By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
It is unseemly for someone who goes by the screen name "lexusguy" to be praising the virtues of a Volvo.
In my case, since I have been driving a G for 3 years, I would be inclined to switch to the new IS for a change, even if it turns out to be the case that the now 3-year old G would be regarded as being better than even the new IS. I can't wait until the car mags round up these sports sedans for another comparison, this time throwing the new IS and the new 3-Series into the mix. And I hope that they test both models of the IS and the 3. It's rare to find the 325i used in a comparison test. They're almost always using the more powerful and prohibitvely more expensive 330i. I am afraid that they may take a similar approach with the IS, using mostly the IS350 and hardly ever using the IS250.
The IS250 is starting to look like they way to go for me here in Canada. Better on gas (will have to wait and see by how much but I guessing at least a few more mpg over a 350), lower monthly payment, and the icing on the cake, I can get my manual with it.
My fingers are crossed that a IS250 RWD, 6 speed manual will feel as fast as my current IS300 5-speed manual. Besides if what Lexus says is true, high 20's for mpg, that's like 23 city/31 highway with all the driving I do that's a real savings (for me and the planet).
Anyone else thinking with gas prices the way they are, adjusting the next car they purchase to one with higher MPG? (I know, within reason were talking sport sedans here not hybrids or Echo's)
Yes and no. as long as I can get over 30 mpg on freeway drives (which my 330i gets and the new one does too), I'm happy. the GTI/A3 also get 30 mpg. The Scoobie GT unfortunately seems geared the way Audi/VW used too...too much power for around town driving. 5th/6th needs to be a real cruising gear so you can motor at 80-90 all day and get decent 30+ mileage.
That is why my next car will be a turbodiesel! BMW will be introducing diesels in about two years. Audi is serious about diesels. And MB is expanding their diesel offerings. Shame that there will be no Lexus IS diesels.
Burns gas like a SUV!
No 6 speed manual tranny!
Handling is not up to BMW/Audi standards!
It is cheaper than competing modesl---but it is cheaper for a reason!
No 6 cylinder inline engine
No LSD
Low hp for the IS250
No manual tranny on the IS350
Bigger size
Heavier
Because only 30% really give a damned based on the article linked below. 30% of buyers can be categorized as alpha buyers!
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Industry/Industry_News/Alpha_Buyers_Driving_the_Car_Market- - - - .S175.A8783.html
My next car will have to get much better gas mileage. This is a fairly strong consideration for me, since I put on close to 20k miles per year. I am afraid that high gas prices are here to stay. Yesterday I paid $2.72 for self-serve Super (93 octane). I had a little less than a quarter of a tank, yet it still cost more than $40 to fil er up. And I am doing this roughly twice per week!
http://www.lexus.com/2006is_preview/index.html
Tim
The IS 350 features the next step in control, with its Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.[5] Imagine VDIM as a computerized brain, coordinating the numerous vital systems of the IS 350, including the braking system, Vehicle Stability Control, the Electronic Throttle Control and Electric Power Steering (EPS). Using integrated control software, the VDIM sensors calculate vehicle conditions to help maintain control. The VDIM system in the new IS will be tuned for driving fun, allowing drivers to explore the outer limits of the car's handling.
If it's like the GS300's system, the car's gonna get dogged by its own computer.
BG, actually its the GS430 that has VDIM, Lexus' active steering system, and E-brakes. The GS300 has traditional (and better) mechanical systems and just a basic VSC stability system that is on previous Lexus cars.
Active steering on bimmers...blech. Water-cleaning brakes? Oh man. Radar-based safety systems that make brakes apply faster based on objects directly ahead? no thanks.
I agree about active steering. But what do you have against water-cleaning brakes?
One thing radar collision systems cant do is go through a driving course. I dont remember which review of the GS430 it was, but it had the PCS system, and the computer thought every cone was a brick wall about to slam into the car.
Of course, if I have to pay for that repair out of warranty, I'm likely to change my mind...
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
You made an excellent point that I want to return to. Logically uninformed people may assume that it should cost about the same to lease whatever car they like with a MSRP of about 35k. But such is not the case at all. Indeed the differences can be huge - more than $100 per month. This is attributable to manufacturer incentives, dealer discounts, and lease support (lower interest rates and/or higher residuals) from the manufacturer's leasing arm, some or all of which are available on certain makes/models but not on other makes/models. The new Lexus IS figures to be the worst case scenario for the first takers - a totally unsupported lease based on full MSRP or thereabouts. There is no doubt in my mind that I could lease, for example, a G35 with a similar MSRP for a substantially lower monthly lease payment. Or, as you pointed out, I could set my sights higher and lease a more expensive car for the same monthly payment. So if the tariff is too high for being first in line for the IS250, . . . . . .
I doubt I'd ever push my car hard enough for the VDIM to matter. I'm not THAT aggressive a driver.
The lease discussion is why I'm glad I have 4 cars. I'm waiting til the time is right. My IS is a want. I'm in no hurry.
Check out this very favorable review.
Cheers
Link
1. The safty features designed into this new IS gives me confident that it will be a safer car than the 3.
2. reliability is the key too safty. Any auto parts and that includes the airbags will be more reliable on a Toyota vehicle than a BMW vehicle - says JD Power and Consumer Report and any benchmark data.
3. In terms of repair cost, it is probably hard to say. But given BMW cost more to buy, its auto part might cost more in the dealership.
i'm not ordering until january (assuming i still want one after the is350 comes out) and nopt picking up until end of march. :confuse:
It is a shame your statements are based on feelings and not facts!
reliability is the key too safty. Any auto parts and that includes the airbags will be more reliable on a Toyota vehicle than a BMW vehicle - says JD Power and Consumer Report and any benchmark data.
Does Consumer Report/JD Power say air bags are more reliable in Toyota than BMW? Or is this based again on your feelings! Do these two publications state that all auto parts are more reliable on a Toyota than a BMW? Why dont you re-read your facts.
. In terms of repair cost, it is probably hard to say. But given BMW cost more to buy, its auto part might cost more in the dealership.
Do you know the pricing of the new IS?
Lexus/Toyota long term reliability and cost of ownership is the stuff of legends. Going by historic performance I'm sure there are very few people that would dispute the "Lexus will cost more to run than the Bimmer" statement. And even if they did dispute it, they will have a very hard time finding information supporting that claim.
As far as the pricing...Since a base 3 series starts at $30k WITHOUT LEATHER!!!??? and Zenons are another $800. I think it'll be pretty safe that a comparably equipped IS will be cheaper. Not 50% cheaper but I bet around 3 to $4K.
Most importantly though....Maybe we just don't care about the comparison. This is the IS room. Maybe we simply don't want a 3 series. For whatever reason. That's why there are so many cars in this price range.
That's not true if you look at the standard equipment list. An IS250 will not have a standard moonroof or xenons. It'll start at 30k (as Lexus executives have clearly said pricing will be the same as the old car)...so add $2k to get standard luxury fearures like decent lights and a moonroof. Add xenons and leather to a 325i and you're at 32k also. Shrug...but you also get an engine with almost 30 more hp.
Given lexus' continued push upward in price, it seems highly likely the IS250 will ring in at about the same level as a bimmer. The Is350 will probably have pricing in line with a 330i too - guess a starting price of 35k for it (again hid and moon are extras - so 37k with basic features). There's a 7k+ difference in pricing between the GS300 and 430. A 5k jump from IS250 to 350 seems likely.
I still say the IS will be priced below the comparable Bimmer. But hey I may be wrong. But who cares? It's only a car.
A car is a bit more than just a car!
Otherwise there would not be 2,942 posts in this forum for a car that does not yet exist, dont you think?
Hasn't happened with the GS vs. the 5, and hasn't happened with the LS vs. the 7.
mike...cars are status symbols? rofl
It's mostly in the psychology, the whole "catch up with the Jones'" deal...
Do you not think that a person driving an old beat up VW Rabbit thinks that someone driving a brand new BMW may have a "higher status" than them? I'm not saying that this is right, but it's the truth for many.
Many people buy cars for different reasons; some for enjoyment, others just because of the prestige/status attached with having a luxury car, plus the attention they may get along with it. I for one am going to buy myself a Lexus because I simply love cars and they (cars) are one of my passions. You also want to buy a sports sedan because of the practicality of a sedan, I presume, and the speed and handling of a sports car; that's you, and others are different!
Most of the Lexus', BMW's, Benz's, RR, Bentleys of the world are status symbols. Ever heard of something called a trophy wife? ROFL HA HA HA
But there probably will be price divergence when you start loading 'em up.
A 325i auto with Premium Package, heated seats, and xenons is $37,000. I think an IS250 with similar equipment will be more like $34,000.
I might be wrong. We'll see.
I might be wrong. We'll see.
You may be right...I'm just talking base to base - same general options. Once you say 325i auto you lose me, add in premium and heated seats and it's a big question mark as to why even bother buying a sport sedan...just get an ES330.
Well, a lot of people don't see it as black and white as you would. Some people want a sedan that handles well but don't necessarily want to row the gears. And a lot of people don't want their [non-permissible content removed] to get cold, whether they're shifting or not.
All accounts I've heard (both at the NYIAS and a local dealership) are that the IS250 will be slightly higher (1-2k) than the current IS300, and the the IS350 will be a few grand higher than that. Still, I'd expect that if Lexus is really attempting to compete with the BMW 3-series pricing will be slightly less for a comparable model. At least until the new vehicle proves its worth.
A car is absolutely a status symbol... that's why luxury brands exist. Else everyone would drive functional cars like a Ford Taurus, which gets you from A-B. Why else would anyone compare the merits of 200+ to 300+hp and whatever lb feet of torque? Unless people are in training for the Indy-500, I'm willing to suggest that most people are not traveling consistently at very high speeds.
But at least it keeps the thread going.......
Like it was shown on the GS, base pricing is meaningless - unless one wants to wait 3 months for a special order. One will have a very hard time finding a base car on any lot. And that business of moonroof not being standard.... as BMW has done it probably will be soon.
My prediction - the IS250 will be the least expensive RWD MT equiped sedan in the US - the reason I might buy it.
I haven't seen any real pricing on the IS yet. But if they think they are gonna be able to lower the power and keep the same content but yet raise prices, Lexus is loco.
You may speak for the majority but not the select few who pick a car based on performance/handling considerations!
I really do pity the person who buys a car solely as a status symbol. Such people with injured egos should visit a therapist or a guru before purchasing a car!