Lexus IS 350 and IS 250

stickguy

I was surprised to find a foot operated parking brake on the AT (AWD) version I drove. Actually had to ask the salesguy where it was (since there was no pull handle), so I thought it might be electric.

Anyone know if the manual tranny version adds a normal hand operated brake? If they leave the foot one somehow, I would run screaming from the showroom!

brightness04

No kidding. I'm surprised they would waste their time test driving something that they are not the least interested. One of those days the car makers will probably wisen up, not only should it take money down to test drive a specific configuration, but free test-driving of a new car in general should be a thing of the past. Local "dealership" presence should do only two things: rent cars and service cars, plus selling used cars from the rental fleet. Vehicle transaction for new cars should be mail-order (after renting a "test car" for a few days if one is so inclined). That would cut both inconsiderate salesmen and inconsiderate buyers out of the picture.

elvis4prez

blueguydotcom and priggly

Are you guys gunning for a job as a car reviewer for one of the magazines?

I mean that in a nice way since I did appreciate your reviews and felt like I was almost in one myself. Almost eerie!

I was planning on test driving but may cut it short if parking my behind inside one is as cramped and nonintuitive and non-driver-oriented as you say. The 306 HP still calls. I bet I'll end up with the Acura TL.

gtoskyline

They drove it to bash it, and already disliked it before saw one.

e.g., " 306hp IS350 is not as smooth as 325i"

sowku

the invoice price is $30,400 for based RWD. so let's wait. show lexus that they need to do something with their pricing.

yes, i can afford this car, but it just doesn't feel good paying for more than what it should. i hate being ripped off. and maybe change the interior material a little. looks cheap... the plastic looks cheap. really cheap.

little disappointed. :lemon:

realthor

How would you compare the driving aspect of the IS 350 to the RL?

The RL is nice, but has more body roll, feels bigger, and a lot less sporty. Not my cup of tea. I like the way it pulls out of corners though with the AWD. Definitely needs some upgraded rubber.

realthor

By the way, don't you think the two hard lines on the sides of 3 are out of harmony? Just like they were patched on after finished design.

Having the lines wouldn't be my first choice, but I do think it makes the car stand out more. However, any new 3 series w/out the sport option just looks anemic and downright ugly. The larger wheels completely change the appearance.

kdshapiro

"is a thing of the past."

No, they can't make enough. They are not GM and their factories are at capacity. This is not a thing of the past.

Oh and the Palm does not discount and they are filled to capacity almost every night.

pvcnco

Turns out I am not crazy.
Thought I was the only one cross shopping an RL and IS350.
As others, $40k for RL vs $41-43k for IS (lux, 18", Nav) is a hard choice.
I drove both within a 24 hr period.

Short version, I like driving the IS better. Funny how it handles better than sh-awd RL. I guess the rubbers and bigger weels make up diff between rwd and awd.
Bang for buck, RL is probably better deal.

Long version, RL console is laid out like starship enterprise. Geeze did they get enough buttons in there? It does not accelrate like a 300HP car, maybe its the test method (2006 is being restated as 280+ HP using SAE method). It handled well, but doesn't really like 80MPH curves with bumps in them (I commute through this every day). Dont get me wrong, didn't fell like I was gonna lose it, but I expected more on sh-awd. Let put it this way, my passengers grab their "oh-crap" handles.

IS, I did a similar corner (my first time on this road), doing about 85. Note, I crossed lanes on both (RL was 3 lane divided, IS on 2 lane not divided) to get better lines. The IS really took the curve with confidence, keep in mind, I didn't know the "right line" as it was a new road unlike in the RL. Passengers kept talking, no "oh-crap" handles needed.

Also, I hit 100MPH in no time, it felt like 70-80MPH in a 3.2 CL or the RL. If I buy this, City of Irving, TX will probably get more revenue from me... :+P Maybe this is not that good an idea for my driving record/insurance...

Either way, love the IS. Its the bang for the buck issue which I have to get over on the RL (and all the the issues or TSB's on the RL). Wife says "get what u want", I side toward IS. My pratical side says get RL.

At least I crossed the MB e350 off my list (it was the $529/mo lease that got me in the dealership).

I probably will wait for December to remember sales event and buy an IS. Not in hurry. Also, I see Northwest (seattle) is the only place witht the build i want. IS350, navi, lux, and nothing else (no perf accessori pack). Just under $43k.

rjorge3

I am somewhat disappointed at the numbers I put together, but I guess I will still test drive the IS to make sure that the back seats are not as "useless" as some posts here make them out to be.

But when I put the measurements together of my current Audi A4 and compare them to the IS, I was very surprise (I guess I needed to see concrete numbers). I am 5-10, 175lbs, and I find my current car has just about the right space for a driver my size and passenger and two average size adults in the back. I use the back of my seat quite often to transport my in-laws and my parents, thus for me it can be a deal breaker.

The results:

Lexus IS...............................................................2005 Audi A4
Length 180.1 in.....................................................179 in
Width 70.9 in........................................................ 69.9 in
Height 56.1 in(RWD); 56.7 in(IS 250 AWD).............. 56.2in
Wheelbase 107.5 in.............................................. 104.3 in
Headroom 37.2 / 36.7 in......................................... 38.4 / 37.2
Legroom 43.9 / 30.6 in ........................................... 41.3 / 34.3
Shoulder Room 54.4 / 52.7 in (front/rear).................. 55.1 / 53.4

I am shock at some of the numbers. e.g. rear head room in the IS is 36.7 vs Audi 37.2; front and rear leg room in the IS 43.9 / 30.6 in Vs 41.3 / 34.3!! That is almost 4 less inches in the rear!!! Whoao, that for me could break the deal.

I don't know why Lexus engineers did not include more rear space even though the IS wheel base/overall width and overall length are bigger than my Audi.

I really love the exterior, the interior, the finishes and I can live with "isolated road feedback" of the IS, but I prey than when my lease expires, they increase them at least 3 inches........or sadly, I will be looking somewhere else.

Anyone has taken delivery of the new IS already? if so, please let us know of your experience so far. I want to hear from a real owner, not just testers.

pearl

went to my local dealer yesterday and they had a 250 AWD on the floor and a 350 which had been sold, so couldn't drive anything, but did an extensive sit-in and walk around. Since this has been covered ad naseum, I won't dwell on it, but completely agree with everyone else that there is no other way to describe the interior except to say it is cramped. Yes, I fit, yes, I could get into the back seat, but was not "comfortable" in the car at all. Fit, finish and details all seemed first rate and I liked the Nav more than most I have seen. One thing that no one has mentioned is the lack of any sort of side moldings to protect the doors. Most manufacturers seem to be going away from them now; however, looking at the slab-sidded doors on the IS, I can imagine them getting dinged quickly in parking lots, even if one tries to be careful where to park. The IS looks like a nice car, but do not think it will stay on my list.
P.S. I was told at this same dealer that the new LS would be out in April. I told them I didn't think that was correct, but another guy there also said April and claimed that it had been announced at some dealer meeting in California. I still wonder about this, but posted it on the LS board to see if anyone else has heard it too.

Kirstie_H

Many personally-directed and off-topic messages have been removed. If there's a disruption in a discussion, the quickest way to get my attention is via e-mail.

We'll be moving this discussion to the Sedans board in a few days (following the October 17 "official" release date), so if you haven't subscribed to this discussion, now's a good time to do so.

rotoryfan

I drove the 250 and 350 at the D.C. Taste of Lexus event. Last Friday I went to see the cars again. Returned Saturday with a friend to test drive (250 RWD - no 350 was available to drive).

Rather than echo many of the positive opinions previously stated, all I will say is everyone (actually, those on the forum that are truly interested in the IS, not the beemer faithful) should experience a test drive of this car - and reach their own conclusion...

For those who think the car is too small inside, maybe you should be shopping for a mid-size not a COMPACT size sedan. (P.S. the friend whom test drove with me weighs about 230 (ex-football player) and is about 6'. I specifically asked if he was comfortable in the driver's seat - he said "plenty of room").

For the naysayers, please don't buy this car - I am hoping prices come off MSRP in the next 6 months and selling more will lessen the chance of prices softening. PLEASE just be happy with your Beemers (between repairs, opening the glovebox to change CD's, etc.)...

glenford

Good strategy. I particularly HATE the AWD IS250 as equipped for the NY area.

:mad:

Will that bring the price down? :P

blueguydotcom

Let me tell you a story once again. In 03 when shopping for a performance sedan I had my heart set on the G35. I was sure the G's handling, performance and price made it the car to beat. I drove everything I could find on lots - TLs, TSXs, A4s, IS300s, CTSes, Mazda6s, Jettas, etc.

One day I got my hands on a 325i with sport package. The handling was sharp but the car so lacked in power that I couldn't conceive of ever wanting one. The simply didn't impress me enough. I couldn't fathom paying 30-32k for a car that really wasn't a grin producer. The TSX and G35 still were the leading contenders.

A few weeks passed and a dealer called to tell me they had a 330i in stock with a manual. I reluctantly drove to the dealer, figuring I'd make a perfunctory drive to seal the deal and exclude BMW. The drive changed my view...some. The power made a difference and the handling felt even better (18s over 17s). Definitely the car seemed like a contender. But the price. The G35 wasn't quite as on the money but it was a good deal cheaper than the BMW - a good 7k cheaper.

I redrove the G35 and had the car exhibit the snap oversteer people have lamented in the FM chassis. The next day I drove to BMW, still not totally sold. The salesman had called to tell me about the arrival of a performance package equipped 330i. I helped him remove the plastic and cardboard from the not-yet-unpacked car.

From the moment I fired up the 330i performance package I knew I had slid into an altogether different beast. Pulling out the car felt tighter. By the end of the drive it was over. 6 months of looking ended that morning. The car was too much fun to pass up.

Moral of the story: I'll give every car a shot because there always exists the possibility something will blow me away.

I gave the IS350 a fair shake. It didn't blow me away. The quibbles about the exterior and even the electronics mean little to me. The driving position, the lack of support in the seat, the harsh shifting tranny, the undulating suspension and the car's vague road feedback sealed the deal on the IS350: it's no longer in the running for my dollars.

Ask KDshapiro if I will change my mind. He and I used to go rounds about the 3 series v. G35. He was right all along.

rotoryfan

Good strategy. I particularly HATE the AWD IS250 as equipped for the NY area.

The dealer told me you can special order any options you want on the car. Ordering just requires waiting...

rotoryfan

"IS350: it's no longer in the running for my dollars."

bluedot - enjoy the European delivery on your new Beemer.

Bye

glenford

Just a joke. (Apparently not too successful, either.)

Trying to get prices down by hating the car in public. I actually like it quite a bit, but for other reasons it is looking like I will wait until the spring anyway. I own my current car, and it is in good shape, so there is no fixed schedule for me.

blueguydotcom

1. I would never buy a Beemer. I don't like motorcylces.

2. There are still other options coming out in the next few months: GTI, Mazdaspeed6, Mazdaspeed3 (maybe).

3. I may opt for something like a Mazda3 (at least it's a sharp driver) and wait for the announcement of an M3 sedan.

4. I'm not leaving...

Kirstie_H

Folks, everyone is welcome to post here whether they love the new IS or not - we have a lot of enthusiasts who are interested in talking about a variety of vehicles, not just the one they choose to drive. If a member seems to hang around simply for the purpose of outright bashing, that's not going to fly, but this is not a "Rah-Rah Lexus" discussion.

If you don't like someone's opinion and/or posts, I suggest that you skip them. Posts that are primariliy about another member and not about the vehicle tend to disappear without notice.

zcar3

I've been lurking for months while I try to find a replacement for my 2000 A4 1.8T w/ sport seats & sports suspension. So far I've driven the TL, G35, 2006 325 & 330, and finally the IS 250. Our local dealer has a 250 AWD auto and 350, but it was still lightly raining on Friday (1 solid week of rain in Pennsylvania) and the 350 was in the showroom so I didn't get to try it yet (may stop in this week to try it).

I think the IS is very nice looking in person. Its sporty as well as classy - overall a big thumbs up. I thought the interior is well done, but the materials seem a step down from the bigger Lexus models. The seat leather is nice, but the model I tested did not have sport seats and I didn't feel like I was hugged by them as I do in my A4 or the BMW sport seats. While I'm not a large person (I'm 5'9 and 180lbs), I still felt like the cockpit is cramped. Reaching around for the other side and to the ceiling, it seems to me that overall interior size isn't much smaller than my A4, but that the center console (actually, the center portion between the seats - not sure what to call it) is much higher, given a very enclosed feel. I don't doubt that I could get used to it, but my initial impression was that it was too tight.

As far as driving, my impression was mixed. The major downside is that this model (AWD 250 w/ auto transmission) is for my tastes definitely underpowered. There wasn't the nice torquey pull I'm used to even in my 150hp A4 (the lower rpm turbo is very nice). At highway speed the transmission would downshift (after slight delay) and get things going in a hurry though. The steering was nicely weighted and felt much better than 90% of the cars out there, but got a slight "rubbery" feel when I dialed in harder steering. I thought the 325 was gave a better overall driving experience, but I'm sure the auto tranny & AWD hurt the IS and made it an unequal comparison (not to mention that I was more tentative driving on the wet roads.)

My major problem is that I while think the 350 would alleviate most of my performance concerns, I just can't buy a sports sedan that is not manual. It just too much fun for me to use a manual - I'm sure the DSG (& other) tranny's of the world are faster than I am, but I'm not racing - just trying to make driving more entertaining I was hoping the 250 would offer enough performance because it is available in a manual, but I'm not sure now. I can wait for a manual to hit the showroom, but the saleman told me that under 5% of the 250s are being shipped w/ a manual. Not sure if that number is accurate, but it may be a long time before I could even try one. Anyone know if the rarity of manuals is true??

kronogoose

zcar3,

Thanks for the insights. When I tried Lexus' website to "build" an IS250, I was told that manual tranny was not an option. :mad:

In my area (near Salt Lake City, Utah), you can only get an automatic for RWD 250's...at this time. Hopefully that will change later.

- Greg

kdshapiro

"Why would you want to haunt the board of a car you actively dislike?"

Someone may be seeking all impressions of a vehicle. There are a number of posters who agree with BGs assessment a lot who don't. His impressions are just as valid as someone who drove the cars but came to an alternate conclusion. People not only want to discuss the upside to a vehicle but also the downside of people's impressions.

suave_tequila

Hey everyone!, Well Im ready to purchase my 1st car ever (ooh by the way im 17 years old) and I was looking into the Chrysler 300C and I had no other interest but that car until I went to the dealership. It was nice but for some reason it looked like a car for middle age men. So I went back to the computer and researched for new 06' models which I came across the Lexus IS 350, 1st impression was "WOW, I need to buy that car!" So I actually read every possible website that mentioned the IS 350. Im still confused wether Lexus is going to offer "The Full Package" (like the nav, mark levison audio and etc)on the IS 350, which I might as well get. Also is there going to be a convertible for the IS 350 soon and are they going to offer only 4 seats,since I personally dont like driving a 5th person! Well I hope I get some feedback and thanks alot for reading this thanks!!!!!!!!! :P

vitalik

I am in the same shoes and can't seem to decide between IS350 and RL. Unlike your situation, I have to pull the plug quickly as my current lease expires in a month. Test drove both cars and definitely can agree with your assesment with respect to RL vs. IS.

kdshapiro

The last I looked this is an Edmunds forum was open to all comers. Did you happen to see this post?

kirstie_h, "2006 Lexus IS 350 and IS 250" #5073, 16 Oct 2005 2:55 pm

wale_bate1

"I am hoping prices come off MSRP in the next 6 months..."

Wish granted. I'll give it 2 months on the A-list which should clear out all the pre-order ninnies; the pipe shall be full and flowing, and thou shalt have thy softened price. How soft is anyone's guess, but soft it shall be.

It should sell just fine, but for those who seek the promised land of the blissful bargain, your wait should be slightly longer than an Eclipse GT (screamers already sighted) and far shorter than an Enzo.

Switching off crystal ball...

maxellman

Well, there is no law against people who dreams about a lexus but can not have it. It is indeed a Lexus and not a "people's car", like the one "people" is used to.

maxellman

Nope, nope...

enjoy the European delivery of your new (or old) Jetta.

:"IS350: it's no longer in the running for my dollars."

bluedot - enjoy the European delivery on your new Beemer.

Bye

kdshapiro

You are confusing who said what.

toyotasalesg1

Ok, let's move on. The BMW guys don't like the Lexus. I'm stunned.

I drove the IS250 RWD today. Despite some comments to the contrary I thought the ergonomics were great--typical Lexus. It didn't have Nav but I did spy the Nav in a 350 (out of my price range) and it was amazing.
The leather was fantastic and the Lexus sound system was very good.
The build quality felt like a substantially more expensive car.

Minor quibbles: I agree with blueguy that the shift paddles were a little disappointing. I know that you can't make them metal but I would have preferred that they feel a little more substantial. I'm not a big guy (5'8" 165 pounds) but the front seating was great. The rear seat was ok for me (not that I'll be riding there) but probably won't work for anyone with long legs. Not a problem for me. I have a Tacoma truck to cart people and goods around.
The standard Lexus sound system was good but after hearing the Mark Levison in the GS it was a bit of a letdown. Has anyone heard the ML in the IS? I know the subwoofer is smaller and there's obviously a smaller space for the sound to saturate. Is it worth the extra bucks?

Ok, the ride-- The acceleration was ok. I prefer a bit more low end torque but I wasn't disappointed. The car handled a bit soft but it didn't have the Sport Package. The way the BMW boys howled I was expecting a Camry--not so. Every driven a 325 with the luxury pack but no sport? Same idea. Only nicer looking, feeling and driving. Oh, and larger tires as well.
Why oh why, won't Lexus build the IS250 with the sport package right off the bat? The wood interior was beautiful but I'm looking for a Sports sedan.
The automatic tranny was amazing. It downshifted when I wanted it to, not when it felt like it but I really wish I could have driven a stick. Even with the paddles an auto tranny leaves me a little cold. At least you can hold a gear with the paddles now. You couldn't on the IS300.
Over all I'd give the new IS a big thumbs up. It's a great car.

Are improvements possible? Yes. I'd have kept the inline six in the IS300 as the base engine. The 2.5 V6 is a little tame for my tastes.
The IS was the most luxurious car I have ever seen with a sticker under $40k but I wouldn't have minded a sport pack. Sure the wood was beautiful but I would have preferred the metallic trim.
I want a manual and Lexus isn't making many. And the stick they are building is a 5 speed. That's kind of lame when you consider that Toyota puts a 6 speed in the Corolla XRS and the Tacoma V6.

Overall I'd say the ideal IS would be a 350 with a sport package and 6 speed stick. Here's betting you can buy one-- in 2008.

1violinist

And the stick they are building is a 5 speed.

The manual tranny is actually 6 speed.

stickguy

the stick is a 6 speed. The IS300 was a 5 speed.

I'm curious to know how much of a performance difference (real and perceived) the manual will make, for those that find the 250AT too weak. I thought it had plenty of power in the AWD that I drove, but I also wasn't street racing it! Plus, I drive a 4 cyl. now, so everything is relative.

A nice option might have been using the GS 3.0 engine in the base car. The old inline 6 probably wouldn't even fit, plus it was a gas hog, and not worth the trouble to have 2 different configuration.

Still wondering what they did with the parking brake on the manual model. Anyone know?

I need to test fit the IS again, but I'm pretty sure when I bring back the whole family (wife and 2 kids) it's gonna seem too cramped for travel use.

At the risk of getting stoned (by the crowd), I do plan to look at the 3 series again, mostly to compare the room/comfort. I know it drives nice, as does the IS, so it's other factors that will really come into the decision.

Too bad the selection of RWD compactish sedans is so small. The G35 is really overkill for me. The 250 is plenty of power, decent economy, just wish it was a bit roomier.

bobob20032000

IS 250 RWD goes 0-60 in 7.9 seconds.
IS 250 AWD goes 0-60 in 8.3 seconds.
IS 350 goes 0-60 in 5.3 seconds.

I dont think it matters how fast the car goes, it will be good enough anywhere. We never ever go from 0 to 60. On the highway, it will be 30-60 but never from 0-60. So it won't be an issue with the IS 250. They have good power and great fuel economy. Not all of us will be drag racing but we just need a car to get around.

If you have kids, get the GS 350 when it comes out. Or the ES 350 when it comes out (or ES 330, hope not)

stickguy

not interested in an ES at all (might as well save 10K and get a Camry SE). The GS is nice, but too pricey, and no manual tranny.

I'm trying, but it looks more likely that I will end up with FWD again. At least you get a lot more options that way, and can still get pretty good performance, but it just isn't the same.

blueguydotcom

To everyone I will say, if you're interested in this car -- if you're interested in any car -- ignore what's on these boards and drive it yourself. That is the only way to know if the car is right for you.

I agree. Drive everything you can get your hands on and make an informed decision.

What you guys fail to see, I didn't want to return to a manufacturer I actively dislike and if I can avoid it, I will (manufacturers are not helping me any by releasing substandard cars). The Lexus IS350 in March was the possibility of something great - lexus execs promised so much. They didn't deliver on what I want, but I'd never tell another person to avoid the car because of my opinion.

blueguydotcom

I dont think it matters how fast the car goes, it will be good enough anywhere. We never ever go from 0 to 60. On the highway, it will be 30-60 but never from 0-60. So it won't be an issue with the IS 250. They have good power and great fuel economy.

By "we" you mean yourself and your family? Every morning getting on the freeway - stoplight at the entrance - I go from 0-75. Every night going home I do the same thing. For some of us this is a daily thing.

laurasdada

Actually, for anyone truly interested in an IS, I would think Blueguy's write up would be useful info in that it would give the prospective test driver some thoughts on what to look for. Agree or disagree but maybe he pointed out something you may never have thought of. Blueguy does seem quite narrow of focus in his opinions/wants/desires in a car, but they indeed are his opinions/wants/desires. Therefore, they are correct for him. If somehow you are offended by his opinions, don't read his posts. BTW, I don't drive a BMW. I currently very much enjoy an '05 TL, which I know is not BG's cup of tea. But, then, he didn't pay for my car...

Not that KD needs defending, but I find his posts to be interesting, informative and amusing. If you spent your hard earned money on a patricular car, wouldn't you want to point out the positive reasons for buying and positive experiences and (in fairness and full disclousre) any negatives post purchase? BG and KD love their Bimmers, what's so wrong with that?

cardriver7007

Hey everyone, I've been a lurker for about 2 months now trying to get impressions of how people felt about the new IS. In fact, I've also been checking out is300.net to get new info.

So, a little about me. First, I own a 2004 BMW 325i (let the hissing begin). To sum it up in one sentence, the options are pricey, I've had some minor reliability quirks but the handling is great.

I've been a fan of toyota reliability for a long time, so I've been thinking of switching over and getting something faster and even more feature-laden than what I've got now.

I wasn't able to test drive a 350, but I was able to crawl around in one so these are my impressions. When I drive one, I'll post my impressions of that as well.

The interior is superb compared to BMW's interior. Nicely laid out, soft spongy stuff on dash, touch screen navi, nice quality leather, etc. The front also felt about as cozy my BMW's. Take that how you may, but I don't see it as a liability in this class of car.

However, the back seat is a different story. The car really has no functional back seat, just a 5 foot long leather shelf to put your groceries on. When I had the front seats positioned about where I wanted them, I hopped in the back to see how it would be like sitting behind someone my size.

I actually couldn't fit my feet between the front and back seats without turning them sideways and once I got positioned my knees were pressed firmly against the plastic back of the front seats.

This is the thing that bothers me about the back seat. I have a BMW and one of their biggest drawbacks is a tight back seat, and the room back here is less than even that already cramped space. Go figure!

Other than that, I give everything high marks. But for some people the lack of a reasonable back seat may be a deal breaker. As for me, I may love the thing when I drive it, but I'll have to realize that I'm getting a really fast coupe with 2 extra doors.

And please, could everyone refrain from the ad-hominem attacks? I don't have any agenda I promise. Even though I own a BMW, it annoys me enough at times that I started looking elsewhere.

Thanks for the (mostly) great forum over the past few months! :shades:

gstois

I just traded my 2001 GS300 for an IS350 that should arrive in a few days. I'm so excited about it I don't even know where to start. I have owned two BMW's by the way, and don't think I'll ever own anything but a Lexus again.

I have a couple of questions for the more experienced Lexus fans on the board:

1. Any idea what's going on with the Sirius capability of the car. From what I've been told, the car is prewired, but the dealers don't have the parts yet. I have heard that it will run anywhere from $800 to $1,000. Any input?

2. I use a Treo 650 that I can't give up, so I am going to use a 2nd phone just for the bluetooth in the car. Any suggestions on the best phone in terms of signal and compatibility?

Thanks in advance!

mikegiller

One guy was an RL guy pretending he was evaluating cars on that segement but whenever somebody tell him something negative about that car he would cry out "there is no perfect car" or "the TL has better this and that..."

Would you be talking about me? I am not sure if you are. I did mention the RL but only because I find that the IS is too small for me it seems. I love the car... have not test driven one yet though since this is the only Lexus dealer within several hundreds of kilometers of any other Lexus dealerships in Canada and all IS have been purchased. I happen to live just 20 minutes from it. I saw one IS in person, an AWD 250. Very, very nice.

I am cross-shopping the IS with the Avalon, TSX, and now RL since I had not realized that discounts were as big as they were in some places. I have not seen even 10 RLs on the road in Winnipeg. I should check out the prices at the dealership. Definitely not considering a TL. I don't find the car particularly interesting. Yes, I know. Wide spectrum I am looking at.

When I had 4 friends in my 04' Corolla, I thought to myself, "I really wanna get that IS, but seeing as how it has at most the same, or smaller interior than my Corolla, how the hell can I manage to squeeze my friends in it while being comfortable?" The result? I can't.

Man, I really wanted to get myself an IS...

Somehow, I believe that the next generation ES, the ES 350 would be a big hit and something that would fit my needs: power (220 HP doesn't cut it), luxury, space, technology, STYLE.

I want to stay in the Toyota family because I do not trust the build quality of other manufacturers. I have heard some nasty things about the TL; I wonder if the same problems occur in the RL.

mikegiller

I am 19 and was looking at a 300C. However, my impressions of that car were that it was cheap. I am also looking at the IS and it so happens to be my favourite car to date but the size of it dissapoints me. I have an 04 Corolla and the IS feels even smaller in the back seat. By all means if you have the dough for a $35k while still in high school, go for it. However, before you blow your dough, I recommend that you invest first and foremost. Build your credit also. Most likely you would need to cosign the car with somebody close to you that would be able to take over the financing in the case that you cannot.

nyccarguy

So the IS250 with manual transmission will be available with a Sport Package (sport tuned suspension, 18" wheels according to the Lexus website) at some point?

kdshapiro

All of the posts on almost any forum way before the release of useful information does the same thing - speculate and then extrapolate the speculations. Finally showdown comes and you don't like the reviews.

BTW - what "clowns" are you referring to when you are referring to fair reviews? What makes the "clowns" review any less fair then your review? To me it seems that some of the user reviews are in line with other journalistic commentary that I've read.

So then what is the issue?

mikegiller

And now, I agree with you (I am not saying that I never have though). The reason why I am interested in a car with more power and sport is because on a daily basis I do the same. I rip my car to shreds and am in need of more power and definitely more refinement.

laurasdada

Everyone's entitled to their opinion. And you are entitled to your assesment of those opinions. I've been reading BGDC and KD's messages for some time now, will continue to do so. And now that I've read a few of yours (you seem to be just a might bit combative...), well, nice talkin' to ya...

But before I go, what do you drive? As mentioned earlier, I'm diggin' my '05 TL.

blueguydotcom

Please re-read my post: blueguydotcom, "2006 Lexus IS 350 and IS 250" #5100, 16 Oct 2005 8:30 pm

I never mentioned need. In fact I responded to a statement about frequency of 0-60 jaunts - presumably at WOT. This is a common thing for me. Others may never tap into WOT. Keep in mind this class of car is all about desire, not need. A kia rio generally represents to most of its buyers either a need or conscious financial decision. An entry-lux car more often than not is little more than a toy filling in where a car costing 10-20-30k could easily fulfill the owner's needs.

Not sure why you insist on distorting my statements. Have a good evening.

andyroo

When do you people estimate that the is250/350 will get a metal trim interior and do you think they'll ever have HID lights as a complete separate accessory or you'll have to get it from a sports package? Damn, I wish they would come out with the sports package in the next three months(unlikely), but for your car enthusiasts when do you think a sports package will come out with a non wood interior?

wco81

What is the deal with the wood?

Is it fake or something?

Is that why people prefer a metal trim? The wood's got to look pretty bad for people to prefer metallic surfaces in a car.

Is the metallic painted to match the exterior or something?

blueguydotcom

Some people like the look of metal, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc. I'm not a wood fan but I know several people who associate wood in a car with luxury. I associate metals with performance. It's a matter of individual taste and little more.