Lexus IS 300

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Comments

  • pipesaezpipesaez Member Posts: 4
    Is it possible to build a 2004 5 speed with Navi? I've tried at Lexus.com but I never get the option.

    Also, does anybody know the money factor and residuals for the lease specials that lexus is promoting? If not, where can I get this kind of info.

    Thanks for the help.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    pipesaez... Guessin' the only way you'll get that lease info is from someone who actually leased one from the same subsidized lease program. Person would have to pay attention to all the numbers.

    Just ask a dealer if it can be ordered. Does the brochure or anything else you've seen indicate in writing that the 5-speed manual can't be had with navigation system? My '04 IS300 5-speed manual does not have it but I didn't want it. (Way too expensive for what little you get. I can use a map and a compass. And I like the storage space on the dash; it now has a lid.)
  • cc12359cc12359 Member Posts: 31
    Please advise. I am in LA area.
    I am getting a 2004 IS300 5 Speed Stick Shift.
    MSRP $32469
    Quote $28022+Tax,License

    Is that a good price or I should get a better price than this?

    Thanks
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,532
    Seems decent to me. What's the invoice on the car?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    cc12359... What other options does the car have? Hope it has LSD!
  • cc12359cc12359 Member Posts: 31
    Sport Edition Package
    LSD
    Spoiler
    Nets and Mats

    How's that?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    cc12359... Great options. Glad it has LSD. What is the "Sport Edition Package"? Thinking it comes with the 11-spoke wheels.
  • cc12359cc12359 Member Posts: 31
    http://www.lexus.com/models/is/5speed_sportdesign.html
    I am pretty much finish the deal.
    Anyone has any suggestion please?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,217
    If you are getting a brand new Lexus IS300 for $4400 off MSRP, then I don't think you need any suggestions.. Great job!!

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  • charliemikecharliemike Member Posts: 87
    Looking at Edmunds' ratings reports the IS300s back in '01 and '02 did not get the best reliability ratings mechanically from JD Power.

    Based upon experience here, are those ratings significant? Thanks! :)
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    charliemike... Consumer Reports has given it outstanding ratings. They look at more than just initial reliability.

    What Edmund's reliability rating are you talking about?

    I'm aware of CR, JD Powers, Intelichoice, and others.
  • jatdeejatdee Member Posts: 19
    Interesting the comment in C&D test re IS300: "Some considered it softly sprung and prone to body roll." In January 2001 comparison test C&D stated, re IS300, "Body roll is minimal, and the tires read the road with a bit more noise and ride harshness than you would expect in a Lexus." 2001 was an automatic and I have read elsewhere that the manuals have a slightly stiffer suspension. Does anyone know if there have been suspension changes from 2001 to 2004? Also, 2004 article complained of a slow throttle. I have not noticed this with my 2003 manual. Anyone else? Regarding C&D's 2004 conclusions, I like the TL, but would have a hard time putting it ahead of the IS because of the front wheel drive. 325i is a viable alternative to IS, but is more expensive and less reliable, plus "everyone" has one. G35? The larger size doesn't appeal to me, and my feeling is that it is less "sporting" than the IS, but it also is still a viable alternative for some.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    jatdee... Great post. Fully concur.

    The manuals are supposed to have a slightly different and more aggressive set up, but Lexus won't provide details.

    The new package for the manuals reportedly has a different, more "European" tuned suspension setting. Don't think Lexus has provided any details.

    Is said Lexus won't provide the necessary technical details. What are they changing, if anything? Springs? Shocks? Bushings? Anti-roll bars? Tires?

    Do keep in mind that any two cars of the same year, make and model can perform and handle differently. Unlikely to be huge, but can be noticeable to the experienced person.

    The electronic throttle resonse does feel different than what we are used to. Not just Lexus. Seen other reports from magazines discussing this issue for many marques and makes. Does seem like there is a bit of a lag. Feel this way with my wife's '03 automatic and my '04 manual.
  • jmessjmess Member Posts: 677
    On the is300 board I read a post sometime in 02 that listed the spring rates for the manual and e-shift cars. The manuals springs had a little higher rate/stiffness. I went back one time looking for the post and couldn't find it.

    IMHO the source of the comments about the suspension are mainly caused by the shock valving. being a little soft on compression/bump. This gives you a better ride but takes some of the edge off the car at the upper limits of the cornering envelop.
  • itsmeehkyleitsmeehkyle Member Posts: 21
    i got my car about 8 months ago and just recieved my 2nd ticket the other day .... ya better watch out ahahhaha that accelerator is tricky and make you wanna tap on it MORE!!!!!!!!!
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,620
    that was certainly enlightening.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Happened to run across the Sports Car International article (January 2002 issue) concerning the Lexus IS300 L Tuned and new 5-speed manual IS300. Loved the way they pointed out the insanity of the L-Tuned package. The program was barely promoted and ran for next to no time, as it "ends in December 2001, barely two months after starting". John McLaughlin, Toyota/Lexus National Accessory Manager, then discusses how the point was to prepare the way for the upcoming next development. Excerpt:

    "So when's the next party? 'We'll reintroduce the car in the Spring of 2002. Probably with a supercharger. We've got TRD working on one right now,' says McLaughlin. A TRD supercharged IS300 currently serves CART as a pace car, and if that installation is any yardstick, expect about 50 percent more power and torque (304 hp and 278 lb/ft) than the stock motor's. If you happen to miss the L-Tuned party this fall, start primping now for the next blast, come spring."

    And what ended up happening? NOTHING! The IS430 pipe dream?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    The above issue of SCI, 1/02, also has an article on the Team Lexus IS300 racing program. Discusses why it has a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission:

    "Wondering why this 'street stock' racer is allowed one more cog [gear] than the production car? At the time [Sports Touring Racer Chuck] Goldsborough started up the IS300 program, a manual transmission was not available in the U.S. It had not yet been decided whether the U.S. market would get a 5- or 6-speed, so Team Lexus went with six."

    And too bad Toyota/Lexus failed to go with the six in the production IS300!
  • jmessjmess Member Posts: 677
    I think one of the problems that may have stalled the factory blessing on the Supercharger was reliability concerns about the gearboxes under boost. You have to expect they will be abused by bad technique and/or irrational exuberance. The manual is probably the weak er of the two. I would bet that the long term reliability projections with the SuperCharger installed didn't look very good.
  • cc12359cc12359 Member Posts: 31
    I've got my ThunderCloud IS300!!!!
    This is my first car ever. Please advise how to break it in.
    Should I do some treatment on my leather?
    SHould I wax the car asap and which one is the best wax to use?
    Will lexus change my oil on the 1000 miles service? should I change the oil at that time?

    thanks
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    cc12359... Follow the owner's manual. Read it over carefully.

    Lexus doesn't change the oil at 1,000 miles. This is just an inspection. First oil change is at 5,000 miles. When I had my 5K service done recently, I ensured they used synthetic oil.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004 Survey is posted and ready for your input!
  • xbomberxbomber Member Posts: 12
    Just wondering what kind of milage all you IS300 owners are getting with your cars?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    24-26 mpg highway cruising at 74 mph. Not great, but not terrible. Could and should be better. The IS300 needs a numerically lower overdrive 5th gear. This car really should get 27-30 mpg on highway.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Check out the April 2004 issue, Annual Auto Issue.

    - Recommended purchased with highest reliability rating (only average satisfaction and depreciation ratings).

    - Tied (out of 15 cars) for Best '04 projected reliability in their Upscale Cars category (ties Infiniti I35).

    - Highest CR Safety Assessment in their Upscale and Large Sedans Category (18 cars).

    - Rated 3rd (out of 14) in their Upscale Sedan category--rated "Excellent, barely behind TL and 330i.

    - Rated better than average reliability in used cars, with '01, '02, and '03 IS300s all considered in their respective price categories.

    - Reliability ratings for '01 and '02 IS300 better than average. (Insufficient data for '03.)
  • cc12359cc12359 Member Posts: 31
    Can I have the link?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    cc12359... Just buy it at the newstand. That way you'll get all the data. Their web site is

    www.ConsumerReports.org

    I forgot to mention that CR even rated the IS300 "Very Good" for its "Family-friendly features score" and an overall "Excellent" for their "Best Cars for Kids" rating.
  • phaworthphaworth Member Posts: 20
    Anyone lease a lexus with the current factory lease rate of $399 month ? I have been looking for the ad but I cannot find one to read. If you know a place on the web where it is posted please me know.thanks.
  • fredmcmurrayfredmcmurray Member Posts: 215
    cc12359 - I don't CR let's you see their data on the web unless you subscribe to their service. Even the magazine subscribers can't see it unless they pay extra for the on line service.

    phaworth - sometimes www.lexus.com has details on special lease deals but often, it just says to see your dealer for details.
  • kcc455kcc455 Member Posts: 33
    Anyone in the Midwest get a good deal on a 2004 5-Speed? Prices and Dealership name would be appreciated.
    Thank You.
  • lalawmnlalawmn Member Posts: 2
    It's down to the IS300 and the BMW 325i, and I am leaning towards the Lexus-- I test drove both cards this weekend and loved them both. I preferred the styling of the Lexus and of course the price. When I went to price insurance-- the IS300 was $600 per year more than the Bimmer! WHY? THey say b/c it is a "performance vehicle." HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCE THIS?

    And combined with the annual maintenance, it's gonna cost a fortune. Is it worth it? The Bimmer MSRP=$33,520 and the Lexus=$33,255.
    HELP!!
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,217
    Only you can answer that question. Our 325i is pretty cheap to insure.. Only $75 more per year than the 4-cyl Accord it replaced.

    The Lexus has better acceleration, and is probably a little better equipped at the same price point. Actual selling price is probably lower for the Lexus as well.

    If you are leasing, the lease deals are really good on the BMW right now. That might make it cheaper monthly than the Lexus.

    I myself prefer the looks and the handling of the BMW, but thats just me. If the numbers worked out cheaper for the BMW including insurance and maintenance, that is definitely the way I would go.

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    lalawmn... Yes, my insurance went up, though not quite as much as yours did, when I traded in a '00 323ia for an '03 IS300. With same coverage and company, went from $363.52 to $534.95 (every 6 months), a $171.43 increase. This was a 47% increase.

    Do keep in mind that the first oil change is free. Too bad Lexus doesn't offer "free" maintenance like BMW and others. But as we all know, there is nothing "free".

    Don't price MSRP to MSRP. You have to negotiate price. Lexus dealers likely more willing to move on price and likely still offering good finance rates. (I got 3.64% for 60 months on my '04 IS300 in September 2003.) Despite trying to buy a new BMW from my local dealer about 6 times since 1997, I've never been able to. They either offered nothing in trade or stuck close to MSRP.

    Don't forget to adjust pricing for the better standard equipment in the IS300. Things like HID and metallic paint are standard on IS300 but VSC is optional. IS300 also can be had with optional LSD.

    Are you looking for manual or automatic transmission? LSD optional for both IS300s, but VSC only available for automatic.
  • lalawmnlalawmn Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the replies. I am getting an automatic transmission, and when I compare 325 to IS300, the IS300 will be about 1.8 grand less with similar equipment(I got some dealer quotes), but my insurance will be 1480 vs. 1050 for 6 months! Plus the maintenance thing. I hear the IS300 costs much more to maintain, and the depreciation value is greater, so I am in a bit of a quandry.

    How much should I expect maintenance to be the first few years? Why doesn't Lexus include this?

    And, gas mileage . . .

    Also, why are there so many Bimmers on the road? This is big reason I prefer the IS300 (and I look cuter in the IS300)!

    It seems like you save a couple of grand up front, but have to pay in the back end.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    lalawmn... How long do you expect to own the car?

    Are your dealer quotes taking into account the trade? How firm are the quotes? (They ain't firm if they ain't in writing.)

    Are you buying outright or financing? Have you compared Lexus Financial and BMW Financial rates? (Bet both can beat local banks and credit union, but thinking Lexus might have a lower financing rate than BMW.)

    You have to take into account all costs over the expected lifecycle of your ownership. And you really should time discount money (i.e., money spent today is worth more than money spent or lost 5 years from now).

    - Initial cost of car, taking into account any trade in
    - Cost of financing
    - Taxes, title, registration
    - Depreciation or future resale value
    - Insurance
    - Gasoline
    - Maintenance
    - Repairs

    Unless you drive 50,000 miles a year, gasoline cost is normally a very small percentage of overall ownership costs. (Both 325i and IS300 use premium fuel.)

    Depreciation is the most expensive cost, but the initial out of pocket expenses have the highest time value of money. If you own the car for more than say 7 years or 100,000 miles, then depreciation isn't much of a factor as the car won't be worth too much (in future dollars discounted back to today).

    Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura chose not to provide much "free" maintenance. BMW, MB, Jag, etc.--do likely because potential buyers worry about the costs in the first 50K or 4 years. The Japanese cars historically have less maintenance costs, though not sure the differential is that much. (You'd be surprised how many BMWs have brake work done in the first 50K. New rotors, etc.)

    Think Lincoln did for a while but cut back. Anyone know if Cadillac provides much "free" maintenance?
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    1. C&D, 3/02 issue: 40,000 miles

    Five schedule services. Zero unscheduled. Service cost $708. Normal wear cost $1,016 (mainly tires-at about 30,000 miles). Repairs equal $0. Gasoline cost $2,741 (at $1.54 per gallon). They observed 22 mpg overall.

    30,000 work most expensive. $326.

    2. R&T, April 2002 issue. 50,430 miles.

    Depreciation estimated at $3,196 plus high mileage deduction of $6,453. Gasoline cost $4,413 (2,335 gallons). Averaged 21.6 mpg. Routine maintenance cost $1,000. Other item: $586 for tires. Total cost per mile of $.31.

    3. Motor Trend, August 2002: 11,316 miles

    Averaged 17.5 mpg. No problem areas. No non-warranty costs.
  • hkyhky Member Posts: 71
    I just got a tiny chip on my is300 windshield, not sure whether it will fail inspection. I talked to a local shop which cost me around 200+ to replace it, but I'm afraid they may not offer the best fit. Anyhow, talking to dealership and they quoted me 700+. Have anyone tried to replace the shield with Lexus? Is it worth it?
  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    hky,

    Why don't you just get the crack filled by a professional auto window repair place?

    Try Novus.com or safelite.com.

    I recently had my windshield repaired by safelite.
    I had a small spider web crack in my windshield from a rock. After the repair you can still see some very fine cracks but the windshield will be smooth inside and out. And it only cost me $59.
  • hkyhky Member Posts: 71
    maxhonda99,

    The local shop declined to fill the chip since the chip is in the line of vision, they told me this is to avoid legal trouble later should the fix affect my vision and caused an accident.
  • hkyhky Member Posts: 71
    maxhonda99,

    The local shop declined to fill the chip since the chip is in the line of vision, they told me this is to avoid legal trouble later should the fix affect my vision and caused an accident.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    I read today that Lexus will show a new coupe concept at the NY Auto Show called the LF-C. (Lexus' press conference is April 8.) Since the only Lexus coupe that is coming out anytime soon is the next IS (in about one year), it's very possible this may be the coupe version of the next IS. There are drawings of the car on many internet sites.
  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    hky,

    Did you check with the shop if the $200 windhield is a Toyota window?

    Also, if you get one from safelite or other big companies they may offer satisfaction/quality guarantees against warpage, creases in the glass.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    The car connection is the image I was referring to. That's the only one I've seen.
  • sortersorter Member Posts: 146
    I think they are out this fall.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    The new IS will not go on sale until after the new GS. Since the GS will be in dealers in very early 2005, the IS is expected sometime between spring 2005 and fall 2005. Dealers have also been told this.
  • hkyhky Member Posts: 71
    maxhonda99,

    I called safelite and they come by and fixed the chip - no need for replacement, excellent service! Thanks for your advice.
  • maxhonda99maxhonda99 Member Posts: 1,289
    hky,

    Did they say your car would pass inspection even with the chip in the line of vision?
  • littlelexlittlelex Member Posts: 1
    I live in Washington, DC and my insurance and maintenance are expensive. I look at it as a cost of driving the car, I have a 2001. My insurance is $1600+ a year w/ GEICO and per the sign posted at the Lexus dealer my first check-up at 30,000 miles is $575. Other than that I have not had any problems with the car, just the replacement of a couple of bulbs which were covered under warranty.
  • pjj14pjj14 Member Posts: 13
    After test driving almost all of the cars in the sport sedan/near luxury class on several different occasions, I have finally narrowed my choices to the 5-speed Lexus IS 300 and the 6-speed Acura TSX. As such, I would appreciate any feedback or information board members may have regarding their experiences with either of these cars.

    Though Washington D.C. winters are not normally that bad, I am most concerned about the Lexus's RWD. Thus, any experiences with the IS 300 in the ice and/or snow would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
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