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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.
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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.
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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.
