Lexus IS 300

145791057

Comments

  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    Fortunately, I didn't buy the IS300 for the gas mileage and yes: it's bad. Oh, and watch the tire pressure. I have found that when the owner's manual says to check the tires every two weeks, its not kidding. They get low. That affects the mileage. I have a little electric pump I keep in the trunk. It runs off the lighter socket. Works great, except you can't trust the gauge on it and must use another one to be sure you have the right pressure. Will come in handy if I ever need to use the spare. (Lord knows it will need some air.)
  • lhn5lhn5 Member Posts: 37
    What brand is the pump? Where can you get it, and what price range? Does it fit in the IS trunk?
  • syellownsxsyellownsx Member Posts: 16
    Could it be because it's an inline rather than a "V" 6? Or the iron block? I can't understand it either. I was sort of hesitant on the IS because of the poor MPG and having to drive a total of 50 miles to and from work, but the other car in mind, the CL-S, just didn't appeal to me except for the engine numbers. Gas on Maui is currently $2.35 a gallon for 92.
  • lhn5lhn5 Member Posts: 37
    Found that pump, and bought it. What psi do you use for filling? It goes from 0 to 250. Do you use the 34 or so you want the tire to be at?
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    Glad you found the little pump (it really is small). I would have had to ask my Dad what he paid for it. (It was a birthday gift.) I use a hand-held digital tire pressure gauge as the one on the pump is not accurate. The instructions note that for tires you should use a separate gauge. I filled the tires to 33 lbs per the owner's manual, but when I took the car in for the first service this weekend, they filled them to 32 lbs.
    My only gripe with the little pump is that it is too light to sit still while it's running and tends to move around a bit like those table football players on the electric field. In addition, I wonder how much gas I'm burning while I mess with the tires. You have to leave the engine running when the pump is engaged. Nevertheless, it is a handy gadget.
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    I am hoping the mileage will get a little better once I've completely broken the engine in. (Well, hope does spring eternal.) In the meantime, smile, they're paying $4+ a gallon for regular in Germany right now. (I actually saw a Texaco station here with super for $1.99. With everyone else in this area at about $1.79 to $1.87, I don't know how they are selling any.)
  • cole01cole01 Member Posts: 29
    Picked up a nose mask today from the Lexus dealer. I was already getting a couple of chips on the hood. The parts guy said Lexus just came out in the past week with some aftermarket parts for the car. Might want to check it out......
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Cole01
    I have used a nose mask on my last 4 cars for any driving out of town, I believe it has save me a lot of chips. Just remember to take it off frequently to clean out any dust and dirt that may build up behind, keep the inside of the mask surgically clean so that dirt isn't rubbed into your paint making scratches, and don't use it in the rain.
  • syellownsxsyellownsx Member Posts: 16
    I think 30-35 is what the dealer had mine set at. I now have them set at 45psi. I don't like how the tires look with a low psi. Also in order to promote tire life, isn't a high psi better? The ride is harsh, but I'm used to that from my Prelude.

    Went to fill up yesterday, 92 octane is now $2.39. Just shook my head and filled up with 89. I alternate between the two, and NEVER with 87. Is that okay to do??
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    The IS300 has 10:5:1 compression, thats as big a piston as I had on a 350CI smallblock Chevrolet V8 in the '69 SS/RS Camaro I bought new that year.
    Big pistons mean more power but drawback is they use more gas. One of the minuses for being able to go 144 mph. Im looking at this car too, and in Northern Calif, its selling at 34.600 + options that run it up to around 38+ out the door. Its starting to be a choice between it and a 330I...
    I like the post about using the claybar, been using one for years on my cars and it really gets all the dirt out of the paint that is sticking in it. What we want is a smooth to the touch finish. Combine that with a good quality wax that doesnt dull the smooth finish, and you have absolutely an incredibly reflective finish that just glows...Ill look up the Zaino product, around here, we have a really good one called Carbuf (Carbuf.com) and is absolutely the best Ive seen in years, way better than any Meguiars or Zymol, althought Zymol gives a superior shine, it just doesnt last long enough.
    DanF
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    syellownsx, I hope the tire rating on your tires is at least 10 psi higher than the 45 psi your running. I know they are probably Z rated and all, but thats pretty high and I might be worried if the rating on the side says something like 50 because tires heat up a few psi when run awhile.
    Do you have a yellow nsx?
    DanF
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    Ive only had a couple of Japanese cars now, and believe that octane rating is high so the can run a more advanced timing program, which equals to more performance and better mileage. I hope the knock sensors work and probably only thing that will happen is you may get reduced performance from lower octane gas. You are right about not wanting to put in 87, thats too low and you may hear the pinging/knocking from engine and that is not a sound you ever want to hear.
    Good luck here in Sacramento, 92Octane is 2.07 at Chevron, the cheapest place around for name brands
    Ive been putting 92 Octane in a Integra GS for a few years, so I know the feeling, however it gets consistent 30mpg so its not too bad. If I can ever decide, I may join the ranks of all you smiling people with the IS300.. DanF
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    Ok last post and Im going to bed, did you want to know about spoilers? My Lexus of Sacto puts on the GS spoiler wing for too much money, RodMillen Motorsports of Huntington Beach, CA, sells a really nice lip spoiler that goes on the edge of the deck lid and follows the body line on the side of the car rather nicely, for around 300, painted the color of your car. If/when I get an IS300, I plan on trying to talk the Lexus people on installing it for me. This Millen guy makes a lot of hi-performance parts for all the Lexus line that will probably make them run alot better and hopefully get better mileage too.. night night. DanF
  • b4catsb4cats Member Posts: 5
    I am looking at buying the IS300 within the next couple of weeks. What kind of prices has anyone been able to negotiate recently for a loading IS300? I am trying to find out what a good price range to purchase this car would be. Any pricing information would be helpful. I live in Kentucky incase anyone around this state has bought an IS300 recently.
    b4cats
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    Seattle car show Friday night. I was a little disappointed that BMW didn't bring the Z8 (we know it's over there in Bellevue, WA). It would have been nice to see it. However, after reviewing all the cars and prices I came away happy that I bought an IS300. Didn't see anything else I wanted/liked and could afford.
  • investormbinvestormb Member Posts: 13
    I was able to negotiate $2000+ off sticker for a fully loaded without much haggling. If they have several cars on the lot, I feel confident you should get a discount. Aim for a % over invoice. Lexus starts out with a markup of about 15%, while others like BMW have about a 7-8% markup. A local one-price dealer sells Acuras, GMs, Hondas, Lincolns, and Subarus for about 2.5-4% over invoice. So use that as a guide. Even with my discount, I paid a pretty high % over invoice compared to other cars. So Lexus has lots of room to wiggle - keep that in mind. Calculate invoice and then sticker and aim to split the difference. They won't budge as much if they are in tight supply. Tell them that "the BMW 330 I'm looking at only has a 7.5% markup and they are willing to deal. Surely you can" It worked for me.
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    And don't forget there's about a $600 dealer holdback too. In other words, they make $600 even if they sell it to you at invoice. (Never happen, but nice thought.)
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Tire Pressure
    45 PSI is a little high. Tires can also be damaged by over-inflation. They will wear in the center, and can break internally from impacting potholes, etc. Better to run in the mid-30's unless they are designed for it.

    Gas Octane
    The new cars have computer controlled timing, and will not ping or knock even with low octane gas. They will, however run with severely retarded timing resulting a poor performance and poor gas milege.

    By the way, the compression ratio has nothing to do with the size of the pistons, it is the ratio of maximum volume of the cylinder to the minimum volume. Higher compression does usually mean more power, but requires higher octane gas to work.
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    There are waiting lists for IS300 here, dealer is starting at MSRP of 34,600 and going up from there. After a sunroof, leather, etc., its close to 38+ out the door, right at 325I territory. Makes me crazy. Where did you find anyone that would knock off 2K to start? No one that I can find in Northern Calif or Southern Calif is dealing at all, any ideas? Im asking if anyone has looked at the RodMillen.com website at the RMM lip spoiler for the IS300? They finally got a pic of it from the back, its under Wheels and Tires (I dont know why) under Enkei/Nitto or something like that. This little spoiler looks great and only 300 or so and Lexus can install it. No LED either, so thats even easier to do.. If I can ever find a good deal on an IS300, Im going to try one out.
    Anybody tell me about your mileage now? Getting better? Thanks ! DanF
    Regarding compression ratio, piston size, was thinking of those big dogs that were in my 350ci. In my experience with american cars, the bigger compression motors always had big and bigger pistons, thats all I know about it. Thanks for setting it straight.
  • syellownsxsyellownsx Member Posts: 16
    I believe the tire has a max of 53psi.

    No, I don't have a yellow NSX. That and the Ferrari 550, in Fly Yellow, of course, are my dream cars! :p
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    Hey, I have seen a few yellow cars and it definitely catches your eye!!
    Glad to hear that those tires are rated that high. I dont have any experience with "17 rims yet, so I have to learn. Im going to try a Lexus dealer in a smaller town south of here about 1 hr or so and see if they may be closer to reality on the IS300.
    Was reading posts last night from the S2000 site, some of those people paid like 41$ for their car! Holy Markup!!
    DanF
  • investormbinvestormb Member Posts: 13
    In the Arkansas/Oklahoma area there is not waiting list and at least $2K off is easily doable.
    stokdgs: Are you saying that in Sacramento, theya are charging over MSRP? The MSRP of mine loaded with everything including spoiler and tint was about $35,800 or so. Just curios how you got the $38+ figure. Even if it is about as much as a 325, the IS is still a much better buy IMO. But, by my calculations, if you spec out a 325 exactly like a IS (including HID lamps, 17" wheels, etc), the 325 will be much more.

    Mileage: I am on my 4th tank of gas and gas mileage has improved everytime. Started at about 17 and change and last one I got 20 in the city with lots of stop and go and hills.
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    I've been checking out an IS300 site where some guys are talking about super charging and turbo charging the IS300.....320hp! Wow!
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    That's encouraging about the mileage. Only have 640 miles on mine and am looking forward to a little relief!
  • xconn92xconn92 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone else found the driver's seat in the IS 300 extremely uncomfortable, especially just above the belt line on your lower back and around your shoulder blades? Any suggestions for a cure for the hard seat?
  • cole01cole01 Member Posts: 29
    Got about $2600 off msrp on IS300 in Florida. Also added spoiler and tint on mine also. Just added nose bra and it looks pretty sharp. Would not want to be looking for one in Calif. though......
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    Lexus of Sacramento wants 34600 MSRP, add 2K or so for sunroof, leather, tax of 2700 and there you are, and no tint, spoiler, which is prob another 1000 or so? I have family in Texas, maybe wait until Dec and "mosey on down thar" and check out Texas and Oklahoma? Cant believe the deal that is going on in Florida! Wish I lived closer.. Glad to hear the mileage is getting better, probably pretty hard to keep the foot out of it huh? What did you all think of the MPG gauge? Is that just a fancy way of making a vacuumn gauge? I never see these cars on the street here so they are going somewhere, and they have lots of buyers waiting in line, make you put a 1000 deposit just for the privilige of waiting for one. Thanks for the feedback. Im still waiting... DanF
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Uhhh... 45 PSI Is almost dangerous!

    It's important to go with the FACTORY reccommended settings. It's also CRUCIAL to check them COLD! I.E. After the vehicle has sat overnight ideally.

    Higher Pressures will cause the tire to wear down the middle. You'll also get much faster tire wear, poorer wet traction, and possibly unpredictable emergency handling. Also, Grossly overinflated tires are a lot more susceptible to damage from impacts with potholes and the like. In Short, it's a bad idea!

    Bill in Orlando
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Lexus will offer a turbo kit for the IS300 through their L-Tuned line of performance products. If it is installed by a Lexus Dealership, from what Lexus tells us, the factory warranty will not be affected. However, don't quote me on that! :)

    However, a word on that...

    The suspension and exhaust parts are covered as well, IF installed by a Lexus dealer. We did have a customer purchase the suspension kit from us for his GS400, but found that A chain tire shop would install it for a few hundred dollars less. A piece of the rear suspension on that same car came apart and I believe that it ended up being totalled. I also know of a few other cars that have been damaged by improperly installed L-Tuned or aftermarket parts (Generally GSs and IS300s). One I know of had frame damage from an improperly installed front shock tower brace for example... Not good!

    So pick your installer carefully!

    Bill
  • investormbinvestormb Member Posts: 13
    The MSRP of 34600 was only slightly lower than my MSRP with every option - including leather and sunroof. I thought that sticker prices were the same everywhere. For example, if you look at Edmunds pricing, it will show you that a loaded IS with destination should be about 35 or so. I'm not sure why the prices in Sacramento are so much higher for MSRP.
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    The Base MSRP of an IS300 increased by $305 to $30,805 from $30,500 recntly. That was after a recent $50 increase in the destination charge from Lexus to $545 from $495.

    So a Vehicle with Leather/Escaine, Moonroof, Wheel Locks and Trunk mat that was $33,805 is now $34,160.

    We recently dealer exchanged a couple of Yellow cars from dealers in Jacksonville, FL and Mobile, AL where the Yellow cars do not sell well. They were still $33,805 cars. They sold before the $34,160 cars that we got in in our normal allocation from Lexus!

    It also helps determine the age of the unit..

    Bill
  • syellownsxsyellownsx Member Posts: 16
    ONCE in a great while, I notice that the lumbar is sticking way out. I usually adjust the back of the seat, moving it up towards the steering wheel.
  • investormbinvestormb Member Posts: 13
    Besides Scotch Guard, can anyone recommend a suede care product?
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    www.is300.net...at least some of us are.
  • charliemikecharliemike Member Posts: 87
    Actually it's the TRD Supercharger that's available on the Camry and Solara. It adds 50hp to the total ...

    Here's a MT article
  • acabral1acabral1 Member Posts: 122
    may i ask what is everyone's monthly payment on there IS 300? i understand if you do not want to answer this question? mine is calculated at 570.00
  • charliemikecharliemike Member Posts: 87
    I've been looking cars in the $30k range and that's about right if you put a few G's down as a downpayment ...
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,209
    I live in the Boston area and, to this date, I am not seeing many IS 300's on the road. In fact, I think I've only seen 2 or 3. What about y'all? Any areas with a (relative) abundance of ISs on the road?
    Any more owner reviews for this topic?

    '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...)

  • meadedlmeadedl Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone been disappointed with the performance of the IS 300 audio system? I must say the audio system fell short of my expectations. The Lexus brochure indicates the car has "8" speakers. When I asked my salesperson about the location of the "8" speakers, I was told four speakers are located in the rear window. I only saw two. He indicated that there are 2 speakers under each of the 2 speaker covers. I guess I am accustomed to seeing 1 speaker cover for each speaker. Regardless of the number of speakers, the system just does not have the sound I was expecting. Maybe I've been listening to the "Nak" too long.
  • cclass117cclass117 Member Posts: 36
    I am a MB C owner but I have a friend who's a car broker who can get IS300(& others) for a very very low price. If you are interested and you are in the bay area(SF, San Jose, Silicon Valley, please e-mail me at danielnam@hotmail.com

    High Demand cars..are....Maybe. I got my MB C from him and I didn't have to wait 5 mo. got it in three days. But... it was really hard to find.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,209
    ...after posting #360 I saw two IS on my way to work this morning! Both silver.

    '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...)

  • cole01cole01 Member Posts: 29
    Go over to www.is300.net
  • tmc1688tmc1688 Member Posts: 28
    Hey Cole01 thats a cool web site. Do u know of any similar web site relating to a VW Jetta? Thanks beforehand. I'm also interested in finding racing videos of stock cars to download off the net, something similar to Top Gear and Best Motoring Japan// www.thebestmotoring.com
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    Just hit 1000 miles...checked the mileage. I got 20.5 on the last tank, which included a nasty, 30 mile trek on I-5 at about 10 miles per hour. Things are looking up.
  • skofield2skofield2 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone drivin there IS300 in the snow yet? How does it do? What tires do you have on it. I live in the Cleveland area and have only seen a few IS's on the road. Thanks a lot
    Greg
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    Check the forums on www.IS300.net. There's been quite a discussion both in the general forum and the owner's forum on driving the IS in the snow and tires.
  • cdm2cdm2 Member Posts: 7
    Does anyone have a problem with the ecasine seats on the is300 wearing out very fast. I have the black ecasine seats, and it seems that the leather seats are very thin and showed some sings of wears on it..I only had the car for 3 month..Any comment is appreciated.
  • markham51markham51 Member Posts: 4
    My wife has both an IS 300 (Yellow) with all the goodies in 17" wheels which are downright pitiful in snow. We put a 16 inch RX300 (5 spoke)Michelin Arctic Alpin snow package on it. It looks almost the same but handles much better. The rear end still wants to wander however...they should have put a skid control package on it.

    She also has a new BMW 330i The new BMW 330I has the skid control option and it makes an amazing difference. The BMW is much much better in snow even with all seasons on it vs the IS 300 with winters. It is very difficult to make it go out of control. The anti skid really makes a difference. Even better..get the Xi with both skid control and all wheel drive.

    Having driven both, the IS is more fun, the BMW more refined. Both are very very nice cars. My wife tends to drive the BMW more because she feels safer, while my 17yr old son can't keep his hands off the IS (me neither)!
  • seattlesheilaseattlesheila Member Posts: 68
    No, CDM2, haven't noticed any wear on the seats. I have the black with leather trim too. Had the car since September.
    As for snow...I have the 17" Potenzas and as soon as we get any snow in the Seattle area, I'm parked. Once I wear this set out I'll change off to something like P7000s from Pirelli (All seasons generally do it up here.) I have the limited slip differential. Markham51, does your wife have that?
  • vlad_avlad_a Member Posts: 2
    Having winter tires on IS 300 in snow is a must.
    I got stuck on a road able to move only in reverse when it started snowing.
    My 17" tires didn't do much good.
    Ended up getting 205/55R16 Bridgestone Blizzak LM22 tires (130 MPH rated) and 16" aftermarket rims from my Lexus Dealer. Tirerack.com has a good choice of rims for the IS.
    With the snow tires installed IS handles pretty well on snow. At first, it seems that traction control isn't working well when accelerating while turning. After getting used to it, it is "fun" to do a little fish-tailing (until traction kicks in).
    Having Limited Slip Differential option makes it easier to accelerate, although, the rear-end is wandering a little bit.
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