Lexus IS 300

silverlex · November 2001

Hey, glad to hear it worked out. Ya can't beat word of mouth on the web. No doubt you both have a perma-smile right now. You owe me a lunch next time you pass through Atlanta.

Welcome to the club!

jerryd3 · November 2001

Can anyone tell me if the IS300 has a fold-down rear seat for carrying larger objects. I don't find anything the refers to it in all I have read about the IS300.

bimmerino · November 2001

The IS300 sedan does not come with fold down rear seats, only a trunk pass thru on the rear seat armrest. If you need the option of extra trunk space, you should look at the Sportcross which has the fold down seats.

jmess · November 2001

I bought a blue one last week. The passenger front seat also folds flat so you can put in something longer. I was in the market for an automatic trans hatchback or wagon with a good mix of sport and luxary. The C230 hatch and WRX Wagon were on the short list. The smooth torque of the Cross's 6 and great shifting auto won me over. The super charged 4 in the Benz wasn't as smooth and the ride and handling weren't as good as the Cross. The WRX wagon is the best value but the turbo lag is more noticeable in the automatic. The WRX also doesn't have a sunroof which is a real drag if you aren't out rallying all day in the woods like most WRX drivers do on a sunny day :-) (For lurking REX fans this is a joke, no rants please; we know you love your cars).

csimmo01 · November 2001

hey all,
I am looking to buy a lexus is 300. Do you all think its a better car than the audi a4 1.8T or bmw z3?

jmess · November 2001

A4 is a good car. A friend has a 2000 1.8 A4 quattro with sport package. It is a nice car. The smoothness of the in line six and the handling for the IS300 won me over; all wheel drive isn't very high on my list of must haves for a car. So if you do a lots of winter driving in snow and ice then the A4 might be the car for you. The Z3 is a convertible and isn't really a comparison between the IS and the A4. There are good deals to be had on the IS300, I am not sure how willing the Audi dealers are to sell at or near invoice; the local dealer here doesn't want to deal.

jkmfromla · November 2001

what's the deal with the tire recall? the letter sounds harmless, but i doubt lexus/bridgestone is willing to give free tires unless something is really wrong with the current ones. i haven't had any problems with mine so i'm just curious.

jmess · November 2001

From what I have heard they have a range of tire serial numbers for the tires being recalled by Bridgestone via Lexus. I have read some talk about sidewall bubbles. If you get the notice you take the car in and they check the numbers on the tires and replace them if they match the recall list. I have the 17" Bridgestone 040s on my SportCross and I think they are good tires; good dry and wet handling. Only problem is they supposedly are awful in the snow. I ordered a set of Bridgestone LM-22s mounted on some Konig wheels for when the weather gets bad. You can get 100s of different opinions on about any aspect of the IS300 cars at is300.net

silverlex · November 2001

Customer service campaign 1LD is for both Bridgestone and Goodyear. Most are being replaced with Dunlop SP 9000s. Regardless of treadwear or even if you currently have no problems with sidewall bubbling, you get a free set, including the spare, no questions asked as long as you got a letter. I still have 80% left on our Goodyears (one bubbled so far) and I told my dealer I'm not bringing them in until I run them down for another 5K or so. He agreed that I should as long as the GS-Ds are operating fine. When 20K approaches, I'll present the letter for a new set. Nothing like a $1000 worth of free tires huh?

You cannot simply take the car in to match serial numbers. You must have a letter from Lexus with a code on it that is matched with your VIN. Otherwise, you're out of luck. It's mostly 2001s that are affected.

winedoc · December 2001

OK, after reading you guys, I am totally sold on IS300. Have test drive both IS300 and Audi A4, now I have made my decision. So, help me out Silverlex or Sdelinger. What is a good price for IS automatic? Thanks for your help. I live in SF bay area. You can also e-mail me at winedoc@hotmail.com, so not to violate Edmunds' rule. And yes, if everything goes well, I'll buy lunch if you guys are ever out this way.

jmess · December 2001

There are good deals to be had, go check out is300.net; deals at $3000-$4000 off MSRP are doable in the West. There are other deals talked about from Longo Lexus in El Monte CA selling IS300 and IS300 SportCross cars in stock for below invoice. I didn't know about what was possible and got $3K off of MSRP in Oregon and $500-$700 more on my trade than I thought I would. It was a pretty low stress car deal. I really have enjoyed the car so far.

silverlex · December 2001

This from Autoweek.com

Toyota unveils F1-inspired MR2 among several new concepts

Here's the important part from the article:

"Also debuting at Essen was a 396-hp supercharged V8-powered 4.3-liter version of the Lexus IS, a concept aimed at cars like the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG. The Lexus concept also boasts height- adjustable suspension, an upgraded brake system with six-pot brake calipers, exterior styling kit and 19-inch alloy wheels."

And from TMS Racing:

"In addition to handling package, TMS-R is currently developing a Lexus IS430 for the road. The car will use an enhanced version of the powerful 4.3 litre, 32-valve, all alloy V8 engine as used in the SC and GS models, producing an exceptional 350 bhp. The aim is to keep the car as close to the Lexus ideals as possible by producing a relatively understated high performance saloon for owners who love to drive. A six speed manual will be used as will up graded suspension, brakes and differential."

Will it ever make it to the states? Probably not, but it's fun to dream.

silverlex · December 2001

Here's a pic of this beast. Check out the stats on the hood.

sdenlinger · December 2001

Try contacting the internet sales department of your local Lexus dealership. Work with them on providing a quote to you for exactly the configuration you want. As jmess says, you may want to look towards So. Ca. That's where I got mine and I know that deals for around $500 over invoice can be had with no problem. That was for a car that wasn't even on the lot. It had to be located elsewhere. Good luck on your hunt. You've made a great selection.
I just got the spoiler, chrome wheels, and black pearl emblem package installed last week as well as the windows tinted. This ride is HOT!

raybear · December 2001

Yes, you definitely do better in Southern California, but you should give the Bay Area a shot first.

hvan3 · December 2001

How in the world will Lexus fit a 4.3 liter engine in that dinky Corolla? LOL

A 4.3 liter engine is totally in a different class. With that size engine, it's no longer entry level sports sedan. Perhaps competing against M5, not M3 or C32.

silverlex · December 2001

The M3 has already crammed a V8 into its shell. I think this IS is just going to keep up when they make one standard in the M3 - and the M5 and GS will just have to get more "brass".

winedoc · December 2001

Thanks guys. Will let you know how it turn out. Hopefully, I can join the IS family soon, and be the few proud chosen ones.

v_tech · December 2001

Silverlex-thanks for the IS430 pics. what a car!!!

hvan-you don't have to worry about the IS430 dusting all the cars you like the supercharged 300 will do that all by itself.

just think, it has been merely a year and lexus is knocking a lot of doors down already with its IS300.

lots of german car loving supporters continue to harp on poor IS sales and its gen x juvenile looks as if the car has no future. you are part of this group and i laugh every time i think about you clowns. you are part of the same group that laughed your pants off when lexus started off slowly with the LS400. you will be part of the same group that is crying when lexus thoroughly dominates bmw and mb for good. oh wait, they already are dusting MB who used to be the benchmark for luxury sedans. things are so out of control now that UGLY RX300 is just smoking the daylights out of MB and BMW almost by itself. that is what you call hilarious. oh well, bmw, the benchmark for sports sedans is next. none of the hard heads of edmunds will ever believe me you included. a good history lesson is all anyone needs to rid themselves of ignorance. lexus has been around for a short while. study your history.

vtec

v_tech · December 2001

depends on what you want. the IS300 stands out and says look at me. the A4 says don't look because i could be a volkswagon passat or jetta. the A4 comes with boring looking rims standard. the 3.0L 220 hp version does have nicer rims but i have no idea what you have to pay for those. at lexus the value will always be better for sure as the 3.0 was listed at 39 something in car and driver. yikes!!! 40 something after taxes for that!! uh no.

now, no matter what the biased audi fans say the A4 1.8t loaded is 30K and over after tax and licensing. i once had some clown telling me the 1.8t was no way near 30K then i found out he was leasing/renting his A4. now for around 30K this car with a stick is awfully slow at 7.5 to 7.8 secs in the 0-60. speed isn't everything but you might as well get a accord. the automatic runs 8.5!!!! AWD is nice though but i don't see what the big fuss is all about. i drove this little piece of junk 94 escort all around indiana in the snow for six months and it didn't even have snow tires or chains or awd or whatever the heck you need in the frozen tundra. sorry i live in hawaii i could really care less.

but hey if some hawaii guy can drive a crappy ford escort on the icy snow of indiana then anybody who can't drive a IS300 in the snow is a wuss.

all in all the cars are very similar obviously. but, handling and braking go to the lexus. ride is subjective. there is no current comparo between these two cars but i am confident the lexus can out slalom, skipad, brake, and out sprint the audi. exterior and interior looks are all subjective.

reliability goes to the lexus without a doubt. customer service at the dealership goes to lexus without a doubt.

it all comes down to whether you want to drive something that looks like a lot of the cars on the road today (i.e. passat, jetta, shrunken A6 and A8) or whether you want to drive something that is nothing like any other car on the road today.

good luck to ya.

vtec

jkmfromla · December 2001

when i took my car to get the new traction control chip installed, santa monica lexus washed it and filled up the tank. when i took it to south bay lexus to get the new tires, they only washed it. i'm wondering if sm lexus is being extra courteous or if sb lexus isn't doing enough. how about your dealers?

btw, sm lexus didn't even wash it when i brought in for the 1K mile service.

silverlex · December 2001

Someone over on .net said that whenever they perform a customer service campaign on the car they fill it up. But they filled mine at the 10 service check and not when I had my underbody panel replacement, so that doesn't hold up. I think it comes down to some dealers do and some don't.

I usually pass on the wash, but every dealer should at least do that.

nyccarguy · December 2001

I drove an IS 300 a few months ago (maybe 6 or 7 months now that I think about it, time flies). The car I drove was an E-Shift (as the 5 speed was not out yet).

Likes:
The car has razor sharp handling and a superb road feel. It felt just as quick if not quicker than my '00 Saab 9-3. I like the angular lines and chronograph gauge cluster (something I did not like when I saw the car at the NY auto show). The 5 spoke 17" wheels fill up the wheel wells nicely and look great.

Dislikes:
The tail lights. I've seen these Altezza style lights on too many 94-97 Accords and variations on Integras, Civics, & Preludes. I think they make the car look cheap rather than sporty (no offense, just my opinion). The "ripples" in the dashboard don't really do it for me either. I'd prefer it if they were flat. The only thing I can see those creases doing is collecting dust.

I don't know whether or not the IS 300 has Lexus or Toyota stamps on the glass (it doesn't matter to me, but I'm just curious).

Overall I was very impressed. The IS 300 5 Speed seems like it would be a suitable replacement for my Saab when the lease is up next December. It is definitely on my short list.

sdenlinger · December 2001

The stamps in the glass are Lexus.

silverlex · December 2001

But the stamps on the tailights are Toyota.

nyccarguy · December 2001

The car I test drove did not have an armrest. I need an armrest!

sdenlinger · December 2001

Then you test drove an '01.

superman5 · December 2001

hi i am intersetd in IS300 lease number, any of you from Southern California leased IS300, downpayment? monthly? how long? any lease special?

nyccarguy · December 2001

it was definitely an '01. Does the IS 300 come with an Armrest for '02? I've also heard the paint quality on the IS300 (in particular) is flimsy, soft and very prone to chipping. Has anybody noticed this on their IS300? I haven't waxed or polished my Saab in well over a year and besides the NYC bumpers (from parking on the street a few times), the car still shines when it comes out of the car wash.

silverlex · December 2001

'02 has an armrest.

Paint chipping is something happening on most new cars these days due to new EPA standards (new paint is soft). The leading edge of the hood is so low it is prone to chipping and will do so especially if you hit the highways often. I added xpel to that area, and so far my hood is chip free. The bumper is not protected with xpel and still looks great after almost a year.

In other words there's nothing inhertently wrong with the paint. It will look great as long as you take care of it.

sdenlinger · December 2001

As Silverlex says, the '02 has a center armrest. My car is very new and so I haven't had much time to acquire any paint chipping. As for the paint quality, I think it is really good. My car is black and people are always commenting on how deep it is.

jmess · December 2001

One problem guys is the IS300 is built in Japan where the EPA doesn't have
anything to say about what solvents Toyota uses in the paint. So the paint may
chip in some cases but the EPA can't be blamed. So it goes.

silverlex · December 2001

that they don't follow the standards? Isn't that like saying they don't have the same emmission standards, so they can be excused when the car arrives in the US and doesn't pass? Or is it the process of applying the paint that the EPA is worried about?

sllloyd · December 2001

Guys, just jumping in for a quick post...Anyone heard if Lexus is developing a coupe version of the IS? Will be in the market for a 3 series coupe/M3 in the next year or so, but would consider a Lexus because of the quality angle. Thanks!

jrct9454 · December 2001

Yes, there is a coupe version of the IS on the way, probably for late '02 as a 2003 model.

Water-based paint has a problem with chipping, but it is not unique to Toyota; I follow boards for Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, MB, BMW, and Nissan, and everyone complains about paint chips and everyone assumes the phenomenon is unique to their brand of car. This is a universal thing with the new water-borne paints, and it has nothing to do with country of manufacture or brand of car.

silverlex · December 2001

michaelf2 · December 2001

Has anyone recently purchased an IS in the VA, Md, DC area? The dealer in Richmond will not budge off full MSRP. Told them I will not pay full MSRP. Curious how much over invoice is everyone else is paying???

dmathew347 · December 2001

Michael - I don't know about new ones, but i was offered $24.3K out the door(in Virginia), on a fully loaded 01 IS300 with 5000 miles from a person selling it used. Apparently these cars depreciate faster than Merc's and BMW's.

>Has anyone recently purchased an IS in the VA, >Md, DC area? The dealer in Richmond will not >budge off full MSRP. Told them I will not pay >full MSRP. Curious how much over invoice is >everyone else is paying???

bbrimmer1 · December 2001

I'm in New England and very interested in a IS300.
Can anyone tell me how they operate in snow and ice? I'm shopping for one with VSC. Also if someone has had luck with a CT, please let me know the name. Thanks and Happy Holidays.

teo · December 2001

I have been quoted a new 2002 IS300 with 5-speed, fabric seats and no sunroof for $389 per month X 39 months with only $500.00 for inceptions?

I am in the South Florida area...what do you IS300 experts think?

texas7 · December 2001

i must say all the information on this board is very helpful in my first purchase of a performance/entry luxury type vehicle (i've only had trucks and suv's). i've looked at the merc benz c320, is300, and es300 and decided on the is300. i noticed that one of the posts stated that the lexus people said they made a mistake with the interior. does anyone know if the 2002 is300 is the improved interior? i have not looked inside a 2001. also, is $30,626.00, including destination, escaine/sunroof pkg a good deal? it seems some on here have gotten better deals. thanks for any information you may have.

teo · December 2001

http://www.autospeed.com/A_0687/P_1/article.html

jmess · December 2001

The optional (stock on the sportcross) 17" high performance tires don't like the snow and ice. The 16" all seaons are better. The best bet is to get another set of 16" wheels and go with a full set of winter tires. I put LM-22s mounted on 16" Konig wheels on my car which cost $1K but there are cheaper tire and wheel packages out there. I haven't hit any snow yet but folks in your neck of the woods say the IS does real well in the snow with winter tires.

jmess · December 2001

The IS300 has the 3.0 litter engine they mention in the article. I don't understand the comments about the driver feeling pinched. I am 6'3" tall and 200 LBS and I find the seating position to be quite comfortable; that is one of the reasons I bought the car. I think the comments about the handling and suspension are pretty accurate from what I have seen. I think you can get the tail to rotate a little better under throttle (power over steer) with the bigger engine though.

fxashun · December 2001

But I like my cars that way.

jvkalra · December 2001

IS300 sales have been falling almost every month, even after the intro of the SportCross. I wouldn't be surprised if Lexus discontinued the IS300 after a 4 year cycle.

teo · December 2001

I think the IS300 is a great car, but frankly the BMW 3 series looks better. Lexus needs to get rid of the "Boy racer" clear tail light treatment and style the car away from the mid 1990's Honda Accord/Civic theme. Drop a nice V8 under the hood and you'll have a true BMW contender...

hunter001 · December 2001

I agree about dropping the boy-racer touches from the IS300, which IMHO, turns away a lot of people, who would otherwise have sprung for this car, especially since it is a Toyota/Lexus product. Also, if they can spiff up the interior a bit (while retaining every bit of the driving qualities of the car), and improve the mileage a bit, then I believe they got a bonafide 3-series title contender.

But I disagree about dropping a V8 into this car. I would think it would draw too much away from the character of the car. Ideally, I would have preferred the 2.0L I-6 or the 2.0L I-4 with which the IS200 is sold elsewhere, along with the 6-speed transmission. But the 3.0L is also good enough and probably is mandatory for suiting American tastes.

Later...AH

jmess · December 2001

Every 4-5 years cars are discontinued. My wife's 95 Civic EX really has very little in common with the 2001 model even though both cars have the same name. So I would hope that Lexus would come out with a new car; what name they use really doesn't matter. I think the IS really stands out in the crowd due to some of the so called "boy racer" features; I am well past my "boy racer" days and I like the exterior of my SportCross. Big headlights and tail lights are in fashion now. Check out the tail lights on a Volvo S60; those make the IS300's tail light look conservative. It is nice that all cars don't look and drive the same. I am pretty happy with my car, many new IS owners are glad the cars are slow selling because you can get a much better price. So feel sorry for me. It's really rough having to drive an IS300 every day. Sometimes I just don't even want to go home. I drive the back roads until it is dark enough that I can sneak back to my garage without the neighbors seeing my, gasp, "boy racer" tail lights :-))

c1rybick · December 2001

I can understand the complaints about the IS300's fuel efficiency and power. But be thankful: the 5M-GE engine in my 85 Cressida (2.8L I6) only gets 156 HP. Ouch. But it hauls the station wagon quite handily, and after 205,000 miles still sounds sweet @ 5000 rpm. If BMW makes the best inline sixes in the world for sedans, then surely Toyota's are 2nd best.

An IS300 is actually a lot like a Cressida sedan (I6 engine, 5 speed manual available, RWD platform). And the SportCross and Cressida wagons only come with a slushbox.

Granted, my car's old, but fuel efficient it's not. I average about 21 MPG, although I don't drive on the interstate much at all, I do push it pretty hard sometimes.

Haha.....my Cressida, absolute flat out, no reserves, top end is 100 mph (104 with a tailwind). Engine turns about 2700 rpm at 70 mph, somewhere over 3000 at 80 mph.

Lexus IS 300

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