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My thoughts on the dilema of choosing between an IS and a WRX:
- the IS is a very, very nice car; fun to drive and a well-appointed interior; cannot offer a first-hand opinion on the WRX yet, as I haven't driven it yet
- I think of the Lexus as luxury with a bit of performance, and the WRX as performance with a little bit of luxury
- an i6 is preferable from the perspective of long-term maintenace, vs the turbo 4-banger of the WRX (but ....... (1) I'm also aware of turbo owners with 200k+ miles and still counting with no problems - probably because of faithful oil changes on their part, and (2) my local Toyota mechanic says the Japanese know how to built turbo 4-bangers and holds up the Celica turbo as an example; he expects the Scooby to be reliable, and has even offered to work on it! - actually, I think he justs wants to drive it))
- poor mileage is a major strike against the IS; mileage of the WRX is impressive and understandable given that it's a 4-banger
- with respect to looks, the IS sedan wins; however, I will be choosing between the wagon versions ..... and I personally think the WRX wagon is a bit more attractive
- the price difference is significant; $12k is not pocket change
- big, big, big mistake on Lexus's part not offer AWD as an option; all the competitors offer it: BMW 3 series, Audi A4, WRX, and even the Mercedes C-class (announced as coming next year)
- both are proven designs with the Lexus having been on the market for three years, and the WRX for close the seven
- I expect the IS to have the legendary Lexus reliability; on the other hand, the WRX is not too shabby with even Edmunds highlighting the current Imperza (on which the WRX is built) as having "bulletproof reliability"
I intend to test drive the Scooby as soon as it's released. If the handling and performance are as advertised - I will probably get the WRX, and save 12k.
On the other hand, if Lexus offered AWD as an option - I'd probably get the IS (listening, Lexus?)
Check out this movie of an IS300 running against a WRX
http://208.42.75.3/bryanw/videos/impreza/wrxvsalteza.mov
[This message has been edited by Italian Stallion (edited January 21, 2001).]
- the IS is a very, very nice car; fun to drive and a well-appointed interior; cannot offer a first-hand opinion on the WRX yet, as I haven't driven it yet
- I think of the Lexus as luxury with a bit of performance, and the WRX as performance with a little bit of luxury
- an i6 is preferable from the perspective of long-term maintenace, vs the turbo 4-banger of the WRX (but ....... (1) I'm also aware of turbo owners with 200k+ miles and still counting with no problems - probably because of faithful oil changes on their part, and (2) my local Toyota mechanic says the Japanese know how to built turbo 4-bangers and holds up the Celica turbo as an example; he expects the Scooby to be reliable, and has even offered to work on it! - actually, I think he justs wants to drive it))
- poor mileage is a major strike against the IS; mileage of the WRX is impressive and understandable given that it's a 4-banger
- with respect to looks, the IS sedan wins; however, I will be choosing between the wagon versions ..... and I personally think the WRX wagon is a bit more attractive
- the price difference is significant; $12k is not pocket change
- big, big, big mistake on Lexus's part not offer AWD as an option; all the competitors offer it: BMW 3 series, Audi A4, WRX, and even the Mercedes C-class (announced as coming next year)
- both are proven designs with the Lexus having been on the market for three years, and the WRX for close the seven
- I expect the IS to have the legendary Lexus reliability; on the other hand, the WRX is not too shabby with even Edmunds highlighting the current Imperza (on which the WRX is built) as having "bulletproof reliability"
I intend to test drive the Scooby as soon as it's released. If the handling and performance are as advertised - I will probably get the WRX, and save 12k.
On the other hand, if Lexus offered AWD as an option - I'd probably get the IS (listening, Lexus?)
Check out this movie of an IS300 running against a WRX
http://208.42.75.3/bryanw/videos/impreza/wrxvsalteza.mov
[This message has been edited by Italian Stallion (edited January 21, 2001).]