Lexus: IS News
10-12-2005, 04:49 PM
#1041
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I drove it!
Originally Posted by TinkySD
Not sure on the accuracy of these numbers for packages but here is the info I've seen:
I can confirm their accuracy. My dealer called me this morning said the first one came in. I drove it today during lunch. I absolutely love it. It was a 350 with Navi and the Luxury Plus package and 18" rims =Total $40,700. The thing is so fast yet so quiet. Steering feel is awesome too, but I couldn't pull the trigger because I really want the Performance Luxury package and the Mark Levinson audio. So Im going to have to wait 3 months for special order.
10-12-2005, 06:58 PM
#1042
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That's awesome. I need to make it to the dealer this weekend to take a quick test drive. Not that i'm planning on buying for 6+ months.
Performance + mark levinson should come out to be about that same 41k figure.(also the combo I'm interested in)
Performance + mark levinson should come out to be about that same 41k figure.(also the combo I'm interested in)
10-15-2005, 08:05 PM
#1043
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Originally Posted by chiawei
ED price is price i am paying for the car. Like i have said earlier. You can be a cheap a$$ and fly out to pickup a car and would cost you at most $600 to pick it up, drop it off same day, and fly back.
Last time I check, my number include a $3k discount on the IS (which you are not going to get for at least 6 month, because lexus is sending very few IS over).
The simple truth is that at least for next 6 month waiting for IS price to come down, one can go to ED route on E90 and save at least $6k (flying out and return same day- which is allowed).
Even with me staying 5 days in europe. There is no way I will spend close to that. I have said it clearly, at most I am going to spend $3k for these 5 days ($400 for airfare for 2, $400 for hotel through priceline, and $2200 for other expense for two for 5 days).
No matter how you look at things, IS is now more expensive to own.
Last time I check, my number include a $3k discount on the IS (which you are not going to get for at least 6 month, because lexus is sending very few IS over).
The simple truth is that at least for next 6 month waiting for IS price to come down, one can go to ED route on E90 and save at least $6k (flying out and return same day- which is allowed).
Even with me staying 5 days in europe. There is no way I will spend close to that. I have said it clearly, at most I am going to spend $3k for these 5 days ($400 for airfare for 2, $400 for hotel through priceline, and $2200 for other expense for two for 5 days).
No matter how you look at things, IS is now more expensive to own.
With European Delivery I believe you need to pay the German VAT (16%) and then claim it back after you export the car, no?
There is a 150e fee for German customs to process the claim.
10-15-2005, 08:16 PM
#1045
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Originally Posted by dom
I'm not suggested you don't know 
Just saying gavriil just drove an IS350 and he doesn't know if it was there. I'd think that if it was there it would have been pointed out/noticeable at some point during the event.
And how do I know you do know this stuff?
Just saying gavriil just drove an IS350 and he doesn't know if it was there. I'd think that if it was there it would have been pointed out/noticeable at some point during the event.
And how do I know you do know this stuff?
Originally Posted by Lexus.com
http://www.lexus.com/models/is/specifications.html
Luxury
- Metallic-finish trim or available auburn bird’s-eye maple
- Leather-trimmed (RWD) or perforated leather-trimmed (AWD only, available RWD) interior
- Steering-wheel-mounted cruise control, audio and display controls
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Available Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System [8] with backup camera [9] and Bluetooth® technology [10]
- Lexus 13-speaker 194-watt [11] Premium Sound System with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) and in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD auto-changer
- Available Mark Levinson® 14-speaker 300-watt [12] Premium Surround Sound Audio System [13] with 7.1 architecture and in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD/DVD auto-changer
- MP3 audio input plug
- In-glass antenna with FM-diversity system
- 10-way driver's and front passenger's (including lumbar) power front seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats (AWD only, available RWD)
- Height-adjustable headrests for all seats, including rear-center
- Available Lexus Memory System to control power driver’s and front passenger's seats (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter and automatic recirculation mode (IS 350 includes smog sensor)
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with dial adjustment, one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Power windows with one-touch auto open/close feature
- Remote-linked window and moonroof opening
- Retained accessory power for windows and moonroof
- Available power rear-window sunshade
- Electrochromic (auto-dimming) inside mirror
- Power door locks
- SmartAccess with push-button start/stop
- Center console with sliding armrest, storage bin and accessory outlet
- Foldable front-door storage pockets
- Available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control [14] (automatic transmission only)
- Available Intuitive Parking Assist
- HomeLink® universal transceiver to operate compatible garage, gate, home lighting and home security systems
- Illuminated entry system
- Electroluminescent instrumentation with startup sequence
- Interior electronic trunk-lid and fuel-filler door releases
- Lexus Personalized Settings (LPS) [15] to personalize electronic functions
- Automatic on/off projector-beam headlamps with 30-second delay
- Available illuminated door-sill scuff plates
- Available aluminum door-sill scuff plates
- Available aluminum sport pedals
- Trunk pass-through
- Carpeted floor mats
10-15-2005, 08:48 PM
#1046
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just drove it today at the Taste of Lexus event here in houston......i have to say, the IS blew my mind....even the 250 AWD was awesome...all they had was the AWD
but the 330 still drives and feels better around corners....overall i would go with the IS over the 330...a better all around car, IMO....good handling, powerful, and better lookin inside and out
but the 330 still drives and feels better around corners....overall i would go with the IS over the 330...a better all around car, IMO....good handling, powerful, and better lookin inside and out
10-16-2005, 10:25 AM
#1047
Race Director
Originally Posted by agisd
And you need to completely pay off the car before taking the plane to Munich. Is this true?
There's no VAT. The price is without VAT. The car is handled as if it was already exported. The VAT would come into play if you don't export it after the 30 day reg/ins runs out.
Biker, who wonders if IS250 sales numbers will really surpass those of the TSX.
10-16-2005, 10:45 AM
#1048
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Originally Posted by biker
There's no VAT. The price is without VAT. The car is handled as if it was already exported. The VAT would come into play if you don't export it after the 30 day reg/ins runs out.
10-16-2005, 09:07 PM
#1050
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Originally Posted by agisd
Are you sure about that? Do you know a source of info with regard to this matter?
Agi, that makes sense. A VAT charge would completely erase any benefits the Euro Deliver would present as an option, in general.
10-16-2005, 09:40 PM
#1051
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No, you claim the VAT back after the car is exported.
I asked about the Porsche European Delivery and you had to deposit the VAT if you were going to use the car for 6 months in Europe. I think they were asking for the sales tax upfront as well.
I asked about the Porsche European Delivery and you had to deposit the VAT if you were going to use the car for 6 months in Europe. I think they were asking for the sales tax upfront as well.
10-16-2005, 10:24 PM
#1052
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by gavriil
Agi, that makes sense. A VAT charge would completely erase any benefits the Euro Deliver would present as an option, in general.
10-16-2005, 10:59 PM
#1054
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Originally Posted by Shoofin
I can't believe the guy expects to get over list price for the car... It's nice, but not THAT nice... 
10-16-2005, 11:27 PM
#1056
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Originally Posted by MaximaPower
lol...this car hasn't hit most lots yet and u want $1k or $2k off MSRP already??
this car will be marked up just like the 1st gen IS
this car will be marked up just like the 1st gen IS
10-16-2005, 11:45 PM
#1057
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i did read wat u posted earlier....
and no i would not pay over msrp for this used car, but some ppl would die to have this car b4 others can get it.....and since it's HOT right now, why wouldn't the dealer try to make more $$ off of it?
and no i would not pay over msrp for this used car, but some ppl would die to have this car b4 others can get it.....and since it's HOT right now, why wouldn't the dealer try to make more $$ off of it?
10-17-2005, 08:41 AM
#1058
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by DownUnder
Read what I posted they each have 100 to 200 miles, would you pay MSRP or over for it? Most of those miles were probably driven hard as a demo car.
10-17-2005, 05:08 PM
#1060
Race Director
Originally Posted by dom
I'm betting no, mostly due to cost.
10-18-2005, 10:16 AM
#1063
Engineer
if i can get one in a year or so with sport package and navi for 37 or so i might consider it...
10-18-2005, 12:26 PM
#1064
Stay or leave
just went to the dealership with my boss, his wife is looking at the car. There is one inside that you can not test drive, a 350 fully loaded for 41k. The car looked amazing inside and out. The only downside is the size of the back seat. If two 6 foot people are in the front the back would be really small. Otherwise, I wish I could have test drove it!
10-18-2005, 02:20 PM
#1066
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I'm betting ina years time you'll be able to get one full loaded for 40k or under if you just want the sports package(me)
If people want the performance and luxury I think the is350 is not a bad deal at all. You're getting a car that performs as well or better than a 545, m45 or sts v8 (according to performance numbers off last months c&d comparo of those 3) for less than you can get any of those cars, albeit in a smaller package.
If people want the performance and luxury I think the is350 is not a bad deal at all. You're getting a car that performs as well or better than a 545, m45 or sts v8 (according to performance numbers off last months c&d comparo of those 3) for less than you can get any of those cars, albeit in a smaller package.
10-18-2005, 03:54 PM
#1067
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Originally Posted by TinkySD
I'm betting ina years time you'll be able to get one full loaded for 40k or under if you just want the sports package(me)
If people want the performance and luxury I think the is350 is not a bad deal at all. You're getting a car that performs as well or better than a 545, m45 or sts v8 (according to performance numbers off last months c&d comparo of those 3) for less than you can get any of those cars, albeit in a smaller package.
If people want the performance and luxury I think the is350 is not a bad deal at all. You're getting a car that performs as well or better than a 545, m45 or sts v8 (according to performance numbers off last months c&d comparo of those 3) for less than you can get any of those cars, albeit in a smaller package.
10-18-2005, 05:05 PM
#1068
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You're just paying for the Lexus name. I still don't think Lexus is in the same league as BMW and Mercedes. It's like if you're trying to impress a girl would you say, oh I drive a Lexus? No, you say you drive a BMW or Mercedes and she'll be impressed, but at the same time, yikes, she's only after you for your money.
10-18-2005, 05:35 PM
#1069
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
You're just paying for the Lexus name. I still don't think Lexus is in the same league as BMW and Mercedes. It's like if you're trying to impress a girl would you say, oh I drive a Lexus? No, you say you drive a BMW or Mercedes and she'll be impressed, but at the same time, yikes, she's only after you for your money.
10-18-2005, 05:48 PM
#1070
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Sad but true. I think thats why the old Is300 didnt outsell the 3-series. I still dont think this new IS350 will either esp how much it is. The hype will die down... then again i said the same about the G35 and its selling like hotcakes.
The new IS addresses those issues: its exterior and interior are far better, even though it still doesn't dip below the ever so important 30K mark, at least now I can see how someone could justify paying 30K for one, whereas with the previous IS300 I couldn't. And lastly, they got rid of the Altezzas!!!!
10-18-2005, 09:43 PM
#1071
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well the old is300 never hit me as a sports sedan, nor did it ever impress me...i never liked that car....but the new IS350 impressed me right from the beginning. and now after having driven it and driven it hard, i think this car will sell more than the G35...quality felt much better than the 330 and IMO looks better as well...handling isn't as good as the 330, but still better than most in its segment
and for $40k its still a very good buy...but more than $45k would make me think twice...and ppl say its small, it's actually not as small as it looks...i felt pretty comfy in the car in any seat
and for $40k its still a very good buy...but more than $45k would make me think twice...and ppl say its small, it's actually not as small as it looks...i felt pretty comfy in the car in any seat
10-24-2005, 02:28 PM
#1072
I'm the Firestarter
Originally Posted by vwong
In 330i, the Comfort Access is $500. In IS350 (even in the IS250), the Smart Access (just like the BMW's Comfort Access) is standard.
Lexus: you keep the FOB in your pocket at all times, when you sit in the car, all you need to do is press the start button.
BMW: you have a key/FOB, but before you press the start button, you need to insert the key into a slot, defeating the whole "comfort" aspect.
So Lexus keyless > BMW keyless.
?
10-24-2005, 02:32 PM
#1073
I'm the Firestarter
Originally Posted by phile
There may be some truth to that, although I can see plenty of other reasons why the old IS300 couldn't outsell the 3-Series. Its exterior was dated the day it arrived and even with the HIDs and the Lexus badge, it looked like any average economy sedan. Its interior was plasticky. 1sicklex can brag about how the gauges were inspired by some designer watch and whatever, it still didn't look good. And it wasn't the bargain Lexus that everyone thought it would be.
The new IS addresses those issues: its exterior and interior are far better, even though it still doesn't dip below the ever so important 30K mark, at least now I can see how someone could justify paying 30K for one, whereas with the previous IS300 I couldn't. And lastly, they got rid of the Altezzas!!!!
The new IS addresses those issues: its exterior and interior are far better, even though it still doesn't dip below the ever so important 30K mark, at least now I can see how someone could justify paying 30K for one, whereas with the previous IS300 I couldn't. And lastly, they got rid of the Altezzas!!!!
I sat in a friend's IS, and the interior seemed very cheap with shiny plastic all over, like a Mazda. I was almost wondering what I was thinking a few years ago when I thought this car was hot. The "chronograph" guages didn't seem that cool anymore, the leather felt kind of cheap, the tail lights looked ricer and the HIDs were never projectors to begin with. The old IS had aged really fast.
10-24-2005, 06:27 PM
#1074
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I saw the IS for the first time Friday... they've very stricking. I didn't get a chance to drive one, but I can attest for the interior being unbelievably nice. I like it better than the GS's. I just wish it was a tad larger, both in and out.
10-25-2005, 10:29 AM
#1075
Race Director
Originally Posted by Belzebutt
I hope someone who's driven the new 330i can confirm that, but from what I read there is a difference:
Lexus: you keep the FOB in your pocket at all times, when you sit in the car, all you need to do is press the start button.
BMW: you have a key/FOB, but before you press the start button, you need to insert the key into a slot, defeating the whole "comfort" aspect.
So Lexus keyless > BMW keyless.
?
Lexus: you keep the FOB in your pocket at all times, when you sit in the car, all you need to do is press the start button.
BMW: you have a key/FOB, but before you press the start button, you need to insert the key into a slot, defeating the whole "comfort" aspect.
So Lexus keyless > BMW keyless.
?
10-25-2005, 06:54 PM
#1076
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Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
You're just paying for the Lexus name. I still don't think Lexus is in the same league as BMW and Mercedes. It's like if you're trying to impress a girl would you say, oh I drive a Lexus? No, you say you drive a BMW or Mercedes and she'll be impressed, but at the same time, yikes, she's only after you for your money.
, Id have picked a BMW 3) and the other one got a GS430 and her parents only drove MB (yes they are loaded)A fully loaded BMW 3 series is $51,000, and a fully loaded (equiped the same) IS 350 is $44,000
I just came from the taste of lexus and drove the 330i and IS350 back to back twice, the BMW had slightly better Road feel than the IS that was the only advantage over it. I was very surprised because Lexus are usually very boring but rock solid. The IS was so much faster and I felt I could push it harder around the corners (to my surprise)
. If I had to rate It the IS wins hands down, because it so much faster, I handled as good as the BMW If not slighty better, better interior, Much better quality, and much lower price. But if just rated driving performance then it would be a tie because bmw has better road feel and lexus is faster ( Mind you my family have owned BMW's for over 20 yr four 7's and one 3 that was mine) I think I am going to be buying an IS after this.
Originally Posted by biker
The key in the slot thing on the 3 series is for non "comfort" equiped cars. The comfort option works exactly like Lexus - and virtually eveyone else's system.
10-25-2005, 09:21 PM
#1077
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Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
You're just paying for the Lexus name. I still don't think Lexus is in the same league as BMW and Mercedes. It's like if you're trying to impress a girl would you say, oh I drive a Lexus? No, you say you drive a BMW or Mercedes and she'll be impressed, but at the same time, yikes, she's only after you for your money.
Now a point may be argued Lexus can't sell a 75k+ car and thats where this whole BMW and Mercedes prestige comes into play, but I think when Lexus does get around to building a 75-110k car, it will sell well.
As far as this whole "You're just paying for the Lexus name." Well where do you think you're extra money for a BMW or Mercedes goes to? Features?
10-26-2005, 05:38 PM
#1078
Race Director
Originally Posted by 360
yes that is true but, you have to pay $500 for that option.
Dont' worry, the IS will have similar things. Those optional HIDs will be standard fare within 2 years.
10-30-2005, 11:21 AM
#1079
And yet IS350 does not have one all important option, that 330 has - stick shift.
