Is the Lexus IS 300 a good car?

by Reed on December 16, 2009

I have test driven the new IS 350, but not the old model IS 300. I’m wondering if it is a good car, because if I buy one, I will stick a Supra motor in it.

The is 300 is a good car as it is, why would you even want to put a supra motor in it, doesnt that just defeat the purpose?
I currently work in Lexus parts, The parts pricing can be really really expensive,,,, like a headlight could be min of $800 – $6000, I would recommend checking parts prices before buying one.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Samantha 12.16.09 at 5:54 am

The is 300 is a good car as it is, why would you even want to put a supra motor in it, doesnt that just defeat the purpose?
I currently work in Lexus parts, The parts pricing can be really really expensive,,,, like a headlight could be min of $800 – $6000, I would recommend checking parts prices before buying one.
References :

2 Ayiza 12.16.09 at 6:40 am

Yo!
Supra motor!
Damn!
Go for it.
References :

3 gokei_ryoten 12.16.09 at 6:48 am

why would you do that? just get a Supra if that’s your aim…
References :

4 Scotty2247 12.16.09 at 7:34 am

If you want to stick a Supra motor in a Lexus IS300, why don’t you get a Supra? I don’t get it.
References :

5 gcarter10 12.16.09 at 8:17 am

The IS was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year and was introduced in the fall of 2005. The Toyota Altezza name ceased to be used with the introduction of the Lexus name in Japan. A pre-production car of the second generation IS model was shown in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show. The slow-selling SportCross station wagon version was dropped from the lineup worldwide.

The new IS was the second debut of Lexus’ new L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following the premiere of the 2006 Lexus GS performance sedan. The new IS design featured sleeker, coupe-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows. The forward design was reminiscent of the earlier Lexus LF-C coupe concept. The second generation IS made its North American debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show.

For Japan, the United States and Canada, three IS models are sold by Lexus:

IS 250 – 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), rear wheel drive
IS 250 AWD – 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6 with all wheel drive, 204 hp (152 kW) (Not offered in Japan)
IS 350 – 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW), rear wheel drive
In the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, two IS models are sold by Lexus:

IS 250 – 2.5 L V6, 204 hp (152 kW), rear wheel drive
IS 220d – 2.2 L Inline-4, 175 hp (130 kW), diesel engine, rear wheel drive, manual transmission only
The IS 250 is available in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong (Automatic only), Taiwan, and South Korea. For China, Brunei, and Middle East markets, one model, the IS 300, with a 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 engine (without gasoline direct injection), 228 hp (170 kW), and rear wheel drive, is sold. The diesel-powered IS 220d is only available in Europe.

The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a 6–speed manual transmission, and a 6–speed automatic transmission is available as an option. The IS 250 AWD, the IS 300, and the IS 350 are only available with the 6–speed automatic.

Compared to the first generation IS model, the second generation IS sedans offer a more typical Lexus interior with a focus on luxurious accouterments. The interior features leather seats, lightsaber-like electroluminescent dash display lighting, and the choice of metallic or Bird’s Eye Maple wood trim. Lexus SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start is a standard feature. A high-resolution touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth, a backup camera, and a Mark Levinson premium sound system with 14 speakers are available options. Other available features include a moonroof, power rear sunshade, and parking sensors. A precrash system is the first offered in the entry-luxury performance sedan market segment.

The IS 350’s performance was praised in a 2007 Road & Track Japanese luxury sports sedan comparison, in which the IS took first place and clocked a 0-100 km/h (0-62.5 mph) time of 4.9 seconds.[3] Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS’ acceleration as the "fastest in its class."[4] Some say this marks Lexus’ first foray into the sport compact market that compares fairly well with its German competitors. However, prevailing criticisms are that its steering is not as communicative as that of the BMW 3 Series,[5] the rear seat legroom (while improved over the first generation) is still tight, and that the higher-performance IS 350 is only offered with an automatic transmission. In response to criticism regarding the lack of a stability/traction control disable switch on 2006 IS models, Lexus added a VDIM off switch for the 2007 model year.

For 2006 IS models, the stability control system/traction control system can be disabled through non-conventional methods by using a code during engine start. This involves starting the car with the parking brake engaged, releasing the parking brake, pushing the brake pedal twice, holding it on the second push, engaging the parking brake twice, holding it on the second, and repeating until the vehicle traction light appears on the dash. This will effectively disable the system until the car is turned off.[6]

In the 2007 IS models, in addition to the on/off switch for the traction-control system, Lexus added a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna.[7][8] A new "X-Package" added a sport tuned suspension, special 18-inch alloy five-spoke wheels, illuminated scuff plates, and a front lip spoiler.

The introduction of the second generation IS model marked a resurgence in sales, with a 332% increase overall in 2006 compared to the previous year. In its first year of sales, the IS sold over 49,000 units, making it one of the ten best-selling luxury cars in the U.S.[9] Abroad, the Lexus IS spearheaded Lexus’ growing sales efforts in Europe, Australia, and South Africa, becoming the best-selling model in Lexus’ lineup in many of the aforementioned markets.
References :

Leave a Comment

You can use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Security Code:

Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes