You are here: Forums Sedans Lexus IS Lexus IS 300 SportCross

Lexus IS 300 SportCross

527 messages,  Last post on Nov 15, 2007 at 9:02 AM

You are in the Lexus IS Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Lexus IS 300, Wagon

Messages Page 50 of 53 1 ... 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#488 of 527 Automatic Transmission: SC vs TSX by riez Jan 25, 2005 (2:00 pm)
chasman... I have yet to read a test report of a TSX with automatic transmission. I'm betting it is a dog. Remember, it is a 4-cyl car. The SC/IS uses the larger I6 that also has more torque. The SC only comes with AT. Replies to this message: chasman (Jan 25, 2005 4:43 pm)
#489 of 527 Re: SC vs TSX [riez] by chasman Jan 25, 2005 (4:43 pm)
Replying to: riez (Jan 25, 2005 2:00 pm) Hi riez,   Thanks for the reply. "I have yet to read a test report of a TSX with automatic transmission." CR has reported on the AT TSX.   "I'm betting it is a dog. Remember, it is a 4-cyl car." Yes, it does have less torque.   Please see revised question:   While there isn't a TSX hatchback or WGN, the TSX does have a fold-down rear seat, rear side-curtains, 2 more cubic feet of passenger space, better MPG, FWD (better for winter traction than SC?) and a choice of AT or 6-spd MT. Any other thoughts why the SC may be a better choice?
#490 of 527 by jmess Jan 25, 2005 (6:51 pm)
Go into a tight 2nd gear corner and get on the gas hard with both cars. Notice TSX increases understeer, has torque steer, and the inside tire spins because it doesn't have a limited slip. Go the same in the LSD equipped SC. Notice you can get on the gas a lot sooner and harder. Notice the lack of torque steer, notice the car rotates the rear end with the throttle. Notice how all this happens with very little drama. For fun try the same comparison with a TSX automatic.   Now drive around for a day and notice how many SCs you see vs TSXs. Nobody even notices the TSX because they see one just like it every where. Nothing wrong with that but it gets kind of boring going to Costco and seeing 5 TSXs in the lot along with a million other Honda products.   As far as winter traction goes both cars need winter tires to be safe. I find that most of my winter worries are caused by other drivers more than traction. Unless you have a helicopter you aren't going to get very far between traffic accidents when it get really slick.
#491 of 527 Cr Comparison: IS Preferred Over TSX by riez Jan 26, 2005 (8:07 am)
Found the one you are referencing. November 2004 issue of CR.   Out of their overall list of 21 "Sporty Sedans", CR has the IS300 in 4th ("Excellent") and the TSX in 8th ("Very Good"). As they put it, "If sporty performance is most important..." then they top rank the IS300. For a good balance of sportiness and comfort", they have the TSX ranked 6th.   CR recommends both. IS300 has the best predicted reliability of all 21 cars!   As I suspected, the AT TSX is an absolute dog. 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds!!! The AT SC is about 1.5 seconds or more better according to published test results (around 7.4-7.7 seconds).
#492 of 527 by wale_bate1 Jan 28, 2005 (1:53 pm)
Goodness!   I'm so happy I'm in the State of Permanent Summer Tires (CA)! BTW, the F1s have been exemplary in the wet, great in the dry, and are holding up well at 10K. I think I may get to 14K this time before I re-up. Good recommendation, jmess. Only downside I've noticed is a pretty fair dB difference as the tread has eroded. But ride, handling and traction have way more than made up.   The SC is now at 20K and remains the joy to drive it has been since day one. People still ask me what it is and why haven't they heard of it.   I understand your C6 lust with regard to muscle for fun. I myself am still casting longing looks in the direction of an S4 Avant. But when the SC lease is up in 15 months, unless Lexus shows me something dynamite in a compact wagon (not bloody likely), I'm really leaning toward the A3 Sportback 3.2 DSG.   The A4, 3-series and IS are all getting up-sized, and frankly that doesn't interest me. I don't care to give up the RWD, but after having spent some time in a new TL, I realized that day in and day out I hate a car larger than the SC, even a really competent one. That's hate!   Still, before it's all over, I may just fall to that V8 lust. Just the thought of stripping off the S4 badges and playing around town...
#493 of 527 by jmess Jan 28, 2005 (6:58 pm)
Wale, am still happy with the F1s also. I have a slight hearing problem already so I pretty much always drive any distance with ear plugs in. Really helps on a long trip when the wife is ranting about something; often provoked by me though.   I really like the specs on the S4 Avant. I spent sometime in the previous twin turbo S4 and found it to be a fun car. The A3 look interesting also. I wouldn't hold your breath for Lexus to come out with something as interesting as the Avant.   I have yet to drive a new C6 due to the limited number in my area. The supply is just starting to exceed the demand a bit so that might change pretty soon. I am really nervous about the legacy GM has with quality and customer sat.
#494 of 527 Independent Lexus Mechanic Grand Rapids MI by chasman Jan 31, 2005 (9:56 am)
Can anyone recommend an independent Lexus mechanic in Grand Rapids, MI? Thanks!
#495 of 527 SportCross is gone. by jmess Mar 07, 2005 (10:51 pm)
Well folks I sold my SportCross back to the original selling dealer today. I wanted a quick sale without having to spend a lot of time preping the car or dealing with the public. So they gave me average trade in which was fair considering my desire for a quick sale.   I had a talk with my original sales guy and he said it was kind of funny that back in 02-03 they had a hard time selling these cars. Now that they hardly ever get one they have people ask for them. So they see the rarity of the SportCross as a good addition to their current used car mix which had 3 sedans.   Another note is they struggled a bit about buying the car due to the Intensa Blue Pearl color. The comment was a few years ago the IBP color sold really fast. Lately they haven't been selling well. So color choice can have an impact on the value of cars over time.   Anyway it was a great car that only something like a C6 could really replace. I highly recommend these cars and I was also impressed with Lexus in general. So now I have to wait for my C6 to be delivered and drive a Honda van every day. So it goes.
#496 of 527 by wale_bate1 Mar 08, 2005 (3:18 pm)
You pulled the trigger on the C6?   Weh-hell, congrats big guy! Oh I'll bet you're going to have a blast!   Sorry to hear that your SC is gone, as there's one less person to talk to, but I'm happy you took the plunge.   In a way, it's like peer pressure. I may just have to give much more serious consideration to the S4 Avant and give up the notion of the A3 3.2!   Enjoy!
#497 of 527 Get the Avant by jmess Mar 08, 2005 (7:28 pm)
Wale, I think I am feeling age pressure. Mrs. Jmess informed me that this was going to be my last car toy so I had better make sure I got what I really wanted. This is the same woman that let me buy 3 different race cars over the years so I thinks she really means it this time.   I had never owned a V8 powered vehicle until I bought the Tundra truck to tow the racecars. While the Z28s, Sting Rays, GTOs, BOSS 302s, and etc were screaming around I was driving imports with 4 bangers.   So I see the C6 as a good compromise between a muscle car and a sports car; along with a bit of lux. I also thought that I would rather be an old guy being forced to sell my Vette, than being an old guy that never had one.   So if the Avant fits and won't break the bank then go for it. If you have to tighten the belt in the future, sell it and enjoy the memories. I see the depreciation as an entertainment expense. Far cheaper than yearly trips to Vegas?

Messages Page 50 of 53 1 ... 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Sedans Lexus IS Lexus IS 300 SportCross