Lexus IS 300

deburn · 10-10-2006, 03:37 PM

Hi All,

Hi All,

I'm thinking of getting a 2001-03 IS 300 and would appreciate any feedback re driving experience compared to a 3 Series.

I'm NOT asking whether an IS 300 is comparable to a BMW - I love BMWs and never even looked at anything else before I got my e90. In my mind there is no comparison between a BMW and a Lexus (or an Infiniti, Merc, Audi etc)

Things have changed however (some unexpected expenses) and I'm looking to get something that's as close to a 3 series in terms of the driving experience but at a lower cost.

Thanks!
deburn

BzsBimmer · 10-10-2006, 03:43 PM

Hey if that's all you can afford based on your current financial situation, go for it.
I beleive maintenance costs will be cheaper as well. I'm guessing that you've already considered a used BMW as well?
I can tell you that the older IS's may have good HP but can't handle worth a shit but if it's a daily driver, it's doubtful you need a corner carver anyways.

ScheerSpeed · 10-10-2006, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deburn

Hi All,

Hi All,

I'm thinking of getting a 2001-03 IS 300 and would appreciate any feedback re driving experience compared to a 3 Series.

I'm NOT asking whether an IS 300 is comparable to a BMW - I love BMWs and never even looked at anything else before I got my e90. In my mind there is no comparison between a BMW and a Lexus (or an Infiniti, Merc, Audi etc)

Things have changed however (some unexpected expenses) and I'm looking to get something that's as close to a 3 series in terms of the driving experience but at a lower cost.

Thanks!
deburn

good car. i mean if i was you i would try for a used BMW before i went with a lexus (which is a toyota). but its still a great choice.

jerrygarcia · 10-10-2006, 03:55 PM

My brother currently drives one, its an automatic. Its a pretty good car for the money it can be had for these days. Its "peppy" (with traction conrtol off and "power" mode it loses its tail and can actually be fun) , handles decently, and is decently luxurious. It drives very well, although sometimes the throttle can be a little annoying, im pretty sure is drive by wire. Of course this is all relative for the price. One thing is that it is very reliable, and lexus' service is impecable.

Viral · 10-10-2006, 04:06 PM

I say get a TSX...........

Nikki · 10-10-2006, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viral

I say get a TSX...........

Nooooooo, TSX is horrible. I had one and it is probably about 1/10 as fun to drive as a Lexus IS300.

The IS300 is a very good car for the price. It is reliable, high quality, quick and very fun to drive. It handles like a go-kart. It has a great mix of luxury and sport, with more of an emphasis on the latter. I loved it a lot and would have gotten one last year but I knew the new model IS was coming out and didn't want to get stuck with an old model.

DFW_M · 10-10-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Nooooooo, TSX is horrible. I had one and it is probably about 1/10 as fun to drive as a Lexus IS300.

The IS300 is a very good car for the price. It is reliable, high quality, quick and very fun to drive. It handles like a go-kart. It has a great mix of luxury and sport, with more of an emphasis on the latter. I loved it a lot and would have gotten one last year but I knew the new model IS was coming out and didn't want to get stuck with an old model.

Somehow I knew she was going to defend the IS300.
Anyhow, between the used Bimmer and Used Lexus (Toyota), I'd go Japanese...

TAGHRP2 · 10-10-2006, 08:31 PM

IS300 is a nice car, cheaper maintenance, but if i would you, i would go for a test drive, some people don't dig the suspension & some people do, make sure to pick MY02 & up, there's only one recall about IS300 which is a software for ecu/trans contro for MY01l, but everything else is fine... all in all, you will get what you paid for....

P.S... serivce is just great, if they will hold the car for more that 45min, they will offer you a loaner car, not like other BMW, you can only have a loaner if you purchased the car from them... IS300.net is ur fwend

yamazaho · 10-10-2006, 10:16 PM

I have nothing but satisfactiory for the Lex. Even though I am not driving one, my parent and my sister both got the Lex (a LS and a RX). To me, Lexus is all about comfort and smoothness...

you can't go wrong with a Lexus. Hehe to tell you the truth, IS300 was once the only car that I ever wanna get and NOTHING else.... hehe see now, the E90 changes my mind...

Ray · 10-11-2006, 01:34 AM

I love my girlfriend's IS300 because it's very nimble in the city and stable at high speeds. I do complain that this 2001 model at 60K miles makes a creaking noises over bumps.

deburn · 10-11-2006, 08:11 AM

Thanks guys, this is exactly the feedback I was looking for. Again, if cost wasnt an issue I would stick with my e90. Any more thoughts on the automatic versus manual? I've always driven a stick but getting older and wondering whether to move to automatic.

Anyone knows how it handles in the snow? are all seasons fine or does it need winter tires?

DFW_M · 10-11-2006, 09:02 AM

Snow, RWD...ah not much experience, but my dad would never go with it...
If the $$$ is an issue why not a new Civic or something cheap and dependable? I bet you it handles the snow better than the RWD car.

Dr Noelle · 10-11-2006, 09:05 AM

Am I the only one to cringe when I see the word "Lexus" in this forum... Get a cheaper BMW E46... stick to the Bavarian stable....!

txusa03 · 10-11-2006, 09:42 AM

why not post your question on lexus forum? They know their car best just like we know our car and how expensive to maintain and any other pros and cons with the car...

deburn · 10-11-2006, 03:54 PM

txusa03 I have posted in a lexus forum, but I wanted the opinion of BMW drivers because I know a BMW driver is more likely to be looking for a fun drive than a Lexus driver

Dr Noelle I did think about getting an older bimmer but I dont want to get entangled in high maintenance costs - that would defeat the purpose. I accept some performance trade-offs with the IS 300 but I know I wont have to worry too much about maintenance costs.

Thanks for your comments

deburn · 10-11-2006, 03:58 PM

Thanks Nikki - appreciate the feedback. I am also considering the TSX because it's got decent reviews and also I'd get a newer car but I dont know how it compares to the IS 300 (apart from what you just said)

Any one else want to share their experience (or what they've heard from firends) with the TSX?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Nooooooo, TSX is horrible. I had one and it is probably about 1/10 as fun to drive as a Lexus IS300.

The IS300 is a very good car for the price. It is reliable, high quality, quick and very fun to drive. It handles like a go-kart. It has a great mix of luxury and sport, with more of an emphasis on the latter. I loved it a lot and would have gotten one last year but I knew the new model IS was coming out and didn't want to get stuck with an old model.

Dr Noelle · 10-12-2006, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deburn

txusa03 I have posted in a lexus forum, but I wanted the opinion of BMW drivers because I know a BMW driver is more likely to be looking for a fun drive than a Lexus driver

Dr Noelle I did think about getting an older bimmer but I dont want to get entangled in high maintenance costs - that would defeat the purpose. I accept some performance trade-offs with the IS 300 but I know I wont have to worry too much about maintenance costs.

Thanks for your comments

E46's are generally bomb proof... all you have to do is change parts which wear out... There are many independant garages...Many other parts can be sourced from recylers... you don't need a mega budget..

Nikki · 10-12-2006, 07:45 AM

Oh and with the TSX, forget making u-turns. It has the turning radius of an escalade. You need 3 lanes.

txusa03 · 10-12-2006, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Oh and with the TSX, forget making u-turns. It has the turning radius of an escalade. You need 3 lanes.

could it be the driver's skill

canucklion · 10-12-2006, 08:25 AM

Nikki, can you share more of your 1st hand experience regarding owning the TSX, I've test drove one when I was shopping for cars, it 'felt' really fast, but wasn't, other than that, I thought it was a decent entry-lux overall. One of the directors at my company drives one and he thinks it's the greatest.
So, tell me more about it, I'm crious

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

Oh and with the TSX, forget making u-turns. It has the turning radius of an escalade. You need 3 lanes.

deburn · 10-12-2006, 07:22 PM

Yeah, I've heard good things about the TSX too. Actually I should say I've heard good things - I dont know anyone who's driven one

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklion

Nikki, can you share more of your 1st hand experience regarding owning the TSX, I've test drove one when I was shopping for cars, it 'felt' really fast, but wasn't, other than that, I thought it was a decent entry-lux overall. One of the directors at my company drives one and he thinks it's the greatest.
So, tell me more about it, I'm crious

Nikki · 10-12-2006, 08:08 PM

The TSX is an incredible car- for a non-enthusiast.
It gives you power, prestige, looks, at a great price.
If you don't care that it handles horribly, has plastic seats it calls "leather trimmed", and can't get out of its own way until you hit 5k RPM then it's the right car for you.

here is what i wrote a while ago in a TSX thread here:

Price-good
Appearance-above average
Interior quality-ok for price, definitely not up to BMW standards (seats aren't even full leather and feel cheaper than the BMW leatherette)
Ergonomics- one of the reasons i'm selling, seats don't hold me, bolster gets in the way of shifting
Acceleration-good, but not thrilling, NO TORQUE!
Manual tranny- clunky shifter, very mechanical feeling and sounding
Handling-fair, it feels unsafe around corners at medium speeds, doesn't stick like the GS-R
Turning radius- bad bad bad! worse than an escalade or a navigator, statistically!
Overall-good, especially for the money, but boring for someone who likes to drive

Also keep in mind that the V6 Accord is cheaper and much faster than the TSX with all the same luxuries, so it's a good alternative.

and problems within the first year with less than 6k miles on the car:

Trunk wire harness recall-fixed
Condensation in passenger side headlight-fixed
Rattle from passenger side speaker-fixed
Rattle from driver side speaker
Gauge brightness jumps from too dim to too dark
Center Console top compartment won't stay up
Driver side seat bolster creasing and cracking (vinyl)
Steering wheel center piece doesn't line up right
Windows occasionally screech when going up

10-10-2006, 03:37 PM	#1
deburn Private 4 Rep 91 Posts Drives: e90 ERed MT for lease transfer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Lexus IS 300 Hi All, Hi All, I'm thinking of getting a 2001-03 IS 300 and would appreciate any feedback re driving experience compared to a 3 Series. I'm NOT asking whether an IS 300 is comparable to a BMW - I love BMWs and never even looked at anything else before I got my e90. In my mind there is no comparison between a BMW and a Lexus (or an Infiniti, Merc, Audi etc) Things have changed however (some unexpected expenses) and I'm looking to get something that's as close to a 3 series in terms of the driving experience but at a lower cost. Thanks! deburn __________________ e90 328xi 6MT
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10-10-2006, 03:43 PM	#2
BzsBimmer Major General 3274 Rep 6,723 Posts Drives: '23 G80 FO M3, M3 & MY Tezzy's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nor. Cal iTrader: (32)	Hey if that's all you can afford based on your current financial situation, go for it. I beleive maintenance costs will be cheaper as well. I'm guessing that you've already considered a used BMW as well? I can tell you that the older IS's may have good HP but can't handle worth a shit but if it's a daily driver, it's doubtful you need a corner carver anyways.
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10-10-2006, 03:55 PM	#4
jerrygarcia Lieutenant 20 Rep 489 Posts Drives: 335 sedan eventually Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	My brother currently drives one, its an automatic. Its a pretty good car for the money it can be had for these days. Its "peppy" (with traction conrtol off and "power" mode it loses its tail and can actually be fun) , handles decently, and is decently luxurious. It drives very well, although sometimes the throttle can be a little annoying, im pretty sure is drive by wire. Of course this is all relative for the price. One thing is that it is very reliable, and lexus' service is impecable.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-10-2006, 04:06 PM	#5
Viral Major 41 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NYC/T.O. iTrader: (1)	I say get a TSX...........
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10-10-2006, 08:31 PM	#8
TAGHRP2 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 49 Posts Drives: IS300/540i-6spd Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicago IL., E.G.V. iTrader: (0)	IS300 is a nice car, cheaper maintenance, but if i would you, i would go for a test drive, some people don't dig the suspension & some people do, make sure to pick MY02 & up, there's only one recall about IS300 which is a software for ecu/trans contro for MY01l, but everything else is fine... all in all, you will get what you paid for.... P.S... serivce is just great, if they will hold the car for more that 45min, they will offer you a loaner car, not like other BMW, you can only have a loaner if you purchased the car from them... IS300.net is ur fwend __________________ Cheers MY01 IS300= stock w/ 20% tint. MY00 e39 540 6spd M-package. Stock, but the power is good enough. E90 335i ... Montego with Black leather, 6spd, sport package, cold weather package, trunk spoiler & sirius radio D.O.B.10/09:rocks:, Date of arrival 10/30/06:rocks: .
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10-10-2006, 10:16 PM	#9
yamazaho Wang D.D.S. 185 Rep 7,057 Posts Drives: 14' WRX, 15' W205 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (11) Garage List 2006 325i [7.76]	I have nothing but satisfactiory for the Lex. Even though I am not driving one, my parent and my sister both got the Lex (a LS and a RX). To me, Lexus is all about comfort and smoothness... you can't go wrong with a Lexus. Hehe to tell you the truth, IS300 was once the only car that I ever wanna get and NOTHING else.... hehe see now, the E90 changes my mind... __________________ Official Houston Chat Thread
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10-11-2006, 01:34 AM	#10
Ray Member 306 Rep 22,825 Posts Drives: three series Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: sfCA iTrader: (0)	I love my girlfriend's IS300 because it's very nimble in the city and stable at high speeds. I do complain that this 2001 model at 60K miles makes a creaking noises over bumps.
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10-11-2006, 08:11 AM	#11
deburn Private 4 Rep 91 Posts Drives: e90 ERed MT for lease transfer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, this is exactly the feedback I was looking for. Again, if cost wasnt an issue I would stick with my e90. Any more thoughts on the automatic versus manual? I've always driven a stick but getting older and wondering whether to move to automatic. Anyone knows how it handles in the snow? are all seasons fine or does it need winter tires? __________________ e90 328xi 6MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-11-2006, 09:02 AM	#12
DFW_M Major General 1671 Rep 6,586 Posts Drives: Macan GTS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	Snow, RWD...ah not much experience, but my dad would never go with it... If the $$$ is an issue why not a new Civic or something cheap and dependable? I bet you it handles the snow better than the RWD car.
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10-11-2006, 09:05 AM	#13
Dr Noelle Private First Class 10 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 332 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Berlin iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 352- my dream ... [0.00]	Am I the only one to cringe when I see the word "Lexus" in this forum... Get a cheaper BMW E46... stick to the Bavarian stable....!
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10-11-2006, 09:42 AM	#14
txusa03 Major General 548 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	why not post your question on lexus forum? They know their car best just like we know our car and how expensive to maintain and any other pros and cons with the car...
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10-11-2006, 03:54 PM	#15
deburn Private 4 Rep 91 Posts Drives: e90 ERed MT for lease transfer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	txusa03 I have posted in a lexus forum, but I wanted the opinion of BMW drivers because I know a BMW driver is more likely to be looking for a fun drive than a Lexus driver Dr Noelle I did think about getting an older bimmer but I dont want to get entangled in high maintenance costs - that would defeat the purpose. I accept some performance trade-offs with the IS 300 but I know I wont have to worry too much about maintenance costs. Thanks for your comments __________________ e90 328xi 6MT
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10-12-2006, 07:45 AM	#18
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Oh and with the TSX, forget making u-turns. It has the turning radius of an escalade. You need 3 lanes. __________________ Nikki
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10-12-2006, 08:08 PM	#22
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	The TSX is an incredible car- for a non-enthusiast. It gives you power, prestige, looks, at a great price. If you don't care that it handles horribly, has plastic seats it calls "leather trimmed", and can't get out of its own way until you hit 5k RPM then it's the right car for you. here is what i wrote a while ago in a TSX thread here: Price-good Appearance-above average Interior quality-ok for price, definitely not up to BMW standards (seats aren't even full leather and feel cheaper than the BMW leatherette) Ergonomics- one of the reasons i'm selling, seats don't hold me, bolster gets in the way of shifting Acceleration-good, but not thrilling, NO TORQUE! Manual tranny- clunky shifter, very mechanical feeling and sounding Handling-fair, it feels unsafe around corners at medium speeds, doesn't stick like the GS-R Turning radius- bad bad bad! worse than an escalade or a navigator, statistically! Overall-good, especially for the money, but boring for someone who likes to drive Also keep in mind that the V6 Accord is cheaper and much faster than the TSX with all the same luxuries, so it's a good alternative. and problems within the first year with less than 6k miles on the car: Trunk wire harness recall-fixed Condensation in passenger side headlight-fixed Rattle from passenger side speaker-fixed Rattle from driver side speaker Gauge brightness jumps from too dim to too dark Center Console top compartment won't stay up Driver side seat bolster creasing and cracking (vinyl) Steering wheel center piece doesn't line up right Windows occasionally screech when going up __________________ Nikki
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