Thinking about getting an IS...what are your likes and disli

1376 Views 45 Replies 24 Participants Last post by menace2u, Apr 2, 2001

twalker920

Discussion Starter · Mar 28, 2001

I currently have a 2000 S4, so I'm not looking for performance if I move to an IS, but I want a cheaper car and the IS drives really well and looks sharp. Of course the Lexus reliability is a good thing too...

What are the good and bad things you have found after owning one for a while?? Does that 5 speed auto drive anyone crazy due to hunting for the right gear or does it work well? My test drive was during rush hour, so it was hard to tell how it did on the open road.

Thanks.

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SpectraBlueIS300

· #2 · Mar 28, 2001

2

We don't like to people to use the term "cheaper" when referring to our IS, how about "more affordable"

The greatest thing about the IS 300 for me is that after almost 8 months of owning the car, I still stare at it and admire the styling as though the car belonged to someone else. The car looks great from any angle and is a definite head-turner. And once you've had a chance to drive it for longer period of time, you'll appreciate how comfortable and quiet the car is to drive. The 5-speed auto shifts very smoothly. For the times you need instant speed, just hit the ECT-power button and stomp on the gas and you'll hit the right gear every single time. Or if you don't feel like stomping down, just shift to "M" mode and use the E-shifters to manually select the gears.

The only negative thing I can say about the car is the disappointing mileage it gets. But that's not a major issue for me.

Oh, and I love passing rice-rockets with "Altezza" tail-lights knowing that they sweat the sh!t outta my ride

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twalker920

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 28, 2001

Thanks for the input. Yes, "more affordable" is definitely what I am looking for. My S4 is leased, but used to be a tax write off until I sold my company and got a "regular" job!

I will probably get a Spectra Blue one...and I agree that they look great from all angles. Lexus did a nice job of styling to capture just enough agression in the shape of the IS to make it stand out while not being obnoxious.

tony

· #4 · Mar 28, 2001

Originally posted by TWalker:
I will probably get a Spectra Blue one...

Nice choice.

SpectraBlue, why would you not leave the ECT Power button on all the time?

[ March 28, 2001: Message edited by: webmaster ]

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SeattleSheila

· #5 · Mar 28, 2001

SpectraBlueIS300 just about summed it up. I have had the car since last September and I still love it. (Hate that gas mileage, but hey, it was no surprise!) I wish the trunk lid had an electric closure mechanism, but I guess that would mean one more thing that could break.
Love the heated seats! Love the handling! Hate to even park it 'cause I love DRIVING it. Love sticking my nose up when the Honda "wanna bes" drive by with their after market clear tail lights.

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jiggafett

· #6 · Mar 28, 2001

TWalker: You'll like this, I loved it! http://www.digital-atelier.com/AMCI...CIQT/30QTda.htm

twalker920

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 28, 2001

hmmm, that link doesn't work for me...

what is it for?

ClownOmatic

· #8 · Mar 28, 2001

The only complaint I have is the lack of an armrest. Other than that.....it's Grade A.

SeattleSheila

· #9 · Mar 28, 2001

Originally posted by ClownOmatic:
The only complaint I have is the lack of an armrest. Other than that.....it's Grade A.

Keep both hands on the wheel and you won't miss it!

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ClownOmatic

· #10 · Mar 28, 2001

Originally posted by SeattleSheila:
Keep both hands on the wheel and you won't miss it!

Silly me. I'm getting lazy already.

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JordanK

· #11 · Mar 28, 2001

I'm really pleased with my IS300. Amazing performance and drop dead good looks. The only complaints are silly little things:

1) I really dislike the little storage area on top of the dashboard console. Its not really very useful. Anything you put on it falls off the moment you turn. The 2002 model will use this area for a GPS navigation screen. I hope us 2001 owners can get a retrofit kit to install here.

2) Armrest. Would be nice. Not essential. Hope they offer some kind of retrofit kit as well.

Otherwise...the IS300 is an amazing car. Here in Toronto, you pass twenty or so 3-Series BMWs on the way home at night. Its nice having something that is a little different.

JordanK.

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twalker920

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 28, 2001

There's an armrest in my S4 that I fold out of the way 90% of the time

I noticed that storage area too...looks pretty pointless. I was thinking of possibly waiting for the 5 speed to come out in August, it's supposed to have stiffer suspension and then i could get the nav to I suppose.

Does anyone have more info on the stick?

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SkyIS

· #13 · Mar 28, 2001

1) I really dislike the little storage area on top of the dashboard console. Its not really very useful. Anything you put on it falls off the moment you turn.

Go to your local fob cafe that sells pearl milk tea or something along the lines of that. there are a few here in fremont and milpitas that sell this thing called "sticky pad" and all you got to do is put it on your dash, and anything you put on it will grip.

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SeattleSheila

· #14 · Mar 28, 2001

Originally posted by TWalker:
There's an armrest in my S4 that I fold out of the way 90% of the time

I noticed that storage area too...looks pretty pointless. I was thinking of possibly waiting for the 5 speed to come out in August, it's supposed to have stiffer suspension and then i could get the nav to I suppose.

Does anyone have more info on the stick?

Yeah, the navigation system will take up that little felt spot on the dash. It's gonna be a five-speed with the stiffer suspension...and 18" wheels!.

Kompressor

· #15 · Mar 28, 2001

Originally posted by jiggafett:
TWalker: You'll like this, I loved it! http://www.digital-atelier.com/AMCI...CIQT/30QTda.htm

Try this link TWalker: http://www.digital-atelier.com/AMCIclips/AMCIQT/30QTda.htm

SpectraBlueIS300

· #16 · Mar 28, 2001

Originally posted by webmaster:
Nice choice.

SpectraBlue, why would you not leave the ECT Power button on all the time?

[ March 28, 2001: Message edited by: webmaster ]

I drive to work through DC everyday, and as with any city driving, it's constant stop and go. I just don't feel like wasting more gas than I have to. But when I'm cruising on the weekends, ECT-Power stay lit the whole time.

Badman Forever

· #17 · Mar 28, 2001

It puts a smile on my face. That's why I got mine.

twalker920

Discussion Starter · #18 · Mar 28, 2001

Great video clip guys. Thanks for all your input. Now the question is do I get one now because I'm impatient or do I hold out until August for the stick???

Decision, decisions...

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twalker920

Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 28, 2001

oh one more thing...

being in Colorado, is there a good wheel/snow tire combo that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

NaFooEis

· #20 · Mar 29, 2001

Originally posted by Kompressor:
Try this link TWalker: http://www.digital-atelier.com/AMCIclips/AMCIQT/30QTda.htm

Nice Footage!! Very convincing testimony!!

TWalker, I said if you want a stick, you should wait off till August.. It's worth the wait.. At the mean time, you can save the $$ to scout out some body kit/super charger for your soon-to-be car...

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