Adul
Elite Member
They're nice cars - same engine as a N/A Toyota Supra. These things can be made EXTREMELY fast. This is also the car that started the Altezza tail light conversion craze umong the rice boys.
They're nice cars, I like them, but I'd have to have a 5 speed.
They're nice cars, I like them, but I'd have to have a 5 speed.
Several distinguished car magazines, some in Europe and some here in the US have claimed that the IS300 is basically a BMW 3-series "wannabe".
If you want a BMW spend the extra few thousand bucks and buy a BMW.
The only reason I can see getting a Lexus anything is that they treat their customers very well after you buy the car.
As far as performance goes, you can't even get the IS300 with a stick. Anyone worth their salt whose driving a 200+ bhp sports sedan NEEDS a stick to get the most out of it.
If you want a BMW spend the extra few thousand bucks and buy a BMW.
The only reason I can see getting a Lexus anything is that they treat their customers very well after you buy the car.
As far as performance goes, you can't even get the IS300 with a stick. Anyone worth their salt whose driving a 200+ bhp sports sedan NEEDS a stick to get the most out of it.
For those of you who believe that the 3-Series is OVERPRICED. I won't mention any names
The BMW 325i starts a base price 27,635(including handling and destination). In a test conducted by Car & Driver, the Audi 2.8 Quattro, BMW 325i, Lexus IS300, Mercedes C240, Saab, and Volvo S60. You can read the comparison
here.
The IS300 finished 3RD in the group behind the Audi and BMW. The IS300's 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds was .5 seconds behind the BMW. The Lexus also finished behind the BMW in the skidpad. BTW did I mention that the BMW was the least expensive car in the roundup?
Here's is where my opinion comes into play. The BMW is a truley beautiful car in my eyes, whereas the Lexus is just hideous. If BMW goes to IS300 style lights, I will just cry.
Oh did I mention that the BMW 325i is cheaper and a better performer than the Lexus IS300. Eat that!
oh and how about quotes like these:
<< The pleasures of this car flow almost entirely toward the driver, not the passengers, from an epicenter located near the midpoint between the clutch and the gear lever. The clutch hooks up like velvet, right where you think it should. The shift lever stirs cream. The right pedal tapers up the power, so easy and natural to control. You make smooth, expert shifts the first time you drive >>
and this one:
<< And that's the story of its handling, too. This car flows over the back roads, like a liquid following the contours of the road. Instantly, you're a great driver. Up-and-down suspension motions are so perfectly damped they almost escape notice. >>
The BMW 325i starts a base price 27,635(including handling and destination). In a test conducted by Car & Driver, the Audi 2.8 Quattro, BMW 325i, Lexus IS300, Mercedes C240, Saab, and Volvo S60. You can read the comparison
here.
The IS300 finished 3RD in the group behind the Audi and BMW. The IS300's 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds was .5 seconds behind the BMW. The Lexus also finished behind the BMW in the skidpad. BTW did I mention that the BMW was the least expensive car in the roundup?
Here's is where my opinion comes into play. The BMW is a truley beautiful car in my eyes, whereas the Lexus is just hideous. If BMW goes to IS300 style lights, I will just cry.
Oh did I mention that the BMW 325i is cheaper and a better performer than the Lexus IS300. Eat that!
oh and how about quotes like these:
<< The pleasures of this car flow almost entirely toward the driver, not the passengers, from an epicenter located near the midpoint between the clutch and the gear lever. The clutch hooks up like velvet, right where you think it should. The shift lever stirs cream. The right pedal tapers up the power, so easy and natural to control. You make smooth, expert shifts the first time you drive >>
and this one:
<< And that's the story of its handling, too. This car flows over the back roads, like a liquid following the contours of the road. Instantly, you're a great driver. Up-and-down suspension motions are so perfectly damped they almost escape notice. >>
Gaul, have you bought a 325?
I have one and the thing does not cost $27K. If you want to get a 325 decently loaded you'll have to spend at least $35k.
You have to pay for things like leather seats, metallic paint, sunroof, etc., etc.
But I do agree with you. The BMW is the better car and worth the extra bucks.
I have one and the thing does not cost $27K. If you want to get a 325 decently loaded you'll have to spend at least $35k.
You have to pay for things like leather seats, metallic paint, sunroof, etc., etc.
But I do agree with you. The BMW is the better car and worth the extra bucks.
Gaul,
You are right that the BMW starts at a price of under $28K. Have you ever driven a stripper BMW with no options? It makes a honda look luxurious. My GF and I went and test drove a brand new 325i just a couple of weeks ago.
To get the car with just a few options, things like an arm-rest and sunroof, not even leather or the sports package the car is already up over $30K.
If you want to talk best bang for the buck, get an A4 1.8T Quattro loaded for around $30K (the BMW with similar features will run you about $35K for the 2.5 litre engine) and then chip it. With the 200 bhp and 250 ft/lbs of torque combined with the Quattro it will even eat a 330i in the twisties.
You are right that the BMW starts at a price of under $28K. Have you ever driven a stripper BMW with no options? It makes a honda look luxurious. My GF and I went and test drove a brand new 325i just a couple of weeks ago.
To get the car with just a few options, things like an arm-rest and sunroof, not even leather or the sports package the car is already up over $30K.
If you want to talk best bang for the buck, get an A4 1.8T Quattro loaded for around $30K (the BMW with similar features will run you about $35K for the 2.5 litre engine) and then chip it. With the 200 bhp and 250 ft/lbs of torque combined with the Quattro it will even eat a 330i in the twisties.
NFS4
No Lifer
- Oct 9, 1999
- 72,636
- 47
- 91
<< Oh did I mention that the BMW 325i is cheaper and a better performer than the Lexus IS300. Eat that! >>
Did the 323i have an automatic?? Hell no it didn't. Add the 3.0 liter Inline-6 and watch that price shoot up 5000-7000 dollars to be comparable to the IS300 feature wise.
With the 5-speed the IS300 will OWN YOU and the 3-Series for THOUSANDS less. And did you see that 323i...it was a fricken STRIPPER. It had hardly ANY options whatsoever. No wonder it was so damn cheap.
And you forgot to add this for the Lexus
<< Highs: Silken powertrain, eager control responses, spunky style, holding power of the grippy suede seats. >>
well I do drive a 325i, but it's a 95.
I just priced out a 325i with the items that I would want:
Metallic paint
Leatherette seats
Sports Package
Cruise Control
Power Seats
Onboard Computer
Am/Fm/cd player in dash
MSRP:31,530
not too bad in my book
I just priced out a 325i with the items that I would want:
Metallic paint
Leatherette seats
Sports Package
Cruise Control
Power Seats
Onboard Computer
Am/Fm/cd player in dash
MSRP:31,530
not too bad in my book
NFS4
No Lifer
- Oct 9, 1999
- 72,636
- 47
- 91
<< If you want to talk best bang for the buck, get an A4 1.8T Quattro loaded for around $30K (the BMW with similar features will run you about $35K for the 2.5 litre engine) and then chip it. With the 200 bhp and 250 ft/lbs of torque combined with the Quattro it will even eat a 330i in the twisties. >>
I'll agree with you there. The Audi A4 owns them all in value...and it looks great too. The new '02 model is GORGEOUS
<< With the 200 bhp and 250 ft/lbs of torque combined with the Quattro it will even eat a 330i in the twisties. >>
The Audi 1.8T Quattro only has 170HP and 166lb/ft torque.
Hell, the V6 has 190HP and only 207lb/ft torque.
I think that the 3.0 liter V6 in the '02 model has 220+ HP though. You can check it here:
http://www.audiworld.com/news/00/newa4/
NFS4
I don't want an automatic in my car. Why would I need the 3.0 Inline6 when the 2.5 does 0-60 in 7.1s. .5 seconds faster than the Lexus. Yes the lexus will probably drop to 7s with a manual tranny. The IS300 will be priced around what the 325i goes for. However, we're talking cheap looking Lexus vs. a beautiful BMW that just drives almost perfectly.
I don't want an automatic in my car. Why would I need the 3.0 Inline6 when the 2.5 does 0-60 in 7.1s. .5 seconds faster than the Lexus. Yes the lexus will probably drop to 7s with a manual tranny. The IS300 will be priced around what the 325i goes for. However, we're talking cheap looking Lexus vs. a beautiful BMW that just drives almost perfectly.
NFS4,
Even with a 5-spd the Lexus isn't particularly fast. More importantly it doesn't win in the braking or cornering department.
The BMW they tested had the cheesy 15 inch wheels. This year the BMW with the sports package has 17" wheels with Z rated tires.
The BMW OR the Audi will outcorner the IS300 all day.
The IS300 is a nice car, but when I saw my first one in person, my GF just laughed at what a ricer-mobile it looked like. She thought the clear corner lights and stuff just looked super tacky on a $30K car.
Even with a 5-spd the Lexus isn't particularly fast. More importantly it doesn't win in the braking or cornering department.
The BMW they tested had the cheesy 15 inch wheels. This year the BMW with the sports package has 17" wheels with Z rated tires.
The BMW OR the Audi will outcorner the IS300 all day.
The IS300 is a nice car, but when I saw my first one in person, my GF just laughed at what a ricer-mobile it looked like. She thought the clear corner lights and stuff just looked super tacky on a $30K car.
Not to bash you Gaul but Leatherette? That's pretty bad. If you are going to be that cheap you might as well add hub caps and a rag top on the Bimmer.
If you can get it for that cheap though, it's a steal. I'll need you to do my haggling for me when I get my M3.
If you can get it for that cheap though, it's a steal. I'll need you to do my haggling for me when I get my M3.
NFS4
No Lifer
- Oct 9, 1999
- 72,636
- 47
- 91
I wouldn't buy an IS300 anyway...I'd get an A4.
If I had the choice between an A4 and the 3-Series...it's a no brainer. Get the damn A4. It looks better, has a better interior, has Quattro, is cheaper, has better features, and owns all. MT tested a 330xi (AWD version) this month and the damn thing was $41k. You can buy a fricken S4 with that. The S4 is $38k and will butt *&@# the 3-Series from here to timbucktu.
If I had the choice between a 3-Series and a IS300, I'd get the IS.
If I had the choice between an A4 and the 3-Series...it's a no brainer. Get the damn A4. It looks better, has a better interior, has Quattro, is cheaper, has better features, and owns all. MT tested a 330xi (AWD version) this month and the damn thing was $41k. You can buy a fricken S4 with that. The S4 is $38k and will butt *&@# the 3-Series from here to timbucktu.
If I had the choice between a 3-Series and a IS300, I'd get the IS.
gunf1ghter,
I agree with you on the Audi. That is one GREAT car. I don't think they look as good as BMWs, but still a quality car for the money. On stripped down Bimmers, check my post above. 31500 is not bad at all. Now getting them to option you a car like that would be a hassle
One of my very good friends just bought an Audi 1.8t, and while it's a good car I still prefer the BMW. The only reason that he went with the Audi was the quattro system and the wait for a BMW optioned the way he wanted. I've also driven a female friend's IS300, and it just didn't live up to the expectations for me.
I agree with you on the Audi. That is one GREAT car. I don't think they look as good as BMWs, but still a quality car for the money. On stripped down Bimmers, check my post above. 31500 is not bad at all. Now getting them to option you a car like that would be a hassle
One of my very good friends just bought an Audi 1.8t, and while it's a good car I still prefer the BMW. The only reason that he went with the Audi was the quattro system and the wait for a BMW optioned the way he wanted. I've also driven a female friend's IS300, and it just didn't live up to the expectations for me.
For the money the Audi is the best car out there.
But why would you get the IS300 over the 3-Series. Let me price out a decently equiped 325i and a IS300. Both had almost identical options(moonroof, leather, cd, etc.). The BMW came out to 34,030 and the Lexus was 34,160. So for practical purposes similarly priced vehicles.
Now the BMW is the faster car and the better handling car. I would rate the interiors as on par. Exteriors? BMW's is better in my mind, and I don't think that many would differ in that opinion.
So where does the IS300 excel? Please tell me
But why would you get the IS300 over the 3-Series. Let me price out a decently equiped 325i and a IS300. Both had almost identical options(moonroof, leather, cd, etc.). The BMW came out to 34,030 and the Lexus was 34,160. So for practical purposes similarly priced vehicles.
Now the BMW is the faster car and the better handling car. I would rate the interiors as on par. Exteriors? BMW's is better in my mind, and I don't think that many would differ in that opinion.
So where does the IS300 excel? Please tell me
NFS4
No Lifer
- Oct 9, 1999
- 72,636
- 47
- 91
1) I like the looks of the IS300
2) The 3-Series already looks old to me
3) Lexus/Toyota quality (I have a '95 Camry now and it is still rock solid)
4) BMW's aren't known for their quality/customer service. They're nice to you up until you buy it...then they treat you like sh!t.
5) Lexus ranks up there in the top 2 for customer service, reliablity, owner satisfaction
6) The 5-speed will make the IS300 a much better car
7) Repair costs (if any at all). It's a Toyota so you're gonna find replacement parts no problem
8) The 3-Series is overrated
2) The 3-Series already looks old to me
3) Lexus/Toyota quality (I have a '95 Camry now and it is still rock solid)
4) BMW's aren't known for their quality/customer service. They're nice to you up until you buy it...then they treat you like sh!t.
5) Lexus ranks up there in the top 2 for customer service, reliablity, owner satisfaction
6) The 5-speed will make the IS300 a much better car
7) Repair costs (if any at all). It's a Toyota so you're gonna find replacement parts no problem
8) The 3-Series is overrated
Gaul,
About the only place that the IS300 excels is in the "inexpensive to maintain" and "good dealer service". It's a nice, reasonably quick sports sedan.... but if you are going to spend that much $$ on a car I say go German... or hell get the new Subaru WSX rally car and kick everyone's ass.
About the only place that the IS300 excels is in the "inexpensive to maintain" and "good dealer service". It's a nice, reasonably quick sports sedan.... but if you are going to spend that much $$ on a car I say go German... or hell get the new Subaru WSX rally car and kick everyone's ass.
1) I like the looks of the IS300
Your opinion, can't really argue that one. But it still looks rice to me
2) The 3-Series already looks old to me
Just don't get this one? The new 3-series is only 3 years old.
3) Lexus/Toyota quality (I have a '95 Camry now and it is still rock solid)
My 95 325i is rock solid. BMW quality does not match Toyota's but it's not as far behind as you think
4) BMW's aren't known for their quality/customer service. They're nice to you up until you buy it...then they treat you like sh!t.
Well my solution: After the warranty is over, find a good mechanic. Mine does a wonderful job and has pretty good customer service
5) The 5-speed will make the IS300 a much better car
Speculation? I agree that it will be a better car, but much better?
6) The 3-Series is overrated and they overboosted the steering which many seem to be complaining about
overrated? how? Yes the steering is overboosted, but it's still better than that of the Lexus. My grades for steering:
My 95 325i: Almost Perfect
2001 325i: Very Good
2000 IS300: Pretty good
Your opinion, can't really argue that one. But it still looks rice to me
2) The 3-Series already looks old to me
Just don't get this one? The new 3-series is only 3 years old.
3) Lexus/Toyota quality (I have a '95 Camry now and it is still rock solid)
My 95 325i is rock solid. BMW quality does not match Toyota's but it's not as far behind as you think
4) BMW's aren't known for their quality/customer service. They're nice to you up until you buy it...then they treat you like sh!t.
Well my solution: After the warranty is over, find a good mechanic. Mine does a wonderful job and has pretty good customer service
5) The 5-speed will make the IS300 a much better car
Speculation? I agree that it will be a better car, but much better?
6) The 3-Series is overrated and they overboosted the steering which many seem to be complaining about
overrated? how? Yes the steering is overboosted, but it's still better than that of the Lexus. My grades for steering:
My 95 325i: Almost Perfect
2001 325i: Very Good
2000 IS300: Pretty good
NFS4
Can't argue with your points..... I would however strongly invite you to go test drive a 325i or A4 Quattro.... There's just something about the way that they drive that kind of puts the Japanese cars in a different light.
Can't argue with your points..... I would however strongly invite you to go test drive a 325i or A4 Quattro.... There's just something about the way that they drive that kind of puts the Japanese cars in a different light.
TRENDING THREADS
-
Discussion Zen 5 Speculation (EPYC Turin and Strix Point/Granite Ridge - Ryzen 9000)- Started by DisEnchantment
- Replies: 25K
-
Discussion Intel Meteor, Arrow, Lunar & Panther Lakes + WCL Discussion Threads
- Started by Tigerick
- Replies: 23K
-
Discussion Intel current and future Lakes & Rapids thread- Started by TheF34RChannel
- Replies: 23K
-
-
Facebook
Twitter