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[soundwave05]

I'm thinking of buying a Lexus IS-300 (the current model, not the new 2006 model). I've sort dug the design and mix of a sportiness/luxury that has had for a few years and now prices for it will probably drop with the new 2006 model coming out (don't like that design as much).

Anyone have any comments on this car? The new BMW 3-series looks sweet too, but I don't know if I want to totally break the bank especailly since getting a deal on the new 3-series model will be tougher.

 

[B'z-chan]

Get the all wheel-drive GS from lexus if you can. My grandparents were gonna buy me the IS300, but i asked for the GS so i'm hoping i can get it sometime in the next two years. Gotta graduated before then.

IF your looking for a sporty car the IS300 is the way to go. But if you want a more sophisticated look the GS is better.

 

[soundwave05]

Yeah I think the GS is a bit too elegant for what I want, but I can see the appeal.

I want something that's a bit more fun, but can spend a little more than on something like a Civic or Celica.

The only thing that kinda sucks is I had to wait a long time to be able to buy this car, so I figured I'd wait to see the new Lexus IS300, and I just don't like the design all that much.

 

[Fresh Prince]

This thread makes me sad. Grandparents buying luxury cars-wtf? All I got was $10

 

[Cerebral Palsy]

I'd rather have a WRX STi. The IS300 is a nice car. You're definitely paying for the Lexus name over performance though.




I had to sell my Impreza 2.5RS when I started school. I miss it As soon as I graduate a WRX will be mine.

 

[B'z-chan]

I'd rather have a WRX STi. The IS300 is a nice car. You're definitely paying for the Lexus name over performance though.

Subaru = very expensive on parts and labor.

Lexus = expensive but wont kill your pocket book.

Yes its true. I knew someone a few years back that bought a WRX and was going nuts. This kitahara girl from one of my photo classes had one of the lexus sports and had almost the same problems as chris. He payed almost twice as much cause all of the parts came from across the ocean. Lexus parts are all here in the states now.

BUT WRX was my dream car in the early GT days on PSone. I still want one, but these newer models arent getting to me like the older ones. STI has a lot of freaking horespower too. But that damn lexus i'll be damned if you cant get it tuned up into a racing machine.

 

[fart]

is300s are hot. i think the 05 comes in a 6 speed. supra engine zoom zoom + bulletproof.

31 grand is a lot though. for that much if you don't need the luxury there are certainly faster/more driver oriented cars.

if all you want is some luxury and smoothness, there are other options you can look at for a little less.

still it is a hot car, comparable to a 3 series with a flat price (you will definitely pay more for an e46+)

Subaru = very expensive on parts and labor.

Lexus = expensive but wont kill your pocket book.

there are so many things wrong with this.

 

[capslock]

Get the all wheel-drive GS from lexus if you can. My grandparents were gonna buy me the IS300, but i asked for the GS so i'm hoping i can get it sometime in the next two years. Gotta graduated before then.

IF your looking for a sporty car the IS300 is the way to go. But if you want a more sophisticated look the GS is better.

Boy, I wish I had grandparents like that.

 

[soundwave05]

The WRX STi is a pretty interesting car, but probably a bit too "intense" for what I want.

Seems like the IS-300 is a nice in-between.

I don't really like the current BMW 3 series (its OK I guess) but the 2006 model is a bit cleaner in terms of design and I'm digging that. But that's gonna cost more than a 04 or 05 IS-300 for sure.

 

[dammitmattt]

Test drive a G35 Coupe.

I do like the Lexus, though.

Cars like the WRX are so unrefined and don't make great everyday/trip cars.

 

[Pochacco]

The Lexus is nice, especially the interior.
But it's styling is quite drab (hence the aggressive makeover).
I'd rather get a G35, TL, (or if you're willing to spend more) A4 or 3-series.

But these are sports cars - you really need to test drive them to see what fits you best.

 

[miyuru]

Hehe the IS 300 is a car I've been wanting for a couple years now. At my summer job I even printed a picture out and framed it on my desk :lol

If you want to save a lot of money, you can always buy a used IS. They go for VERY cheap. Honestly, you'd be surprised.

 

[AlphaSnake]

Get a used IS300 for around 16-20K. Lexus', like all Toyotas, are built to last a life time. Buying a used IS300 wouldn't be too different than buying a new one. Plus the Lexus dealership and service department experience is frigin class-A. As opposed to an experience at say...Nissan, which is class-S for "shit".

Get the IS. New or used: it's a fantastic car.

 

[miyuru]

Get a used IS300 for around 16-20K. Lexus', like all Toyotas, are built to last a life time. Buying a used IS300 wouldn't be too different than buying a new one. Plus the Lexus dealership and service department experience is frigin class-A. As opposed to an experience at say...Nissan, which is class-S for "shit".

Get the IS. New or used: it's a fantastic car.

100% agree. Also I don't know about your parts, but IS's seem to be more of a rarity in Edmonton, they just haven't really taken off and I don't think they ever will. At least to me, that's a huge appeal, having something other people don't have. Even if we assume that a base Civic is a better car than an IS, I'd still take the IS, since everybody owns a Civic!

Oh BTW, you should factor in insurance rates as well. I figure it's cheaper on a used car (I wouldn't know).

 

[fart]

(I wouldn't know).

thanks for chiming in then!

anyways, what kind of sportiness are you looking for? if all you want is the looks there are certainly safer luxo cars for cheaper that look just as hot.

 

[robox]

i've been infatuated with the is300 since i first saw 'em. looks fantastic: it caught my eye way back then and it still does. it is a bit down on power compared to its competitors (why wasn't there a mid-life refresh with a bump in power?). even with it's performance deficit, i'd still pick it over the 3 series just because it's not on every block in this city, like the 3 series.

 

[w0o]

I'm also ooking to buy a car in the next few months, and the IS300 is currently my top choice. A new 2005 is a bit out of my budget but a used 2002/2003 would be just fine - they go for around 25k-35k in Canada. IMO, the IS300 is one of the best looking 4 door sedans ever produced. Lower it and it looks even better.
215 HP is enough for me, but if you want more it does have the famous supra inline 6.

 

[Pochacco]

100% agree. Also I don't know about your parts, but IS's seem to be more of a rarity in Edmonton, they just haven't really taken off and I don't think they ever will. At least to me, that's a huge appeal, having something other people don't have. Even if we assume that a base Civic is a better car than an IS, I'd still take the IS, since everybody owns a Civic!

Oh BTW, you should factor in insurance rates as well. I figure it's cheaper on a used car (I wouldn't know).

That is true. Although I see a fair number of IS' in Toronto, there aren't many in Edmonton (then again, what IS in edmonton? ) . My cousin actually owns a very nice IS300 - and he lives in Edmonton.

He bought it new a few years ago - still in mint condition. He told me that the value is depreciated quite a bit; and if he had to do it all over again, he'd probably get something more practical. Remember, the IS is a luxury sports sedan - it sips a lot of premium fuel.

With that said, let's oogle over some pics of the new Lexus '3-series killer' IS350. Over 300 horsepower!!!11!11!one!!11

 

[bionic77]

That is true. Although I see a fair number of IS' in Toronto, there aren't many in Edmonton (then again, what IS in edmonton? ) . My cousin actually owns a very nice IS300 - and he lives in Edmonton.

He bought it new a few years ago - still in mint condition. He told me that the value is depreciated quite a bit; and if he had to do it all over again, he'd probably get something more practical. Remember, the IS is a luxury sports sedan - it sips a lot of premium fuel.

With that said, let's oogle over some pics of the new Lexus '3-series killer' IS350. Over 300 horsepower!!!11!11!one!!11

The world has been waiting for a 3 series killer for 20 years now.

I still consider BMW to be the king of the hill in this category. Everyone has different tastes though and I can see the appeal of the Audi and Lexus.

I have never driven an IS, is it as quiet as the GS and LS? The LS is so quiet and smooth, though maybe a little too smooth so that it takes away from the driving experience. Some people love that though.

 

[GamePnoy74]

I have a 2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed manual, great car...always wanted one since driving the Toyota Altezza in Gran Turismo 2 on PSOne =)

Though it's not as powerful compared to other newer models that are out today it's still a great alternative comapred to the current E46 BMW 3-series in terms of power and overall value (when you factor in options and accessories). Great mix of sport and luxury, great handling and excellent brakes. The NA 3.0L 2JZ inline-6 engine inside the IS300 is very good...it will be missed when the next-gen IS goes V6.

Compared to other Lexus models, the IS300 is not as smooth, quiet, and roomy as the ES, GS, and LS...it's meant to be a little bit more on the sportier side, focusing on the driving experience. It has that 'Lexus' feel, but it also has a 'spirited' feel as if you can drive it like a go-kart =)

To be honest, though, if I waited a little longer for a new car I might have ended up with something else, but still I love my IS regardless =)

EDIT: Just read a press release of the new IS350...whoa, new V6 engine to make over 300hp, good stuff...it needs a manual transmission though! (IS250 has manual tranny)

 

[soundwave05]

I went to my Toyota/Lexus dealership to check out the IS-300.

Is it me or does this car look best in that dark grey? Hawt.

The new GS is dead sexy too, makes me wonder if the new IS300 will be better looking in person.