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Lexus IS 300 SportCross
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I highly recommend driving schools. If you want be a better golfer you take lessons. Why not do the same for driving?
Seriously, at company golf outings, I'm referred to as "Ironman". You'd think that'd be a good thing wouldn't you? Nope, it's because I can't hit a wood and my putting defies classification...
I'd already taken the front pressure up two pounds over spec, so you think another couple might help? Easy possible fix, I'll give it a shot. Thanks.
Incidentally, I was on that Mazda 3 website again. That interior is about what the IS interior should have been, IMO. They're so similar, it's frightening. Perhaps Mazda just took the Altezza insides and did a little rework? Sure seems like.
The 3 hatch impresses me greatly, even if it is FWD...
BMW, which doesn't recommend rotation, and which has its particular suspension set up, often has tire wear issues. People want to get 40K miles when about all they can expect is 10-20K-30K (depending upon how you drive).
I was expecting (based on my route and practices) to get somewhere around 15K miles out of them before the indicators showed clean. I'll probably get more like ten out of the fronts.
I think I'll pay a visit to my regular tire shop (Larry's Tire Express) and drop the $50 on the front end. The post-collision alignment was done at Big O, and while I can't say I've ever heard anything bad about them, I can't say I've ever been given them as a recommendation either. Of course this assumes that the front camber is adjustable which it has not been on two of my previous cars. J?
Think it might be a slight toe-in, perhaps?
BTW, we can't rotate either. Well, except for J, that is...
Just a couple of notes about my purchasing experience. The reason I took my SportCross back up to Alexandria was mainly to drive my car a long distance and crank up my awesome Lexus stereo. Sure, it's not a custom 1200-watt thumper, but it's the best factory system I've ever had. I also wanted to thank my sales guy once again for hooking me up. As for the Richmond dealership, they were the most disappointing of all the places I contacted. I did a mass e-mail on a Monday when I returned from vacation back in August (about ten dealerships), and they were the last ones to contact me (on Friday of that week). At that point I had already agreed on a price, financing and a delivery date with the Alexandria dealership. I e-mailed Lexus of Richmond, telling them what an easy sale they lost, but they never contacted me to explain why or apologize. I will, however, be going there for my first oil change (at 2,500 miles) and first free 5,000 mile service. So, you're getting a black SportCross? Are you getting tan or black interior, leather or leather/ecsaine? Mine's black with tan leather and graphite polished wheels. Since it came up from Florida, that's what most of them had in place of the heated seats. If I see you on the road when you get yours, I'll beep (even the horn sounds good on this car). You'll know it's me because there are no other SportCrosses around here that I've seen. Just the silver one in the parking garage where I work that prompted me to buy mine. Good luck and be patient. It'll be worth the wait.
Alignments aren't a warranted item, or else I missed something. Considering you can screw it up on a single pothole, I sure wouldn't want to have to absorb the expense of honoring that!
"I think I'll pay a visit to my regular tire shop (Larry's Tire Express) and drop the $50 on the front end. The post-collision alignment was done at Big O, and while I can't say I've ever heard anything bad about them, I can't say I've ever been given them as a recommendation either.
and
"no really good Toyota specialist is gonna be confused by anything on it or in it."
I wasn't getting the impression that "Larry's Tire Express" or "Big O" are specialists in either Toyotas or Lexus. Are they? They sound like generalists who see a lot more Detroit iron or even FWD I4 Toyotas than Lexus.
Not even sure I'd trust Toyota specialists. Toyota USA doesn't sell Lexus. There is no Toyota equivalent to the IS300 in USA. Dedicated Toyota specialists--who deal in Toyota marque--might have little or no experience or expertise with the IS300 platform. This is different outside USA, where the IS300 is the Toyota Altezza.
I think you're imagining a whole lot more mystery around Lexi (or any brand for that matter) than really exists. I was speaking of personal mechanics really when I mentioned Toyota specialists, and I would be greatly surprised to find that mundane maintenance on any Lexus was anywhere outside their capabilities.
This is not a plug for Larry's, nor a referendum on non-dealership service per se, but I have to say, my long-term experience with mechanics is that an independent you know and trust is often worlds better than the dealer's shop for a number of reasons. I mostly agree with your observations on TSB's and recalls, and I certainly wouldn't take a brand new model anywhere but the dealer.
Maybe this Lexus "experience" will change my mind on dealer shops!
Not sure the average Joe Garage or routine tire, brake, or tranny shop has the tools, parts, or expertise for lots of things. Will they spot some potential problem when it first manifests itself? Will they be up on TSBs? Do they have the latest and greatest technical information or updates?
If a Lexus dealer does the work, even for simple things like alignments, you likely won't have warranty claim issues.
In today's mail I received a copy of the Lexus Platinum Extended Warranty I purchased with my IS300. Noticed the following "You must have your Your vehicle serviced as recommended by the manufacturer as provided in the Manufacturer's Owner's manual..., including but not limited to: ...4) Inspect front suspension and steering linkage." Then goes into great detail about how you have to keep all maintenance records. Lexus uses a computerized database that links all dealers. Reportedly your service records are maintained in a way that lets all Lexus dealers access and update. You'd clearly have the proof of proper maintenance.
Once out of warranty, I'm all in favor of good indendents who specialize in particular marque(s).
some traditional companies with new web sites often have the trouble of remembering to check their emails. i suppose Lexus Richmond is no exception. However, so far the sales rep whom i dealt with at the dealership has been very good about replying my emails within 24 hours. i have no complaints yet. hopefully never.
anyway, i got the black on black leather/alcantara. it comes with heated seats intead of the graphite polished wheels.
yeah, i will certainly beep right back at you when we happen to cross paths. i live in charlottesville so the chances of us bumping into each other will be slim. that is a good thing in a way since we both probably want to be the ONLY person in town seen in the SportCross. :-)
that sucks that the bra needs to be taken off after getting wet. (i never owned a bra for a car or myself before, hehe)
since you had two vinyl bras for your previous car(s), i think i will take your word for it.
The first thing I will do for my car is Tints. Gotta give the girl some shades before dressing her up with bras. or is it the other way around? hehe.
by the time you have to go in to get your first oil change, you might just see a black sportcross sitting in the lot waiting for me.
it will be a rare sight for the Lexus Dealership in Richmond since they have a ton of IS300 Sedans.
i am projecting and hoping for mid-november arrival before thanksgiving.
It is good to get the clear bra on before you get any chips. I waited way too long. When you put the bra on over touchup paint the area over the chip isn't flat so the clear bra material is deformed slightly. When you get up close to the bra you can see where the chips are. Sorta of like rain drops on a window.
I had the full front treatment including the side mirrors, hood, airdam and headlights done. Since the airdam is plastic, it might not really be necessary. I am sure the plastic would get beat up a bit over time but it might still look ok.
One thing I didn't have done was the front windshield pillars. My installer said it wasn't really necessary. Yet a couple of months after the install I got nailed by a big rock in the driver's side pillar. I have a big rock chip as a result. Probably a 1 in million shot but it was my bad for not having it covered.
Beautiful. Now, THAT's a blue I could live with.
I wonder how far upside down I am right now?
well, the sales rep did know about the SportCross unlike other Lexus dealerships across the country. he took me on a golf cart to find one on the lot (yes, the place is that big!). he first drove me to this underground garage for the dealership filled with brand new shiny lexus beauties. BUT we did not see a SportCross.
so he took me to this "side" lot to see if there is one there. NOPE. he said they must have just sold it.
BUT there is one out in the front NOT FOR SALE. someone owned it at the dealership. it was awsesome looking: graphite on black, 18 inch rims, "lexus" and "is300" emblems removed in the back, and tinted windows.
man, the SportCross looks very sporty with 18 inch rims.
as some of you know or remember, i orderd a SportCross without seeing one in person. still waiting for my order to come.
after seeing the car in person, i am even more excited about the car. i cannot wait to get it.
i really liked the Longo Lexus Dealership. the sales reps were nice. they just bought the Home Depot building behind them and will be converting the space into a new Lexus Showroom!
anyway, if you are near L.A., be sure to check out Longo. i wish i did not live 3000 miles on the other side of the country.
by the way, the sales rep said that if i wanted to place an order with them for the SportCross, he will even ship it across the country for free.
oh well, i already ordered mine.
If you are within 500 miles of L.A. on any side, it is worth the trip over there if you have decided to buy a Toyota. And now they are increasing their sales space by a building the size of a Home Depot? Pretty soon there will be no other Toyota dealers left in the L.A. area!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
P.S. I received two fair offers from dealerships relatively close to my house for orders. I hope to order soon.
FYI, on one of the I300 boards somebody just took ownership of an 04 SportCross in one of the new 04 blue colors. I guess they must have re painted the car?
so...according to that dealership, the 2004 SportCross order I placed and am waiting for right now is actually a 2003 model??
so...according to that dealership, the 2004 IS300 brochures which includes the SportCross Model is actually the 2003 model??
so...according to that dealership, the main Lexus web site with info about the 2004 IS300 SportCross is actually a 2003 model??
so...according to that dealership, the new Blue Colored 2004 SportCross someone picked up and mentioned on a message board with pictures which jmess and I both came across is a repainted 2003 model??
i agree with jmess. report those losers. i cannot believe they even dared to say that Lexus had blown up the Iwate Plant in Japan. Do they even know that Lexus is a Japanese car owned by Toyota? hahaha. this is one of the funniest stories i have ever heard. it's one big Lexus conspiracy theory. LMAO.
Hey, give Longo Lexus/Toyota dealership a call in California. They would be willing to help you out. They will even ship your car for free when I talked to them this past weekend while visiting L.A., and I live in Virginia. Longo will definitely try very hard to work out a good deal for you. I see them as Sam's Club of Lexus and Toyotas. They have the advantage of handing out deals since they sell cars in mass quantities!
For Lexus to even attempt to sell 2003 models as 2004s means that they would have to replace all the VIN with new ones. VIN identifies the car with model year, brand, model, etc.
Yeah, you should ask that dealership if they are saying that Lexus is replacing all the 2003 SportCross VINs. hehe.
http://www.is300.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&a- mp;t=13350477
It's true that most dealers will give you the runaround on the SportCross, but I found that if you contact enough of them, somebody will step up and do their job. I guess it's because the car is so rare that maybe they don't want to make any promises they can't keep. If you're in Delaware, try all of the dealerships from Philly to D.C. Trust me. It's worth the trip to go pick up your new car out of town, because you get to drive it that much longer on the way home. I went from Richmond to Alexandria (about 100 miles) to get mine.
Other thoughts: I don't know about Longo delivering a car cross-country for free. I think it's standard practice to pay the shipping company at least what it costs them. I admit I payed and it was worth it.
The 2004 added colors (the blue and the metallic beige) are a nice addition, but I prefer my black with tan leather. By the way, on the Lexus website, it does appear that all-leather is NOT an option any longer.
One more thing. Me and my eight-year old son love the e-shift. Since I'm through the break-in period, I decided to take it down a twisty, hilly road near my house. The motor and exhaust are sweet when pushed to red line. It's still a little difficult to get used to, compared to a standard stick and clutch, but I think it's gonna grow on me. One tip: don't try to drive in manual with the stereo cranked up. It's hard to hear what's going on.
Good luck to everyone who's still looking or waiting on their order. You're gonna love your new SportCross.
BUT it is totally possible to negotiate deals like that with dealerships, kinda like asking them throwing in floor mats and such for free.:)
saz1861, that seems like a pretty good deal you got. yeah, it is harder to negotiate the price when the dealer knows that you want the car already. i think i am paying more than you over the invoice. BUT i am planning to do a hard bargain with my trade-in when my order arrives. since you got a couple of dealerships willing to help you out, i would recommend trying to find a couple more dealerships and see what they would offer. then see if the dealerships closer to you are willing to match the lower prices.
it certainly won't hurt calling Longo Lexus in California and demand low prices, free shipping to delaware and etc. it is to my understanding that California (western region) are allocated with more Lexus SportCross than our region (North Eastern Region). So Longo might have be getting one that you want already. i can't say for sure though.
anyway, good luck with your order. i am still waiting for mine to arrive. it has been about only three weeks since i placed my order. it feels a lot longer though. but it's going to be worth the wait for sure!
I am considering purchasing Continental ContiExtremeContact Ultra High Performance All-Season tires for 17 inch factory rims on the car. What are your thoughts on these tires?
I know that many people recommend getting a second set of wheels (in 16 inch) with snow tires. BUT i really don't want to buy a second set of wheels due to cost and space.
Will the Ultra High-Performance Wheels All Season be good enough for all year round or should I switch back to summer tires when hot season rolls in?
probably be a pain in the butt switching tires back and forth using only one set of wheels huh?
i really hope that my car will come with the all seasons 17 inch stocked so that i won't have to spend the extra money to get the second set of tires.
speaking of which, Lexus should offer 17 inch rims with Ultra High Performance All Season tires as the standard with Summer tires as the no cost option intead of the other way around. just seems more practical that way.
although the summer tires are really cool, but i am "calmer" these days. i used to drive like a maniac all the time. hehe. had like 10 speeding tickets in the span of 2-3 years during my younger and dumber days.
yeah, i am also with you on the rotation. although numerous ppl have mentioned that it does not make that big of difference to rotate tires for prolonging tire wear these days. i still prefer to rotate them. makes me feel better.
When somebody slams on the brakes in front of you isn't it nice to know your car is going to stop in the shortest distance possible, shorter than it would with AS tires?
I think we all have literally avoided accidents by inches in the past. It would be pretty sad to have an accident avoidance maneuver fail because the AS tires don't response as well as the spring-summer-fall tires do.
The IS300 has a lot of performance enhancements and will tend to be driven faster/harder than a family sedan. Like reiz, I would wonder why buy anyone would buy a car like this if you aren't going to drive it at some point. The only thing that AS tires offer is some improved snow/ice traction. Winter tires handily beat AS tires in snow/ice and spring-summer-fall tires handily beat AS tires in the wet and dry.
it is not about compromising. it is about practicality. i used to get summer tires for the two bmw 3 series i had. then i moved to A/S tires. the drop in performance from Summer to A/S tires is only slightly evident at very high speed driving and cornering. my personal view is that unless you are feel that your daily drive to work is a RACE, it is simply more practicle to get tires that fit the 80%-90% driving condition the car will endure.
if i had the room to store a second set of wheels, i'd be going for 18/19 inch rims with summer tires and all seasons with 17s.
Bluestone Metallic exterior, Black interior.
Leather, (full leather) and Power Package,
Heated Seats,
Vehicle Skid Control & Limited Slip Differential, Wood Switch Plates,
Black Pearl Emblems,
Cargo Mat, Cargo Net and Wheel Locks.
I paid a little less than $1400.00 over invoice.
There was a large disparity of prices quoted using the fax method. Some were close to sticker but many were only $1000.00 off sticker. I've had a couple of dealers tell my I got a very good deal when I responded to their faxes/e-mail, for what that is worth.
Anyway, I now join the list of all those waiting for their SportCross. I will be asking about clear bras and window tinting suggestions. I have seen some posts referring to windows tinted to spec. I have never had windows tinted before so I do not know what that means. Any suggestions would be welcome. I believe I would like to have the "mirror" tint on these windows. I feel that would look great.
THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG FALL/WINTER WAITING!!!!
Nice list of options. Great choices. Way to go with LSD and VSC. Ya gotta have LSD!!!
it has not even been a month since i placed my order, and i already feel like it's been forever.
do yourself a favor and NOT check all sorts of message boards for the SportCross like me. i think i am making myself crazy by doing so. hehe.
$1400 over invoice sounds like an excellent deal, not to mention that you are getting exactly what you want.
once again, congrats!
each state has its own set of regulations for how dark a tint can be on a car.
in virginia, for example, the front door windows cannot be less than 50% see through. rear door windows cannot be less than 35% see through. and the back window cannot be less than 28% see through. if a car can seat more than 10 people or built on a truck chasis (trucks or SUVs, then the rear door and rear windows can be as dark as you want.
each state is different. you can call an installer and ask them what PA requires. you can also do a quick search on-line to find the limitations. several tinting window sites have posted the requirements for all the States.
the titanium/mirror tints usually cost more than normal tints in black or gold. the mirror tints sure look great though! i am still debating if i want the mirror tints or the standard black tints for my black sportcross.
i have already spoken to a tint installer. he will be going to the dealership to meet me when i go pick up my car when it arrives.
i have also ordered and received the WeatherTech floor mats and my JL Audio 250/1 Mono Amp.
i guess the only good thing about ordering a car and waiting is you have time to plan and gather all the stuff you need for the new car. then again, it is just as annoying sitting here looking at my new amp and floor mats sitting on the closet floor intead of in the new car.
That Bluestone is a beautiful color, and I NEVER go for blue cars! I hope it's around when it's time for me to re-up.
Is the Ivory leather package no longer available? It would seem to be gone if one pays attention to the website.
Took the family across the Bay to the grandparents' house last night. I really love this car. LOVE!
I have an eight year-old son and a ten year-old daughter and a clean driving record, and the kids love the summer tires almost as much as I do! On the back road we take to get to the stables for her classes, they think the car is another E-ticket (for those who remember)! "Make it fly, Daddy..."
Don't sell yourself short Robert. Even if you feel great about the all seasons for your daily driving right now, you're going to want dedicated winters if you've got snow to contend with.
And trust me, as you get attuned to the handling dynamics of this little go-cart, it won't be long before you start to hankerin' for some more aggressive rubber. It won't be your fault either. It's the car, man, it's the car!
But why not consider safety. The summer tires should outperform the all-seasons in both dry and wet conditions. The winters will definitely outperform the all-seasons. How much is it worth stopping or handling better on wet or snow-covered roads when your kids are aboard???
We have all driven cars in conditions where we had the wrong tires or worn out tires. We survived by being extra careful and knowing that we had to be thinking ahead. There is far less stress/risk when you have the right tires or good tires. It has nothing to do with age, driving style, or marital status. It is simple physics. Life is a full of choices. Sometimes you win sometimes you loose.
Check out the CR test results, done within the past year or so, that looked at tire performance new and after about half treadwear. Interesting results.
Is too bad Americans are too lazy to use summer and winter tires. I've seen some data indicating upwards of 75% of Europeans use summer and winter tires. Marques like MB, BMW, etc. encourage that in Europe. But Americans want the lesser performing "all seasons". So in USA most MB, BMW, etc. come with lower performing "all seasons". Go figure.
We're not really busting your chops over tires, my friend, we're just totally freakin' nuts about the car!
Besides, due to Toyota's rather inept marketing, you've joined a very exclusive club of SportCross owners: a car so rare, they don't even list its sales numbers on Autosite!!! We're not about to turn on one of our own...
Make Model September 2003 August 2003 YTD 2003 YTD 2002
Volkswagen Passat 1,264 1,753 13,851 15,290
Volvo V70 720 1,060 8,928 7,893
Audi A6 433 698 5,689 7,674
Audi allroad quattro 430 555 4,147 4,454
Saab 9-5 354 311 2,813 3,564
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 312 205 2,950 2,490
Audi A4 298 278 2,778 2,402
Volvo V40 240 262 2,392 2,123
BMW 3 Series 214 269 3,078 2,273
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 124 284 408 2,480
BMW 5 Series 117 127 1,382 1,396
Audi S4 14 8 41 181
Audi S6 13 74 143 557
Lexus IS 300 - - - -
Rest of Lexus sedan line struggling, including IS300.
Make Model September 2003 August 2003 YTD 2003 YTD 2002
Lexus ES 300 5,128 4,983 47,453 54,149
Lexus LS 430 1,739 2,168 15,583 19,909
Lexus GS 300 858 1,096 8,614 11,113
Lexus IS 300 848 1,420 10,954 16,341
Lexus GS 430 158 141 1,602 1,815
BMW 3 Series 214 269 3,078 2,273
I would guess that SportCross sales are less than a 1000 for the 2003? Lexus has not made any attempt at marketing the cars since 2002. If I remember correctly they produced about 4000 SportCross in 02. So I would bet there are probably less than 7000 cars in the whole USA.