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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1415 of 1609

#14140 of 16087 The next IS by nyccarguy

Jun 01, 2012 (9:22 am)

I drove the current generation Lexus IS at a Lexus driving event. Their big selling point was that their IS had a 306 hp V6 engine which was more than any other car in the class. They showed their IS350 shredding the pants off of a "lowly" 255 hp 330i. Little did they know BMW's N54 powered 335i was soon to be released.
 
Anyway, they only offered a 6 speed stick with the sluggish IS250. They only offered AWD with the IS250, which made the car even more sluggish. I've literally only seen 4 IS350s since 2006. Every IS "round these here parts" is an IS250 AWD.
 
There's a dude named louisweis (& our own ivan_99) here on edmunds that has an IS350 with all kinds of F Sport goodies. He tracks the car & really loves it!
 
I think it is eating away Lexus that they couldn't build a better competitor. I'm sure they got their hands on an F30 328i so they could TRY and tune their next IS to drive like it.
 
Ivan_99 - would you buy another IS350?

#14142 of 16087 Re: The next IS [nyccarguy] by ivan_99

Jun 01, 2012 (11:26 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Jun 01, 2012 9:22 am)
Ivan_99 - would you buy another IS350?
 
I wouldn't buy the one currently being offered because it is virtually the same as mine; a 2006. Mine was a CPO (which is now expired). It's in surprisingly good condition but its about time to replace it. Not certain what the new one will be like; I haven't been impressed with any of the new Lexus styling whatsoever.
 
Down here in central TX I see many...many IS's; I obviously didn't get it for its exclusivity
 
I had a brief stint with a Q45 before this so it was much more sporty in comparison.
 
There were just a few things about the IS that kept bothering me. Normal shifting was very lethargic (think Corolla stuck in sand) and sport-mode was very un-Lexus like harsh and abrupt. Handling, such as a large sweeping yield I mentioned above, made it lean and plow to the outside. Short quick transitions feel fine and responsive.
 
If I had to give my IS a grade it would be an 'ok'...a 75%
 
I may not go for another ELLPS.
 
I'm torn in what I want. Part of me wants to go 'all out sport' and get a used 911, but currently I do not get many opportunities to explore any driving excitement. I use my car to commute...and that is it. I sit in traffic for the most part inching along. I 'live' for the odd (clear) yield or on ramp, but in the evening and weekend my car just sits. A new Ford Focus would probably be just as rewarding.
 
I use our other vehicle (mini-van) more often because we have young kids in sports. So when I take my boys to football I need the room for all their gear and room to sit. Sometimes they'll leave their cleats on...in the back of the IS it doesn't work well.
 
Plus...I've had knee problems lately so getting in and out of the IS (even sitting) is not very enjoyable. I need something with a more upright position. I probably need to spend time sitting in each vehicle as there are so many variation in body style, seat style, etc.
 
I'm leaning towards an SUV...or simple commuter vehicle.

#14143 of 16087 Re: The next IS [ivan_99] by fedlawman

Jun 01, 2012 (1:26 pm)

Replying to: ivan_99 (Jun 01, 2012 11:26 am)
You don't need a new car.
 
Here's what you need...
 
http://is.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/fsport/IS350-2012/1801.html

 
http://is.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/fsport/IS350-2012/1800.html

 
http://is.sewellparts.com/accessories-catalog/fsport/IS350-2012/5408.html

#14144 of 16087 Re: The next IS [ivan_99] by sweendogy

Jun 01, 2012 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: ivan_99 (Jun 01, 2012 11:26 am)
Ivan I agree with fed lawman the is350 is a nice car that can be helped on performance with a couple of f sport mods- I like the way it looked in 06 and still in 12. In fact the old IS300 is still a great looking car_ other Japanese don't age as well.
Good luck on the suv search

#14146 of 16087 Re: Amazing [sweendogy] by jwilliams2

Jun 01, 2012 (7:31 pm)

Nope, it's their forum and I'm sure they had a reason. I guess you could ask for a refund of your membership dues. And I'm pretty sure they are based in the USA.

#14147 of 16087 My first 328 real disapointment by dino001

Jun 01, 2012 (7:39 pm)

The navigation. I was just in town and tried to do a search for AutoZone or similar car retail store. No avail - and I know there are at least 3 or four within a few miles. Tried several ways, from retail stores to keying the words - nothing. Something like a car parts store is a basic item on any navigation GPS.

#14148 of 16087 Re: Amazing [jwilliams2] by sweendogy

Jun 01, 2012 (7:53 pm)

Replying to: jwilliams2 (Jun 01, 2012 7:31 pm)
Thanks new guy, was looking for a reason- but liked your witty comments - bravo.

#14149 of 16087 Re: My first 328 real disapointment [dino001] by sweendogy

Jun 01, 2012 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: dino001 (Jun 01, 2012 7:39 pm)
Sorry to hear that - my wifes cr-v when looking for the homedepot gives us one in texas, 2000 miles away. I've learnd to use the iPhone for address and plug it in manually - I think most of the car nav systems are dated by the time they are installed -

Messages Page 1415 of 1609

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