[Altersys]

Thanks to the helpful people on the board, I have reconsidered my stance on possibly getting a used IS3 and now am also considering the '02 IS300M.

Things I would like to know if anyone has this info:

1) When will is be available, not just to order, but to pick up?

2) How much will it cost?

3) Will full-leather ever be an option (instead of leather/ecsaine)?

4) I heard the luxury package will be dropped. Will it then be possible to get a BLACK interior, with LSD, and with walnut switch plates in California? Right now I have to go out of state to get a car like this.

thanks in advance,
-Alt

 

[BigDaddyRich]

It will cost roughly the same as the auto if not more due to the 18in wheels and suspension package as a option. (most will ship with it installed) Dont bank on getting it anywhere below MSRP until like November. Full leather will be an option, but why would you NOT want the escaine seats? I love them?

 

[s0yb0mb]

Originally posted by BigDaddyRich:
Full leather will be an option, but why would you NOT want the escaine seats? I love them?

Word, aside from maybe having to clean it after spilling a chili dog on the seat, I don't know why you wouldn't get this over leather. I know most people probably don't agree w/ me, but I don't like the full leather. I mean, I like it beter than cloth, but Escaine rocks 'em both.

Escaine won't get painfully hot/cold.
Escaine costs less than leather
Escaine grips and hold you in the seat thru hard cornering; I hate leather for this reason.

 

[merlin3008]

i agree with the two above comments. when i was first in the market for a car, i thought the the escaine was a bad way for lexus to save money. i mean even my honda accord had full leather seats. but after owning my IS for just a short period, i've completely changed my mind. the seats feel great! the escaine feels great even in the hot sun. and frankly i think it looks great too.

 

[Martin]

I love the Escaine seats. I really dont like leather that much. I would almost want cloth over leather

( that really depends)

1 thing you forgot s0yb0mb

Escaine wont get hard and crack over time like leather does.

Originally posted by s0yb0mb:
Word, aside from maybe having to clean it after spilling a chili dog on the seat, I don't know why you wouldn't get this over leather. I know most people probably don't agree w/ me, but I don't like the full leather. I mean, I like it beter than cloth, but Escaine rocks 'em both.

Escaine won't get painfully hot/cold.
Escaine costs less than leather
Escaine grips and hold you in the seat thru hard cornering; I hate leather for this reason.

 

[ckolsen]

My understanding is the manual will cost about $1000 less than the auto, will have 17in wheels (18s probably not even optional), and anyone who pays sticker for it will be hating life in December when it's going for $3000 off. It's unheard of for a car's auto version to sell for $3000 off sticker while the manual version sells for sticker. Never happen.
Full leather will be an option on manual or auto - my car is leather, which is great, but I wouldn't pay $1000 extra for full leather over the current seats.

 

[merlin3008]

i disagree....if the demand for the manual is high, why wouldn't the price will stay near sticker? if i have a fixed allocation of manual tranny cars, and more than enough demand, i'm going to sell that car to the highest bidders.

 

[ckolsen]

That's true of course, but my point is that you never have manuals in high demand and autos in low demand, it's usually the other way around. I'm sure some dealers will ask for sticker, you'll have to shop around.

Originally posted by merlin3008:
i disagree....if the demand for the manual is high, why wouldn't the price will stay near sticker? if i have a fixed allocation of manual tranny cars, and more than enough demand, i'm going to sell that car to the highest bidders.

 

[Altersys]

Thanks, guys! Any comments on question number (4)?

tia,
-Alt

 

[hasanazhar]

Yeah, Escaine is great. I'm a former 2001 IS300 owner, and I loved the escaine.
Right now, I'm waiting for a 2002 IS300 Manual. I ordered one in red, with the sports package. I plan on a few add ons: SRT Intake, HKS exhaust, SRT Supercharger, and a few others. I hope they offer the lip spoiler as a factory option, since it's really sleek.
Watch out you guys with E36 M3s and S4s, I'm gonna kick your ass!

 

[Altersys]

Hey, you can order the manuals now? If so, should I? I expect there may be a hell of a waiting list...

thanks man,
-Alt

 

[PhatNastyCat]

First time posting. I too am considering the IS300 "M". I spoke to a local dealer here in Atlanta today and he asked if I wanted to put down a deposit now. I declined because I am not 100% sure if I want an automatic or manual. I have a traffic filled commute every day and I am not sure that I will enjoy owning a 5-speed long term. I have to do something in September since the lease on my current vehicle expires then, however I am concerned about getting hammered trying to deal on price if there will be high demand.
If I do go auto, I want the VSC option. If manual, I'll add the LSD option. I don't have a preference on the leather or escaine. A rear spoiler is essential IMO.
I also hate to think that there will be no chance at getting a deal on a 2002 like is available now on the 2001. I plan on leasing and I really like the $399/mo for 39mo deal.
If I can't get a deal on the 2002 IS, I may go with my 2nd choice in the the Acura CL-S.
PNC

 

[Altersys]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is the "VSC Option?"

thanks,
-Alt

PS, I have a 100 mile per day commute, half of which is in traffic. I drive a five-speed and don't feel any fatigue! Manual trannies aren't as laborious as people would have you believe...