Lexus IS 300

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Comments

  • tplunketttplunkett Member Posts: 4
    Problem is that the last time I checked, Lexus does not permit their Canadian dealers to sell to us in the US. Nissan does but not Toyota. Does anyone know differently?
  • merckxmerckx Member Posts: 565
    I just saw the new IS300 coupe here at Edmunds-it's incredible. I had never really cared for the sedan-like the Audi A4,the tiny back seat makes it seem faintly ridiculous as a sedan. But this new coupe-really pretty!
    Also,do most here like the clear tail lights? Because to me they seem a little boy-racerish.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    ...is a photoshop job, but it gives you an idea of what it could look like.
  • lisaudrelisaudre Member Posts: 2
    I absolutely fell in love with the is300..loved the drive..the look, the lexus reliability...But..wondered how will this car do in the rain and snow..? Read thru the forum...haven't been able to find any info..Any body out there know how this beauty handles? thnx
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    It'll probably be ok in rain, but if you live where it snows, you'll need dedicated snow tires. Performance tires don't work well at all in the white stuff.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    I just traded my 1998 M3/4/5 fro a 2002 300IS 5-speed and so far I am extremely please. Just begfore trading I had a loaner 330ci auto so I'll give you my impressions.

    The M3 had much better performance, the 300IS isn't broken in yet but I expect it to be very gratifying.

    I had put Toyo Proxy tires FR4 on my M3, big mistake. You can break them loose in dry weather and forget about sporty driving in wet weather.

    Even though there are supposed to be about the same size. The back seat room in the IS300
    is much better. I am 6 foot and with the drivers seat set from me driving, I can still fit comforatbly behind the driver's seat in the IS300. The M3 was cramped.

    The quality inside of the IS300 is far superior to the M3. The seats in the M3 power leather are uncomforatble after more than an hour's drive. So far the seats in the IS300 are more comfortable. Even though the seats in the M3 were bolstered you could slip and slide in agressive driving the M3's 50-50 weigth balnce made it easy an controllable to slide the reear end; don't know about IS300 yet. I have a red Is300 with the black escaine seats and they are great, they really hold.

    The M3's ride was more punishing the 330 ci's ride feels closer to the IS300. Both M3 and Is300 have awesome brakes.

    Had the Harmon Kardon stero in the M3 it was excelelnt; so far the IS300 seems as good or better.

    Mleage in the M3 was really great I ususally got around 21 with about 50-50 driving rated at 20/28. Newer BMW's get worse milage; the 330ci average on 17. The Is300 milage doesn't look like it is going to be very good, the gas gauage seems to move pretty fast.

    M3 had some better features. The stalk controlled trip computer was pretty neat. Front and back reading lights. everything lit inside in cluding the gearshit knob (Lexus comes close) Remote would unlock every thing including gas cap and trunk and would lkiewise lock everything. BMW comes with full maintenace for 3yrs/ 36K and that works out to be a prestty good cost savings. However, anything that went wrong that wasn't covered was very very expensive.

    I think most automatics suck and the 330ci BMW was no exception unless you started out wanting to go fast then it did okay. About a year ago Hte Lexus salesman tossed me the keys to a IS300 suto it was prestty good once it got going and cornered well. The proble is when you are going along and wnat it to down shift it did always or it did it too slowly. Beleive or not the new Altima 3.5 auto downshifts better.

    Anyway I have rattle on long enoguh need to go put some miles on the IS; breakin periods are the pits.

    Also, I don't think I fit the demographics of the typical IS driver. I think I am much older at 54.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    I am one of the 2.5% who bought a Lincoln LS with the five-speed Manual. This was before the IS300 came out, and it was the LS or the much more expensive Bimmer. I've driven the IS300 Auto and even raced one. The automatic version loses too much control and performance. As with the LS, the Manual makes an incredible difference. It's more than simple numbers - it's the whole feeling of control and oneness with the car - the difference between an appliance and a car. Anyone can drive an automatic. I'm a 53 year old myself, and I'll get an auto when I can't get it up anymore. I still slide corners every day. It's really the LS's forte. But I look forward to driving the IS300 Manual and the upcoming Infiniti G35 if it comes out with a six-speed as rumored.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    I"m deciding what to get....2002 Audi A4 with 3.0 V6, Infiniti G35, or Infiniti I35.

    Hmmm
  • tgif888tgif888 Member Posts: 351
    Did you post this on the wrong board?
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    Wrong timing too! The G35 is vaporware until later next year and the six-speed may be a year later than that. The I35 is not impressive. I bet you're getting an automatic. To me, there are dozens of those appliances out there. To make the real short list, go for the manuals. And rear wheel drive. The IS300 Manual, Lincoln LS Manual,530i,MB240 6 speed - it's a real short list. Thank God they exist. Of course, if you have the money - 540i6 or M5. Go to www.rearwheeldrive.org
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    I have heard that G35 is due out early next year (Feb-March). I don't mind driving an automatic. The G35 can outgun IS300 anyday. :)

    IS300 has already been off my list (hate the style).

    As for BMW, our local BMW dealer is selling ALL remaining 2001 540i for $7K off MSRP. Still pricey for me.

    Next week, there is an International Auto Show in Orange County. I can't wait to see what the new Audi A4 looks like.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    Can't wait to see if the 2003 IS has a larger engine. It's going to need it.

    As for the new A4 looks, just imagine an A6 and mix in some Passat.... :) It's pretty, but sort of a shame they didn't take it further...
  • trd4metrd4me Member Posts: 14
    That's the thing about waiting. We can always wait, and newer more evolved models will come out(G35, A4, 3 series, etc.) Or you can plunk your hard earned dough down and have some fun now. I'm happy as can be with my '01 IS with its features and the purchasing price. To me, it was the most bang for the buck at the time. Naturally, I would've taken a manual, but I couldn't wait. Cars are right in line with the consumer electronics industry, granted the cycle is longer, if you wait there will always be something faster, stronger, and more appealing.

    Oh yeah, I saw the new '02 A4. Nice, but it looks like a mini A6. Personally, I liked the previous gen. A4's exterior a lot more. Much more distinctive. Like my IS :)
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    Consumer Reports just tested the A6 2.7 Turbo. Reliability much worse than average. 0-60 only 7.5 seconds. All for over 46k. What does that say for the A4?
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...it says nothing about the A4, especially the new one, which just is going on sale. The old one had a much better reliability record than the A6.

    However, no German car can touch any of the Japanese Big 3 for reliability and fit/finish. I just wish the IS had a real touring car ride like the Germans...opting for the low-profile 17" wheels as the only thing available on the West Coast has pretty much spoiled this car for me. Speaking of waiting, I'm doing just that to see if Toyota comes to its senses on this topic, or if they figure I should buy an ES instead...I won't...
  • trd4metrd4me Member Posts: 14
    Wow! I read through the latest issue of Turbo that featured the IS300. I couldn't believe that the guy with the black IS got over 600 horses with the auto tranny. The article didn't mention how much it costs, so does anyone really have an idea on what a job like that would run? I figure it's definately major and beyond my reach, since his other cars were a ferrari, porsche, and lamborghini. Talk about a sleeper car though; I could only imagine meeting that thing at a light thinking it was simply a stock IS.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...and I can also only imagine how long that transmission will last...
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    But it doesn't look like he's hurting for cash if he had to buy another - tranny that is. Like they said though, it's his beater. :)
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Here's your chance:
      Have you bought or shopped for a 3-Series BMW, C-Class Mercedes, Jaguar X-Type or other small sports sedan since Sept 11? If so, your comments are of great interest. Please get in touch with me via jfallon@edmunds.com.

      Thanks as always,

      Jonathan Welsh
      The Wall Street Journal
    You may also drop by the Smart Shopper discussion at this link to respond: prlady1 "Talk to the Press" Oct 8, 2001 1:48pm
  • mvs1mvs1 Member Posts: 462
    After I laughed in the showroom about the fact that he wanted to take only $2000 off of MSRP. I called later that night and gave him my account # of my RX300 to put a deal together, basically waiting to hear back with something that isn't a waste of my time. Lexus is also offering 5.9% over 5 yrs.

    A few things of note, no cars on the lot had the full leather, he told me as of yesterday Lexus was building 0% that way and if I ordered one it'll take about 90 days, none had VSC or limited slip two options I'll definetly get. A set of rims and snows would run me around $500, Oh and the new blue, Intensa Pearl (something like that) is an incredible color
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    November issue of Road & Track has interesting article on the IS300 L-tuned Series. Comes in Series I ($3,999) and Series II ($7,698). Reportedly limited edition IS300s modified by Toyota Racing Development then shipped to dealers with a full warranty. R&T says the Series II significantly improves the IS300, though it isn't an M3 competitor. Also mentions TRD hard at work on supercharger for IS300.
  • gbmwgbmw Member Posts: 5
    Is Lexus still offering the Lease Special on the IS300...399*39 If so can someone give me the terms..

    Thanks
  • philltraffaphilltraffa Member Posts: 9
    A6 2.7T 0-60 in 7.5secs? are u kidding me?
    That car makes an average of 6secs flat. Whoever drove that A6 must have been drunk

    phill
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    Or it could have been on a 100+ degree day and an auto tranny, and 400 lb of sand in the trunk (or a fat guy in the passenger seat)...
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Remember, that was Consumer Reports. Not sure how much they try to really push the car during their acceleration testing. All 4 cars tested, including the Audi A6 Quattro 2.7T, were automatics. Think it is part a weight issue. The Audi weighed 3,915 pounds. The BMW 530i automatic weighed only 3,575. The MB weighed less than the BMW and the Jag about 100 pounds less than the Audi.

    But CR must be able to push their cars somewhat. In May their 330i automatic went 0-60 in 6.6 seconds. It weighed 3,390 pounds. They got their IS300 automatic going in 7.4 seconds. It also weighed 3,390 pounds. Would be interesting to see the differences in gearing between the automatic 330i and IS300. And power curves.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...is as rigorous as it gets. What they do not do is abuse the machinery the way the car magazines tend to do...after all, they BUY every car they test, rather than borrow them the way everyone else does. And yes, the Audi is a very porky piece of work...
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Yes, we should remember that CR actually goes out and buys real cars off real lots from real dealers. Don't get any special mods or tweaks that a manufacturer might be tempted to do when they loan a car to magazines like C&D, MT, and R&T. But I also wonder if they drive them a bit gentler or at less not as aggressively from standing start than the car mags.

    Maybe the lessen with Audi Quattro system is that 4wd/AWD has its benefits but also its costs? The added weight will likely take its toll on straightline dry pavement acceleration numbers. Would be interesting to see CR test a non-Quattro version of A6 2.7T.

    Will be interesting to see if CR ever tests an IS300 manual.
  • mmcbride1mmcbride1 Member Posts: 861
    Is that the A6 2.7T is much faster than 7.5. The car CR got either had something wrong with it or they didn't know how to drive it. Quattro or no Quattro, that car is much faster than 7.5 (S4 does approx. 5.5 with the exact same engine, and it has Quattro, too).
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Pulled out current Motor Trend. Their S4 Quattro (250 hp) 6-speed manual went 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Their non-S4 A6 2.7T V-6 (250 hp) 6-speed manual did it in 5.9 seconds. Their A6 Quattro 4.2L V-8 (300 hp) 5-speed automatic did it in 6.7 seconds. Adding the automatic likely could add at least 1 second to acceleration time from 6-speed manual, if not more. And driving technique likely influenced result. Does MT run up the revs while in neutral before launching as aggressively as possible?
  • ojcojc Member Posts: 31
    I am in SoCal also, and I heard 4K off last week. Did they up it? If so, a lease comes close to the IS300 lease for a stoked 5M.Navi/Full Leather. The resid is so low in the IS and so hi in the 40 that the payments are actually close!
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    After visiting the International Auto Show last night, I was able to evaluate numerous entry level luxury sedans...IS300, 3 series, ES300, I35, X-type, 2002 A-4, C class, LS, and the new Cadillac CTS.

    I believe the IS300 does have the most bang for the buck. Unfortunately, I hate the styling. The new A4 didn't impress me too much. If Nissan slap a few luxury items on their new Altima, it's definitely my number 1 choice!

    I walked away disappointed with the choices.

    I'll definitley wait for the new G35.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    It's Creviar BMW in Santa Ana Auto Mall. I even spoke with him last night at the auto show. It's gonna cost you in the mid to high $40s for the 540i.
  • asawasaw Member Posts: 54
    I read somewhere on the ES300 forum that Toyota execs admit the interior of the IS300 was a mistake. When the car is redone, Toyota will make sure the IS300 is more in line with the rest of the lexus models, although still sporty.
  • midnightcowboymidnightcowboy Member Posts: 1,978
    I have the black escaine interior with the platinum package and actually it is not that bad. The platinum package really sets of the interior and augments the pedal and door jam metal trim. I probably would have oredered wood, but the car had the paltinum and after living with it awhile I really like it. It is much much more classy than plain and much better than other brushed aluminum or metal highlighted interiror I have seen. It is much warmer and friendly than the 98 BMW M3 interior I came from. Maybe it's the 5-speed or the window tinting or the absolutely red color with a subtle pin stripe or the chrome wheels, but this car is great!
  • mvs1mvs1 Member Posts: 462
    That comment was on the ES300 board. Although I think he was refering to the gimmicky styling, stating that the redesigned model will while still being sporty would lose its boy racer image.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    The IS300 is once again showing decrease in sales for the month of Sept.

    Sept 2001 vs. Sept 2000
    1,544 vs. 2,445

    37% decrease in sales.

    Competition is very stiff in this sector. Beemer 3 series continues to pound the competition.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    ...loses some of it's boy racer image, something I agree might be good (although I love the 01 interior) - almost everything new out for 2002 and 2003 will have jeweled tails. That cracks me up. :)
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    Then this spring, The Infiniti G35 arrives. It looks like the IS will need the turbo Supra engine to compete.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    The AIC AutoSite sales figures comparing Sept 2000 to Sept 2001 were pretty bad for most luxury models. The segment leading DeVille and TL both took huge hits. IS300 wasn't alone in taking a pounding. Lincoln LS sales fell by a huge 54 percent, from 4,539 to a mere 2,112. Of course, September was a truly unique and historic month. The cut-rate interest dealers might boost October figures for many models, esp. Cadillac and Lincoln as they go with 0 percent interest.
  • mvs1mvs1 Member Posts: 462
    I think that all would agree looks are subjective. I personally think the 3-series lost some of its sportiness with the redesign, BMW has already made statements that the 3 will actually be scaled down(less luxury oriented/more sport). I also find the IS300 attractive (both interior, break from the norm and its creased exterior). If the salespeople I dealt with weren't adamant on a discount of only $2000 on the IS, I'd have already traded in my RX for an 02'.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Wife and I looked at Jag X-type and S-type as well as IS300 and ES300 yesterday. The interiors of the X-type and IS300 came across as being rather ordinary and not up to the price range or competition. The S-type and ES300 interiors were gorgeous. I really wanted to like the IS300 and thought my wife would like the ES300. She kind of fell for the IS300, though she was surprised at how unluxurious it was. We both were disappointed in the IS300 trunk. Small to begin with and then they use the space intruding hinge rather than the multi-link strut! Lexus dealership was nicer than the Jag one and the Lexus salesperson much more knowledgeable. The Lexus dealer had both automatic and manual IS300 on lot. Wife and I plan on taking a test drive in two weeks (we only had time to spend pouring over both ES300 and IS300 in showroom and grab a brochure.)
  • nohash1nohash1 Member Posts: 21
    i was just wondering about where people get the information about sales for cars for every month or quarter. Just out of curiosity.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    1. Check out AIC AutoSite Market Report. I find it at www.autosite.com. Breaks it down into various segments: luxury, family, sports, etc.

    2. Using the official Lexus IS300 brochure, did the math on the gearing between automatic and manual.

    Automatic: 3.909:1 final drive

    First: 3.357 13.123
    Second: 2.180 8.523
    Third: 1.424 5.566
    Fourth: 1.000 3.909
    Fifth: .753 2.943

    Manual: 3.727:1 final drive

    First: 3.566 13.290
    Second: 2.056 7.663
    Third: 1.384 5.158
    Fourth: 1.000 3.727
    Fifth: .850 3.168

    Using the overall ratios (final drive times individual gear ratio)... interesting that IS300 manual is geared more aggressively only for 1st and 5th gear. Better initial acceleration but higher RPMs and lower fuel economy at interstate speeds. The automatic is more aggressively geared in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. First is close. As with stanny1, wish the manual's overdrive 5th was numerically lower. Prefer lower RPMs and better fuel economy at 65-85 mph interstate cruising.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    If you and I can figure this out, one wonders why Lexus couldn't. I can only guess that it had something to do with gear tooth count but I doubt it. I think auto manufacturers should go with two-speed rear ends like trucks do. Maybe boy racers want high rpm cruisin? They probably wouldn't know the difference. My Lincoln LS Manual does 3000 rpm at 75 mph so it is just as bad if not worse. But that's because LM chose the non-overdrive Getrag five-speed instead of the six-speed Getrag or the RX-7 overdrive five speed and forced the LS Manual to have a high 3:07 rear ratio, penalizing fuel economy AND acceleration.
    It looks like LM and Lexus both screwed up. Next is Infinity. Will the G35 do it right and install a six-speed? And now Mazda has the "6" coming soon. It will have the Duratech V-6 and a Manual. Will it have a real overdrive? Probably, because it will be FWD and so it will be a different tranny. Please not a Getrag five-speed!
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    not accelerating. Or at least that is my motto. When I'm in 4th gear and I want to accelerate, I downshift to 3rd gear and push the accelerator. If I'm in 5th gear and need to accelerate (e.g., pass), I downshift to 4th gear (or 3rd) and push the accelerator. First thru fourth gears are all I need to accelerate quickly. But give me 5th to cruise effortlessly, quietly, and efficiently. Why all 5th gears in manuals aren't around 0.700:1 is beyond me!!! I'd much rather by hauling down the interstate or on a 2-lane country road at 65-85 mph in 5th with the engine turning over at 2,500 RPMs or less, getting maximum economy and saving engine wear than be Boy Racer doing 3,000-3,500 RPMs. If I need to pass, I'll do the gear selecting to 3rd or 4th as needed.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    Don't know if I feel the same as Riez. Have you driven the IS in 5th? It's still very quiet in my opinion. To me that's a plus when you want the smooth but responsive passing power in 5th without getting all the noise and whine from 4th or 3rd. It's less of an interuption in the "cruising".

    Yeah, gas mileage suffers, but I logged 24 mpg my last 1000 mile trip with the A/C on.
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    A vette can do that with an engine almost twice as big and almost twice as powerful. You'd think Toyota could do better than that. In January 2001 comparo the IS has the worst actual economy and the worst EPA numbers. 18 city 23 highway. Yuck. Buick Rendezvous got 19/26.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    My LS Manual got almost 15 mpg last fill-up and has yet to break 20 mpg in 18,000 miles. I'm jealous.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    1. If you want performance in 5th gear, then maybe there needs to be a deep 6th overdrive for quieter, more fuel efficient high speed cruising? Nothing worse than having to drive 1,000 miles at high interstate speeds listening to the engine turn over at 3,000 or more RPMs. Then you have to crank up the stereo just to drown out the engine drone.

    2. Having to buy premium adds insult to injury when you see a rather small car like the IS300 with only 3.0L 6-cyl engine getting fuel economy same as a 5.7L V-8 Vette or worse than a 5.7L V-8 Camaro Z-28. From the IS300 brochure, the manual weighs 3,255 pounds and the automatic 3,285 pounds. Says aerodynamic drag co-efficient for sedan is .29 (.31 for SportCross). Brochure says the IS300 gets EPA rating of 18/25 mpg.

    3. Brochure says IS300 manual will go 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with automatic at 7.3 seconds and SportCross at 7.4 seconds. 1/4 mile times are 15.1, 15.5, and 15.6 seconds, respectively. Top speed is 143.7 mph. Love to know where they get that final .7 mph?
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    Have you driven the IS 1000 miles at 3000 RPM or do you form all your opinions based on numbers and brochures? You might be suprised how quiet the straight six is at 3000. In fact, I think the tire noise is more of a problem.

    I can think of one thing worse than a high reving 1000 miles....riding the same distance in a Camaro. :P

    If cruising and mileage are your priorities, the TL-S fits the bill, or maybe even the new Altima. They're more practical family haulers, and you won't be swapping out a set of tires every 20k miles either.
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