My review of the 2014 Lexus IS350 F-Sport (short test drive)
07-31-13, 09:45 AM
#16
pianospike - that's exactly the combo I got. They aren't shipping them with ML anymore? I have heard the Lexus radio in a 2IS and it's okay BUT the ML is another level -- the best OEM I've heard in a car. For the sake of context my last three cars have had the highly regarded ELS (Acura) and Lexicon (Genesis).
I thought a couple had arrived recently in the Bay Area based on a Lexus inventory search, but when I emailed the entire Internet sales team at one of the dealerships that was supposed to have them on the lot....no response more than 24 hours later. I followed up with a call just asking if they had the car on the lot. They said they would check and get back to me. No return call.
Anyway, thanks for feedback on the ML. Gives me more conviction to hold out for what I want.
07-31-13, 09:55 AM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Very impressive and enjoyable review!
07-31-13, 11:38 AM
#19
These thoughts regarding all the luxury bells and whistles echo my sentiments exactly. Just not that important to me, whereas ride/handling is everything. That said, I have been unable to get my car as yet (neb grey/red IS350 F sport) unless I'm willing to forego Mark Levinson, and even though I'm not an audiophile, I feel like I shouldn't forego that particular luxury option.
07-31-13, 11:52 AM
#20
Driver
Thread Starter
SimTide985 I just read through your thread on the Q50 forum. You do a great job of being impartial. In fact practically the whole darn Q50 forum seems civil, impartial, and open minded in it's discussions. I've read a number of threads there. Little or no fanboyism and little or no bashing. People writing sometimes several paragraphs about why they like or don't like.
Since it seems I'm the first to post here who actually owns the IS350 Fsport and as a person who has owned a huge number of cars over the years including a tech heavy car prior to this one -- I decided that at the end of the day -- no matter the luxury shortcomings -- it's all about the driving experience.
Lane departure, radar cruise, ventilated seats -- you name it -- my last car probably had it -- but it was in no way as much fun to drive as the IS. I realized while owning my other car that while all of the tech was interesting -- I didn't use it all that much -- but I was always driving the car. The ride/handling is the #1 virtue a car is supposed to have imo.
Since it seems I'm the first to post here who actually owns the IS350 Fsport and as a person who has owned a huge number of cars over the years including a tech heavy car prior to this one -- I decided that at the end of the day -- no matter the luxury shortcomings -- it's all about the driving experience.
Lane departure, radar cruise, ventilated seats -- you name it -- my last car probably had it -- but it was in no way as much fun to drive as the IS. I realized while owning my other car that while all of the tech was interesting -- I didn't use it all that much -- but I was always driving the car. The ride/handling is the #1 virtue a car is supposed to have imo.
If you're looking for value, the IS350 F-Sport probably isn't what you want. There's always a kind of a tradeoff in this segment and I think the F-Sport makes its intentions clear. I'm dying inside that the F-Sport doesn't have memory seating, however I wouldn't trade the F-Sport's VGRS, DS+ mode, and the Adaptive Variable Suspension for lane departure, radar cruise, and ventilated seats any day of the week.
07-31-13, 12:45 PM
#21
You can. Just so happens that the color combo I am after they are not currently available with ML and are not going to be available any time soon. I either need to change colors, give up ML, or special order. Sigh.
07-31-13, 01:49 PM
#23
Driver
Thread Starter
pianospike - that's exactly the combo I got. They aren't shipping them with ML anymore? I have heard the Lexus radio in a 2IS and it's okay BUT the ML is another level -- the best OEM I've heard in a car. For the sake of context my last three cars have had the highly regarded ELS (Acura) and Lexicon (Genesis).
I'm hoping that this is just some short term thing as it's still early in the first production run, but I love a car with a good sound system and you better believe I will not be buying any IS350 F-Sport without the ML..
08-01-13, 07:05 AM
#25
SimTide - that AutoMall Drive sure is a lunar landscape, lol. I'm in Tucson and actually work just around the corner from the AutoMall. Thanks for the detailed review.
08-01-13, 08:14 AM
#26
Driver
Thread Starter
08-01-13, 02:59 PM
#27
Driver
Thread Starter
08-02-13, 05:41 PM
#28
Driver
Thread Starter
Some bonus pics of the IS350 F-Sport that was in the showroom. I think I like the combination of the white on red better than the red on black in the tester.
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08-02-13, 05:45 PM
#29
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08-02-13, 06:10 PM
#30
Driver
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