The best advice I can give is hold your horses, wait a year or two, see how your finances go. The worst thing you can do is save all that money and blow it on a car that decreases in value. Cars are not assets, they are liabilities. If you invest properly, you can buy yourself an IS and then get your parents a car too.
The advice my parents should have given me when I left college. Looking back I blew some major opportunities. Cars are a lousy thing to buy and should be viewed for what thet are exspensive toys.
Its not about Mazda... its not about Toyota... its even not about the IS... so what is it ???
This is really silly and circular... My time is too precious to spend bantering on such mundane stuff... I may not have test driven the new IS but I have certainly read enough about it (reviews are all over the net and mags, lest ya forget) to form an opinion. If I need to drive it to have an opinion that will impress any of you, guess what, water off my back.... or like BGDC will say... shrug...
Lexus has been suggesting the convertible model for three years now. IIRC, it's MY'07 that's been tossed around.
I don't dislike the idea, and I can't say I think a soft top would work as well with this slab-sided design as a clam shell, but I prefer soft tops myself! A convertible needs a touch of the romantic, IMO, and the fabric option has more of that. Also darn tough to make it look smoothly contoured, unfortunately. OK, forget the soft top...
For Toyota, I see one major issue to an IS350C: it will kill the SC dead in its tracks. Stone cold, guts-on-the-ground, life-blood-a-puddle-in-the-corner dead.
All the more reason to bring it on, says I... :shades:
Woah. This is weird, but in Canada, we don't get to have the sport package with an IS 250 6MT. Hmm. Strange. Does anybody else out there think that it is weird to only allow a manual transmission with the base and luxury packages?
I decided to give the IS another shot since I haven't driven it yet and might check out the backseat for a second time, but the options are really weirdin' me out here. You can only get 6MT with:
a) Standard equipment, b) Leather w/Moonroof ($3.6K), c) Premium Leather ($5K), and d) Premium Leather w/Moonroof ($6.3)
None of these options include xenons or nav. The non-premium packages get 16" wheels.
No thanks.
I can NOT get the car I want to get without tossing extra $1,600 for an automatic. I figured, "Hey, if I am most likely not opting for the 350, why not have fun with the 6MT 250?". I think this may be a way to push more buyers that want sport into the 350.
The fully loaded (being the sport package at $9.6K) is $47,500. Once again, no thanks. There is no nav or ML offered in the IS 250, contrary to what I had thought beforehand. Apparently only people with more powerful engines get to have better options.
Hmm, the IS 350 is looking more, and more, and more apealing to me. Running at $48,800, I get pretty much all the things I crave: Heated/ventilated seats, 10-way power driver/passenger, 17" wheels, no moonroof (Which I don't crave; I want moonroof). Add $4.8K and you are sitting with the sport package with the 18" wheels, LSD, bi-xenons, moonroof, 3 settings for driver/passenger, sport suspension, and metallic dash. That puts me at $53,700. Albeit, there are a few things I do not care for in the package, so it is not too bad.
Several test-drives of the Avalon, IS 250/350, Acura TSX, and the G35 are in line, although I hate the dash design of the G; it belongs in a cheap Altima. The materials are so cheap in the G35 and look like you can break them easily.
I think I will wait a while until prices go down. This comming up spring sounds like a good time.
"For Toyota, I see one major issue to an IS350C: it will kill the SC dead in its tracks. Stone cold, guts-on-the-ground, life-blood-a-puddle-in-the-corner dead."
Damn straight. Not that I don't like the SC 430, because I do, but think about it: What does the SC 430 have that the IS 350 doesn't? A hard-top convertible, a 4.3L V8 with less HP but more torque, and a smaller backseat!
When you look at it that way, it is quite hard to justify spending $40,000 Candian more for it!
Now the IS 350 looks like a great buy!
Thanks Wale!
But wait... :surprise: .... you waiting yet?... Not when the SC 430 comes out as the redesigned SC 460 which is slated for the same release as the IS 350c!
I find it hard to claim I have a sound opinion unless I've experienced something firsthand. Guess you can read about something and feel you know exactly how you'll relate to it. I wish I were that easy going and trusting.
Maybe oac means that he likes what he hears so far. There is nothing bad about that, as long as he doesn't lie to himself and says he likes it when in his heart he doesn't. I doubt that that will ocurr.
For Toyota, I see one major issue to an IS350C: it will kill the SC dead in its tracks. Stone cold, guts-on-the-ground, life-blood-a-puddle-in-the-corner dead.
All the more reason to bring it on, says I...
Oh God don't say that to my mom. I think thats the car she is going to want next. She always comments on how much she likes them whenever we pass one.
This is really silly and circular... My time is too precious to spend bantering on such mundane stuff... I may not have test driven the new IS but I have certainly read enough about it (reviews are all over the net and mags, lest ya forget) to form an opinion. If I need to drive it to have an opinion that will impress any of you, guess what, water off my back....
I agree it is silly and circular but more so when you have been throwing comments around like "VDIM isn't that intrusive" or trying to discredit every negative point that someone makes about their IS experience with claims of them being non-objective. Then it has of way of bringing to light your own personal blind Lexus bias. We all agree that the new IS overall is a very good car, but mention any shortcoming's and the diehard Lexus devotees (and not just you) jump down the person's throat in a gang mentality fashion. If magazine reviews and personal opinions were enough to form an opinion then you should be looking at the e90 3-Series because it has been favored overall by every publication that I have read. Maybe it doesn't fit your personal needs but who can say or form a valid opinion without driving everything in this class of cars? That's me being objective. Right now I couldn't begin to tell you what I would buy if I had to do it today all of these cars are so good and have so many strengths and so few weaknesses.
Maybe it doesn't fit your personal needs but who can say or form a valid opinion without driving everything in this class of cars? That's me being objective.
Does it ever occur to you that not everyone has the time and patience to test drive every car in their price range ? I bought my Toy truck without ever driving a single Ford or GM truck. I bought my Matrix without ever driving a Ford, Mazda or GM equivalent. When I bought my LS, I drove the IS, GS, LS, 528.... then drove the LS second time, and that was it. In all it took me 1 week to buy the LS. I simply buy what I want, anything wrong in that ?? I do not need to convince myself of anything, I KNOW what I want, but maybe more importantly, I know what I do NOT want.
I am sorry but I don't have time cruising dealer lots just to satisfy myself I am buying the right car. My wife is like you, she gotta test everything to death... Not me. In-and-out... and DONE. Life's too short...
Mike: Lexus is clearing ripping Canadians. I suggest holding off until they are prepared to negotiate a good price, or save yourself some $ and get one of the other cars you mentioned. I have a 6-speed TSX and it is a very nice car. Lexus 250 offers precious little for the price premium. their cynical pricing and packaging strategy could only have been devised by a sadistic MBA on crystal meth.
You are right about the SC. Even with the premium price a C version of IS will carry, it will be a bargain relative to the SC. Is it me or was the SC designed for old chicks? its mandatory colour should be pink, just like those Mary K Cadillacs.
Well now, no disrespect to anyone's Mom, especially yours, but I can't stand the thing! I can see how someone else might want one, but I'd personally rather shove my head up a dead goat's butt than have to live with one every dang day!
I can't even see how a bump in displacement would cure the ills. Frankly, in the class, and even with the less impressive materials used inside, I'd rather take the Caddy option. It's on a great platform and its proportions are classic even if the styling idiom is highly suspect.
Tell your Mom only a Baybrook realtor would drive an SC :surprise: ...
(you're not a realtor are you? I was, once. Long, bad story)
No offense taken. I always tell my mom that while the interior is very nice, that car is only suitable for people with AARP benefits. I agree, I would take a Mercedes SL or a Cadillac XLR over the SC430 anyday.
I think all the manufacturers are feeding their meth adictions, not just Lexus.
G35 - $48,140 Luxury Model with Premium, Navigation and Aero Packages $ 48,140 The IS 350 gets my vote, even with the price premium since it gets a WAY better interior and nicer amenities. Not to mention, it is considerable faster. I find I am at one with its interior as well.... I have not found a nicer laid out interior - minus the back seat.
330i - $57,845 Sport Package $2,800 Includes: Sport Suspension, 3 Spoke Leather Sport Steering Wheel, 18" Ellipsoid Alloy Wheels - Style 162, Sport Seats, (Includes Electrically Adjustable Seat Width). 6 Speed Automatic Transmission with STEPTRONIC $1,400 Comfort Access $750 Six-Disc CD Changer $795
I do not even need to explain what I think of the IS 350's prices compared to the 330i... however...
I can justify the IS 350's prices easily to either the 330i and G35 in Canadian dollars, but not in Candian vs. American dollars.
Skip the worthless 6 disc changer and just buy an ipod - you'll carry all your songs, have access to all of them quickly, you won't have cds cluttering up the car and you'll save a good $300-400.
BGDC - How do you like have rental/investment properties? What would you reccomend, as a vague suggestion, to someone looking to do the same? How about property flipping, both commercial and residential?
PS - I built an IS 350 in Denver with sport package, but it included the nav. The cost came in at $42,469; this converts into $50,360, better than CND IS 350 without nav, minus 1.5K for nav and you are sitting at around $48,500. If I bought an IS 350 in the states I would save about $6,000 Canadian. Wow. I wonder what the policies are on, say, buying from North Dakota or Minnesota.
Well, after days of going back and forth about which car to get, it all boiled down to the price. Why buy a depreciating asset, therefore lease (unless 0% interest is an option, but that's for another day). Both the IS 250AWD or the 325xi would come to around 550/mo with about 1k down. Both are nice, both look good, but both are not worth that much chedda each month. I actually hit rock bottom :sick: and tested a Prius AWD and looked at a Hyundai Tuscon. I found some sanity and a happy compromise at my local audi dealer. A4 2.0 quattro, 900 down and 430/mo. No it does not have everything that the IS has std, but in three years I'll have saved 4k and still give the car back, just like I would with the 325 or IS. Best wishes :shades:
Mike, if you are serious about buying a lexi, it may be worth your while to buy in the USA. You would need daytime runing lights and the more stringent bumper standard. I don't know if US cars have daytime running lights or whether the bumper meets Can. regulations. You can get it modified if it does not. If the Ca $ keeps rising, it will cover some or all of the 6.2% duty.
The sad thing about the SC is that he original was a beautiful car. Why didn't they build off that body style rather than the new, sick duck style they created? I look at original SC's today and would still like t oown one. Mind you, most of their forthcoming designs look really nice, as does the IS.
Surey given the length of time the G35 has been on hte market, there must be a lot of negotiation room on that car. I bet loaded it would come in much lower than the Lexi. The Lexi looks better IMO.
Along with the other information that the others have mentioned, the odometer is in miles. Not sure how much it would cost to convert it to kilometers. My understanding is that you may have to pay federal and provincial (if applicable) tax on the converted price of the vehicle on top of the excise (duty) tax. Still may be worth it. Oh and make sure the warranty coverage will be honoured. In an attempt to discourage the practice of cross border shopping, Honda and other manufacturers waved the warranty when Americans were buying vehicles in Canada when the Canadian dollar was near .60 cents a few years ago.
I'm not sure why there is so much debate about the IS. The answers are clear:
1. The IS is a great car if you want a sporty luxury ride. 2. The BMW is a great car if you want a true sports car. 3. The IS handles like crap. 4. The BMW's interior is crap. 5. The IS costs NO more than the 330. 6. The TL kicks all their assses in terms of value.
The Lexus people are blind to all of the several faults in the IS and the BMW people are rabid about their spirited driving style. Pick a car and move on.
I have an IS350 on order and am aware of what is good and bad about it. It blows my mind that people continue to argue this.
For Toyota, I see one major issue to an IS350C: it will kill the SC dead in its tracks. Stone cold, guts-on-the-ground, life-blood-a-puddle-in-the-corner dead.
In the eyes of a data miner whose only knowledge is paper-based, perhaps. The SC has a much more posh grade of interior material, just for a starter. By the same logic, Toyota Sequia should have killed Land Cruiser and LX470 sales over the past year, yet it did not. More importantly, do you actually believe SC430 will stay a 430 when (or shortly after) IS350 goes convertible?
I think Tex, like me, finds it odd that people go whole hog behind a vehicle when they've had no tangible experience with it.
Never noticed the two of you arguing with Merc1 on any of the cars under discussion or KD on virtues of BMW manual trannies . . . hmm, odd indeed. BTW, I used to like Mazdas, until Ford started shoving Duratec derivatives down its throat.
Of course, I took am more interested in the powertrain than the "goodies" . But since they insist on including options im not interested in its still a 6k delta for 95% of the same car. Personally, I am still glad you can order most options ala cart, instead of being forced in some 5k or 7k package deal....
Im just lurking because the sister is ready to replace the IS300 with a IS350 or 330i...
Never noticed the two of you arguing with Merc1 on any of the cars under discussion or KD on virtues of BMW manual trannies . . . hmm, odd indeed.
When were they doing that? I've been registered on this board for 3 days. I only responded to people who disagreed with my opinions and acted as if they weren't valid only to find that they never even test drove the car. That is very odd blind loyalty. I was accused of being BMW biased even though in my review I clearly test drove a G35, A4 2.0T Quattro, 330i, and a TSX. I liked all 5 of these vehicles alot, with the exception of the IS250. As I stated it's too underpowered to cost that much with options IMO. I personally would prefer a TSX with A-Spec suspension or a G35 over it for the money.
wale_bate is correct - we'll be moving this discussion to the Sedans board in a couple of days. If you aren't subscribed to the discussion, now's a good time to do so. You can always locate it using the search tools at the left.
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Has anyone taken IS350 delivery yet? I have a deposit at the dealership. But not sure when the car will be at the dealership. It was supposed to be here earlier this week. The car is not here yet and I am being told, 'tonight the truck will be here routine' for the past 3 days. Not sure what is going on.
Not sure to whom you refer with the data miner line, I've driven the plush porker further than I ever wanted. Your Sequoia/LX reference makes no sense in a typical Lexus discussion either, as according to most Lexophiles, no Lexus customer is cross-shopping the Toyota variant anyway; they're different customers. Per Yoda (toy-Yoda maybe) "both ways you can have it not".
The SC is currently the only choice from Lexus for a two-door, clamshell or no. Offer a second Lexus clamshell with cush interior, better (IMO) styling and more punch, plus a far lower tag, and I there's a mortal blood-loss case for the SC unless a major (total) refresh is in the offing. Even then, a well-appointed, more nimble, less costly vert with pissing contest worthy acceleration numbers looks to steal sales regardless of what they put in the engine bay.
Enter the mythical L concepts. A true SL competitor is what will be needed in the event of any potent ISc intro. Unless the SC is planned to be that competitor, adieu SC.
I'm in the same boat. I was told a couple of days ago that the drop date was 10/20 to 10/24 and that I could expect it to be at the dealer between 10/21 and 10/25. For some reason they feel pretty confident that it will have arrived last night. I am waiting for a call as I type this. I sure hope they are correct because they sure did get my hopes up.
I thought you'd be at the dealership already this morning. :P
How's the Mrs. holding up? She looking for duct tape 'bout now?
I remember waiting the week before I picked up my IS. Hoo boy. Wanna know what was even tougher? Keeping the speed low and varied and not going for a full-blown pedal mash until the break-in was done. That was tough.
Lexus and Toyota are cross-shopped quite often among the low-end Lexus and the trucks. For example, ES vs. Avalon and even fully loaded Camry, RX vs. Highlander, LX vs. LandCruiser etc.. I for one did exactly that.
SC430 is a high end low volume car, and Lexus needs a lower priced drop top in its line up. Your argument is analogous to stating that MB would never come out with SLK (especially SLK32) because it would severely undercut SL price (especially when the latter still had soft top). We know that logic makes no sense as proven by historical facts. Lexus will figure out ways to move SC up market when IS gets a convertible version. For all we know, they could also introduce an SC350 based on IS (although I doubt that).
I have a question I'd like to ask the people buying an IS350 and live in a place where it snows sometimes. How are you planning for winter driving? Do you think the standard all season tires are sufficient? Or, are you going to buy winter tires? -I don't think you can even get the all season tires luxury package where I live (DC)... yet. Summer tires would make the car a death trap in the winter.
OK, I live in a city called Winnipeg, also known as Winterpeg. We get the kind of snow that you would only dream of in your nightmares. By the end of winter, my driveway has snowbanks on the sides of it up to your head due to accumalation of snow.
I plan on getting the IS 350 (the power is calling to me ). After we get our first IS 350 in Winnipeg, which is soon, I also plan on comming back to the dealership in winter after I test-drive on dry pavement and test-driving the car in the snow and seeing how it handles. The car will be equipped with winter tires by mid-November says the salesman, and my prediction is that it should handle quite well with the VDIM.
please help in educated decision on buying 530i vs is350 it seems to be about 8-10 thousand dollar difference for the 530i is it worth it. it seems to be larger and i dont care for the perforated leather that comes with the luxory package in the is350. what are pros and cons
not sure what you mean by the virtues of BMW manuals. I like owning manuals but I feel BMW puts lousy manuals in their cars. Horrible to say the least. But at least they're manuals.
BGDC - How do you like have rental/investment properties? What would you reccomend, as a vague suggestion, to someone looking to do the same? How about property flipping, both commercial and residential?
I'd love to help but it's way off topic in here. I'd suggest you dig around Amazon and read some books. Also, the laws of canada may be quite different. I'd strongly suggest you talk to folks in your area who will be far more familiar with how to work the tax and real estate system to your advantage. I worked for a mad scientist millionaire entrepeneur for 6 six years and that man and his evil attorney/henchman taught me more about finances than anything I learned in undergrad or grad school.
Carnal instincts.. that's all it is. I would be more worried about affording the car and its upkeep. I am sure not all BMW lovers are not this uninformed. I'd say put off the whole thing for maybe a year or so to prove to yourself that you can actually afford the car. Get a credit card and always make the payments on time; this will also prove that you can make payments properly and not royally ^$#^$ up your credit, the worst thing you can possibly do to yourself at a young age.
Went to the Lexus dealership earlier today, and ordered an IS250 AWD in Blue Onyx/gray interior with nav, mark levinson sound package, & luxury package. I was disappointed to see they didn't have any Blue IS's available for me to look at... I really hope it looks as good live as it does in the pictures. Anyone else get a chance to check it out in Blue? I know color is a personal thing, but I just want some feedback from someone who has seen it in person. For me, it was between the Smoky Granite & the Blue Onyx and I went with the Blue on a whim.... at least the deposit is refundable if I don't like the car when it arrives!
Had a blue at the dealer ship here where I ordered my IS250 AWD. It was a hot looking car in Blue. I ordered a Crystal White/Black leather w/ nav and lux package IS250 AWD. Dealer told me Mark Levinson system could only be ordered on the IS350..... Ohh well. He said that Lexus was trying to keep the prices down to get the car out on the streets. Thats why they aren't giving too many options right now. They just want the car on the road.
Went to the Lexus dealership earlier today, and ordered an IS250 AWD in Blue Onyx/gray interior with nav, mark levinson sound package, & luxury package. I was disappointed to see they didn't have any Blue IS's available for me to look at... I really hope it looks as good live as it does in the pictures. Anyone else get a chance to check it out in Blue? I know color is a personal thing, but I just want some feedback from someone who has seen it in person.
I was at Kearny Mesa Lexus (San Diego) today to test drive an IS350 in Blue Onyx/black leather.... (another one on the lot also Blue/cashmere was SOLD... gorgeous interior with the tan or cashmere)... The Blue is a nice color (not being a fan of blue), but in combination with the tan interior, is a very very nice combo. The car I drove had the black interior, nice but not as good looking as the tan.
First the car: MSRP of $38,400... base IS350 ($35,xxx) + 18" wheel package ($720), Premium Lux package ($1250) and accesories package ($194) + destination = $38,xxx.
Now to the test drive: I don't believe there is anything much to say about this car that hasn't been said. Interior was gorgeous. Exterior looks nicer in person than in pics... Found that heat/cooled seats is standard.. kinda cool. Driving impression: well the car is fast, I'll say raw fast ! I took it for a 6 mile jaunt...through straightaways and twisties... Cornering at 60mph was a breeze, accelerating and merging with traffic was quite exhilirating... The exhaust note on full throtle was equally rich sounding. Handling was a tad soft, crisp but still a little soft (to me). I played around with the paddle shifter, it responded quite well, but had a very small but perceptible lag.. you gotta look for it to notice tho'. I could hold it in 1st gear long enough....Overall, a very very nice car... Good job, Lexus.
On a hunch, I went across the street to the BMW shop to test drive an e90 330i. The car was loaded, Sport Package ($1600), leather ($1200), Auto ($1600), Nav ($2000), Sat-radio ($595), metallic paint ($475), Park Assist ($395), dest ($595). MSRP = $45,xxx. Ouch !!!
That car drove like it was on rails. Very very nice. I was impressed, especially driving in the sport mode. Once in sport mode, I didn't take it off. It was a great ride. The 255HP felt real close to the 306HP of the IS350 in terms of giidy-up, the exhaust note at full throtle was richer, and deeper. Cornering was also a breeze with narry a body roll, pointed in a direction it just went. If I ever own a BMW, it has to have a SP... no compromise whatsoever.
Now to my verdict.
The 330i is certainly roomier in the back, but only becos of the design of the seats. I noticed that the IS back seats are straighter, while the Bimmer are slightly more reclined, creating a roomier feel in the latter. If Lexus tilts the rear seats another 10-20degrees, the car will feel roomy too. But the interior fit and finish on the Lexus is just too nice....
I can understand why the 330i v 350 can be a tough decision. The 330i is all about driving, while the 350 is very very luxurious in comparison. If you want a luxury sport car, its the IS350. OTOH, if you simply want a car to drive with little need for luxury, then please by all means buy the 330i.
If I am buying, bcos I am luxury-biased, its the IS350 hands down - simply a beauty especially on the interior.
BMW gave me a deal - Inv + $1500. Lexus said MSRP.
I said I'll be back in a couple of months hoping the IS comes down to earth in pricing. Personally saw a couple IS250 SOLD while I was in the dealership. The IS car is hot...
Does anyone know anything about the availability of HID headlamps on the IS250 rwd? Yes, I know they only come with those 2 outrageously priced packages, but they are the only option I really, really want. Is there any hope for their appearance any time soon in SoCal?
Comments
The advice my parents should have given me when I left college. Looking back I blew some major opportunities. Cars are a lousy thing to buy and should be viewed for what thet are exspensive toys.
This is really silly and circular... My time is too precious to spend bantering on such mundane stuff... I may not have test driven the new IS but I have certainly read enough about it (reviews are all over the net and mags, lest ya forget) to form an opinion. If I need to drive it to have an opinion that will impress any of you, guess what, water off my back.... or like BGDC will say... shrug...
'nuff said
I don't dislike the idea, and I can't say I think a soft top would work as well with this slab-sided design as a clam shell, but I prefer soft tops myself! A convertible needs a touch of the romantic, IMO, and the fabric option has more of that. Also darn tough to make it look smoothly contoured, unfortunately. OK, forget the soft top...
For Toyota, I see one major issue to an IS350C: it will kill the SC dead in its tracks. Stone cold, guts-on-the-ground, life-blood-a-puddle-in-the-corner dead.
All the more reason to bring it on, says I... :shades:
Woah. This is weird, but in Canada, we don't get to have the sport package with an IS 250 6MT. Hmm. Strange. Does anybody else out there think that it is weird to only allow a manual transmission with the base and luxury packages?
I decided to give the IS another shot since I haven't driven it yet and might check out the backseat for a second time, but the options are really weirdin' me out here. You can only get 6MT with:
a) Standard equipment,
b) Leather w/Moonroof ($3.6K),
c) Premium Leather ($5K), and
d) Premium Leather w/Moonroof ($6.3)
None of these options include xenons or nav. The non-premium packages get 16" wheels.
No thanks.
I can NOT get the car I want to get without tossing extra $1,600 for an automatic. I figured, "Hey, if I am most likely not opting for the 350, why not have fun with the 6MT 250?". I think this may be a way to push more buyers that want sport into the 350.
The fully loaded (being the sport package at $9.6K) is $47,500. Once again, no thanks. There is no nav or ML offered in the IS 250, contrary to what I had thought beforehand. Apparently only people with more powerful engines get to have better options.
Hmm, the IS 350 is looking more, and more, and more apealing to me. Running at $48,800, I get pretty much all the things I crave: Heated/ventilated seats, 10-way power driver/passenger, 17" wheels, no moonroof (Which I don't crave; I want moonroof). Add $4.8K and you are sitting with the sport package with the 18" wheels, LSD, bi-xenons, moonroof, 3 settings for driver/passenger, sport suspension, and metallic dash. That puts me at $53,700. Albeit, there are a few things I do not care for in the package, so it is not too bad.
Several test-drives of the Avalon, IS 250/350, Acura TSX, and the G35 are in line, although I hate the dash design of the G; it belongs in a cheap Altima. The materials are so cheap in the G35 and look like you can break them easily.
I think I will wait a while until prices go down. This comming up spring sounds like a good time.
Damn straight. Not that I don't like the SC 430, because I do, but think about it: What does the SC 430 have that the IS 350 doesn't? A hard-top convertible, a 4.3L V8 with less HP but more torque, and a smaller backseat!
When you look at it that way, it is quite hard to justify spending $40,000 Candian more for it!
Now the IS 350 looks like a great buy!
Thanks Wale!
But wait... :surprise: .... you waiting yet?... Not when the SC 430 comes out as the redesigned SC 460 which is slated for the same release as the IS 350c!
Good things to come, that's for sure!
All the more reason to bring it on, says I...
Oh God don't say that to my mom. I think thats the car she is going to want next. She always comments on how much she likes them whenever we pass one.
I agree it is silly and circular but more so when you have been throwing comments around like "VDIM isn't that intrusive" or trying to discredit every negative point that someone makes about their IS experience with claims of them being non-objective. Then it has of way of bringing to light your own personal blind Lexus bias. We all agree that the new IS overall is a very good car, but mention any shortcoming's and the diehard Lexus devotees (and not just you) jump down the person's throat in a gang mentality fashion. If magazine reviews and personal opinions were enough to form an opinion then you should be looking at the e90 3-Series because it has been favored overall by every publication that I have read. Maybe it doesn't fit your personal needs but who can say or form a valid opinion without driving everything in this class of cars? That's me being objective. Right now I couldn't begin to tell you what I would buy if I had to do it today all of these cars are so good and have so many strengths and so few weaknesses.
Does it ever occur to you that not everyone has the time and patience to test drive every car in their price range ? I bought my Toy truck without ever driving a single Ford or GM truck. I bought my Matrix without ever driving a Ford, Mazda or GM equivalent. When I bought my LS, I drove the IS, GS, LS, 528.... then drove the LS second time, and that was it. In all it took me 1 week to buy the LS. I simply buy what I want, anything wrong in that ?? I do not need to convince myself of anything, I KNOW what I want, but maybe more importantly, I know what I do NOT want.
I am sorry but I don't have time cruising dealer lots just to satisfy myself I am buying the right car. My wife is like you, she gotta test everything to death... Not me. In-and-out... and DONE. Life's too short...
Really... 'nuff said on this... gotta move on.
You are right about the SC. Even with the premium price a C version of IS will carry, it will be a bargain relative to the SC. Is it me or was the SC designed for old chicks? its mandatory colour should be pink, just like those Mary K Cadillacs.
I can't even see how a bump in displacement would cure the ills. Frankly, in the class, and even with the less impressive materials used inside, I'd rather take the Caddy option. It's on a great platform and its proportions are classic even if the styling idiom is highly suspect.
Tell your Mom only a Baybrook realtor would drive an SC :surprise:
(you're not a realtor are you? I was, once. Long, bad story)
G35 - $48,140
Luxury Model with Premium, Navigation and Aero Packages $ 48,140
The IS 350 gets my vote, even with the price premium since it gets a WAY better interior and nicer amenities. Not to mention, it is considerable faster. I find I am at one with its interior as well....
330i - $57,845
Sport Package $2,800
Includes: Sport Suspension, 3 Spoke Leather Sport Steering Wheel, 18" Ellipsoid Alloy Wheels - Style 162, Sport Seats, (Includes Electrically Adjustable Seat Width).
6 Speed Automatic Transmission with STEPTRONIC $1,400
Comfort Access $750
Six-Disc CD Changer $795
I do not even need to explain what I think of the IS 350's prices compared to the 330i... however...
I can justify the IS 350's prices easily to either the 330i and G35 in Canadian dollars, but not in Candian vs. American dollars.
Skip the worthless 6 disc changer and just buy an ipod - you'll carry all your songs, have access to all of them quickly, you won't have cds cluttering up the car and you'll save a good $300-400.
BGDC - How do you like have rental/investment properties? What would you reccomend, as a vague suggestion, to someone looking to do the same? How about property flipping, both commercial and residential?
PS - I built an IS 350 in Denver with sport package, but it included the nav. The cost came in at $42,469; this converts into $50,360, better than CND IS 350 without nav, minus 1.5K for nav and you are sitting at around $48,500. If I bought an IS 350 in the states I would save about $6,000 Canadian. Wow. I wonder what the policies are on, say, buying from North Dakota or Minnesota.
Huh! That never crossed my mind! Well if that is possible go for it (I WOULD)!!!
Best wishes :shades:
The sad thing about the SC is that he original was a beautiful car. Why didn't they build off that body style rather than the new, sick duck style they created? I look at original SC's today and would still like t oown one. Mind you, most of their forthcoming designs look really nice, as does the IS.
Surey given the length of time the G35 has been on hte market, there must be a lot of negotiation room on that car. I bet loaded it would come in much lower than the Lexi. The Lexi looks better IMO.
1. The IS is a great car if you want a sporty luxury ride.
2. The BMW is a great car if you want a true sports car.
3. The IS handles like crap.
4. The BMW's interior is crap.
5. The IS costs NO more than the 330.
6. The TL kicks all their assses in terms of value.
The Lexus people are blind to all of the several faults in the IS and the BMW people are rabid about their spirited driving style. Pick a car and move on.
I have an IS350 on order and am aware of what is good and bad about it. It blows my mind that people continue to argue this.
In the eyes of a data miner whose only knowledge is paper-based, perhaps. The SC has a much more posh grade of interior material, just for a starter. By the same logic, Toyota Sequia should have killed Land Cruiser and LX470 sales over the past year, yet it did not. More importantly, do you actually believe SC430 will stay a 430 when (or shortly after) IS350 goes convertible?
Never noticed the two of you arguing with Merc1 on any of the cars under discussion or KD on virtues of BMW manual trannies . . . hmm, odd indeed. BTW, I used to like Mazdas, until Ford started shoving Duratec derivatives down its throat.
Im just lurking because the sister is ready to replace the IS300 with a IS350 or 330i...
DL
When were they doing that? I've been registered on this board for 3 days. I only responded to people who disagreed with my opinions and acted as if they weren't valid only to find that they never even test drove the car. That is very odd blind loyalty. I was accused of being BMW biased even though in my review I clearly test drove a G35, A4 2.0T Quattro, 330i, and a TSX. I liked all 5 of these vehicles alot, with the exception of the IS250. As I stated it's too underpowered to cost that much with options IMO. I personally would prefer a TSX with A-Spec suspension or a G35 over it for the money.
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The SC is currently the only choice from Lexus for a two-door, clamshell or no. Offer a second Lexus clamshell with cush interior, better (IMO) styling and more punch, plus a far lower tag, and I there's a mortal blood-loss case for the SC unless a major (total) refresh is in the offing. Even then, a well-appointed, more nimble, less costly vert with pissing contest worthy acceleration numbers looks to steal sales regardless of what they put in the engine bay.
Enter the mythical L concepts. A true SL competitor is what will be needed in the event of any potent ISc intro. Unless the SC is planned to be that competitor, adieu SC.
How's the Mrs. holding up? She looking for duct tape 'bout now?
I remember waiting the week before I picked up my IS. Hoo boy. Wanna know what was even tougher? Keeping the speed low and varied and not going for a full-blown pedal mash until the break-in was done. That was tough.
Good luck, and I hope it comes today...
Yes, I am in for an exercise in self control for the first several hundred miles.
I'll keep you posted. pardon the pun
SC430 is a high end low volume car, and Lexus needs a lower priced drop top in its line up. Your argument is analogous to stating that MB would never come out with SLK (especially SLK32) because it would severely undercut SL price (especially when the latter still had soft top). We know that logic makes no sense as proven by historical facts. Lexus will figure out ways to move SC up market when IS gets a convertible version. For all we know, they could also introduce an SC350 based on IS (although I doubt that).
2. The BMW is a great car if you want a true sports car.
3. The IS handles like crap.
onehump, I drive a BMW and I thought the IS350 handled better. And yes, I test drove the 330i sport back to back to back !
I plan on getting the IS 350 (the power is calling to me
I hope I am not dissapointed.
I'd love to help but it's way off topic in here. I'd suggest you dig around Amazon and read some books. Also, the laws of canada may be quite different. I'd strongly suggest you talk to folks in your area who will be far more familiar with how to work the tax and real estate system to your advantage. I worked for a mad scientist millionaire entrepeneur for 6 six years and that man and his evil attorney/henchman taught me more about finances than anything I learned in undergrad or grad school.
Take BGDC's advice.
PS - BGDC, thanks.
I was at Kearny Mesa Lexus (San Diego) today to test drive an IS350 in Blue Onyx/black leather.... (another one on the lot also Blue/cashmere was SOLD... gorgeous interior with the tan or cashmere)... The Blue is a nice color (not being a fan of blue), but in combination with the tan interior, is a very very nice combo. The car I drove had the black interior, nice but not as good looking as the tan.
First the car: MSRP of $38,400... base IS350 ($35,xxx) + 18" wheel package ($720), Premium Lux package ($1250) and accesories package ($194) + destination = $38,xxx.
Now to the test drive: I don't believe there is anything much to say about this car that hasn't been said. Interior was gorgeous. Exterior looks nicer in person than in pics... Found that heat/cooled seats is standard.. kinda cool. Driving impression: well the car is fast, I'll say raw fast ! I took it for a 6 mile jaunt...through straightaways and twisties... Cornering at 60mph was a breeze, accelerating and merging with traffic was quite exhilirating... The exhaust note on full throtle was equally rich sounding. Handling was a tad soft, crisp but still a little soft (to me). I played around with the paddle shifter, it responded quite well, but had a very small but perceptible lag.. you gotta look for it to notice tho'. I could hold it in 1st gear long enough....Overall, a very very nice car... Good job, Lexus.
On a hunch, I went across the street to the BMW shop to test drive an e90 330i. The car was loaded, Sport Package ($1600), leather ($1200), Auto ($1600), Nav ($2000), Sat-radio ($595), metallic paint ($475), Park Assist ($395), dest ($595). MSRP = $45,xxx. Ouch !!!
That car drove like it was on rails. Very very nice. I was impressed, especially driving in the sport mode. Once in sport mode, I didn't take it off. It was a great ride. The 255HP felt real close to the 306HP of the IS350 in terms of giidy-up, the exhaust note at full throtle was richer, and deeper. Cornering was also a breeze with narry a body roll, pointed in a direction it just went. If I ever own a BMW, it has to have a SP... no compromise whatsoever.
Now to my verdict.
The 330i is certainly roomier in the back, but only becos of the design of the seats. I noticed that the IS back seats are straighter, while the Bimmer are slightly more reclined, creating a roomier feel in the latter. If Lexus tilts the rear seats another 10-20degrees, the car will feel roomy too. But the interior fit and finish on the Lexus is just too nice....
I can understand why the 330i v 350 can be a tough decision. The 330i is all about driving, while the 350 is very very luxurious in comparison. If you want a luxury sport car, its the IS350. OTOH, if you simply want a car to drive with little need for luxury, then please by all means buy the 330i.
If I am buying, bcos I am luxury-biased, its the IS350 hands down - simply a beauty especially on the interior.
BMW gave me a deal - Inv + $1500.
Lexus said MSRP.
I said I'll be back in a couple of months hoping the IS comes down to earth in pricing. Personally saw a couple IS250 SOLD while I was in the dealership. The IS car is hot...
Well, there you have it...