picus

I like the IS a lot, I'm actually considering trading up for one, but it's hard to justify any price over 40k for me, espeically given the fact that something like say, a G35, can be had for $32-$34k now. Yes, I own a G35 currently, so that's my frame of reference.

LexusFan8

But you're talking about MSRP, who pays MSRP these days???
There is too much competition between dealers, brokers and with other brands of cars in Los Angeles for me to pay MSRP. It might be a little different for people living in rural areas because your next Lexus dealer might be a 100 miles away where there are 3 Lexus dealership from my house all within 20 miles apart.

If Lexus really wants to compete with the 330 then they really need be competitive with pricing. Max I will pay is 42K out the door and that's pushing it already.

SDLexus

A base IS250 RWD should start at around $29K not $39K, which will put it in-line with the current gen. I predict a mid-$40K price point for a FULLY loaded IS350, which, IMHO, isn't unreasonable.

edit: oops I just noticed that C$, is that Canadian?

Gojirra99

You must have missed the C$ in my post, I'm talking about Canadian prices

SDLexus

A FULLY loaded 330 approaches the $50K range, vs. mid $40K for a FULLY loaded IS350. I'd say that's competitive since the IS350 will smoke the 330, plus the interior of the IS will be strides ahead of the 330 in luxury.

picus

Ya, unfortunately even though our dollar is worth 0.85 USD now, the car prices still reflect a 35-40% difference. Boo.

Badman Forever

if lexus pulls a toyota.. and slaps on abunch of bs dealer installed options (such as the lusterizing/protectant package, gold package trim, stain resistant floor mats, moonroof deflector, factory tint, extra first aid kit.. etc), then i can see it hitting 50k after tax. otherwise i don't see that happening.

but on a more serious note, i can see an is350 w/ all the aftermarket dealer accessories add up to about 50k. just look at the fully loaded l-tuned is300s.. those things are a rip off and are close to 50k!

kensteele

You just might have to pay sticker for a fully loaded IS350, no?

MSRP prices have nothing to do with rural location and the proximity of your home to a Lexus dealership.

Ratman009

If you checked out Motor Trend's IS350 review, they published a little numbers comparison on one of the pages of the article, comparing 0-60, 1/4 mile, slalom, and figure 8 tests. Yes, the IS wins the acceleration tests (by a fair margin - as it should with a significantly higher power to weight ratio), but it loses by a significant amount of time once you throw some curves into the mix. The MT figure 8 test is a good representation for how a car would fare on a roadcourse, and the 330 (depite it's much lower HP and acceleration) still managed to beat the IS by a good amount.

So I guess you could say that the IS would smoke a 330 on either a drag strip or on a road course that was comprised mostly of long staightaways (where it's HP advantages could be used to its benefit). If you put the cars on an autocross or tight road course, the IS will have to take second place to a 330. If you are looking for a drag car or a fast highway cruiser, the IS is a great fit. If you are more of a "tear up the curvy mountain roads" kind of person, the 330 might be a better choice.

I've got to wait a few more weeks to drive the IS350 before I decide what type of guy I am.