Lexus IS Forum banner

Got a curious question for all IS300 Owners

585 Views 11 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  hasanazhar
I have been wondering. If you had a choice of a IS300 and GS300 or GS400, which car would you guys rather have? I am bias toward the GS4 becuase i own one and love driving it with an upgraded suspension. Just let me know. I think the IS is a cool car, i might get one next year just to try the car, but that's just me. Thanks
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
Right now, I'm in smaller car mode. IMO the look is a little younger and sportier and it doesn't hurt that I'm driving around in something that I very rarely see on road. Maybe in a couple of years when my son gets bigger, have more kids and we need a "family" car with a little more room, we'll upgrade to the GS line. Out of those two, I'd go 400.
Why, is it because it's worth more or because you guys think it's a bigger car? Thanks. Wow! There are lots of members on here. Have you guys ever looked at the site www.clublexus.com. We need more IS300 owners on the forum and site!!!!!! Please support!
In my honest opinion, and it may be a little premature, I think the IS is a good all around type of car. One, it is luxurious,although it lacks a couple of features. Two, it's sporty, yet got that family type four-door attitude. Three, when you jump up to the GS you tack on another, uhh is it like 10k? and for what.. more luxury? I'm not exactly sure what you get more on the GS' but I'm quite happy with my IS. I mean... don't get me wrong... the GS series are dayam nice cars, but for the price range the IS is in... it's a deal I just couldn't pass up. Those are my 2cents worth.

Marlon

------------------
IS300 (white)
loaded w/o LSD
if the question is "if money wasn't a factor, what would you get?" i would still get the IS300, some ppl here bought the IS because they wanted a Lexus but couldn't afford the GS300 or GS400 or whatever, and so they go around posting comments that sound like they think their IS is better than everything and "that the IS is such a classy car don't butcher it..." i can't see myself in a GS cause its too big for me, says family a little more than the IS...before the GS series i've never really planned on owning a Lexus until i was around 45+ and then the GS came out and it was i might get a Lexus around 30 but the IS came out and it was like, its what i want in the same package as what i need and so i became an owner of a Lexus at 17, and the way things are going as to service and treatment i will buy at least one more Lexus in my lifetime...maybe two (SC430 in about 5 years? and a LS430 in 25?)
See less See more
The GS400 is a very nice car if you want luxury and performance. I tried out a used GS when I was shopping for a car and I could have gotten a 98 GS with low miles for 35k but it's pretty damn big and contrary to other people's opinions, I don't really like the GS styling; bug eyes...yech...
See less See more
Who in their right mind would buy a GS400 over a BMW 540i sport? If they're the same price (not sure they are), the BMW is SO much more desirable - faster, manual transmission, nicer interior, nicer looking, better handling, better steering.
The IS300 matches up better with the 3 series, it's cheaper and more sporty (at least when manual arrives).
For me it's not a matter of money... up until the IS300 came along, Lexus never produced an automobile that I would even consider. Not to knock the rest of the Lexus lineup, it's just that the styling of the GS300/400 is fairly bland and up close the car looks HUGE. I much prefer the edgier sportier look and feel of the IS300. I had considered purchasing a BMW, but in my opinion, they've gone soft. So I'm patiently awaiting the arrival of the manual. I'll go to my local Lexus dealer and wave at the people buying LS430s, GS 300/400s and even RX300s. None of us understanding why the other bought what they did, but we all know a fine automobile when we see one.
And you were doing so well until you said better interior. Dude, remain objective. Have you even been inside a loaded GS? Or try reading the reviews on the interior. And as far as performance is concerned, match an auto to auto and it's a wash. And yes the BMW will handle better. I'll take the extra dab of room in the GS, however.

Originally posted by ckolsen:
Who in their right mind would buy a GS400 over a BMW 540i sport? If they're the same price (not sure they are), the BMW is SO much more desirable - faster, manual transmission, nicer interior, nicer looking, better handling, better steering.
The IS300 matches up better with the 3 series, it's cheaper and more sporty (at least when manual arrives).
I know the GS400 will kick any other Lexus model's butt. It's fast, luxurious and its kick ass. ...but It's an automatic!. If they had a 5spd, I would be drooling all over that, and probably be saving some money right now for a phat down payment.

For that price, I would definitely get a 540 sport with the 6sp/5sp?. Cars with that much HP and speed can only be made funner with a manual.

That's another reason why I'm getting a manual IS300 over a GS400. Merely the fact I can drive an IS with a stick.

That's my opinion on it though, I know most of you prefer the automatic, but where I live and my drive to work (no traffic, 100mph avg. spd), there's no other way but a manual.
Of course the GS400. Not that I don't love my IS300, but more money definitely buys more car.

2001 black/beige
17'
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top