Desperate: Need Advice!!

Originally posted by arc300:
I don't post much here, but I certainly read most of the posts. I am a huge fan of the IS300, and I am having the dilemma of whether or not to spring for the 2001, or hold off for the 2002.

The only real options I am interested in for the 2002's is the armrest, and the all leather option.

Any news on the armrest addon for the 2001 model? I need definitely need an armrest.

I recently read that the escaine (sp?) is holding up better than people's expectations. Is this true? Would you still prefer it over an all leather option?

I am assuming all of the currently manufactured IS's have the ECU and Trac fix?

Are the tires and rims that big of a problem?

I am not interested in the stick. I would hate to go by the whole summer without having an IS300

Any thoughts or advice would be welcomed. I am also liking the idea of possibly picking one up that would be less expensive than a 2002.

Thanks,
Rob

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You can have a custom armrest made. Search the forum. There will probably be a solution for 2001 after the 2002 comes out.

My escaine seems to be holding up, but it's only been 3 months I much prefer this to all leather. Many will disagree, but it's much cooler on the a** on a hot summer day, and your thighs don't stick to it.

Any IS that arrived after Feb I think has the new ECU and TRAC

The tires and rims are a problem if you hit a pothole large enough to bottom out the suspension. I had my first bubble this week. It sucks, but no getting around that unless you opt for the 16".

Hope that helps.

Ok, here's my two cents on the topic.

I think that unless you REALLY want the all leather interior, or a new 2002 paint color, you should just get the 2001. I'm sure you're going to be able to get a much better deal on the 2001 especially if Lexus has any incentives they're offering.

As for the escaine interior, I am very pleasantly surprised that the escaine is holding up so well. I wear jeans a lot and the escaine still looks good. (I picked my car up back in November to give you a time frame). I do prefer the escaine over all-leather because it holds you in place when you're taking turns fast. I hate sliding around on an all leather seat.

As for the armrest, I heard the you could retro-fit it on to the 2001. Not sure if this is true, but you can do a search if you want more info on the armrest specifically.

As for the wheels and tires, I haven't had any problems (knock on wood). I have had 17" rims before and am careful with them though. Not to offend anyone, but some people drive like they're riding on 15's with 65 series tires. The IS has the 17's with low profile tires so you do have to be careful. I have the graphite rims and haven't experienced any of the peeling that some others have.

A potential downside to the 2002 is that I believe it's losing the cup holders - I really like having those even though they are on the small side. Not a big deal to some people, I know.

The ECU and TRAC issue has been resolved as well, so unless the 2001 IS has been sitting on the dealer lot for a LONG time, this shouldn't be an issue.

Ok, sorry it's a novel. I hope this helps! I think you'll love the IS regardless if you get a 2001 or a 2002.

Wow, thanks for all the feedback! You guys/gals are a big help!

Keep it coming

I have had my IS since last Dec. So far everything is holding up fine. I watch for the potholes, and yes I know this from past experience with low profile tires, your going t have to give up some comfort for a sport ride. No problems with the undercarriage as some members have had, and I love the leather escaine.

The ECU/TRAC problem I do have, but only when the car is cold in the morning. Let the engine an tranny warm up a bit and no further problems for the rest of the day. There is a fix for the ECU/TRAC problem, you'll have to ask your local dealer if they are aware of it.

In my opinion get yourself the 2001, if you don't want the manual, GPS, and the arm rest. The current cup holders aren't much to talk about, except they are misplaced and the cups when inserted, get in the way , as far as im concerned a usless feature.