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By the way, the type of wheels that the new IS is pictured with have GOT to be a pain in the butt to clean properly. Too many nooks and crannies to clean down in.
Ron M.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I really appreciate the people who take the time to reply and help other consumers or owners.
I'm incedibly happy with my IS300. I find myself driving across town for simple errands so I can reach my first 1000 miles. Correct if I'm wrong, but I was told that I need to only drive under 65 and not break or accelerate quickly for the first 1000 miles to "break-in" the engine. Is there anything else I need to do or be aware of as a new car owner. Does anyone else have their MPG gauge needle in the dash bounce and fluctuate while driving???
For consumers out there debating on the car, you would be hard pressed to find a better overall package than you do with the IS300.
I am sure you made the right choice. Enjoy.
BTW, the MPG gauge is designed to fluctuate every second: it is an INSTANT MPG indicator: it shows your current MPG which fluctuates wildly. The real use of this gadget is mininal...
What options did you get on your IS? Full leather?
Ron M.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Why, when I switch from listening to CDs to FM, is the radio tuned to a station to which I never listen? I would think it would just go back to the station to which I had been listening last time I was using the radio. But it usually comes on as either NPR or a country music station. Neither one of these is even among my presets.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
sounds like a good price on an 04 to me. I was quoted 1500 over invoice from a dealer in LA area as an initial starting point. That would be about $2000 under msrp. I was offered a new 03 for invoice price. This on Nov 11th. If I could get an 04' like you did, that would be great. What city/state/dealer did you buy it? thanks. Tom
The IS is still a nice sports sedan I think. It's on my list but just not on the top of the list.
But ... I am looking for more speed this time around ... a step up in performance. I'm going w/ the Volvo S60R ... the AWD is the big seller for me.
Listen, if the IS had AWD and was a little quicker on the 0-60 ... It would be a no brainer ... I'd stick w/ the IS hands down.
Personally, AWD is a big drawback to me. Maybe if I lived where there was snow, I'd feel differently.
The grip from the Pirelli P Rosso tires matched w/ the AWD ... clues the car around sharp turnes.
And after 2nd gear ... the accelaration smacks you back. I've been doing some research w/ a few owners and they'll all very happy w/ there purchase ...
I hope i'm as happy as I am w/ my IS ... i'm spending 7K more ...
AUTOWEEK 11/17/03 PAGE 29
"It's the classic muscle car formula: Drop a bigger engine into a smaller body. Rod Millen bolted Lexus' 4.3-Liter V8 into a formely straight-six powered IS 300 and voila-Japanese muscle car. Since the V8 has an alloy block and head, the bigger powertrain weighs exactly the same as the iron-block IS 300 engine, even with the V8's six-speed manual. Front and rear balance is maintained, too. The only adjustments necessary were new engine and transmission mounts and a pair of notches in the frame rails to accomodate the accessory drives. Even the shifter fit perfectly in the existing slot in the tranny hump."
The specs on the 4.3L DOHC 32V V8 (300 hp @ 5600rpm/325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm) as it pertains to the portly (3,840 lb) SC430 with torque sapping automatic are pretty impressive. It propels the car from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.
If my calculations are correct, in an IS which weighs 3255 lbs, the 4.3L should propel the car to 60 in the high 4-5 second range. I know numbers aren't everything, but they're nice topping on the sundae.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
But for the record, give me RWD with a good set of dedicated winter wheels/tires:)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Audi, BMW, and MB are making a big deal about AWD. Almost an expectation in this market segement that the platform has it as an option. Thought I saw somewhere where MB expects AWD to be over 50% of their C- and E-class.
If there is one thing the IS300 needs it is more sales and a stronger presence in the market. SportCross didn't do it. AWD and optional more powerful engine (plus 6-speed manual) would help. Or Lexus needs to get the word out on what a great value the IS300 is. They should work hard to hold down prices (maybe even lower MSRPs) and reduce discounting. Then the much more expensive prices of the 330i and C320 would really stand out. Lexus could do what Jaguar did with the X-type. Add more standard equipment (e.g., leather) and drop price.
I think they also need to offer different suspension options. Think of how many more non-SP equipped 3ers are on the road.
Holding down the prices and not giving too many discounts would be a good thing too. Just don't drop the prices too low (buyers need haggle room to feel good:)
Lexus does need to show the value of the car w/o directly comparing it to the 3 series (or any other car) and focus on the strengths of the IS. Lexus needs to find a Unique Selling Proposition for the IS with so many entrants in the "entry level sport sedan" market. The 3 series is the benchmark. The G35 has class leading hp/torque. The Mercedes C-Class has a hood emblem, optional AWD, and is able to hold its own as a genuine autobahn burner. Audi's Quattro (and their wonderfully crafted interiors) sell cars. The X-Type has standard awd and is (supposedly) very british.
What is the IS? It has racing heritage. Lexus buyers (or many sport sedan buyers) typically don't care about this. The LSD and incredible handling.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I'd love to see Lexus sell the IS200 with 6-speed manual transmission only in USA. Just offer a few options. Make LSD standard. Base price around $25K. Compete against TSX and 325i.
And why Lexus doesn't have TRD put a supercharger option in IS300 seems bizarre. Do what BMW did in past when it turbocharged and call it the IS400. (Back in '80s they turbocharged the 735i and called it the 745i.) That would allow it to compete with G35 power and get a lot closer to M3 territory. TRD has superchargers for a zillion other Toyota engines. If you can supercharge your Solara, you should be able to supercharge your IS300. But Lexus would make sure this was a viable option package. Not dealer installed. Not aftermarket. Done right in factory.
This would allow 3 separate ISs.
IS300 is falling into near oblivion in automotive press. IS300 isn't going to be getting any respect anytime soon. IS300 is falling way behind in the horsepower war. IS300 has fallen behind in the transmission war. G35 and TL both 50 plus HP or more. G35, TL, and 330i each have 6-speed manuals.
IS300 desperately needs supercharger upgrade with 6-speed manual. Only then might it get some respect.
The TL's 270 HP, LSD, and 6-speed manual combine for 0-60 mph time of only 5.7 seconds! Top speed of 152 mph (governed). 1/4 mile at 14.4 secs. and 99 mph. IS300 5-speed manual just can't compete with these numbers, though the TL leaves a lot to be desired for torque steer, braking, and skidpad performance.
It is probably no surprise to anyone that the automotive press has a symbiotic relationship with the mfgs. A new car comes out and they all talk it up so they will be invited to the press junkets and the mfgs will buy advertising space. A year later you start to see published comments about how the same car really isn't perfect and has several disadvantages that they forgot to mention during the first test cycle. Since 04 is probably the last year for the current I300 the car mags aren't very interested in it. They can sell more copies by doing comparisons focused on the newer models.
One of my on going pet peeves:
You really have to wonder about the objectivity/credibility of any car reviewer/tester that fails to comment about the lack of an LSD in a sports sedan. I have yet to read a published road test for 325/330 where anyone has mentioned this shortcoming. They never forget to publish test car HP and 0-60 times though.
2. Check out the reviews of the Acura TL. 270 hp, 6-speed manual, and LSD. C&D's review discusses in great detail how the LSD actually works to cause problems in this FWDer. They argue that the automatic version might be better as Acura is sending too much power up front to the drive wheels.
I just read TL review tonight. I always found the LSD in my FWD racer to be a lot of fun when I got both wheels clawing out of a corner. Throw in a damp track and it was even more fun.
The TL is reacting just like any high performance FWD car will react if you really drive it hard. I always laugh at car reviewers that claim their FWD test car doesn't understeer or torque steer. That just shows me they really didn't drive the car very hard. If you buy a car like the TL thinking it drives like RWD sports sedan then you will be really disappointed.
I was kind of surprised at all the unkind reviews that R&T had this month; not good for generating advertising dollars. Along with the TL they knocked the new 5er pretty hard and really slammed the X3 Stupid Ugly Vehicle. It looks the there could be some Z4 sized discounts headed for the 5 series and X3 at the end of 04. One local dealers here is knocking off $5500 on Z4s. If you bought one of the first Z4s in town you just got handed some world class depreciation; leasing would have been your friend.
Keep in mind they haven't been huge fans of the IS300. They like it but don't love it. I'm sure that a good 6-speed manual and more HP by way of a supercharger would improve their thoughts on the IS300.
They panned the X3 for its horrible ride. Their review of new 530i was mostly highly positive about performance (though the active steering takes getting used to) but panned the iDrive and styling excesses.
RWD/AWD is only way to go once you hit about 200 HP. After that, too much power to the FWD drive wheels. My former FWD '96 Infiniti G20t with LSD was a great example. Handled and braked great. Decent ride. Fun car to drive that was never overpowered by the engine. But the 140 HP really needed to be more like 170 HP.
i am looking at buying a 2001 is300 with 27K miles (70% freeway / 30% city miles). the guy wants $22000. car has everything but heated seats. the only damage is a minor dent/hole the size of a silver dollar on the rear bumper that doesn't bother me too much.
the edmunds tmv put this car somewhere around $22700 but i'm not sure how close tmv comes to reality...
does this sound like a good deal?
What was the original MSRP? Is he the original owner? Does he have all the maintenance and repair records?
Price seems a bit high for a private-party sale of a 2001. Car is now 3 model years old.
Curious, what month/year was this particular car built? Was it a very early MY2001?
Keep in mind that the '01s don't have front side curtain airbags. Those were standard in '02.
He is the one and only owner and he has all the maintenance records. All done at the Lexus dealer.
That sucks about the curtain airbags - I didn't know about that.
So given the details above, do you still think this deal is a bit pricy?
I'm 6' 2". My '04 IS300 sedan (manual) has sunroof. Headroom is a bit tight. Wish the seat went a bit further down. Only way to know if you will fit is by sitting in the car, seeing if you can get comfortable, and then taking it out on the road for a good test drive seeing if you stay comfortable.
My wife loves her '03 IS300 sedan (automatic). Not sure she is a "chick". Her female friends (not sure they are "chicks") seem to like it. My female co-workers (not sure they are "chicks") also like my car. The women range in age from low-20s to mid-50s.
What kind of car is she and you looking for? Sedan? Does it have to have room for kids? Do you carry lots of adult friends around? Tons of luggage? Visit local Lexus dealer and spend some time looking at and sitting in one. Then test drive.
Key is research, research, research. Then test drive, test drive, test drive. Only get what you can easily afford.
I have found the IS300 to be very well made. The wife really likes the car because it feels smaller than it really is. Safety rating are top notch along with reliability.
Consumer Reports, JD Powers, etc. all give Lexus, overall, and IS300, in particular, high marks for reliability and ownership costs. IS300 has done very well in crash tests (NHTSA and IIHS).
Stop by dealership. Take one for a thorough test drive! If you like it, negotiate hard. IS300 sales have been soft.
On that note, since the is300 is so reliable, is it even worth my money to buy extended warranty from the Lexus dealer or at all? (I might be buying a 2001 Lexus from a private party)
I bought one for my '04 thru Lexus, but I use my IS300 for business and thus the cost was tax deductible. Kind of like insurance peace of mind. Rather pay up front now at time of purchase, and borrow the money thru Lexus financial at a low interest rate, then worry later or think about an expensive 3rd party one loaded with loopholes and exceptions. At least with Lexus' own I know (with some certainty) that they'll still be there in 7 years. And they'll honor their own warranty at all their dealers. No hassles.
regards,
kyfdx
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1. Lexus offers an extended warranty for new cars. Comes in different terms (e.g., years and mileage). While this is normally done at time of sale, you can delay the purchase of this. Many marques, like BMW, do NOT offer this on their new cars.
2. Lexus offers a certified pre-owned (CPO) program for their used cars. Most marques off this, too.
Both work a bit alike, but they are different.
I have (1) for my '04 IS300. A bit pricey, but gives me peace of mind. I used to own a CPO BMW. CPO programs are a great way, really the best way, to buy a used car.
Compared that to...
December 2002: Lexus sold 24,845 vehicles: 13,409 (54%) cars and 11,436 SUVs (46%).
April 2003: Lexus sold 21,277 vehicles: 10,233 (48%) cars and 11,044 (52%) SUVs.
July 2003: Lexus sold 22,399 vehicles: 10,963 (49%) cars and 11,436 (51%) SUVs.
August 2003: Lexus sold 26,410 vehicles: 12,371 (47%) cars and 14,039 (53%) SUVs.
October 2003: Lexus sold 22,465 vehicles: 11,400 (51%) cars and 11,065 (49%) SUVs. (ES330 was 51% of all cars sold and 26% of total vehicles sold.)
Notice how SUV sales have held up but, except for 10/03, cars sales have either fallen or are essentially flat.
IS300 numbers are so poor that Lexus doesn't release data on it. They only release data in their press releases for vehicles that show a significant increase. Lexus' press releases had nothing on IS300 for sales in 12/02, 4/03, 7/03, 8/03, 10/03, and 11/03. These are all the recent press releases on the web site.
Wonder if Toyota/Lexus is cutting production? Doesn't seem like they are doing any advertising or marketing to push the IS300. Bet their dealers are willing to deal to move '04s?!?
In CY 2002, ES300 sales comprised 48% of all car sales and 31% of total sales.
Luckily they were able to make the IS essentaily as a re-badge (of the altezza w/ the 3.0L I6 from the GS) so they didn't have to invest really in anything except a marketing campaign & some research. They make such a good profit from cars like the RX & ES (both on the camry platform) that they can afford to try things out like the IS300. Hopefully they see room for improvement in the car and that there still is a market for it (which there is).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Completely concur. Too bad they aren't trying anything out on IS300. Where is AWD option for the snow belt? The IS200 for the street rodder and modifier crowd? Why no supercharger & 6-speed for the IS300 to better compete with the 330i or G35?
All I see is the Millen V8 concept car, a one-off project. Looks like Toyota/Lexus could pull it off in production if they just wanted to. But they don't appear to want to.
And a V6 in the next platform? That is a huge step backward.
My fear is they are allowing the IS model to die a slow lingering death that will destroy it in the minds of the market. You only get one first impression. And one lasting impression for a new model. Lexus is blowing it with the IS. Heck, there is next to no advertising or marketing. And in each car test, Lexus always seems to send the wrong IS300 (e.g., ones that have all-season tires when the others have dedicated summer tires).
Are they trying to kill off a wonderful car???