Lexus get my wife's name? Why not me? I'll probably get contacted by Kia! :-)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I have heard many stories about the IS. See if you concur. First of all, the IS is actually a rebadged Toyota Altezza sold in Europe and Asia. When Toyota saw that BMW, MB, and Audi were the leaders in producing high volume sport sedans and making a profit at that, Toyota jumped on the bandwagon (smart move). The Altezza was fitted with a 2.0L but Lexus thought that the US market wouldn't want a 2.0L so they stuck in the 3.0L. I have heard many stories that the 3.0L is pulled straight out of the GS300 and / or the 3.0L is actually from the old Supras with updated modern electronics like VVT-i. Like I said, the original engine was a 2.0L so when they squeezed in the 3.0L, if you notice, the horsepower on the IS is 10 hp less than the GS because of the restricted air intake / exhause / etc. I think that with a less restricitive intake / exhause, the fuel economy should be higher. It doesn't help that the tires are low profile either. BMW gives you the option of the Premium (All-season tires) or the Sport Package (high performance tires), but the mileage doesn't change. It could also be the gearing in the IS that is giving it the poor mileage - too low especially in the upper gears. I think they sacrificed 0-60 times for mileage.
I have had the pleasure of test driving the IS too. The IS is definitely louder on the low to mid range speeds than the BMW. It reminded of how the old E36 BMWs sounded like. Now, the E46s are too refined - you can't really hear the engine unless pushed. Brakes were great and handling was great. BMW steering is still the King though. Several things I didn't like was the prop rod in the engine bay, the interior and dash (too cheap for a Lexus), the clear covers on the rear, and the general overall construction that I expect from Lexus.
I felt that it was too sedate. I love to hear the engine, and in a car of this sort, I demand it. The first thing I'd do is replace the muffler.
As to the 3L engine -- yes, you are right. There will be an enormaous aftermarket for this car, and I imagine we'll be seeing 400-500 hp ISs running around in less than a year.
Having Z-rated tires are nice when it comes to cornering and handling. However, these tires are noisy and last about 25K miles. Be prepare to rotate your tires every 6 months of driving to keep them balance.
I prefer the Dunlop SP8000 tires for the Z-rated. It's very popular among Honda enthusiasts.
I took the printed statistics of dBA noise levels from the car magizines.
If the BMW 325I or 330I is quieter in the low to mid ranges as was suggested, why is the idle dBA 74 in the BMW vs. 70 in the Lexus and about 4 dBA higher at a steady 70mph?
As for the tires, you can swap out the standard 17" tires for 16" all season ones at no charge.
Yes, I know that you can swap the 17's for 16's at no charge, but in my humble opinion the IS with 16's looks naked and even cheap. Its amazing how just a simple switch in tires can change the appearance of this car. On the other hand, the 3-series with 16's looks awesome (no need to upgrade to 17's).
I have Z-rated Sumitomos on my turbo Corolla, and they're quiet, smooth-riding and sticky. Sumitomo is the sister brand to Dunlop (same manufacturer), and are indentical in everything except name and price (about 30% less). Check em out on Tire Racks' web site. I can certainly see why the Honda boys love the Dunlops -- they're great; the Sumis give you the same performance for a fraction of the price.
Remember, opinions are all subjective. I read another magazine that said the opposite - the IS was louder. Read up on Car & Driver Jan '01 Ten Best issue. It says that on idle the BMWis 41 dBA while the IS is 40, but while coasting or cruising at 70mph, the IS was 2 to 3 dBA higher. Like I said the Bimmer would come to life when pushed and sure enough, the magazine showed that the Bimmer was 75 dBA while the IS was 73. However, seeing the last couple of entries, a lot of noise comes from the tires, but if you just block out the tire noise and listen to the engine notes, I can tell the difference.
When I test drove the IS, I immediately noticed the difference in engine notes and the salesman confirmed my thoughts. He said that the IS targeted the 3-series and wanted to bring back the engine sound back. The 3-series has gotten a little soft, a little more upscale, a little bigger, and, of course, a little quiet - all in the name of pleasing some people. Look at all the grumblings about the 325's and 330's new steering feel. It's gotten soft but still precise - all in the name of easier parking. The IS may be better than the 3-series's steering now.
is considered sharper in every review I've read so far. I feel it is, too, based on my own back-to-back comparison of the two cars.
Remember, the basis of this car is the Altezza, which is a pretty radical little road-burner, and Lexus didn't feel they had (or wanted) to sand off all the edges -- they already have the ES for that. Accordingly, the car has a much more playful, immmediate and raucous personality than the BMW, which has become increasingly more refined (probably in response to the ES, which outsold it handily for about 8 years straight).
I read on Edmund's in the incentive and rebate section that there is a current fincance incentive of 6.6 % on the IS-300. Edmunds indicates that this incentive applies to Texas (as well as many other states). I called two Dealers in Dallas and they are unaware of this incentive. Is this incentive currently in effect?
I think it's hurting in sales too. Edmunds has reduced its TMV to just $1k over sticker (meaning $500k in real life). I think it's getting a bad rep for being kinda slow compared to its competitors.
Word on the street says a CL Type-S, Maxima SE, and even a Grand Prix GTP can take it pretty easily. A $25k Subaru WRX would kill it. If I'm paying $32k, I consider that "not good."
When is the 5-speed manual coming out? And more power? Anyone know?
Yeah, the IS300 isn't selling well. Actually, it isn't selling up to Lexus' initial expectations. When it came out, Lexus expected the IS300 to sell at a annual rate of about 25,000 units. Currently, the IS300 is selling at about a 18,000 unit annual clip.
Basically, Lexus has to proactively go searching for customers since it's still in the shadows of the BMW 3-series & Audi A4. Of course, one of the big reasons I feel IS300s aren't that great is because of the absence of a manual transmission. Of course that will be fixed this fall. One problem still remains: The IS300 is lacking features when considering its near $35K price. 2002 should see much better IS300 sales with added features, a 5-speed manual, & the SportCross version.
Right now though, is a great time to buy a IS300 for those who want a automatic equipped IS300.
I hear the 2002 Lexus IS will come with a flip up navigation screen, 18" rims and a stiffer sport suspension... is any of this true? I read this off of www.is300.net.
Ok guys, enlighten me. Every other manufacturer, in this segment, offers alloy wheels that are at least 16" x 7". The IS has the skinniest 16" wheels of them all. Is it possible to have the dealer install the 16" x 7.5" wheels available for the GS 300.
Comments
Thanks--
And of course NAV will be available.
Check out the latest issue of Road and Track and see what they say about it. (I'll give you a hint: they rated it number one, over the Merc, Bimmer and Volvo.)
I have been driving this car for almost 4 month.
I can tell you this much. No, it is not a toyota corolla with a lexus badge. It is a very well built sporty look car. The ride and performance is very impressive. Standard 6 disc CD changer and Xenon lights(cost about 2-3K for bimmer or mercede as optional equipment). For a car that is around 35K out the door fully loaded, you can't beat that(except if you like the look of the Acura CL or TL). The downside for this car would be it takes a lot of gas, but it is extremly fun
and has excellent performance. IF you are interested in learning more about IS300, you can
also check out www.is300.net.
I just got mine with the following options:
luxury leather trim, limited slip differential,
heated seats, moonroof,trunk mat, wheel locks
for 31,200 in the SF/SJ Bay Area
I guess its the new design theme...I hear the 2002 Acura TL type S will have clear tailights too.
Anyway...love the IS. I'm trying to sell my wife on it as her next vehicle.
I'm targeting $30,000 plus TTL. Purchase area will be in Houston, Texas. What do you guys think?
I'm intrigued by the lexus, if it went to all wheel drive though, because i suspect it might be more reliable than the audi (though i havent had any problems yet, knock on wood) As far as the beemer, I wont buy one on principle.
NO plans for AWD in the IS300s near future. Get a set of 4 16" snow tires and the IS300 would do pretty good in the snow.
and I'll give you the details.
No (duh) they are not comparable cars but it is very disappointing to think that the obviously intelligent folk as Lexus couldn't squeeze a few more MPG's out of this car.
In a more comparable arena, the BMW 330 has comaprable weight, HP and Torque but has EPA #'s of 19/27 vs the IS's 18/23 and the Bimmer is faster and roomier.
I'd rather have the reliability of a Lexus, but I just can't get over what seems to be a pretty inefficient powerplant application.
HiC
Can't figure that one out myself. The heavier GS300, which has the same engine also gets better EPA MPG numbers!!
The two cars are basically identical, size, handling, performance, build quality.
The Lexus we bought had a sticker of $34,160.
The BMW 325I, with the same equipment, $36,220.
The Lexus dealer was willing to negotiate on the price, not so much at BMW.
We felt the BMW was noisier during acceleration, and not quite as fast (both cars had the automatic transmission). It seems that the BMW is really meant to have the 5 speed. Remember it has 31 less HP and 43 lb ft less torque!
Advantages for the BMW:
Driver seat memory for the power seats
Head curtain airbags
Trip computer
Center armrest
36 month scheduled maintenance.
Advantages for the Lexus:
Automatic headlights
6 disc in-dash CD ($600 more for BMW trunk CD)
Security system (BMW dealer installed $450)
Lexus has a 6 year, 70K powertrain warranty.
Lexus quality reputation a bit better.
More quiet ride (lower DBA levels in tests).
I think anyone interested in this type of car, should drive both cars, I think if you do you'll see how similar they are.
But if you are anything like us, money does'nt come cheap, so I see no reason to pay about $4,000 more (actual buy prices) for the BMW.
I think BMW has finally met it's match!
Where did Lexus get my wife's name? Why not me? I'll probably get contacted by Kia! :-)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I have had the pleasure of test driving the IS too. The IS is definitely louder on the low to mid range speeds than the BMW. It reminded of how the old E36 BMWs sounded like. Now, the E46s are too refined - you can't really hear the engine unless pushed. Brakes were great and handling was great. BMW steering is still the King though. Several things I didn't like was the prop rod in the engine bay, the interior and dash (too cheap for a Lexus), the clear covers on the rear, and the general overall construction that I expect from Lexus.
As to the 3L engine -- yes, you are right. There will be an enormaous aftermarket for this car, and I imagine we'll be seeing 400-500 hp ISs running around in less than a year.
I prefer the Dunlop SP8000 tires for the Z-rated. It's very popular among Honda enthusiasts.
Expect to pay around $120 each.
If the BMW 325I or 330I is quieter in the low to mid ranges as was suggested, why is the idle dBA 74 in the BMW vs. 70 in the Lexus and about 4 dBA higher at a steady 70mph?
As for the tires, you can swap out the standard 17" tires for 16" all season ones at no charge.
When I test drove the IS, I immediately noticed the difference in engine notes and the salesman confirmed my thoughts. He said that the IS targeted the 3-series and wanted to bring back the engine sound back. The 3-series has gotten a little soft, a little more upscale, a little bigger, and, of course, a little quiet - all in the name of pleasing some people. Look at all the grumblings about the 325's and 330's new steering feel. It's gotten soft but still precise - all in the name of easier parking. The IS may be better than the 3-series's steering now.
Remember, the basis of this car is the Altezza, which is a pretty radical little road-burner, and Lexus didn't feel they had (or wanted) to sand off all the edges -- they already have the ES for that. Accordingly, the car has a much more playful, immmediate and raucous personality than the BMW, which has become increasingly more refined (probably in response to the ES, which outsold it handily for about 8 years straight).
Thanks!
Word on the street says a CL Type-S, Maxima SE, and even a Grand Prix GTP can take it pretty easily. A $25k Subaru WRX would kill it. If I'm paying $32k, I consider that "not good."
When is the 5-speed manual coming out? And more power? Anyone know?
Yeah, the IS300 isn't selling well. Actually, it isn't selling up to Lexus' initial expectations. When it came out, Lexus expected the IS300 to sell at a annual rate of about 25,000 units. Currently, the IS300 is selling at about a 18,000 unit annual clip.
Basically, Lexus has to proactively go searching for customers since it's still in the shadows of the BMW 3-series & Audi A4. Of course, one of the big reasons I feel IS300s aren't that great is because of the absence of a manual transmission. Of course that will be fixed this fall. One problem still remains: The IS300 is lacking features when considering its near $35K price. 2002 should see much better IS300 sales with added features, a 5-speed manual, & the SportCross version.
Right now though, is a great time to buy a IS300 for those who want a automatic equipped IS300.