Car Shopping (TW: 1st world problems)

by "LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
Published 04/30/2017 at 13:34

Tags: Lexus ; IS ; Car Buying ; Predator
STARS: 1

I’ve been test driving cars for the past few weeks and I’m stuck on the current gen Lexus IS. So far.

1- IS350/200t F RWD (though I haven’t tested this spec yet, none local)

2- Toyobaru, the BRZ wins on appearances.

3- 370z

4- ND Club(perhaps a test with a sub 300lb salesperson would bump it up...)

——

others

The Lexus IS perfectly fits what I want in a nice-weather, dependable DD aside from price, ~10k more than the others. With the Lotus project waiting, I don’t feel that spurning the objectively more engaging cars will be a net loss. I’ll clearly have engaging. But that’s the other side of that sword, 10k is a lot of project funds. But unlike some of the other options, the IS will never become its own project. Well aside from a mild axleback exhaust, cosmetics and a couple bushings to prevent premature tire wear. That’d be IT....probably.

Just taking advantage of the weekend slowdown to post some brain droppings.

Replies (43)

"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
04/30/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 0

Man, that last IS looks good.

"OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars" (jakeauern)
04/30/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1

Lotus project?

Also, for the IS go for the V6 over the Turbo, or get a toybaru and supercharge it for cheaper.

"bob and john" (bobandjohn)
04/30/2017 at 13:52, STARS: 2

Id do the IS

 You already have a small 2 seater car (the project) so might as well get the more practical and better DD

"E90M3" (e90m3)
04/30/2017 at 13:54, STARS: 1

Personally, I don’t really like their styling at all. I think they’re way over styled.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 13:59, STARS: 1

I have a Europa that I inherited but have had neither the time nor the money to invest in it, which changes this summer. I want to research my insane plan (13b  swap feasibility) before making large restoration efforts. I expect the classic Euro sportscar bubble to burst just as the paint dries.

"promoted by the color red" (whenindoubtflatout)
04/30/2017 at 13:59, STARS: 0

As much as I’d like to say ND, yeah, you’re better off with the IS. Have you also considered the FoST?

If you want still want an ND, the dealers are slashing 2016 prices to get them off the lots.

"Amoore100" (amoore100)
04/30/2017 at 14:02, STARS: 0

The IS is a great choice, but if you can’t find any locally then Infiniti’s Q40 is just an updated G37 with RWD goodness, none of the icky drive-by-wire steering of the Q50. It is dated, though, and I somehow doubt they’ll be too common. I love the rear proportions on them, though...

And, for what it’s worth, they’re really cheap , at least in our area.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:02, STARS: 0

that’s more or less my thinking. I even tested the ES300h first. A great deal since the hybrid is about the same price as the standard right now and gas wont be cheap forever. However it’s not for me, even in brown.

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
04/30/2017 at 14:03, STARS: 0

Another vote for the IS350. I would argue it’s actually less common than the other three, with more “utility”

"dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
04/30/2017 at 14:03, STARS: 0

Toyota makes the best cars, so the IS would be a good daily driver for you

"OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars" (jakeauern)
04/30/2017 at 14:04, STARS: 0

That’s awesome! and isn’t that how every market works?

"EL_ULY" (uly)
04/30/2017 at 14:05, STARS: 2

A good intake on those IS350 sound old BMW n/a I6 levels of awesome! I’d do that over an exhaust kit. Not cheep indeed. Cost a lot so it won’t cost a lot.... if that makes sense lol :] Opposite of a cheap BMW. The cheaper, the more expensive.

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
04/30/2017 at 14:07, STARS: 3

That take is sooo 2014. Overstyled officially belongs to the Civic hatchback now.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:07, STARS: 0

I’m not a fan either, but none of the cars in this class look ‘good’ so it’s basically a wash. The interior is leaps and bounds better than BMWs I’ve been in. A manual may sway me, but they’re like hen’s teeth around here and the BMW auto shifter makes me nauseous. 

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
04/30/2017 at 14:15, STARS: 1

The Lexus 3.5 is a nice engine - I DD a GS350 F Sport, and it’s good in that car, but would be much better in the smaller car, of course. Personally, I’ve driven the NX200t and hated the drivetrain - but it was also saddled with AWD - YMMV in a lighter car. Are you looking new or used? If new, I would think going used on an IS350 would close the $ gap without taking on much risk (because Lexus). If you ARE looking used, I think the 8 speed auto is a big upgrade over the 6 speed (mine has the latter, and it’s my biggest beef with the car). It sounds to me like the IS is what you want - it has a very different mission from the other cars you list. Hopefully you can find a way to make that work! Good luck—

"Milky" (jordanmielke)
04/30/2017 at 14:15, STARS: 1

Not sure if you saw my last post, but a 350z was double the cost of a Miata to insure for 6 months. Another 2 grand a year. Just something I’d keep in mind.

"bhtooefr" (bhtooefr)
04/30/2017 at 14:16, STARS: 0

I wish the IS 300h were available in the US. It’s basically a longitudinal RWD version of the Camry/ES/RAV4/NX powertrain, with the addition of direct injection.

(I also wish there were a 3rd-gen IS SportCross or liftback or something, but hey. Had one of those existed, I might’ve even considered one over the Prius that I actually bought.)

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 0

I’ll be keeping the 5 (probably), so there’s a bit too much overlap there for me. I already have a C platform wagon with a stick. Broad brush, I know

No kidding about the prices, 3-4k off, at least advertisement price at my nearest dealer. Plus, that Soul Red. I’ll be giving it another try with less ballast, but it just reminded me so much of my ‘93 and not in a pay 10 times as much for it sort of way.

"E90M3" (e90m3)
04/30/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 0

I test drove a 2014 IS250 and did not like the control interfaces. Quality is good, but layout is not. I was thinking about getting something like that as my DD, but I found a manual BMW so I went that route.

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
04/30/2017 at 14:22, STARS: 0

You’ve got the 2 seater covered, although for what it’s worth the Miata behaves very differently with less weight. I removed the stock ND seats (probably 65 pounds each) and replaced them with a single racing seat before a track day and the weight difference was very noticeable.

I’d say get the Lexus unless you really want to bud up a monster, in which case 370z

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:27, STARS: 1

Definitely looking used, certified if need be. The gap between a basic 250 and the 350 F isn’t much on the used market and I’m hardly concerned if someone put 10-30k on it the first couple years if I’m saving 5 digits compared to new. I’ve seen a couple with yellow flags on BHPH lots, and I’ll be avoiding those.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:28, STARS: 0

youre not wrong. I wonder if JC Whitney has extra vents for these....

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:33, STARS: 0

Both BMW dealers in my area looked at me like I had snakes growing out of my head when I asked about manuals. naturally, neither had them in stock. Even the caddy dealer approved of my search for a manual ATS to test. Strange world.

Something about the IS layout reminds me of my Mk2. Can’t put my finger on it, even the optional maroon interior. It’s hard to compete with misremembered nostalgia :P  

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
04/30/2017 at 14:34, STARS: 0

Ah- wise choice. I was thinking maybe you were looking new because I didn’t think the 200t would be available used anywhere other than dealer demo cars.

My GS 350 has been perfect through 2 years and 25k. Not a long time, but I think there is little risk there.

I’ve always heard the 250 is underpowered but never drove it.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:35, STARS: 1

Hey, if I buy this then the general used market will crash since it’s already teetering according to the FP. win/win

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
04/30/2017 at 14:38, STARS: 0

Btw, I’d expect a notable difference between the 6 speed and 8 speed trans. Not sure when they switched, but worth taking note of. The newer 8 speed may be more than you want to spend, though

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 0

There is a dealer installed F-sport intake with good owner reviews... ok, maybe add that to the wishlist too.... I DONT HAVE A PROBLEM!

The aftermarket parts don’t seem to be too bad all things considered. I mean, the exhausts are awfully shiny.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:46, STARS: 1

I think the V36's are just blobby. I could check out a V35 but that’d be a tough search for one in good shape with a manual.

"Rico" (ricorich)
04/30/2017 at 14:48, STARS: 0

Are you looking CPO? Maybe a CPO GS350 F Sport I think they are a similar price of a new IS? You might get more car for the money plus Lexus reliability.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:48, STARS: 0

Definitely talking to my ins agent before pulling any triggers. “just a lexus sedan I promise”

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 0

Definitely a consideration. I’d like to never have to explain why my new car is so loud/harsh/cramped.

"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
04/30/2017 at 14:52, STARS: 1

Just explain to them the fine craftsmanship that goes into making a knuckle sandwich

"promoted by the color red" (whenindoubtflatout)
04/30/2017 at 14:53, STARS: 0

You can get even more if the dealer’s hungry enough. My dealer slashed close to $6k.

"Amoore100" (amoore100)
04/30/2017 at 14:54, STARS: 0

Ah, I thought new IS’s were auto only.

"Bytemite" (bytemite)
04/30/2017 at 14:55, STARS: 0

Although I’m not a fan of heavy cars, I think in your case a 370Z fits the bill?

You already will have a dedicated corner slayer and a stylish, cushy, powerful GT like the 370Z would complement your Lotus well. Plus it’s only 30 grand.

I’d go Lexus if it didn’t have 4 doors and all those passive safety nannies. I don’t know how much that bothers you but I don’t want to ever own a car with lane assist and all the annoying stuff I have to turn off every time I want to drive my own car.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 14:58, STARS: 1

I think the first one (200t) I lucked into testing was a demo and the earlier 250 I tested was pretty meh. The IS isn’t a fast car but it seems silly not to get that extra 100hp if I can. The 2.0t was pretty quick with a lot of low end torque, something the 2.5 didnt have at all (surpisingly). You can even hear the turbo working on the base model which is nice, but I’m looking forward to testing the big v6 for sure (even if I6's are superior) 

"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
04/30/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 0

Did you drive the competing hot Volvo ... whatever it is?

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 15:06, STARS: 0

They were pretty hungry, but I wasn’t about to negotiate a deal for a car I’m not 100% buying. Narrow things down a bit more and double check all the figures, triple think about greedily buying a depreciating asset instead of being “smart”... blah blah blah.

6k is a lot though. I wish Flyin Miata had more ‘regular’ ND parts so far.

"WilliamsSW" (williamssw)
04/30/2017 at 15:10, STARS: 1

Good to hear on the 200t. I think the issue I had was that it was in a heavier AWD vehicle. That, plus the transmission rushing into high gear/resisting downshifting, made it feel slow. I guess it just needs a lighter car to work properly. But it’s so new, I think it would be hard to find one that’s used enough to save $$.

If the 3.5 is close in price, it’s a no brainer. Only thing you’d lose is fuel economy. It’s not a particularly fuel efficient engine.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 15:11, STARS: 1

the IS is auto only, but its a good flappy paddle box. (blasphemy) But if I’m going to get an old G35 I’d want the stick.

"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
04/30/2017 at 15:12, STARS: 0

definitely avoiding the safety/vision package ones.

"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
04/30/2017 at 15:27, STARS: 0

Using my ZIP code ...

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
04/30/2017 at 15:33, STARS: 1

The IS is a solid choice, even if I dislike the styling.

Word of warning, some 2016 Miatas are known to have weak transmissions. Some owners have reported problems, but the issue was fixed for 2017.