In sports, most people cheer for the underdog (unless it's your team that is rated number 1 or favoured). It's the same here, Lexus haters try to find fault and/or reasons not to like what Lexus (Toyota) is doing. It's easy for Lexus to be a target. After all, it is a division of Toyota, the richest and most revered car manufacturer in the world (they certainly aren't the underdog). I don't like many of the vehicles that Toyota/Lexus is offering at this time. However, they must be doing something right. They are setting sales records around the world. Toyota is very good at learning from their mistakes. They don't put all their eggs in one basket. So when a mistake is made, they don't feel it as much. Also, Toyota's motto is slow and steady on the progress side. I find that frustrating at times but this formula seems to work for them.
I don't like the current IS. It's too small and too un-Lexus (inside and out) for my liking. I'll be in the market for a new vehicle within the next year. I will take a good look at the new IS. I'm not into racing, so the AWD, auto 250 sounds pretty good to me. I believe that this vehicle, in this format, will more than satisfy my driving needs. Time will tell.
After all, it is a division of Toyota, the richest and most revered car manufacturer in the world (they certainly aren't the underdog)
Most revered? Wouldn't that be Ferrari or Porsche? Per unit, Porsche is the most profitable. And while I think the Boxster is a junk pile and Cayenne is bland I'll tip my hat to the guys who make the 911 so sought after 30+ years after its introduction.
. I don't like many of the vehicles that Toyota/Lexus is offering at this time. However, they must be doing something right. They are setting sales records around the world.
Ouch, equating quanity sold with quality never works for me. Titanic is the highwst grossing film of all time and Mcdonald's sells the most burgers. Neither product is considered the best in their respective fields.
When one says show me the ultimate car, does anyone here begin to salivate at the thought of an LS430 (lexus top end car)?
Just because you can please the masses, that doesn't mean you have the "best" product. You have most popular. There's a difference.
And yes this goes for bmw selling so many 325s too. highly popular but really not a car most people get giddy about.
Well, there's no denying that Lexus is #4 in car sales in the U.S., because it is.
However, it may get close to the top spot if the new IS delivers as they project. Suddenly, you have the IS going from 5000 per year to 45,000 per year.
Lexus really benefits from having two distinct sedans (ES and IS) in the volume entry-level sedan class. MB, BMW, and Infiniti have just one.
Well, there's no denying that Lexus is #4 in car sales in the U.S., because it is.
Your statement is very wrong even if we want the most strict use of words. Lexus-Toyota is #3 in car sales, after GM and Ford. Now to the point (I think) you were trying to make, RX is a car-based vehicle. Whether it's classified as a car or an SUV is quite irrelevent. People buy RX as wagons, not off-road SUV's. RX significantly cannibalizes ES and IS (Sportcross) sales if not GS as well. You can see that happening between X3 and 3 series in recent years as well. The artificial distinction between car and SUV classification is really quite meaningless when it comes to RX and BMW's X twin.
Lexus really benefits from having two distinct sedans (ES and IS) in the volume entry-level sedan class. MB, BMW, and Infiniti have just one.
IS sales volume has been lower than Infiniti I30 in recent years. MB and BMW offers at least two engine choices and three body styles to each C and 3 lineup, whereas Lexus only offers one engine to each line so far. Then, there are the C hatchbacks on the low end, and M3 on the sporty and expensive side of the spectrum.
Whats the ultimate car, hypothetically or realistically? Would I love to drive a Flying Spur to work? Absolutely! Would I love to pay for and then own a Flying Spur? Not a chance. Not unless somebody else is willing to deal with all of the inevitable problems.
Based on driving a Infiniti M vs. a Lexus GS who wins? Infiniti M hands down!
I disagree! If I want all out performance, maybe but then I would have to live with the harsh ride the magazines are pointing out. I want the whole package, everything nicely balanced. For me and others judging by sales so far, the new GS is the clear winner. I can respect your choice but my ideal driving doesn't equal the M. On a different note, does anyone know how long before the new GS arrived that Lexus released pricing for it? I'm hoping for an IS350 but may have to settle for an IS250 depending on pricing, I'm one of those guys that wants the toys. HID; once you have them you never want to go back :shades:
Hey man, I'm simply pointing out Lexus is not revered. When someone asks what car do you desire price no object...nobody enthusiastically jumps up and down for any Lexus product.
A BMW? Not since the Bangel Butcher came. Infiniti? Too heavy!
Porsche... I revere the 911, but not the Cayenne or Boxster...
Mercedes? Only the 65AMGs.
Reverance only comes from a car company that fits the certain person perfectly. I myself am a bit of a Bentley reverer, and I like those Ferraris a lot too.
Don't kid yourself, Lexus is as (un)reverable as BMW or Benz.
In terms of GS v. M, I really think that they both have their perspective buyers. Lexus couldn't build a true 5-Series because that would be like jumping into a cold pool. Instead, they metaphorically tested the waters with the GS, hopefully so they could change accordingly with the IS and next generation GS. The M is more hard-line and sportier, but side by side with the GS, it doesn't seem as luxurious. Just my perception. They are both very good cars. Too bad they couldn't mash 'em together.
""Would I love to drive a Flying Spur to work? Absolutely!""
I concur
""Would I love to pay for and then own a Flying Spur? Not a chance""
I agree, I wouldnt pick a Lexus if I could have a price no object dream car. Neither would I pick a current BMW or Mercedes Benz. I think any of the above implies a bit of a lack of imagination. I think I'd take maybe an early '30s Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
Great Handling First Power Second and Luxury third( as an option hopefully)"
Ummm, wasn't that the IS 300.... And what a success that was! lol And yea, luxury third in priority on a LUXURY car? :confuse: You are in the wrong market to be complaining about luxury (Hint! Hint! This is the luxury segment. Maybe that would be right for you, but then again, Lexus doesnt custom build cars for people, aka minorities like you, who never can find what they want in a car on the market. If you are that discontent with all the cars on the market then why don't you build yourself a car that is up to your standards and for the millions of others that are like you? You might make some good cash (that is if there is even a market for a car like that at this price!). Like I had said, and MANY others, it seems you are loitering in the wrong forum!..........and thats my rant. Sorry if I come off as an a-hole but it's about time people stop complaining about things like this! I mean, if I'm shopping in the luxury segment, odds are I'm looking for a car with luxury!
PS - For those complaining about the power in an IS300, it can be easily modified for more power. And for those who choose not to, it's your loss for not picking up an 05' IS and modding it because that would apparently be your perfect car.
PPS - The IS350 is MY perfect car and they got it all right (the choice to kick back and not worry about shifting, and the choice to select my own gears as well), so don't try and ruin it for me :P
Could also try the Mazdaspeed6. 280hp/ lb. ft. 6 speed and AWD. Looks like the perfect blend of not so much luxury and a lot of sport. And since we know the IS won't have enough sport for any of "those" people they might as well start looking for alternatives. It'll leave all the rest of the inventory for those of us that actually want the IS.
So what is a non-luxury sport performance car that sounds exciting? Whether it will have a 3.0l or 3.5l Turbo engine is irrelevant because this car below will be a hoot to drive with either engines:
The beauty of the car above is that it looks small and unimpressive. A wolf in sheep's clothing without shouting out to the world that a buyer spent a lot of money to commute---what better car can there be than the one above ?
I agree, I wouldnt pick a Lexus if I could have a price no object dream car. Neither would I pick a current BMW or Mercedes Benz. I think any of the above implies a bit of a lack of imagination. I think I'd take maybe an early '30s Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow
It would have neither handling nor power, not even luxury by today's standard. I had a Silver Ghost for my wedding, the Rolls that made Rolls what it was. The guests oo'ed and ahh'd over the car . . . let's just say that it's no where nearly as good a car as my daily driver, a Saab 9-5 wagon, by any objective measure, including ride comfort and noise level.
"It would have neither handling nor power, not even luxury by today's standard."
See thats the whole point I was trying to make. Compared to a legend like the Silver Arrow, none of today's cars are "revered" like that. Today an A8L W12 might set the bar for the full size luxury class, but it will quickly be forgotten as soon as the next A8 bows. I'm willing to bet that nobody will care about a 2005 Audi A8 seventy-two years in the future. My point is a "revered" name plate or model is ultimately of little value when a car is going to be used as a daily driver. The technology in my LS430 makes the Silver Arrow look like it came from the stone age, and its infinitely more reliable. The LS430 is not an object to lust after. Its just a very good car.
You are right; the future IS series is an unknown quantity. II was hoping that the IS350 would come with a manual trans; I would be one of the first to test drive it. Having owned a 5 series, a G35 and a Boxster (all great handling vehicles with manuals) I am open to great Japanese vehicles. The 5 series was the best overall vehicle I have ever owned, but repairs were $$$. The Boxster is ridiculously underrated and repairs, though rare, do get rather $$. The G35 was easiest on the repair pocketbook, that's why I was interested in the small and nimble IS350. But no manual, no sale; simple as that. BTW rotoryfan, where is the more powerful RX-7? Now there is an indestructible great handling bargain ride. Happy motoring.
BTW rotoryfan, where is the more powerful RX-7? Now there is an indestructible great handling bargain ride.
I owned an RX-7 from '84-'93 - loved it. But, the improved engine (13B) and practicality (4 seats and a trunk) in the new RX-8 makes it much improved over the 7. It is not high on torque, but that is not an issue on twisty roads - where it's 50/50 balance, road feel and incrediably smooth power delivery shines. The only analogy I can think of is skiing (nimbly) through a sloam course. (If you are curious, check out the Top Gear (UK) video review 8 vs. 350Z (from 2004) or test drive it.). And, it sells for under 30K.
I am looking forward to the new IS - to possibly replace my '03 TL (an outstanding highway cruising car). Preliminary info indicates, to me, the IS will have the right balance between luxury and sport (and reliability goes without saying). I prefer the auto in this type car - I have the 8 for the twisties/sport driving. Maybe the IS250 MT will meet your needs?
I think that in the end, in sport v. luxury in the IS, it's still a bit of a tossup. People have assumed that since the IS350 does not come with a clutch pedal that it won't be sporty. Only a test drive will tell. I would rather they work on cornering or handling otherwise than try to perfect my left-foot reflexes. The very preliminary reviews say that the IS is a very good ride, and I am content to believe them. Also, I like the idea of having airbags everywhere in the IS.
I really like the idea of the 1-series. It'll be a BMW for people who can't afford a BMW. That is, if it gets here. If the A3 is a success, it'll come.
“ the future IS series is an unknown quantity.”
I’ll say. However, its predecessor was an able handler so is it reasonable to assume it will not follow up? Perhaps. Nothing is guaranteed even though reports suggest the ante has been upped. One thing is for sure. It seems to have stepped out of those boy-racer shoes. Unless it dances like a pig this car is going to pickpocket the 3 and G. Bank on it. And no matter how much the sport enthusiasts lament the lack of a stick in the 350, this is not going to make a dent in sales. Face it stickmeisters, we are a rare breed; those who lust for luxury and power are not.
What I find interesting and telling is price. Now that all of these Japanese bargains are knocking on the sport-sedan door it seems the IS may not be undercutting the benchmark 3-series and if so it sure won’t be by much. Can the LS, M et al sell at prices equal to their German counterparts? In the IS we may have a Japanese car that starts to change this.
Now saints preserve us, someone is trashing the Boxster again. Pity. Consider some facts.
There are many Porsche enthusiasts who have experience with both cars, own both cars, and say the Boxster is a better handler than the 911. One Porsche engineer has even been quoted saying that with engine power being equal, the Boxster is the better car. Cayman, the new Boxster coupe, has outperformed the 987 911 Carrera at the Nurburgring by 7 seconds. The Boxster S was a mere 3 secs behind the Carrera. We’re talking ~8 minute laps here.
In the March comparo 5 out of 9 Road and Track Editor’s chose the Boxster S as their favorite out of 9 sports cars including the 911 S in the March comparo. It got nudged out of first by the Vette on price. If the test car Porsche sent wasn’t so overloaded with frivolous options it would have won. Not only was it the slalom king in this test, it out-slalomed the million dollar Enzo.
Finally, since its arrival in 2000 the Boxster S has received nothing but stellar reviews. The only real knocks against it have been price, quality of cockpit materials (986) and notchy gearbox. You would be hard pressed to find anything in the press that describes it other than “brilliant” and “the thoroughbred.”
You come to Porsche for handling and steering first. Numero uno, plain and simple. Anyone who values handling and puts the 911 on a pedestal then trashes the Boxster either never drove them or has blind prejudice.
I’ve heard plenty of arguments against it by guys who opt for Vette’s and S2000s for understandable and obvious reasons, but characterizing it as a “junk pile” is off the map. That would also make the 911 Carrera a junk pile because they share approximately 40% of their parts, are virtually identical from cabin forward and have the same block. They are even prone to the same problems. The differences are engine displacement, stroke, intake, engine placement and rear suspension. Furthermore, it takes a lot of skill to drive a 911 at high speeds thanks to its 38/62 front/rear balance. Maybe you don’t like the Boxster’s looks? Fine, but trashing it on performance integrity is equivalent to calling the world flat in 1492.
Blueguy says here you’ve never driven a Boxster or Boxster S. But I’ll trust your response. It’s just that your crack is wa-a-a-y curious sir.
I was raised around 911s, so I'll admit it it's a total bias - actually flat out bigotry. In my family and among my circle of friends, the 911 is Porsche and the 928, 944, 914, 924, Boxster and Cayenne are all aberations needing an abortion from the Porsche family.
Don't take it personally...there are many cars that I flat out won't go near based on blind prejudice - Boxster, pretty much all GM (but I have had the grave mispleasure of driving a CTS on purpose and other members of the fleet as rentals), and Mopar (same about rentals).
Now the IS...I'll take one for a spin a second and gladly consider it over a BMW.
Gotta admit I may break ranks with the Cayman. The weight, the power, the design all seem like a slimmed down 911. In fact the Cayman's so catching my eye I'm considering a holdover vehicle next year - like lease an A3 or a miata and then buy a Cayman S in a few years.
one last thing - whatever the magazines say about any car is irrelevant. they may love the Lexus IS250 or praise the 3 series or say the Boxster or CTS are great cars...that means nada. Their views mean nothing.
I really like the idea of the 1-series. It'll be a BMW for people who can't afford a BMW
That is precisely the logic that I cant understand about the overwhelming opinion of the IS in this forum.
Buying an IS does not neccessarily mean that you cannot afford a GS/LS. It may mean an inclination for the sporty performance/handling of a smaller car. It appears many here view the IS as the poor man's GS. That would be tragic if true, because in truth the IS is suppose to be the Enthusiast Car among the Lexus family---not the poorer cousin that you take pity on!
I can assure you a BMW 135Ti will cost more than a BMW 330i. Dollars/ Social Status/ Chickmagnet is not the issue! Performance/Handling is the issue.
Never. We’re talking about chunks of iron here. Furthermore, I’m as opinionated and candid as you are, not to mention that I always enjoy reading your posts. That said, I have to say you made the needles on my logic meter flicker. From disdain of junk pile to affection for junk pile with hardtop? OK, I’m sure you have it figured out for yourself.
Data is from the Swiss Lexus site - don't know is the US choices will be exactly the same...
Farben und Intérieurs Code Farben Stoff Leder Schwarz Schwarz Grau Beige 062 White Pearl 074 Bluish Pearl Crystal Shine 1G0 Dark Grey Mica 1G1 Silver Mica Metallic 202 Black 3R1 Red Mica Crystal Shine 4P7 Beige Metallic 6U3 Mild Green Mica Metallic 8P8 Dark Blue Mica 8R6 Light Blue Metallic
In the land where the "package" is king, choices will much more limited than what is listed there. I can't imagine Lexus would even bother bringing over that Green thing.
With the other info available on the Canadian site about the IS, the picture is getting a bit less fuzzy.
I can wager that driving a RS3/BMW135Ti will be a bit more exciting than driving a Lexus IS430 or IS500!
Having said that I would favor driving a IS over the more fun RS3! Years and years of Audi ownership have left me with no nostalgic dealership memories.
Folks, this topic is dangerously close to extinction. Stay firmly on-topic about the upcoming IS, or we're closing up shop.
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please clarify. Did you have any factual issues - inaccuracies with the data, etc. with the article? Or do you just not like the IS getting a positive review?
No i don't like 4 paragraph "reviews" that barely say anything that isn't in a brochure. Tell me how the car feels on the freeway, at speed, in around town city driving, on curvy roads. Let us in how the brakes react after a long drive down a mountain. give us some feedback on the seats. what about ergonomics. what's the view like with the outside rearview mirrors? is the inside rearview mirror worthwhile? do you have a good line of vision out the front? any blindspots?
what's the switchgear feel like? dash...is it soft, hard, mixed? what about the door sills...how do they feel? storage area inside the cabin - bins, console, glove box? backseat comfort and space - is it roomy or pinched. ingress/egress? radio performance and quirks? windows go slowly up and down? is the car loud as heck with windows and roof open at 90 mph?
how'd the engine behave in around town driving v. cruising v. flat out fun? can you get up and go at 80 in 5th gear or does the car bog down?
what are some criticisms? how's it compare to the competition (name names and attributes)? how's the tranny work...is it soft, quick and honda-like, cruddy and bmw-like?
Am I getting across what I think is a worthwhile review compared to 95% of what currently passes as such in the internet age?
Latest info from my local Lexus dealer is that the new IS won't be available for purchase until October (not early September) and that pricing won't be known until just a few days before the launch.
My lease expires Sep. 12. I find it too stressful to wait and see. I'm going to get the new BMW 3-Series this time around. Maybe next time for the IS.
Good luck to all of you who have the luxury of time to consider this promising new car.
Well, it still is the "next" Lexus IS, so I think we're fine for now.
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This car totally kicks [non-permissible content removed]. I can't wait for mine to come in!!! I have a feeling this will totally blow the roof off my existing 2003 A4.
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Sorry.. what were we talking about?
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I don't like the current IS. It's too small and too un-Lexus (inside and out) for my liking. I'll be in the market for a new vehicle within the next year. I will take a good look at the new IS. I'm not into racing, so the AWD, auto 250 sounds pretty good to me. I believe that this vehicle, in this format, will more than satisfy my driving needs. Time will tell.
Most revered? Wouldn't that be Ferrari or Porsche? Per unit, Porsche is the most profitable. And while I think the Boxster is a junk pile and Cayenne is bland I'll tip my hat to the guys who make the 911 so sought after 30+ years after its introduction.
. I don't like many of the vehicles that Toyota/Lexus is offering at this time. However, they must be doing something right. They are setting sales records around the world.
Ouch, equating quanity sold with quality never works for me. Titanic is the highwst grossing film of all time and Mcdonald's sells the most burgers. Neither product is considered the best in their respective fields.
When one says show me the ultimate car, does anyone here begin to salivate at the thought of an LS430 (lexus top end car)?
Just because you can please the masses, that doesn't mean you have the "best" product. You have most popular. There's a difference.
And yes this goes for bmw selling so many 325s too. highly popular but really not a car most people get giddy about.
However, it may get close to the top spot if the new IS delivers as they project. Suddenly, you have the IS going from 5000 per year to 45,000 per year.
Lexus really benefits from having two distinct sedans (ES and IS) in the volume entry-level sedan class. MB, BMW, and Infiniti have just one.
Your statement is very wrong even if we want the most strict use of words. Lexus-Toyota is #3 in car sales, after GM and Ford. Now to the point (I think) you were trying to make, RX is a car-based vehicle. Whether it's classified as a car or an SUV is quite irrelevent. People buy RX as wagons, not off-road SUV's. RX significantly cannibalizes ES and IS (Sportcross) sales if not GS as well. You can see that happening between X3 and 3 series in recent years as well. The artificial distinction between car and SUV classification is really quite meaningless when it comes to RX and BMW's X twin.
Lexus really benefits from having two distinct sedans (ES and IS) in the volume entry-level sedan class. MB, BMW, and Infiniti have just one.
IS sales volume has been lower than Infiniti I30 in recent years. MB and BMW offers at least two engine choices and three body styles to each C and 3 lineup, whereas Lexus only offers one engine to each line so far. Then, there are the C hatchbacks on the low end, and M3 on the sporty and expensive side of the spectrum.
Well excuse me mister/mis, we were obviously talking about luxury brands. Let's not qibble over words.
Okay, let me rephrase then. Lexus WILL really benefit from having two distinct sedans (ES and IS) in the volume $30k to $35k sedan class.
Why?
Because it just dawned on me that this is an IS Forum!
I disagree! If I want all out performance, maybe but then I would have to live with the harsh ride the magazines are pointing out. I want the whole package, everything nicely balanced. For me and others judging by sales so far, the new GS is the clear winner.
I can respect your choice but my ideal driving doesn't equal the M.
On a different note, does anyone know how long before the new GS arrived that Lexus released pricing for it? I'm hoping for an IS350 but may have to settle for an IS250 depending on pricing, I'm one of those guys that wants the toys. HID; once you have them you never want to go back :shades:
Porsche... I revere the 911, but not the Cayenne or Boxster...
Mercedes? Only the 65AMGs.
Reverance only comes from a car company that fits the certain person perfectly. I myself am a bit of a Bentley reverer, and I like those Ferraris a lot too.
Don't kid yourself, Lexus is as (un)reverable as BMW or Benz.
In terms of GS v. M, I really think that they both have their perspective buyers. Lexus couldn't build a true 5-Series because that would be like jumping into a cold pool. Instead, they metaphorically tested the waters with the GS, hopefully so they could change accordingly with the IS and next generation GS. The M is more hard-line and sportier, but side by side with the GS, it doesn't seem as luxurious. Just my perception. They are both very good cars. Too bad they couldn't mash 'em together.
""Would I love to drive a Flying Spur to work? Absolutely!""
I concur
""Would I love to pay for and then own a Flying Spur? Not a chance""
We are seeing eye to eye today
Perfect description!
That is precisely what is WRONG with what we know by now about the new IS!
Luxury First
Power Second
Likely Great Handling
What would be RIGHT!
Great Handling First
Power Second
and Luxury third( as an option hopefully)
Great Handling First
Power Second
and Luxury third( as an option hopefully) "
I would like to know what $30K to $40K sedan gives you that!
As you've said it's not the BMW 3-series, the Audi A4, the Infiniti G35, or the Lexus IS.
Great Handling First
Power Second
and Luxury third( as an option hopefully)"
Ummm, wasn't that the IS 300.... And what a success that was! lol
And yea, luxury third in priority on a LUXURY car? :confuse: You are in the wrong market to be complaining about luxury (Hint! Hint! This is the luxury segment. Maybe that would be right for you, but then again, Lexus doesnt custom build cars for people, aka minorities like you, who never can find what they want in a car on the market. If you are that discontent with all the cars on the market then why don't you build yourself a car that is up to your standards and for the millions of others that are like you? You might make some good cash (that is if there is even a market for a car like that at this price!). Like I had said, and MANY others, it seems you are loitering in the wrong forum!..........and thats my rant.
PS - For those complaining about the power in an IS300, it can be easily modified for more power. And for those who choose not to, it's your loss for not picking up an 05' IS and modding it because that would apparently be your perfect car.
PPS - The IS350 is MY perfect car and they got it all right (the choice to kick back and not worry about shifting, and the choice to select my own gears as well), so don't try and ruin it for me :P
Whether it will have a 3.0l or 3.5l Turbo engine is irrelevant because this car below will be a hoot to drive with either engines:
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=11142
The beauty of the car above is that it looks small and unimpressive. A wolf in sheep's clothing without shouting out to the world that a buyer spent a lot of money to commute---what better car can there be than the one above ?
It would have neither handling nor power, not even luxury by today's standard. I had a Silver Ghost for my wedding, the Rolls that made Rolls what it was. The guests oo'ed and ahh'd over the car . . . let's just say that it's no where nearly as good a car as my daily driver, a Saab 9-5 wagon, by any objective measure, including ride comfort and noise level.
See thats the whole point I was trying to make. Compared to a legend like the Silver Arrow, none of today's cars are "revered" like that. Today an A8L W12 might set the bar for the full size luxury class, but it will quickly be forgotten as soon as the next A8 bows. I'm willing to bet that nobody will care about a 2005 Audi A8 seventy-two years in the future. My point is a "revered" name plate or model is ultimately of little value when a car is going to be used as a daily driver. The technology in my LS430 makes the Silver Arrow look like it came from the stone age, and its infinitely more reliable. The LS430 is not an object to lust after. Its just a very good car.
I stand corrected!
You are right; the future IS series is an unknown quantity. II was hoping that the IS350 would come with a manual trans; I would be one of the first to test drive it. Having owned a 5 series, a G35 and a Boxster (all great handling vehicles with manuals) I am open to great Japanese vehicles. The 5 series was the best overall vehicle I have ever owned, but repairs were $$$. The Boxster is ridiculously underrated and repairs, though rare, do get rather $$. The G35 was easiest on the repair pocketbook, that's why I was interested in the small and nimble IS350. But no manual, no sale; simple as that. BTW rotoryfan, where is the more powerful RX-7? Now there is an indestructible great handling bargain ride. Happy motoring.
BTW rotoryfan, where is the more powerful RX-7? Now there is an indestructible great handling bargain ride.
I owned an RX-7 from '84-'93 - loved it. But, the improved engine (13B) and practicality (4 seats and a trunk) in the new RX-8 makes it much improved over the 7. It is not high on torque, but that is not an issue on twisty roads - where it's 50/50 balance, road feel and incrediably smooth power delivery shines. The only analogy I can think of is skiing (nimbly) through a sloam course. (If you are curious, check out the Top Gear (UK) video review 8 vs. 350Z (from 2004) or test drive it.). And, it sells for under 30K.
I am looking forward to the new IS - to possibly replace my '03 TL (an outstanding highway cruising car). Preliminary info indicates, to me, the IS will have the right balance between luxury and sport (and reliability goes without saying). I prefer the auto in this type car - I have the 8 for the twisties/sport driving. Maybe the IS250 MT will meet your needs?
Cheers
I really like the idea of the 1-series. It'll be a BMW for people who can't afford a BMW. That is, if it gets here. If the A3 is a success, it'll come.
I’ll say. However, its predecessor was an able handler so is it reasonable to assume it will not follow up? Perhaps. Nothing is guaranteed even though reports suggest the ante has been upped. One thing is for sure. It seems to have stepped out of those boy-racer shoes. Unless it dances like a pig this car is going to pickpocket the 3 and G. Bank on it. And no matter how much the sport enthusiasts lament the lack of a stick in the 350, this is not going to make a dent in sales. Face it stickmeisters, we are a rare breed; those who lust for luxury and power are not.
What I find interesting and telling is price. Now that all of these Japanese bargains are knocking on the sport-sedan door it seems the IS may not be undercutting the benchmark 3-series and if so it sure won’t be by much. Can the LS, M et al sell at prices equal to their German counterparts? In the IS we may have a Japanese car that starts to change this.
Now saints preserve us, someone is trashing the Boxster again. Pity. Consider some facts.
There are many Porsche enthusiasts who have experience with both cars, own both cars, and say the Boxster is a better handler than the 911. One Porsche engineer has even been quoted saying that with engine power being equal, the Boxster is the better car. Cayman, the new Boxster coupe, has outperformed the 987 911 Carrera at the Nurburgring by 7 seconds. The Boxster S was a mere 3 secs behind the Carrera. We’re talking ~8 minute laps here.
In the March comparo 5 out of 9 Road and Track Editor’s chose the Boxster S as their favorite out of 9 sports cars including the 911 S in the March comparo. It got nudged out of first by the Vette on price. If the test car Porsche sent wasn’t so overloaded with frivolous options it would have won. Not only was it the slalom king in this test, it out-slalomed the million dollar Enzo.
Finally, since its arrival in 2000 the Boxster S has received nothing but stellar reviews. The only real knocks against it have been price, quality of cockpit materials (986) and notchy gearbox. You would be hard pressed to find anything in the press that describes it other than “brilliant” and “the thoroughbred.”
You come to Porsche for handling and steering first. Numero uno, plain and simple. Anyone who values handling and puts the 911 on a pedestal then trashes the Boxster either never drove them or has blind prejudice.
I’ve heard plenty of arguments against it by guys who opt for Vette’s and S2000s for understandable and obvious reasons, but characterizing it as a “junk pile” is off the map. That would also make the 911 Carrera a junk pile because they share approximately 40% of their parts, are virtually identical from cabin forward and have the same block. They are even prone to the same problems. The differences are engine displacement, stroke, intake, engine placement and rear suspension. Furthermore, it takes a lot of skill to drive a 911 at high speeds thanks to its 38/62 front/rear balance. Maybe you don’t like the Boxster’s looks? Fine, but trashing it on performance integrity is equivalent to calling the world flat in 1492.
Blueguy says here you’ve never driven a Boxster or Boxster S. But I’ll trust your response. It’s just that your crack is wa-a-a-y curious sir.
;-)
Don't take it personally...there are many cars that I flat out won't go near based on blind prejudice - Boxster, pretty much all GM (but I have had the grave mispleasure of driving a CTS on purpose and other members of the fleet as rentals), and Mopar (same about rentals).
Now the IS...I'll take one for a spin a second and gladly consider it over a BMW.
Gotta admit I may break ranks with the Cayman. The weight, the power, the design all seem like a slimmed down 911. In fact the Cayman's so catching my eye I'm considering a holdover vehicle next year - like lease an A3 or a miata and then buy a Cayman S in a few years.
one last thing - whatever the magazines say about any car is irrelevant. they may love the Lexus IS250 or praise the 3 series or say the Boxster or CTS are great cars...that means nada. Their views mean nothing.
That is precisely the logic that I cant understand about the overwhelming opinion of the IS in this forum.
Buying an IS does not neccessarily mean that you cannot afford a GS/LS. It may mean an inclination for the sporty performance/handling of a smaller car. It appears many here view the IS as the poor man's GS. That would be tragic if true, because in truth the IS is suppose to be the Enthusiast Car among the Lexus family---not the poorer cousin that you take pity on!
I can assure you a BMW 135Ti will cost more than a BMW 330i. Dollars/ Social Status/ Chickmagnet is not the issue! Performance/Handling is the issue.
Never. We’re talking about chunks of iron here. Furthermore, I’m as opinionated and candid as you are, not to mention that I always enjoy reading your posts. That said, I have to say you made the needles on my logic meter flicker. From disdain of junk pile to affection for junk pile with hardtop? OK, I’m sure you have it figured out for yourself.
;-)
Farben und Intérieurs
Code Farben Stoff Leder
Schwarz Schwarz Grau Beige
062 White Pearl
074 Bluish Pearl Crystal Shine
1G0 Dark Grey Mica
1G1 Silver Mica Metallic
202 Black
3R1 Red Mica Crystal Shine
4P7 Beige Metallic
6U3 Mild Green Mica Metallic
8P8 Dark Blue Mica
8R6 Light Blue Metallic
Also, shows 3 wheel choices. Here is the entire document:
http://www.lexusclub.ch/main/news.php
With the other info available on the Canadian site about the IS, the picture is getting a bit less fuzzy.
I can wager that driving a RS3/BMW135Ti will be a bit more exciting than driving a Lexus IS430 or IS500!
Having said that I would favor driving a IS over the more fun RS3! Years and years of Audi ownership have left me with no nostalgic dealership memories.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
what's the switchgear feel like? dash...is it soft, hard, mixed? what about the door sills...how do they feel? storage area inside the cabin - bins, console, glove box? backseat comfort and space - is it roomy or pinched. ingress/egress? radio performance and quirks? windows go slowly up and down? is the car loud as heck with windows and roof open at 90 mph?
how'd the engine behave in around town driving v. cruising v. flat out fun? can you get up and go at 80 in 5th gear or does the car bog down?
what are some criticisms? how's it compare to the competition (name names and attributes)? how's the tranny work...is it soft, quick and honda-like, cruddy and bmw-like?
Am I getting across what I think is a worthwhile review compared to 95% of what currently passes as such in the internet age?
“On the road, the highly rigid chassis and sporty suspension package provide some of the best handling in the segment.”
Isn’t this what many of us are waiting for? There will be plenty of reviews coming and, guess what, mine will trump all of them. So will yours!
My lease expires Sep. 12. I find it too stressful to wait and see. I'm going to get the new BMW 3-Series this time around. Maybe next time for the IS.
Good luck to all of you who have the luxury of time to consider this promising new car.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
New Information Posted:
Mark Levinson 300watt Sound System
Bi-Xenon Projector HID Headlamps with AFS
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
MP3/WMA Audio Output
http://www.lexus.com/2006is_preview/index.html?s_ocid=20117
This car totally kicks [non-permissible content removed]. I can't wait for mine to come in!!! I have a feeling this will totally blow the roof off my existing 2003 A4.