General Car Conversation 2024 - part 1
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,002
Likes: 526
From: Maryland
I liked the sequential turbo system of the MKIV and with a downpipe and boost controller it was great. When upgrading to a large single turbo system yes it makes great hp and torque and it has great top end which is great for roll racing but the turbo lag is terrible compared to today’s cars.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,002
Likes: 526
From: Maryland
I haven't posted pics or thoughts yet but I spent a lot of time in the W223 while my car was being serviced last week. The interior of that is a letdown, bad compared to W222. All the pics are on my phone. But the wood trim was hollow when I tapped it, and I think a 1993 Camry's doors close and feel heftier. The stupid center vents (why change from what they had...Bentley-like) feel reallllly cheap. It was very comfortable though.
I would never, everrrrr get rid of a W222 if I had one. I definitely see what you and others were saying about cost cutting.
I would never, everrrrr get rid of a W222 if I had one. I definitely see what you and others were saying about cost cutting.
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 608
From: IL
I know you mentioned this before but when I was at the MB dealership a few weeks ago test driving an SUV there I looked at some of the cars in the showroom and couldn’t believe the orange peel in the new paint jobs. It was surprisingly bad. I haven’t seen paint like this in other Tier 1 brands so it was surprising.
Another interesting thing from that review was Thomas' question "Isn't this the Lexus LC Competitor?" Kind of illustrates what an achievement the LC is, when at least in some contexts it is the standard that others--including the originator of the segment--are compared to.
Last edited by geko29; Mar 20, 2024 at 04:45 AM.
it also shows that a shared ev/ice platform is absurd. the front hood is enormous with no frunk and not much under the enormous plastic cover.
and i'm amazed how much ugly shiny plastic there is inside and outside.
and i'm amazed how much ugly shiny plastic there is inside and outside.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 883
Likes: 11
From: TN
My experience cloth wears better and lasts longer than leather, it does stain and absorb odors, but if you take care of it and don’t treat it like a paper towel it should look new for a very long time and look good too. Leather creases, wrinkles and cracks with age and UV exposure.
I do like the nice wool that Volvo is putting in their new cars, and in JDM luxury Toyotas, but I question the breathability in warmer months.
I do like the nice wool that Volvo is putting in their new cars, and in JDM luxury Toyotas, but I question the breathability in warmer months.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 883
Likes: 11
From: TN
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,402
Likes: 540
From: PA
I'm riding around on 19's for the first time ever and I'm nervous as hell lol. This may sound blasphemous to some other IS 500 owners but I would absolutely run a 18" square setup on this car.
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,359
Likes: 608
From: IL
Yea 20's and above wheel/tire combos are just crazy to me. Flat tire/bent wheels a couple time a year. No thanks.
I'm riding around on 19's for the first time ever and I'm nervous as hell lol. This may sound blasphemous to some other IS 500 owners but I would absolutely run a 18" square setup on this car.
I'm riding around on 19's for the first time ever and I'm nervous as hell lol. This may sound blasphemous to some other IS 500 owners but I would absolutely run a 18" square setup on this car.
Your 19s only have a third of an inch less sidewall than the base 17s that came on my E90--3.7" vs. 4". Same sidewall as the 18s it runs in the summer.
By contrast, the 21s on our Q7 have an inch more sidewall than your 19s. 4.6"
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,644
Likes: 4,046
From: Maryland
I haven't posted pics or thoughts yet but I spent a lot of time in the W223 while my car was being serviced last week. The interior of that is a letdown, bad compared to W222. All the pics are on my phone. But the wood trim was hollow when I tapped it, and I think a 1993 Camry's doors close and feel heftier. The stupid center vents (why change from what they had...Bentley-like) feel reallllly cheap. It was very comfortable though.
I would never, everrrrr get rid of a W222 if I had one. I definitely see what you and others were saying about cost cutting.
I would never, everrrrr get rid of a W222 if I had one. I definitely see what you and others were saying about cost cutting.
For me, I just don't see myself keeping a car a long time. I already have the itch somewhat now, in a year its going to be a rash and I'm going to want something else.
My experience cloth wears better and lasts longer than leather, it does stain and absorb odors, but if you take care of it and don’t treat it like a paper towel it should look new for a very long time and look good too. Leather creases, wrinkles and cracks with age and UV exposure.
I do like the nice wool that Volvo is putting in their new cars, and in JDM luxury Toyotas, but I question the breathability in warmer months.
I do like the nice wool that Volvo is putting in their new cars, and in JDM luxury Toyotas, but I question the breathability in warmer months.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,644
Likes: 4,046
From: Maryland
Yea 20's and above wheel/tire combos are just crazy to me. Flat tire/bent wheels a couple time a year. No thanks.
I'm riding around on 19's for the first time ever and I'm nervous as hell lol. This may sound blasphemous to some other IS 500 owners but I would absolutely run a 18" square setup on this car.
I'm riding around on 19's for the first time ever and I'm nervous as hell lol. This may sound blasphemous to some other IS 500 owners but I would absolutely run a 18" square setup on this car.
