[chromaplast]

I know its not the fastest car in the world, and it doesn't have as much horse power as some other cars. but I mean, what the heck, don't you guys ever consider how quiet it runs? or how smooth the ride is?

come on guys, its a 33k car with lots of features and great styling. If you want it to go fast you can always mod the engine!

 

[viggen]

People rag on the IS so much because they're jealous. It's the first japanese sedan that has sparked this much passionate response from owners of other cars. An Acura CL driver can go for months without being challenged at stoplights by other cars because everyone just dismisses it as another bland japanese car. However, everyone tries to race IS300s because they feel inferior to it and want to prove that their car is better than the IS. This is the same reason why pro-boxers need bodyguards. They are always being challenged to fights on the street by guys who want to prove that their actually tougher than the boxer.

If the IS was a mediocre car, no one would pay any attention to it. The fact that everyone has an opinion of it means it is a very special car.

 

[3Double0]

I think the styling is a bit agressive for some people. That's why we see so many damn 3 series on the road. BMW and Mercedes take a much more conservative approach so their customer base are very sensitive to anything "different". The haters, are usually bimmer/benz owners who feel the need to boost their egos by bashing other cars. 3 series owners are used to driving the benchmark of sports sedans so I think now there's some competition out there, they're getting a bit nervous. German car enthusiasts are very loyal (believe me, BMW is in my blood) and understandably so because they make such great cars. But they also tend to be a bit snobby and that's why I'll probably be getting an IS over the 325ci. My dad, a bimmer fanatic, likes the IS maybe more than the current 3 series (he thinks they're too soft).

 

[mrclam]

i odn't like the owners.....well, some of the owners anyways...the is is a nice car i agree, but its not ALL THAT like some people think =) i personally have nothing against the car except of the way lexus marketed it

 

[3Double0]

Oh yeah, can't forget about the tail ligts. People seem to either hate them or love them. I've seen several people post on the bimmer boards that they would have gotten the IS if it weren't for the tail lights.

 

[acuracing]

No matter what you do in life, someone out there is going to have something bigger and badder than you. Just be happy that you are fortunate to have this marvelous car. I look at it basking in its glory inthe garage, and i have never had a doubt. Well, maybe about the S4. But I just live with it. Stop writing and go drive or something. Sheesh.

Mike

 

[vvtipwr]

most of you are right, and make a good point about some BMW/MB owners being threatened by this car, and therefore, to justify their purchase, they will bash the competition.
When they clearly find and complain about the smallest things found on an IS, it becomes a defense tactic because they probably regret buying their bimmer and wished they had saved some $ and bought the IS.

However, mrclam is right...there are some IS owners here who think their IS is the fastest thing in the world and/or has the best handling and/or is the supreme sport sedan. (it's almost like they've never heard of a type-R or a 330 5sp or an M3/S4)

 

[Imadriver]

It's not the IS300 or the owners I hate, it's the Lexus marketing that ticks me off. I have no problems with a company telling the public about their cars, but Lexus is barking up the wrong tree when they attack BMW in their ads. Lexus marketing is clueless. They claim that their target is the BMW crowd, but then they only offer an automatic transmission during it's debut!?! What are they thinking?

As far as wanting to race the IS300, why wouldn't I? Lexus claims that this thing is a COMPETITOR for my car, so why not COMPETE???

-Imadriver
(BMW 330Ci 5-speed/SP/PP/X/CD)



[This message has been edited by Imadriver (edited October 18, 2000).]

 

[Benster]

Here's my theory on stoplight challenges:

Most of you bought the IS because it has aggressive styling and sporty performance (otherwise you would've bought the ES or something alike).
You also like the sporty perception that the IS conveys on you as a driver.

Naturally, people is going want to put that visual perception to the test. Remember, you chose the vehicle that you wish to represent you so they are just as much to blame as yourself. You put the took out and some fish will bite.

There are many reasons why some drivers like to race the IS:

1. They don't know much about the IS and want to test its water.
2. They want to beat the IS to alleviate their insecurity about their own cars.
3. They are just friendly fellow car enthusiasts that like to tangle w/ sporty cars.
4. They race you b/c they know they can blow you away (just like few of you who claimed glorified Civic kills like they are something to be proud of).

I don't own an IS (yet) but I do have 2 fairly sporty cars and I belong to #3 above.
Funny thing is I hardly ever get challenged (note I live in Boston, we are infamous for aggressive and bad driving). Just last week a Thunderbird challenged me on the twisties, if you can believe that, and we both had fun.

 

[Doug]

I think the IS is a pretty cool car, I don't have any unrealistic expectations about it, if you want it to go faster put a turbo and a header on it, speed costs money. I have seen several IS 300's, mostly women driving, I'm not going to try to race something I know is not quick or fast. Whats the point?? I think "some" of the owners who I believe are in a small minority, talk this car up way beyond its ability and appeal, and its those guys who think people are jealous or have small units etc....

 

[smra]

Pure Envey!!

The Post above...the IS300 is not Quick or Fast....

144+ mph.... I think thats plenty fast.
Faster than the Average car.
And whatever the 0-60 time is Im sure its WELL ABOVE average also.

The IS300 is stealing the Show right now!

[This message has been edited by smra (edited October 18, 2000).]

 

[IIIseries]

I have a question along the lines of this same subject;
Why is it when someone doesnt like a car, the people who own that car assume the person is "jealous". I personally detest the ENTIRE M-B line, and have been called jealous because of this. Trust me, I dont envy anyone who has one, nor am I jealous

As for hating the IS, I think its only because its new, and its very popular right now. The new kid on the block usually is disliked until it proves its worthiness.

Just my opinion

 

[99V6Coupe]

as stated by mrclam, it's not the car but the attitude of 'some owners'... well, certain owners...these who think they're loaded w/money, having a rich family and having an IS is 'all that'...which looks/sounds funny to others. again, IS is an excellent car!

 

[kota]

Every group has its share of snobs. It's human nature to brag about something you're proud of. You have to be self aware of these habits and consciously try not to let your cars get to you. It gets easier with age/maturity.

 

[Doug]

Yeah you're right I'm envious, your 0-60 in 7 or so seconds is wow, 1 second faster than my stank ass 4600lb SUV! 144, has anyone who owns an IS even dared to approach this near sonic level? Sorry that is not a whole lot of fast in my book.

But look you guys are right, I mean no one can just walk in and buy one of these things, you gotta pass a test like recite a secret passage from the owners manual. Yeah and other stuff too. Its like your own secret club and only you guys know how cool it is and everybody else is just jealous. All of us non-owners know just where we stand with you. Is anybody on this forum NOT voting for Al Gore?

By the way, I saw a SBM with the graphite wheels and thought that was a pretty nice combo, anyone here have that???

 

[kota]

The IS300 is slow by sports car standards. If you bought the IS300 to drag race, you should have your head examined. I think most people here bought it because they like the style and offers a good balance of 4 door sedan practicality with good handling characteristics. I'm a little disappointed by it's 7+ seconds to 60 and am hoping that Lexus can somehow improve the numbers by MY02.

 

[geoff]

Originally posted by viggen:
People rag on the IS so much because they're jealous. It's the first japanese sedan that has sparked this much passionate response from owners of other cars. An Acura CL driver can go for months without being challenged at stoplights by other cars because everyone just dismisses it as another bland japanese car. However, everyone tries to race IS300s because they feel inferior to it and want to prove that their car is better than the IS. This is the same reason why pro-boxers need bodyguards. They are always being challenged to fights on the street by guys who want to prove that their actually tougher than the boxer.

If the IS was a mediocre car, no one would pay any attention to it. The fact that everyone has an opinion of it means it is a very special car.

viggen please, get real. everyone who has an opinion does not revere the is300 as a "special car" simply by having that opinion -- most people have an opinion on damn near everything. also, not everyone who bashes the is300 is "jealous" of the car. i said many times myself that it's a nice car, but the cl-s suits me better. when i first came in, i was just giving you guys hell.

the "jealous" argument is today's iteration of sour grapes. sadly, it's an equally weak rationale.

 

[geoff]

Originally posted by 3Double0:
Oh yeah, can't forget about the tail ligts. People seem to either hate them or love them. I've seen several people post on the bimmer boards that they would have gotten the IS if it weren't for the tail lights.

i like the is300's styling a lot, actually, but the tails are a bit too obnoxious for me. lexus should have made the ricey ones an option.

imho, you crackerjacks.

 

[Golden]

Originally posted by geoff:

the "jealous" argument is today's iteration of sour grapes. sadly, it's an equally weak rationale.

AMEN to that! This "jealousy" thing is completely ridiculous. Why does everyone always claim "oh, they're just jealous" when someone says something bad about their car?? That REEKS of insecurity. People slam on my car quite frequently (especially in this forum) and I could care less. Get over it. Why do you even care?

 

[geoff]

Originally posted by Golden:
AMEN to that! This "jealousy" thing is completely ridiculous. Why does everyone always claim "oh, they're just jealous" when someone says something bad about their car?? That REEKS of insecurity. People slam on my car quite frequently (especially in this forum) and I could care less. Get over it. Why do you even care?

my God, i could not have said it better myself. and i'm brilliant, too...go figure.

j/k punks...chill out