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Lexus IS 300
Welcome to the continuation of the Lexus IS300
topic. Those of you joining us from that topic are
welcome to continue your discussion.
If you're new to this topic, you may want to
follow the above link for additional archived
posts.
On a side note, I just saw the commercial for the
IS 300. The "24 Seconds of Pedals" or whatever...
I like the IS and I'm sure it will be a worthy
competitor but... I'm not inspired by two pedals
on this car. Three? Yes. Two? No. I know...
it's on the way. Great car but a dumb commercial
if you ask me... Just my opinion...
Thanks,
L8_Apex
Sedans Host
topic. Those of you joining us from that topic are
welcome to continue your discussion.
If you're new to this topic, you may want to
follow the above link for additional archived
posts.
On a side note, I just saw the commercial for the
IS 300. The "24 Seconds of Pedals" or whatever...
I like the IS and I'm sure it will be a worthy
competitor but... I'm not inspired by two pedals
on this car. Three? Yes. Two? No. I know...
it's on the way. Great car but a dumb commercial
if you ask me... Just my opinion...
Thanks,
L8_Apex
Sedans Host
Tagged:
0
Comments
There are also rumors of a stick available with the GS 3&4. Don't know if that's true or not.
A4 - Nice interior, best out of the 3. Feels tight and heavy. I can't push the car in tight corners like the BMW and IS. Disappointing.
BMW 328 - fun fun fun. But I don't like the interior. Corners like a champ!
IS 300 - fun fun fun fun... and braking is excelling too. Feels a little light but handling is just as good as if not better than BMW. I have my mom (65 mind you!) seating in the passinger seat and she's very impress with the IS and enjoying it all the way. Now she wants to know when I'm going to get one. :-)
Honestly speaking Lexus still can improve quite a few items with the interior.
Arm Rest is almost non-exitence. Not a big deal but comes in handy for storing stuff or bigger cup holder.
I can't use the e-shift since my right thumb can
't reach and rather uncomfortable.
I don't like the the shifter, give me the shifter like Acura TL 3.2
I don't like 6 disc in dash changer. That's minor stuff.
Other than that, let's hope they change the shifter design and I'll get one after my lease is up with my 00 Jetta.
- Allen
> would last much longer?
Sure, but you give up the handling.
> I dirve an Infiniti I30 now, and get
> 60k miles per set of tires easy.
Must be a fair amount of highway miles. If you want 60K on a set of tires, don't get soft performance rubber.
> I am looking at IS300, Audi A6 [...]
Two radically different cars. IS to me is light, quick, small, fun! A6 to me is heavy, slow (regular 2.8 version), roomy, and not fun. Could they be any more different?
> mainly need to seat people in the
> back for 'emergencies'.
If that's true, and you're interested in fun, get the IS.
> But to get the IS300 with a center
> armrest, I need to wait 11 more months?
More like 14 months.
It makes the BMW 3 Series Seem So Five Minutes Ago...
What a slogan that wags the dog!
After comparing the following pictures of the C-class Mercedes and the Lexus IS
http://www.auho.com/autopics/Gallery/Mercedes-BenzC-Class/Mercedes-BenzC-Class2.jpg
http://www.2001-car-pricing.com/images/Lexus_IS_300.jpg
the advertisement for the Lexus IS should be enhanced to:
...Introducing the IS. It makes the BMW 3 Series Seem So Five Minutes Ago... And It Makes Lexus a loud-mouthed thief that keeps on stealing Mercedes' styling.
It's unthinkable the way Lexus does business, stealing one German manufacturer's design to compete against another German manufacturer. Perhaps it's a culture set by Seiko copying Rolex, Yamaha copying Steinway, Suzuki/Honda/Yamaha copying Harley Davidson, etc.
If the car looks right, fine; if it doesn't, then I don't have to buy it. I couldn't care less if Lexus wants to make a car that looks like an MB [I happen to like the way most MBs look], as long as the reliability and finish look like a Toyota.
1) Head protection airbags
Now that Audi will make head airbags standard equipment in the 2001 A4, I think all the European manufacturers offer hear airbags (or head-protecting side curtains) as standard equipment, except maybe for VW. I understand Lexus wanted to keep the price down to the mid-30's for a typically-equipped IS300, but to compete with BMW, Audi, MB, from a safety standpoint, I think Lexus should have offered these as an option.
2) Trip Computer
Why don't the Japanese manufacturers offer trip computers? I know they might be considered frivolous, but I find some of the information helpful from time to time, such as "Miles to Empty" (especially when that fuel light illuminates and I'm out in the boonies!) I think the IS300 would have been an excellent candidate for Lexus to introduce some sort of trip computer option.
3) Fold-down rear seat
I think this has been mentioned before, but I wanted to add my $.02! Seems like the IS300 is targetting younger professionals, many of which may be single. The IS300 trunk is barely over 10 cubic feet in size. Not allowing cargo space to expand (via a fold-down rear seat option) is going to give the European sports sedans an edge when a single person is choosing his/her sole vehicle for work, vacations, weekend getaways, trips to Home Depot, etc.
In addition to have several IS300's for testing they were a few
Audi A4's, and BMW 3-series for comparison. This isn't a drive around the block with a salesman, they actually let you blast these cars through a coned off course without any salesperson and really test the cars cornering, braking and acceleration. I was really impressed that Lexus would create such an event. I wish more manufactures would take note and offer such comprehensive test drives.
www.lexusistour.com
Yep... it was a blast. I went last weekend at the Hollywood park. Totally blew the BMW 328 away.
- Allen
I'm just curious as to where you noticed the biggest differences between the two cars, and also on how the 328 was equipped. I'm not defending BMW on this point. Heck, if I was Lexus, I wouldn't equip the competition with their best options, either -- especially if the IS300 comes with all the performance features as standard equipment!
The one point I WILL defend BMW on is that this performance test should use the 330i, now that the 330i is currently replacing the 328i in BMW showrooms.
Your arguements about the GS and LS stealing styling, while stupid and idiotic, at least are somewhat understandable. they have SLIGHT resenblances, and I emphasize SLIGHT.
With your comment about the IS, I now know that your balls really are up the wrong tree.
If you are going to Criticize the IS 300, go ahead, I enjoy talking about cars. Please, though, say something that means something next time.
I've also noticed that you never respond to these posts; it usually takes you a month or so to reappear. I guess you are a true p$@#y, you can't even defend yourself in an internet chat room.
THe IS300 will most probably get curtain airbags for 2002. As I said in the previous IS300 topic, Lexus is supposed to iron out all/most of the deficiencies for 2002. That includes auto up and down windows all around, auto dimming mirrors, memory seats, a real armrest, power passenger seats, lumbar support, manual transmission, and I would guess curtain airbags would come out for 2002 also since the GS300/430 is getting them for 2001 and the 2002 redesign of the ES300 will defianately incorporate them.
Trip computers--The LS400 comes standard with one. And GS300/400s with NAV come with them. Personally I think they are useless. The most useful feature I find of use on a trip computer is the average MPG function. As far as filling up the tank--you should start looking for a gas station when the needle gets to the 1/4 mark.
You sure Lexus doesn't have a suggestion email?? HAve you tried www.lexussafety.com or www.insidelexus.com website ?? Otherwise you can also tell your dealer. I know that engineers from Japan go around to dealer about twice a year asking dealer salespeople, service techs, etc. about what the customers have been saying about what they would like to see added, changed, redesigned etc.
My impressions are at the following URL...
http://higginbottom.com/paul/cars/is300.htm
As far as giving feedback to the dealer - to whom exactly? To a salesperson, who while pleasant, I don't expect to remember to tell anyone.
Regardless what's on the paper. It's all first impression!! They did compare the IS and 328 on a straight 1/2 mile drag and a breaking distance at 60. IS is the clear winner.
I didn't say 328 handles crappy. In fact, it's very good and I can feel traction control kicks in when I turn on a tight corner at 45. (Don't know if that means anything) and NO they don't have the sport package. I don't see it on the comparison. It's all base price, which means I can have the fun with less money.
Yes the should bring in the 330 but they haven't done the comparison yet.
- Allen
A4 is a big disappointment!! But I like the interior the most. I don't like the shifter on IS. Don't care for the e-shift either since my right thumb can't reach with a comfortable position. If it all base the most bang for the bucks. IS wins here!
- Allen
'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...)
As far as comparing "base" to "base", there is no comparing. The IS300 lacks much of what is standard in its competitors. By the time that the vehicles can really be compared to each other, the Lexus will weigh several hundred pounds more with a commensurate increase in cost. Don't think so, let's look at a little history.
'95 BMW M3, company orders "only 2000 to be made, no dealing, onetime good deal $36,900" and it was one helluva steal. For approximately 10 percent more than a 325is, you got a whole lot of stuff, different engine, different transmission, different rearend gearing, etc. Hell, the tires and wheels alone cost more than that 10 percent differential. However, as soon as they sold the first 500 or so, suddenly you could get special orders, dealing was allowed on and on. I know this for a fact, as I have one of the very first 1995 M3s. The '96 M3 on the other hand was much more expensive, all options available and a whole lot more expensive. And the performance wasn't even as good although I believe that is due more to the inclusion of OBD II requirements than anything else.
Honda S2000 (or the original Acura NSX for that matter, same thing applied), everybody was raving about it's 240 horsepower, and only $24,000. I got a good chuckle out of that one. Try to buy one now for less than around $35,000, good luck. At $24,000 it was one helluva car, but at one-third more, driving around between 5000 and 8000 RPM gets old kind of quick. Now in defense of Lexus, they have a car available now at a given price but please let us have a manual transmission now, not some time in the future. Along the same lines, the first GS300 was supposed to beat the pants off of all contenders. Alas it didn't.
Everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but if this car is to be seriously taken as a "sports car", it really needs a manual transmission. I don't care how you use the vehicle, autox, drag race, driver's schools, whatever, if you try and compete with any manual transmission 3-series (325 and up) from 92 on, expect to get your fanny spanked.
I'll take a stab at why the rear seats don't fold down. The torsional rigidity (or lack thereof) probably requires transverse cross members at this time. A little more R&D will allow removal of that steel allowing for flip down seats. The first of the new 325i's didn't have pass through seating either. I believe it will be there soon enough. But as I said before, by the time that the IS300 is really fleshed out I'm afraid it will be quite a bit heavier, more expensive and a little short in the horsepower department.
Notwithstanding my whining above, I think the car looks pretty sharp and with a manual transmission (especially if they can keep the pounds off) this car will be extremely competitive.
Dealers drill the holes in the bumper cover before delivery. The factory sends the cars to the port, and the port sends the car to the dealers with no holes. They only come with indentations so that the dealer knows where to drill holes.
They're also pretty useless since most police (and the public) will only look for a number when seeing the rear of the car.
Yes, you made your point (numerous times) about the lack of a manual transmission. I know this is important to many BMW drivers like yourself, and you're right, this will limit Lexus' ability to compete with BMW. However, I've seen this routine before too - this is the first year of the model here in the U.S., and Lexus seems to like to not quite hit it out of the park on the first model year, to see how it goes, take lots of notes, and THEN hit it out of the park. The stick shift and some other things will probably happen next year, but I also expect a mid-model refresh (perhaps 2003) to add more power, and perhaps an even more aggressive sport package.
But I also think the aftermarket (and owners) will have some fun with the IS300. I expect to see some lowered and otherwise tweaked ones soon.
If you negotiate well, you should be able to hit that 1,500 number you mentioned
Some states require front license plates. Actually in most states it is a law that you have to have front license plates. Hence, here in NJ, all cars get the holes drilled before leaving the dealer unless the car is being registered in PA.
Whew what a couple of month's, I think the Edmund's boards are a better source of interested buyers than my lead services of which most have hefty $$$ premiums!!
11 deals here last month; four of which were iS's due to this site, and it only get's better I have forty new iS's allocated to me this month with 10 or so currently on the ground. Proud of them definitely, attached to them, NOT!! ;-)
I hope to hear form anyone who might be considering a great car and straight forward "Internet Pricing"!!
Shane Palmer
e-Business Development Mgr.
"Lexus of Palm Beach"
shane@lexusofpb.com
I personally like the look and feel, but I'm sure there are those that hate it. To them I say, don't ask them to change the IS--instead ask them to build you a racy car with more luxurious trim. I prefer this package in it's entiriety (but I would like memory seats).
TC
The IS300 has plenty of room for lowering. I would say you could lower a IS300 about 1 3/4" to 2" before you would have any problems with tire rubbing.
There already are a plethora of aftermarket parts available for the IS300 including air intake, exhaust, sport springs, adjustable shocks, adjustable coil over suspension units, strut braces, turbo or supercharger kit from Rod Millen, not to mention brake upgrades(not that it needs any), body kits.
For 2002, the addition of a manual transmission is a definate, and power will probably be bumped up either through the use of VVTLi or a heavily revised 3.0L inline-6 motor. For 2002 changes are also supposed to be a real center armrest, auto dimming rear view mirror, power lumbar for the driver seat, power passenger seat, auto up and down windows, most probably curtain airbags will come.
The major one of all is the jerk that I feel when rolling in traffic and pushing the accelerator pedal a tad just to keep on rolling. The RPMs go up from 800 to 1100 and transmission catches up in a little short while. The two dealers I brought the car to had told me that the cause of this is the low ratio in the first gear. That may be the case, but I don't accept this answer as a satisfactory one. For the amount of money I am paying, I would like very much to have a smooth ride. Just past Saturday I drove two more IS 300s, and they all have the same jerky response. Tomorrow I will address this problem (and to me it is a problem) to the Lexus Quality Dept. I will keep you posted on the developments.
There is no right arm rest which causes the muscles in the shoulder and neck to stiffen up in a short while to carry the weight.
Being brought up with cars that have manual transmission, I find my hand constantly on the gear shift handle and during any kind of hard turn I pull on the handle which causes the shift to switch to a manual position. NOT good.
The front seats lack the lombar support. After several hours of driving, my back is killing me.
For some strange reason Lexus decided to save money and installed the cloth, not leather on the front support bars and the ceiling.
And even though I love the suede seats, any kind of dirt or cigarette ash will stare at you like a sore thumb. Yes I know, I should not smoke in the car.:-)
Stereo is great. Steering is snug and feels like you are driving a real racing car. Breaking is awesome. I went from doing 120 to 40 while beginning a turn with such great precision that it made me smile.
Overall a great sports car, though needs a little tuning.
And please don't talk about the gas consumption. This car is not meant to be an economy car.
Will be more than happy to answer any questions that my fellow IS 300 lovers may have.
Regards.
Just wanted to share my impressions of the tour I experienced yesterday. The IS is very impressive from a performance standpoint, as the professional drivers demonstrated. (They went through a set of tires every 6 or 7 laps!) The acceleration is instant. No lag as I experienced during a similar event for the Infiniti I30. The throttle even seemed more responsive from rest than the GS400 that I test drove a few weeks ago. (But once the GS gets going, WOW!)
However, when driving the BMW 328i directly after the IS on the "learning track" (tight hairpin curves, panic stops, and emergency maneuvers), I felt much more positive ("heavier"?) steering feedback with the 328. It was the most I had ever driven a BMW. (I ride frequently with my friends in theirs, though.) The IS steering by contrast seemed lighter, and did not give me a sense of the road as strongly. The IS ride was also noticeably choppier than the BMW, although I think the 328 had the standard 16" wheels/higher profile tires.
The lack of equivalent features notwithstanding, I think that the IS is a great bargain compared to the 328. However, I like the more "elegant, mature" interior and think the steering/handling/ride balance of the BMW really shines.
As an current ES300 driver, and previous Camry and Supra owner, I am very happy to have Toyota products. Toyota seems to be getting more aggresive in closing the performance/luxury gap between Lexus and BMW/Mercedes/Audi.
P.S. The event folks rolled out the new SC430 for close up viewing during the IS presentation. Beautiful car! I think it's a worthy successor to the outgoing SC, which I thought was the nicest exterior design out of the original Lexus models.
1) Please ignore Conundrum when she posts Anti-Lexus hate mail. SHE pops up in all the Lexus forums occaisionally, like bad news, and posts some "Lexus copies Mercedes" bulls**t. I can't imagine what her problem is, but the best thing is just to ignore it so it will go away. Since this is very unproductive and continuous, perhaps our hosts will ban her? (hint hint)
2) Front Plates - I cannot understand why virtually ALL carmakers just tack the plates on the front, like some afterthought! They are SO ugly, I have not had my front plates on for 10-15 years. Sometimes you can find little plastic plugs in electronics stores to plug the holes. I got my current car before the dealer drilled 'em, and it looks really great. The problem is that the police here in L.A are starting to crack down on this, since they are now using the cameras to catch the jerks that run red lights, and need the front plates. Keep a low profile, don't drive like a maniac, and you amy get away with it.
3) I believe that the reason the IS does not have fold-down rear seats is that that space is used for rear cross-members to stiffen the body, hence the great handling!