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Comments
no i haven't driven the TL but i have driven the accord v6 and camry xle. boy i wonder how much different the driving experience could be??? difference in power?? i can use my own imagination folks i don't need to waste time driving a type S. I SAT IN ONE!! it is a mature interior i guess. i just think it is as boring as the million 3 series drivers who said the IS300's ride was boring. that folks is more laughable than me stating the TL has a boring interior and "accord deluxe" look to it.
vvti
Yes, there is a big difference in driving between the TL and the others you mentioned!!!
Is there a difference in driving a camry and the IS, of course. You will learn to appreciate autos other than those that say Lexus or Acura when you mature in age.
As far as the BMW 3 series owners that said the IS drive was boring, I haven't heard of one, in fact quite the opposite. What the BMW owners can attack is the subjectives like styling and so on.
Pride, no pride to get hurt here!!! Tell me, is your pride hurt when the WRX goes flying by you in your IS300?? Probably not right, well same thing here. Besides, as mentioned earlier I think you are going to be very disappointed with the manuals actual numbers, keep dreaming about mid 6 sec times.
When I went looking, I compared the IS300 to 325i and the A4 2.8. I didn't really think about the Type S because it's something my mom would buy (btw, I'm 28 in So Cal). Granted the Type S has a big engine, but it looks just like the regular TL and it's front wheel drive.
Acura/Honda make great cars, but the TL's styling is a little bland. I'm sure some would say the IS300 looks too out there, but I think it's appealing to the demographic group it is targeting. You wouldn't believe how may 18-25 year olds gawk at my IS300. I've even had people come up to me at gas stations asking about it. I don't think the Type S can generate that kind of response.
Maybe that's part of the reason why the IS300 hasn't sold like hotcakes. Maybe it's too focused on a small group of potential buyers. I don't know about others, but I don't think I could've afforded to buy this car when I was in my early 20's. Maybe the only ones who want to and can afford to buy the IS300 are men in their mid to late 20's and/or those who can have their moms & dads pay for it. Maybe Lexus wanted the IS300 to appeal to a larger group, but it didn't work out that way and I'm happy it didn't.
Love it or hate it, it turns heads.
vvti
then we have a recent poster on the ISvs3seriesvsvolvos60vsA4vsMBcclass site who just said his 5 series was breaking every month but he still wants a 325i. illogical?? i think so. Fix Or Repair Daily. maybe bmw and ford should merge.
is this the policy of racer boys solely?? hardly. in the parking lots older couples often stop to stare. they yell at you that the lights are on as you are leaving the area. i tell them don't worry as they continue to stare mesmerized by the xenons and yellow fogs.
i was washing the car one day and a old guy came up out of nowhere and asked how much i paid for the car. he once had a GS400 he told me.
one day a lady in her 30's stopped in the middle of the road across from my house and yelled that she loves my car. i wonder if this kind of stuff happens to c class, 325/330, s60t,A4,TL drivers???
i am not even done with the drooling stories either but i will spare you shawn.
vtec
it won't disappoint me if a WRX goes flying by me on the freeway. why would it?? the WRX can fly by most sport lux sedans so what is the big deal?? like i told you before if i wanted to end the debate with you i would put a turbo kit (it is available)in my IS300 and say THERE!!! It is more fun this way though.
vtec
vtec
Give your head a shake!
I guess the MIGHTY IS300 has no problems whatsoever, right?
Hmm problems, slow sales, car is too expensive for its targeted market, 20 something, cheap plastics on the interior, busy interior, funky tail lights, questionably sprint times based on 215 horses, hash ride, boy racer image and so on............
Hell of a slalom runner and great brakes and those amazed drooling fools you speak of, well, if thats what you like so be it. Next time someone yells "what the hell is that" don't be surprised if they mean it in a negative way.
As far as comments go on the 3series, happens all the time, but thank god they save their drool.
I suggest a new forum called "Shawn vs Vtech" J/k!
Honestly, I'm not trying to get rid of you. Just trying to understand.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
Look, if you haven't driven all of the cars in this class [IS, A4, 3er, C, TL to name the biggest players] yourself, you should. I found that there were more things to like about each of the competitors than dislike, and am particularly bemused by the vilification of anything with front-drive. I prefer rear-drive myself, but can assure you that a well-driven TL-S will bug your eyes out just as fast as anything else in this class. The simple fact is that the Japanese provide better value and the promise of better long-term reliability, and the Germans tend to be more refined and capable of more balanced trade-off between ride and handling. The rest is personal preference, and by all means, state yours as you wish...but quit trashing the competition, because there are no bad cars in this group. And do make sure that your opinions are backed up by some personal experience - that helps, as well...
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
The purpose of this conversation is to discuss specifically the IS300 with a mind toward owners helping owners and also prospective buyers having a place to ask their questions. Some comparison discussion to be expected and not a problem, but lately this entire conversation has been overtaken with comparisons.
We HAVE an appropriate place for comparisons to be discussed. Let's go there for further conversation along those lines.
Thank you.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
the manual i think is coming with 18 inch rims. if you go to lexus.com there is a picture of the new red manual version with 18 inch rims. i prefer the older graphite polished 5 spokes. a small spoiler is also available too i believe.
you can ask silverlex about the rest of the goodies being added on this year. he posted them on sedans vs sedans IS vs MB C class vs volvo S60 vs 3 series vs A4 somewhere i think. there aren't too many posts there you should be able to find it if you are interested.
the suspension should be tighter too from what i have heard. this car obviously will be faster than the automatic and lighter too.
the automatic already has a jet fighter feel to it. the manual should be a gem. the coupe and cabriolet versions are also on the way if you are interested.
vvti
Anyway, like Vtech said, there isn't going to be an upgraded engine. But expect better acceleration since more HP will make it to the wheels instead of getting sapped by the automatic transmission. Times have yet to arrive.
The manual will have an 18" option, but I don't think that's standard.
Sorry about that. They must have gotten the problem fixed because it hasn't happened anymore since about 1 or 2 pm (Town Hall time) on Monday.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
October 31, 2000
A race-modified Lexus IS 300 pace car lead the pack at the Marlboro CART 500 FedEx Championship season finale, Friday October 27 through Sunday October 29, at the California Speedway in Fontana, California.
The bright yellow IS 300 was outfitted with race and safety modifications to handle the demands of pacing Champ Car races. The pace car features a five-speed manual transmission and a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger, which adds 50 horses for a total of 265 horsepower.
Other modifications include a roll cage, race-tuned suspension with Eibach racing coil springs, and Bilstein shocks. Rolling stock includes 18-inch front and 19-inch rear BBS wheels and Bridgestone Potenza 225/35ZR18 tires in the front and 245/35ZR19 in the rear while Brembo brakes help keep the IS 300 in check.
This is the third foray into the CART pace car lineup for Lexus. The SC 400 sport coupe led the way in 1992 and the high-performance GS 400 rounded the track first in 1997 at the Toyota Grand Prix of Monterey.
Lexus is also working with TRD to create an L-Tuned version of the IS 300. Body effects would feature front fascia and lip spoiler, choice of grilles, side skirts, rear wing and wheel/tire set. Suspension modifications would include shocks, springs, front and rear sway bars, brake pad and slotted brake rotors as well as a performance high-flow exhaust.
Here's the link to the article:
http://www.motortrend.com/news/stories/001031lexus.html
vvti
These were taken with a digital camera, so they might not be completely accurate. Every color except red has a metallic finish.
Manual Driver side with Navigation Interior
Stick Shift
Full black leather interior (whole cabin)
Full Ivory leather interior of Sportcross
Red IS300
Red IS300 #2
Red IS300 and Graphite Sportcross
July 11, 2001 -- Torrance, CA -- Lexus once again upheld its reputation as the industry leader in customer satisfaction as reflected in the latest J.D. Power and Associates study announced today. For 2001, Lexus is No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service in the independent research firm’s Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.
With 903 out of a possible 1,000 points, Lexus holds the top spot for the 10th time in 11 years. CSI results are based on more than 56,000 vehicle owners who evaluated their visits to dealerships during the first three years of ownership. Even with the increased sales volume the Lexus brand has experienced in the past few years, Lexus dealers continue to stay focused on exceeding customers’ expectations and providing the best service in the industry.
"At Lexus, success is defined by much more than vehicles sales," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "When Lexus was established in 1989, our commitment was to give customers an unparalleled buying and ownership experience, and now 12 years later, these survey results show that our cream-of-the-crop dealers continue to deliver on Lexus’ high standards for customer satisfaction."
The combination of excellent products and outstanding customer treatment has resulted in Lexus becoming one of the world’s premier luxury brands.
The article is found here
Thanks.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
I am interested in the '01 IS and took a test drive a couple of days ago. Loved it. Since I 'walked in' to the dealership, I got a lack-lustre $31,650 bo from the sales guy. I told him I am going to be checking out the 325i, and would get back to him on my decision.
Just need some help on pricing. Edmund's TMV was $30.5K on a souped-up IS (w/premium leather, moonroof, ++), but CarsDirect.com had the same priced at $30.9K, compared with the dealer's $31.6K. Think I can get a better deal than $30.9K ? And if so, any recommendation on dealership ? I live in San Diego and can travel as far as LA if the deal is right.
Thanks
Try offering the Edmunds' price to your local dealer, if he won't take it maybe someone in LA will.
That price is pretty cheap, since most of the cars will have the leather, moonroof, trunk mat and wheel locks, plus the dealers have to pay an advertising fee to Lexus.
but i do agree with you that they should be offering a little less than that at this point in time. but remember, that moonroof is regularly a 1000 dollars and the leather package is 1700. throw in the polished rims and you have a 34K car BEFORE TAX. you are being offered a decent deal unless of course this car is a demo (which it isn't of course).
silverlex got the best deal i have ever heard of at 31K pretty loaded. i had to pay 33,800 after tax loaded so you can see the 31,650 could be better but it could be worse. with the moonroof and leather package i'd say that is pretty good though.
vtec
Anyways, many thanks once again. I'll come back here to update you all on how I did.
BTW, would the '02 be priced about same for '01, and what major changes are envisaged ? The dealer told me he expects the '02's to come in by September 24th or thereabouts. I can wait, if necessary, but would rather like to buy when the dealer can make a deal to reduce volume....
how was your trip?? did you drive? i forgot if you were doing a road trip or not.
vvti/vtec
Steve
Here's the information from Autoweek yesterday (7/24):
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=reviews&content_code=03126298
highlights:
5-speed well matched to the engine.
"no holes in the transmission where one gear had run out of oomph before the next one was handy"
"not a drivetrain that cries out for a six-speed"
"Lexus says the new transmission knocks off half a second in 0-to-60-mph times"
"The manual arrives in showrooms in August"
So what does everyone think of this?
I am personally looking for a car that has some youth built into it, great performance (not necessarily RWD), around 30grand or less, and doesn't scream wealth (BMW,Merc,Jaguar). I'm looking at a RSX type S (although it has FWD), still debating if the WRX is bareable to be seen in, and wondering if the IS300 Manual will come close enough in the performance.
What do you guys think?
"....the closest we got when we tested the automatic was 7.99 seconds. Given that, our estimate for 0-60 mph would be in the low sevens"
"....., Lexus is getting closer to BMW. Not as close as Lexus would like you to think...."
".... BMW is still king of the sport sedan segment...."
Well, V_tech how do you feel with your "jetfighter" predictions?????