Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Lexus IS 300

1…2021232526…57

Comments

  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    fxashun... Why say a lot when few words and a mental picture is all that is needed!
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    2001 owners may soon get a letter if you qualify for new tires under Lexus campaign 1LD.

    Apprently, there's been a lot of complaints (including mine) about both the Goodyear and Bridgestone OEMs bubbling too easily (weak sidewalls). Even though the tire companies insist this is not unsafe, they're going to offer replacements. My guess Lexus is giving them some heat, esp. after the Firestone incidents.

    So if your current set falls under a certain serial # range, you'll be getting a mailer that allows for replacement from Lexus with whatever other 45 ZRs they're using at your dealership (Dunlop or Bridgestone since I think the Goodyear GS-Ds all no longer offered). The campaign lasts until Oct 2002. Nothing can be done without the mailer though, and I'm not sure how long that will take to arrive since I'm sure they're staggering this.

    If you want to know now whether you qualify or not, just write or call cust. service with your VIN #. They got back to me within a day and I was thrilled to find out I'll be receiving 5 new treads. (cha-ching) :)
  • skinnypooskinnypoo Member Posts: 20
    hey folks, i test drove a 2002 IS300 (e-shift) today...it felt great...very smooth and quiet...the interior materials are better than the 2001 model.

    the car wasnt as fast as the styling "says" it would be...but this is not a complaint. i was satisfied...iam no boy racer.

    the car handles really well...and the body feels tight and strong...

    i was thinking of getting a VW Jetta GLX VR6...but will go with the IS300 since the least rates are $389 a month for 39 months!
  • jeffb95jeffb95 Member Posts: 3
    Where did you find the IS300 for $389. for 39 mo's? I see you are in Astoria, NY- I am in Westchester and really want this car at those numbers. Was the out of pocket reasonable, say $2500- 3000? What options were in the car?

    Please reply via this board or to me at jrb130@aol.com.

    Thanks...
  • skinnypooskinnypoo Member Posts: 20
    Hey jeffb95, the $389 a month lease rate is a national campaign...check with any lexus dealer....good luck.
  • jeffb95jeffb95 Member Posts: 3
    Hey Skinnypoo:

    Thanks for the feedback! I saw an ad over the weekend that had the lease at $399/mo, but the out of pocket was real high, something like $2000 cap cost reduction plus tax and the other fees. Ends up close to $4k.

    I'm shooting for the $389/mo with under $3000 out of pocket for 39 mo's and 12k miles. If you remember what the particulars are for the $389/mo deal, please post. You can never trust the dealer to give an honest answer.

    Thanks again...
    Jeff
  • skinnypooskinnypoo Member Posts: 20
    Lease Rate $389

    39 months
    12k miles
    Loaded (+spoiler)...minus navigation and LSD
    $3500 drive out money. ($389 refundable deposit included)

    No bank fee.

    Ray Catena Lexus 914-833-5000 / 1-800-25-Lexus

    Good luck!

    ps - the car is quiet...suspension handles city driving fine...gearing is just right...MPG could be a bit better.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    from the overly aggressive gearing.
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    Riez.
  • trd4metrd4me Member Posts: 14
    For those of you who have owned an IS since it's initial Aug '00 release; how often do you take it in for service? Do you follow the 5k mileage suggestion? If so, what was the cost? The reason I ask is because my car is reaching the 10k mile mark and I was debating whether or not to take it in or let a local garage take care of it, especially since the nearest dealership is about a 45min. drive away.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    I brought it in for the 1K, 5K and 10K service. I'm gonna try to follow the 5K intervals since my dealership is near home.

    The 10K was $80 which included oil, rotation, bunch of useless inspections, test drive, etc. That came with a loaner for the day. Of course, you get the wash and vacuume and they filled up the gas tank too - so I can almost justify the price. :)

    But if you don't want to make the trip I would take it to a local place you trust for any of the non major service intervals, 10K being one of them.

    The 15K is one I would make a trip to the dealership for.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    According to Lexus, 20% (or 4,800 units) are slated for manual. Therefore, don't expect a rush to the dealer floor because Lexus now offers a manual on this juvenile car. hehe
  • skinnypooskinnypoo Member Posts: 20
    Are All season H rated tires quieter than the summer high performance Z rated tires?

    Will all season tires provide a better ride/comfort?

    thanks.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    I would think it all depends on the tread pattern on the Zs, but my guess is the H rated set will create less road noise. If you're talking about the all season option 16" tires for the IS, you'll definetly get a smoother ride with larger sidewalls, but handling is going to suffer.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Yes to both questions. And the total absence of the factory 16" wheels and all-season tire option for the West Coast is one reason they haven't sold me a car yet. Yes, I know I can do this in the aftermarket, but I want to try the car so equipped before committing to buy, and there are no such animals anywhere to be found in CA.

    And yes, ultimate cornering will suffer a bit, but I simply don't care, since the car will still corner fast enough to make your eyes bug out...in trying to compete with BMW and MB, Toyota seems to have forgotten that a big part of the sports sedan formula is the COMBINATION of ride and handling that these competitors possess. The 17" Z-rated tires spoil the ride on choppy surfaces, are noisier, and will be gone in 20k miles...all in the name of winning comparison tests, and catering to the hot-rod set. Whatever...
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Interesting discussion about tires. The IS300 has boy racer styling inside & out and boy racer gearing (giving it boy racer fuel economy), but you have to have the non-boy racer tires? Go figure.

    jrct... What is a boy racer without boy racer tires to match the styling and gearing??? Have you considered the new Cadillac CTS or upcoming Infiniti G35?
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    ...hardly know where to start to respond...except to say that I find nothing offensive about the styling or gearing [yes, I wish it were more relaxed in 5th, but it isn't a showstopper], but the freeway ride on wavy SoCal concrete is a showstopper for me. I'm going on 57, if that makes any difference to the discussion, and have owned 13 MBs and 4 BMWs [a 1600 and three 3ers] over the last 35 years.

    Of course, I will consider the CTS [though the styling there ought to give you pause...it sure does me], and the G35, but since neither car is available for months, I'm not sure how relevant that is to this discussion. Additionally, it's very hard to trust GM to do the CTS right, since they labored mightily for 3 years after making the decision to take the Opel Omega and make it the Catera, and at the end of the three years, what did they have? The worst turkey for reliability in the past 25 years of the marque. Guess I'll wait at least a couple of years while other people find out if the CTS is going to be any better. The G35 sounds much more promising and exciting, ASSUMING they price it competitively, of course. It could put Nissan/Infiniti back in the game after they squandered the initial launch back in 1990.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    I'm beginning to wonder if they're one of the same.

    You're beating a dead horse Riez. You made your point about mileage over and over, as though anyone cares other than you. Drop it and go buy a car with a gearing suitable for your needs but stop clogging the board with the same sentence.

    Maybe you can start your own thread and discuss the merits of gearing ratios and gas mileage till your heart is content. I'm sure it'll be a hit.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,181
    ...yesterday at the NE Auto Show. SHARP! The interior still isn't my cup of tea, however. I give Lexus points for style, but take away more points for functionality in that the chrono guages are just hard to read.
    I saw the above mentioned CTS, also. It actually reminds me a bit of an IS300 sedan in a muscle (like Hans and Franz!) body suit. It does not work. Good luck, Caddy.

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • keplaskeplas Member Posts: 2
    Silverlex - How has your experience with the ATL dealers been? Were they very open to negotiating on price when you purchased your vehicle? Any dealers or reps you might recommend I talk to? How are they on service? I frankly have been very disappointed with every single ATL dealer thus far, be it Nalley, Hennessey or South Atlanta... they don't even return my calls when I indicate that I am prepared to purchase a car this week. I'm getting to the point that I may well buy the car in Tampa and drive it up.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    "Maybe you can start your own thread and discuss the merits of gearing ratios and gas mileage till your heart is content. I'm sure it'll be a hit"

    But you are unilaterally dismissing the factual arguments he has made about the gearing of the IS300. This is one sub-compact that nets 23mpg on the highway. That is pathetic. That this miserable mileage is due to its gearing, is a fact. There is no ifs or buts about it. That was the primary reason why I ruled the IS300 out, even though I was willing to live with all the other boy-racer touches, for a substantial discount over the 3-series, especially when it was coupled with Lexus reliability.

    Hell, even my WRX with turbo-charging and AWD and much better acceleration than the IS300 (even though weighing pretty much the same), nets better mileage. This is for a car with a kick-[non-permissible content removed] Rally-proven AWD system, which should traditionally be a drag on good mileage. My Acura 3.2TL which is larger and heavier (than the IS300) and has way better acceleration than the IS300 at least until 100mph, nets much better mileage. That is a fact. There is no point in grumbling about the messenger who conveys this !!!

    If on the highway, I need to pass someone, I just use the sport-shift to shift 2 gears down and the car rockets ahead. Passing is swift and drama-free. You do not need to be on the highway with a higher gearing with lower ratio, all the time, like in the IS300.

    Later...AH
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    This is becoming almost comic. Nobody has dismissed anything. The topic is old Hunter. Have you even read back 30 or so posts?

    Everyone has made their point at least 3 times, including myself. You're late to the discussion - this horse is buried and you and Riez keep trying to dig it up for reasons that are beyond me. Perhaps you can find nothing else you don't like about the car, because ranting about its gas mileage and gearing sounds like you're reaching.

    But go ahead. Far be it from me to limit the "discussion". That's Pat's job. :) (Just kidding Pat!)

    Your WRX is a fine car, and it sounds like it suits your needs and wants, especially in the all important "make it or break it" decision making department of.....mileage and gearing. ;)
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    Hey Keplas - Shoot an email to me in my profile. We had a great experience with our dealership up here in Gwinnett. I can give you the contact info for our salesman.
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    more dead than the "how much did you pay" topic. I also think SUV type mileage is kinda pitiful in such a small car. Something should be done to bring the revs down or maybe the performance up to the level of the terrible mileage.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    So have any 2001 owners had your tires replaced yet? I'm starting to read from other owners that the mailers are starting to arrive.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    The "how much did you pay" topic is helpful for potential buyers wondering what they should shoot for when they approach the dealer. What does the "mileage and gearing" topic do other than tell buyers something they already know by looking at the brochure?

    I was well aware of what I would be getting out of the car when I bought it. Either you shrug and say "Oh well, the positives outweigh the negatives" or you decide you can't live with it and downgrade to a Subaru. If your budget is tight, you may have issues with premium gas in a car with subpar mileage. Point being, we all have different wants and needs. If we all felt like Reiz and Hunter, there wouldn't be such a thing as an SUV.

    On the other hand, if you're in Atlanta, you're paying $1.07 for 93 octane! Gotta love that.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    December issue of Automobile magazine and there is a four seasons test of an 01' IS300 (Pages 93-98).

    Road and Track also put 16K miles on an IS in 6 months. A new record for them. Apparently it's hard for them to stop driving it. I know how they feel.
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    Where people compare mileage. It's an issue for current owners of many models. In addition I know I didn't know what the mileage of the IS was until it was brought up in here and I have read every article I could find on it. I have to brochure too and never checked.

    Whereas a Subaru is a downgrade is a matter of opinion considering Lexus is only a Lexus in certain markets. It's "only" a Toyota in markets that aren't so marque crazy.


    http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/lancia/58/gallery/toyota/altezza.htm


    But of course who would want their IS compared with an Echo?

  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    Since the theme seems to be informing the buyer, you should point out that although the IS300 is visually based inside and out on the Altezza - it does not share the most important part - the engine.

    The car is available in Japan (a best seller) as the Toyota Altezza and in Europe as the Lexus IS200. Over there the IS is available with 2.0 liter engines -- either inline-4 or inline-6.

    In North American the IS is badged as IS300. The engine is a detuned 3.0 liter unit from the Lexus GS300. Call it a badge engineered Toyota for all I care. It's no secret they share parts. If you ever get close to one, look at the brake lights and you'll see "Toyota" printed inside. I'm not sure that's anything to be ashamed of. Toyota makes solid vehicles too. But be careful not to avoid the facts.
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    It's just that the statement "downgrade to a Subaru" implied the Lexus was "better". That engine has been used in Toyotas before and with the exception of a few part numbers the cars are identical. No research necessary.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    And his Rex. The WRX is a great performance vehicle.
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    I figured as much.....Butcha never know.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    Since you'll have to buy premium gas for the life of the car and listen to the higher RPMs at speed (enjoying the engine wear), think it does make a difference to most potential buyers.

    Think it most intersting that the larger, heavier, bigger motor I-35 and 3.2TL Type-S automatics both out accelerate the IS 300 automatic and get way better highway mileage.

    Do what my wife and I did today. We took long back to back test drives in Infiniti I-35 and Acura 3.2TL Type-S. Over the same approximate 45 mile "course" (city, 2-lane highway, and interstate).

    The Acura's 260 HP 3.2L V-6 is fantastic. And it has a wonderful 5-speed automatic with magnificent sportshift and near perfect gearing. Uses 4.4 final drive but has overdrive 4th and fifth. The overdrive 5th is .47!!! Car turns over only 2,250 RPMs at 74 mph and 1,750 at 60 mph. No wonder it gets EPA highway rating of 29 mpg.

    The I-35's 255 HP 3.5L V-6 is fantastic. But its 4-speed automatic doesn't allow the gearing flexibility. But even then it still gets a 26 highway rating. Turned over 2,500 RPMs at 74 mph and 2,000 RPMs at 60 mph.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    When I bought the Subaru, it certainly was no down-grade. Paid cash for it, incidentally, like with my Acura. Also, I certainly did not buy it for its better mileage (over the IS300). In addition to that, the interior of the WRX is nothing to write home about and the materials used are a notch below what is found in quite a few other cars.

    But drive the car and you will realise what the WRX is. A true gem below the non-impressive exterior. The incredible stiffness of the chassis is something that cannot be duplicated in lesser cars like the IS300, with spiffier exteriors and impressive sounding badges. Also, the rally-proven VTD-AWD system of the WRX along with the rear LSD, constantly, continuously and proactively varies torque front to back and side to side, resulting in incredibly neutral handling. In normal driving, it gives a slightly RWD feel, since it splits power 45/55 front/back through Electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch packs along with a true planetary gear center differential. This is one of the most sophisticated AWD systems among all road cars, regardless of make or model. Only the Audi Quattro (that is present in the A4/A6 and not the one in the Audi TT which is way inferior) is comparable to it. The other Subarus use a different AWD system. The WRX, is something special, inspite of having a pug like "ugly??" exterior - I affectionately call my WRX, "puggie". Do not judge a book by its cover !! Hell, it cannot have a sunroof due to the multiple ring-shaped reinforcement beams that run through its roof and a sun-roof would compromise its incredible chassis stiffness !!! How much more single mindedly and purposefully can you adapt a World rally conquering automobile for road use ?!!. That it goes 0-60 in less than six seconds, is just icing on the cake....not something that would in any way, sway my decision towards it. :-))

    I have driven the Lexus IS200 in England (In England, it is marketed as a Lexus, not as the Toyota Altezza), the one with the 2.0L 4-banger (the 2.0L I-6 is not as popular there). Very good handling, but it certainly is no WRX. Also, in places like the UK/Australia, the WRX is an icon while the IS200 (in the UK) is considered as pleasant transportation with above average performance.

    Take care,

    Later...AH
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    Again, your Rex is a joy to drive and obviously serves you well.

    Enjoy.
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    I was not really "worked-up" in the previous post.... just took your earlier comment, as an opportunity to put in a plug for my pride and joy :-))

    Have fun !

    Later...AH
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    I drive a Lincoln LS Manual now that replaced a Toyota Cressida (1983) Manual that had the Supra DOHC drivetrain. The current IS300 manual tranny (W55)is a newer and smaller though more efficient edition of the tried and true W58 five-speed used by Toyota from 1982 in the Cressida and Supra. I miss my W58 because it shifted faster than the Getrag in the LS. I also miss my DOHC inline-six. In 1983, it was only two-valve and 143hp, but the car was light and fairly fast. The rear was 3:73 and the overdrive fifth was about .71. The LS has no overdrive in the Getrag and has consequently a 3:07 rear.
    I bet that the current IS300 motor is a direct descendant from my engine. They added 4 valves in about 1989, and this same engine was then used in the GS300 and SC300. No one should feel bad or embarrassed about the "Toyota" straight-six. Mine went to the junkyard with 165k and 17 years of spirited driving, still using no oil and still reving to redline willingly (with a great "ripping" sound upon acceleration). I had the original clutch, water and fuel pumps, and radiator. The car never failed me in 17 years.
    I also had a 74 Corolla SR-5 I slolom raced at San Diego Stadium in the 70's. I "uptuned" that engine to an older, higher hp edition.
    You mentioned that the IS300 engine is a "detuned" GS300 engine. What would it take to "uptune" the IS300 to GS300 specs? New computer? Bigger Air Meter? Isn't all that stuff available on the aftermarket now? Stan
  • skinnypooskinnypoo Member Posts: 20
    well its been five days with my new IS300...so far, lotsa fun...i find myself either going slow in the slow lane or super fast in the fast lane.

    iam trying desparately to stay away from speeding...i noticed that this car gets a bit more looks than i thought...ya know...them honda boys...so, i decided to tint the windows a bit...just a bit...no rice here...except with beans at dinner. :) kidding folks.

    can anyone, please...recommend a tint shop here in NYC...i prefer the Queens borough.

    i figure 20% tint should be fine...since the interior is black...what do you guys/gals have for tint %?
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    I had mine done 32% which is the legal limit for GA. Here's a pic. It's dark enough to make it tough to see inside, but still good visibility at night. My main concern was blocking out the sun, especially during the summers here in Atlanta.

    If I'm not mistaken, the windows come from the factory with either 10 or 15% on them already.

    image
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    I jus' luuuuuv that car.
  • sdenlingersdenlinger Member Posts: 9
    Over the weekend I was surprisingly educated about what you can and can't get as options on the IS300 as well as what options you have to take in order to get others. For example, I wanted to get the full perforated leather seats but don't want the nav system. The answer I got from Mr. Salesman was "Sorry that's the way they are all built." So you're telling me that I have to get the nav system in order to get the full leather. "That's right." I then asked Mr. Salesman about the Limited Slip. "Only available with the 5-speed." What! I didn't know that either. The "VSC" which is mentioned in Kelly Blue Book as well as Edmunds isn't really offered. Don't even get me started on what colors he said were and were not available. Anybody else have this kind of educational experience while at the dealership?
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    If I remember right, he's right on the Nav/Leather combo.

    LSD was offered on the 2001s with 5AT (I have it) but I haven't heard that you can't get it on the 2002 5AT. That sounds fishy.

    VSC is only available on the 5AT exclusively. It's is being offered.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    A recommended buy for the IS.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    A True Modern Image

    In and out is nasty imo - But I'd love to hear that system cranked. The video addition and voice automation would be fun to play with too.
  • sdenlingersdenlinger Member Posts: 9
    If what I've read is correct then the VSC comes in combination with the limited slip diff. So if VSC is available on the automatic then my salesman wasn't up to speed on his options. Any comments on the black pearl trim?

    Also, what kind of pricing are people getting over invoice/under MSRP in Southern California?
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    I can't post it here (Edmunds user agreements do not permit it), but if you shoot me an email in my profile, I'll send you to a link I think you'll find very useful.
  • silverlexsilverlex Member Posts: 156
    Article Link

    Per your request Pat, I've linked it to the Lexus press release.
  • a2374a2374 Member Posts: 6
    Looking for your valuable input on a comparison of the 2002 models from BMW (3), Audi (A4), and Lexus (IS300).



    Click Here


    Thanks,


    --Adam

  • sdenlingersdenlinger Member Posts: 9
    Hey Silverlex, thanks for your input on getting an IS300 at a good price. I went through the internet manager at Lexus of Mission Viejo here in Southern California and hooked up with a beautiful black/ivory IS300 on Sunday. This car is tremendous. It rides on rails and has plenty of power not to mention the luxury features. My salesman and his team couldn't have been better. You really do feel taken care of by these people. I have to take the car in next week to have the spoiler, chrome wheels, and black pearl emblem package installed. Again, thanks for your tips. My wife and I really plan to enjoy this one.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles