Lexus IS 300

phatnastycat

I have seen a $399 and $389 deal being advertised in Atlanta.

silverlex

If you're shopping in Atlanta, I can recommend a great dealer and Salesman whom I had a very good experience with. Just send an email to the address in my profile.

glenster

He is the Fleet Manager at a very large Lexus dealership in California!
E-Mail me for more info...

phatnastycat

I am waiting until September, when the lease on my current vehicle terms, before I make a move. My biggest concern is that I may face tough negotiations because of the demand that may exist for the 2002. So I may need some dealer names outside of Atlanta to get the best deal on a 3 year lease. I am strongly considering the IS300 manual. The dealer I work with in Atlanta already has asked me if I want to put my name on a waiting list and put down a deposit.
I would if I knew I was 100% sure I want a manual and if there was more info available on options and colors for 2002.
Any thoughts from the gallery?

silverlex

Have you visited IS300.net?

This is from their front page:
=========================
Here's the word on color choices for 2002. Imperial Jade Mica will be replaced by Electric Green. Diamond White Pearl will be replaced by Crystal White (sounds like a much righter white than the DIP). Spectra Blue Mica will be replaced by a new unnamed dark blue (What!?!). Auburn Sky will be replaced by Absolutely Red. And a new color called Vintage Gold will be offered as well.
Also, ivory cloth will be offered in addition to black. The LA option is gone (contrasting piping, wood plates, two tone dash). The wood switch plates will be a separate option.
=======================

There's also been many discussions on technical specs. Search their general forums for more about that, although it seems nothing is in stone just yet.

Hope that helps.

frank2917

Any one know any dealer in Bay Area can sell IS300 close to TMV?
How much did you pay in Bay Area?
Thanks for the info.

pexpl

Do toyota expect a sporty minded car would be a intrest for people in the mid 30's to 50's. i don't think the car has any chance in competeing with audi wagon, C wagon, 3 wagon or the V70 wagon.

pexpl

I will love to see how well, Lexus could do against the big 3 G's
esp. the new heat up sport sedan race...
Pls. Toyota do something for the IS so it can pump up to its rival instead of thinking a wagon that won't work!

In addition if BMW is bringing in 320i, y isn't Lexus putting the IS200 to North America, in my opinion IS 200 would boast the Is sales dramatically.

jaslay

I'm looking into the compact sport sedan market, and so I did alittle test drive comparison of my own yesterday between a Lexus IS300 (loaded at $35,000) and a BMW 325i (optioned to the price of $35,000 with leather, sunroof, xenon, cd, premium, but no sport package). Here are my observances:

Second Place: BMW 325i
I went into this car search thinking that the BMW was the better car and that the Lexus was just a Japanese imitation. But, I was surprised at how much better the IS300 drove compared to the 325i. I really tore into both of them and the BMW couldn't hold on as well as the IS300(granted the 325i did not have the sport package). Also, the e-shifting in the BMW had a mind of its own in the manual mode. I would shift it down, and it would delay for a few seconds until it thought it was the right time to shift. I thought the BMW was roomier, and I liked its tasteful styling of the interior better, but I think the Lexus has outdone it in driving. Though it looks better driving it, the car feels alittle sloppier than the IS.

First Place: Lexus IS300
Surprise, surprise...I think that I like the IS300 better. It's a better deal, and it drives better. The braking and steering were sharper and more crisp than the IS300. Warranty is better, customer service is better. Downsides? Well a few, although the interior styling is unique...I find it slightly tacky (also the gauges get sometimes confusing to read the way the numbers are set up, several times I was going 60 thinking I was going 40mph). The interior is also very tight! I'm 6ft 3in and the car was snug around me. Trunk space is enough for only a few suitcases. But, overall the Lexus has out-smarted the Germans by offering a better product at a lower cost. All the IS's responses are tighter and more focused. Just hope the buying public can embrace the car!

gtsugran

I test drove the IS300 and BMW 323i last September at Edmunds.com live event in Englishtown, NJ (Thank you edmunds.com I hope you repeat the event this year). Both had automatic transmissions. I was also quite impressed with the braking and handling of the IS300. I also felt that emergency maneuvers with the IS300 were easier to make. In fact, consumer reports rated the IS300 a little better on this attribute. (I realize the 325i is the current model and I will test drive it later this week.)

The experience I had with the IS300 at the Edmunds.com event made a lasting impression on me that changed my early opinion of the IS300. I am considering several vehicles such as the IS300, Acura TL-S, Linclon LS, and Volvo S60 T5. I have test driven all of these except the TL-S although I did test drive the CL-S.

The acceleration of the CL-S was great however I like brakes that can get me out of trouble as quickly as a powerful engine can get me into trouble and I thought the CL-s braking was not as good as the others. The automatic transmission was very good, however I prefer a manual transmission and I hear rumors that the TL-S may get one later this year.

The Lincoln LS was just too big a car for me and I didn't feel it was agile enough. It was also a little slow off the line until the engine revved up. Braking was adequate.

The Volvo S60 T5 driver seat was soooo comfortable. The T5 had strong, but touchy brakes. Acceleration with the manual was great. Visibility out the rear windshield was not as good as I would like. Handling is not as good as that found in the BMW or the IS300.

I am looking forward to the 2002 model IS300 with the manual transmission and electronic stability control system. I live in the Northeast and I am hoping this will minimize problems in snowy conditions. I hope the interior is made more attractive and that split folding rear seats become an option. The IS300 is currently one of my top choices.

hismercy

I just picked up my IS 300 on last Thursday. Any helpful hints or suggestions for a new owner? I love it so far and am very impressed with it taut body and sleek interior. I have yet to really drive trying to respect the first 1,000 miles of easy going driving. I may take it out of town Memorial Day weekend but there are so many features and options, I feel I need to read the manual in full before putting it on the road. I'm proud to be an IS 300 driver.

conan126

Does anybody have an idea what the price will be for the 2002 manual, or where one can get the information. I plan on ordering 2002 in the next couple of weeks, and I am assuming the manual could be cheaper than the automatic (that of course is comparing the BMW 325 manual vs. automatic). I don't expect Lexus to raise the base price too much due to their lack of projected sales plus the fact that the Yen is low. Any thoughts.

silverlex

Don't expect it to be too off from the current pricing since it's going to have a few more goodies the 2001 doesn't, and of course they won't be willing to let it go for what they're giving away the 2001s at right now, at least for the first 6 months. Throw in the navi and it'll add up quick.

silverlex

You should check out the message boards on IS300.net. You won't find a better place on the web to keep up with all the news/updates on the IS. And it's a great place to talk to other IS owners.

Congrats on your new ride.

tjbruni

I live in San Antonio and my dealer is unwilling to budge on the price of these cars at all. I have been trying for the last two months to negotiate a price, but they are only willing to give about $500 off retail. If anyone knows a dealership in Texas that is willing to negotiate the leases that have been mentioned in these threads or is willing to sell around invoice please let me know. Thanks.

whitesurver

Please help. I live on the east coast and love to snowboard. I would appreciate it if someone would let me know how the IS300 deals with snow. Thanks.

robertr

I am concerned about this, too. There is a column in the current(May or June)newstand issue of CAR & DRIVER by columnist Patrick Bedard. He says their long-term test IS300 is undriveable in Detroit/Ann Arbor area winters with the RWD and performance tires. Since I need all season driveability and have a strong dislike for the inconvenience of switching tires seasonally and having to drive on snow tires on dry days between snowstorms this consideration may unfortunately remove the IS300 from my shopping list. I plan to test drive a manual (if available)IS300 on a bad day next winter to be sure.

shellz

I too am wondering how the IS will handle in inclement weather, not so much in snow, but in rain, as we get a lot of rain where I am. I think our local dealer recognize this and equipped most of the cars on their lot with the 16" wheels with all season tires. Should that keep the car from sliding? Also, the sales person was completely *ignore* about the car, so would the Torsen Differential help in inclement weather too, especially in emergency handling? The rest of the cars I drive are FWD and I'm a little weary about the RWD driveability.

raybear

You're kidding me, right? Even the Bay Area in California has better deals than that!

silverlex

Can't stress this enough. Read the general discussion forum on IS300.net for answers to the question about the IS in snow. Just do a search for "snow" in the search engine. You'll have more answers than you can read in one sitting.

To summarize the hundreds of posts about it, if if you put on the right tire, it handles very well. But it won't go 2 inches in snow with the stock 17"s on.

corduroygt

Here is drivetrain-tire configurations ranked from best to worst in snow:
AWD-snow tires
FWD-snow tires
AWD-all season tires
RWD-snow tires
FWD-all season tires
RWD-sll season tires
AWD-performance tires
FWD-performance tires
RWD-performance tires

anything worse than FWD-all season tires is unsafe in my opinion

fuzzo

When shopping for a new car, did anyone reseach other options like the C-class and the BMW 3series. I saw 2 posts about the 3 series but i didn't see anything on the C-class. Did anyone research this car?

Can you tell me what made you go with the lexus?

Thanks in advance

pat

may be interested in joining a new discussion on our Sedans Comparison Board at this link: MB C-class vs BMW 3 series vs Lexus IS300

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards

jkmfromla

Just bought a 2001 IS300 on 5/26. The first dealer I visited (South Bay Lexus in Torrance) offered the leather package and moonroof for $31,294. I felt this was too high and countered at a lower number, but instead of negotiating, he started ranting about how the invoice prices provided by Edmunds, Carpoint, Blue Book, etc. are all incorrect. After he was done, I left and called a couple of dealers and told them I wanted it for $30,750. Two said no, but one said he could do it, but he didn't have the color I wanted. Long story short, I ended up getting a fully loaded (luxury package, moon roof, heated seats, and differential) one from Lexus Santa Monica for $31,500 + tax and license. Maybe I could've gotten a better deal, but it was so painless. I went to the dealer, filled the forms, wrote a check and was done. It was $3,500 below MSRP.

gtfay01

Hey Everyone,
I'm selling my 94 RX7 with 42k miles in order to buy a sedan and I'm really attracted to the IS300.
There is a dealer near me that has the 2001 for $27k or $269 lease for 40 months with $2k down.
I've read some of the other posts and this price just seems too great.
Anyone care to share in regards to driving experience?
The twin turbo RX7 is incredible and I don't want to find myself falling asleep in traffic if I buy the IS300. I've never owned an automatic before and all of my cars have been sportscars (the previous was a 944 turbo).
Anyone care to share?

rdllarena

Going from a high performance coupe to a sports sedan is quite a leap! You will find the IS is roomier but heavier than what you are used to. Also, take the car out on the same routes that you would in your RX. That's the best way to judge if the car is for you.

Finally, if you do snag an IS at that price PLEASE tell me how. at $27K I would buy one! Still sitting on the fence because of price.

Thanks!

fxashun

budman7

JUST LEASED THE BASE MODEL $1400.00 DOWN INC. INCEPT/ BANK FEE/ 1ST PAY. 39 MONTH LEASE $350.00 PER MONTH TAX INCLUDED. HOPE MY SON ENJOYS IT BUT IT IS BETTER THEN THE VETTE HE WANTED. PURCHASED FROM JM LEXUS MARGATE FL.

ladybugnova

Morning, all.

I tried to "build my own" on the Lexus site, and all weather performance is important to me; thus, I wanted the 16 inch all season tires and the limited slip differential option. No can do, according to lexus.com. Is this correct? Doesn't make a lot of sense if so--to only be able to get the LSD with the 17 inch summer performance tires--just might have to buy that S4 if it is true! Help.

Also, any comments on the veracity of reports that the 2002 IS300 will have electronic stability control? Is this just a rumor? Also, can anyone explain the difference between the LSD, ESP, and AWD? Having AWD in my 325xi (great car, but wish it could hustle to 60 a little faster than 8.8 seconds!) has frightened my off RWD a little.

I will cross-post this on IS300.net.

Thanks in advance,

LBnova

maril555

Hi everybody!Looking for a lease on a 2001 IS 300 in PA,NJ,NY area.Have been quoted today (national ad)$399.00 for 39 m.w/$2400 due to signing-I think it's too much.According to Edmunds TMV you can get it for $200 BELOW INVOICE.Please,share your experience.

sarny

I don't see how you can say that the lease deal of only $2400 down and $339 a month for 39 months is too much. If you go to www.leasecompare.com and punch in some numbers for an out the door price of $31,000 with $2400 down, you get a price between $477 and $575 a month with the money factor being the difference in price. These nationally advertised lease deals are usually the best you can get.

pat

Hi friends,

Catherine Heins is looking for people to interview who have switched from American to Japanese cars in the past few years-- especially folks who wouldn't have given a Toyota or Honda the time of day in the 1970s.

She's a business reporter at the Yomiuri Shimbun, which is the biggest daily paper in Japan with a circulation of 14 million. They are writing a feature story about Japanese automakers' continuing success in expanding production in the U.S. and snatching market share from the Big Three even on their former home turf of light trucks.

If you fit this description and are willing to be interviewed, please call her directly at 212-582-5827 or e-mail her at catheins@yahoo.com. As always, you can contact me at jfallon@edmunds.com if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

zsprelude

Where do you live? I am considering purchasing a used RX7. Have you already sold yours?

michael22206

Hi -- just wanted to see if anyone had a DC area dealer to suggest using, and if anyone had found a really good price (i.e., significantly below MSRP). Thanks for any help.

raybear

Dealers seem to be quite aggressive in their pricing, well below MSRP. but most still over invoice. I can't give you a price on your area of the country but there are a lot of good deals out there.

fuzzo

I have seen some decent deals on the washington post... but i'm not sure if that's what you are looking for.

Have you tried pohanka lexus in Chantilly. They will usually work with you if you negotiate enough... you might want to give them a shot.

vino1

I live in Fl and your deal sounds great, can you post more particulars ie milage per yr, who you dealt with and was it a new or demo. thanks for your help in advance

sunshine60105

Hi,
Could anyone tell me anything about the IS 300,or is it too new to know anything yet..... Anything you could tell me would be greatly appreciated. Is there lots of repair? Is it a reliable car? E.t.c.
Thanks,
sunshine60105

hismercy

So you're saying that with 17s and summer tires, I need to park it this winter and take the metro because it won't carry me in the snow? Or I'll have to switch to 16 or 17 snow tires or all season? Of course the car would come out during good weather and no one knows about the snow. I used to drive a benz 190 with rear wheel drive and it was terrible in rain even. At some point, better tires made it handle better. I will admit, when I buy cars, I just do it, not taking into count all of what matters all year round.

dhkim

I am not able to see your profile. Could you please send me information on Lexus dealer/sales person recommendation in Atlanta area.
Thanks in advance!

vwgator1

I was in a Lexus dealership today and saw an IS300 demo complete with a spoiler, what appeared to be chromed wheels, and to be installed, the buyer's choice of either an accent stripe or gold logos. The sales manager called it a "performance package" priced at somewhere around $3500, I don't recall exactly. Unless something else is included that seems high. None of the pricing services list such a package, or even a spoiler option which looks very attractive. Can anyone enlighten me as to what this package is and how to value it? I was just tire kicking, but this car looks great and at the right price should be mine.

roninjouten

Are designed for one thing: profit. I test drove an IS300 yesterday. It carried an MSRP of 34,194. The dealership gives an automatic $2500 discount on that model car, thus their profit (without holdback) would be about $1700. BUT, the dealership had added a $700 spoiler (700 for plastic? lol) and new wheels ($700 more). Total cost for the dealer on those two things couldn't have been more than $500, so the dealership was bilking customers for $2600 in profit off the IS. Rather low behavior, IMHO.

I can go to Carsdirect and get an IS300 for 3500 off MSRP and still get Lexus financing. Why bother with the dealer on an IS?

Doesn't matter though as I found the car nice, but too tepid for my tastes. Not much in the way of road feel, barely adequate engine, no 5 speed and the steering was heavy and numb. Makes me mad as the current lease rates are good and the car is gorgeous.

mvs1

As stated above dealer packages are mainly used for profit purposes similar to the scotch guarding, under carriage sealants, etc.. The IS300 isn't selling up to Lexus expectations and thus the heavy discounts and special subvented lease. Gold packages and wood packages generally run around $500-650 at dealers, actual cost around $125. Chrome wheels are a $1700 add on/Lexus option, local tire shop could have your factory wheels chromed for about $100 per/wheel. Spoiler I'm guessing but probably around $150-300 painted and mounted.

blacklexus

I have recently purchased a 2001 IS. The car is great. Although, I have a question about the transmission. It seems the only way I can get the transmission to shift into 1st(low) gear is to set the gear selector into L myself. I spoke with the service department at the dealership where I purchased it and was told the transmission was functioning correctly. I remember reading about a software fix for the transmission in this topic. I asked the dealer about that and was told that fix was for models manufactured prior to mine. Any information related to the shift function of the transmission would be appreciated. Also, is there a fix/upgrade which will allow the transmission to shift into 1st (low) when the transmission selector is in M?

uofmiami

In M mode, E-shift, Lexus doesn't allow one to go into 1st gear. You will have to gate shift the car into L, as you have done. For whatever reason Lexus decided against allowing one to go into 1st in M mode, makes no sense to me, but I had to deal with it on my GS400.

vwgator1

To you two guys who helped me understand dealer packages, thank for your help. Now let me pose another question, this time regarding demos. Assume that the current supply/demand relationship would indicate that the IS300 could be bought somewhere around invoice, how much further would you discount the value of a demo from invoice price if it has, say 4000 miles on it which would obviously be lost to the buyer on the factory warranty, but would not count against the mileage or the months on a lease? Assume also that the car appears to be in pristine shape.

hvan3

A demo with 4000 miles on it, I would knock off an additional $3K (10%) off from invoice.

silverlex

Yeah, unless you strap on the 16"s or throw some good snow tires on the 17"s, you won't make it out the driveway.

Owners in the snow regions that post on IS300.net say they've had some good success with snow tires. You could probably find their suggested tires on some of their posts. Just do a search for "snow tires"

taliadamore

I just purchased a demo IS 300 that had about 3500 miles on it. They knocked off a great deal of money, bought I also traded my car in for it. And we purchsed the car. We just had to keep negotiating them, because it is in fact a reduction of warrenty on your part, but the car is great!

wongro

Anybody knows if IS 300 need the initial break-in mileage?