I've always had classic or performance cars, but saw myself getting into something with a bit more luxury when I got a little older. The GS430 was my idea of a nice mix of luxury and performance, and more recently the G35. However, now that I have a family and started shopping, I drove a GS430 and was totally unimpressed - it feels like an old man's car. The salesman told me I should try the IS350, and knowing only the IS300, I ignored him, until I did some research on the web. The performance numbers I saw were enough to get me back into the showroom, and once I drove it I was 90% sure I'd buy it. A quick trip to the Infiniti dealer to drive the G35 & the M35, and I found that the IS is more luxurious than the first, and performs better than the second. Same for the BMW 330i & 550i - the IS is more luxurious than the first, and waaaaay cheaper than the second (which is still my current dream car).

 

Never owned or liked lexus, always knew they were good quality but just never liked that they drove so smooth, felt more like it was aimed at an older market (im 20) But then I heard a new IS came out and I love test driving new cars.... even if im not planning on getting it. So I went to take it for a spin and was very impressed by the new disign and after driving it, a few days later I ended up with 2 brand new lexus's. But I still only like how the IS350 drives, test drove a SC430 the knew ones... and wasnt thrilled with it, even though they are extremely sexy cars!

 

This will be our 2nd Lexus. First one was an 05 RX330. But I've always been a diehard Toyota Fan. First car I've owned was a 1979 Corolla Sprinter SR with a 2T-G engine. I loved how it sound specially the twin weber carbs. Brings back good old memories

 

This will be my fourth Lexus but first Lexus purchase. Leased 1998 ES300, 2001 IS300, 2004 ES330, and awaiting IS350. Have always loved sporty looking cars...starting with my first brand new car an Atlantis Blue 1979 Pontiac FIrebird, followed by a Candy Apple Red/Gray 1986 Firebird that lasted 10 years and sold in great condition...my age is showing...felt I still had one more sports car left in me and that is why I'm switching from the luxury of the ES330 to the sporty IS350.

 

Family always had Lexus, but this is my first. Always wanted the SC convertible but too expensive for me. The IS is a good start and will probably get the next-gen SC (if there is such a thing) when it comes out.

 

Our second Lexus. First was a 1999 RX 300 and that has been the best SUV we've owned. Our family expanded and we outgrew that vehicle though. In a couple of years, we'll probably pick up a GX470. Hopefully, they'll have a hybrid version of that by then, which would be icing on the cake.

 

First Lexus. When I started shopping, I actually had crossed two brands off the list without even looking at them -- Mercedes (maintenance history is too poor for a car I'm planning to own for 8+ years) and Lexus (had driven the ES, GS and LS and... they all handle like tugboats). I was about 24 hours from signing the paperwork on a G35 (no, not a 330 -- my wife has an irrational hatred for BMW) when a friend told me that I had to test drive the IS350 before I bought anything, and damn near dragged me kicking and screaming to the dealership.

It only took one test drive and I was sold. Haven't looked back since.

 

This is my first Lexus. In order the vehicles I have owned over the past 20 years goes as follows: '84 Ford Bronco II, '84 Nissan 300ZX, '91 Pontiac Grand Prix, '96 Chevy Cavalier Z24, '01 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. I'm definitely going up!!

My mother has had three Toyotas since 1989 and the only problem she has had was a dead battery. The GM cars I had were showing their age very badly after 4 years. I bought my IS250 because of the quality and reliabilty of Toyota vehicles.

 

I work at a Toyota Dealership....don't want a toyota cause I get to drive one everyday....ANd my boss will kill me if I buy another euro car....So the Lexus is the next best thing

 

This is probably the best story I have heard. You know there were problems with this class of cars when the G35 won best car for several years. Just sitting inside makes you want to leave, not worth test driving. There is a strip of aluminum (used to be fake) trim the separates the dash from the center consol and glove box and this trim is completely pliable! In other words not fully secured to the car (much like how the rear seat light housing in the new 3 series can be pushed up to hit the roof, very cheap feeling). Add to that the modern deco styling of the interior...tried a 350Z thinking it might be better but no, the engine noise is pervasive whether youre idling or flooring it (just too much).

Anyway...good choice!

 

My first lexus was a 2001 RX300, an excellent SUV; however, it nearly put me to sleep on more than one occassion. Even after owning a problematic used BMW 5 series, I still desired its driving soul so, I test drove the UDM again, no dice. The BMW line-up, with its proven unreliability, did not entice me.

My search led me to an 2002 Maxima - for me the affair lasted about 5 months - gave it to the wife; she loved it! Then came the 2005 ACURA TL, which has a great blend of semi-sporty/practicality, with almost every feature your heart desire could for around 33-34k. That thing could hang pretty good in the corners, but only in near perfect conditions. The FWD combined with a slow auto/SS tranny, along with no torque, sealed its fate. Plus, I had secretly dated this really hot chic, the LEXUS IS350; after driving that, I was sold.

Like many of you on this board, cars are my life. I test drive almost any and everything I can get my hands on. I also try to look outside of the box. Therefore, when it comes to choosing cars I have no particular brand loyalty, I try to see a vehicle for what it is. That doesn't mean that any particular make does not get a bonus, look a the 5; the positive outweighted the negative (benefit of the doubt given because it was used). That's why I tried the 3 & 5 before driving the IS. I also test drove various Honda, Audi, Infiniti, Porcshe, Chrysler, etc., etc.

The IS is my 2nd LEXUS; I hope that the future brings others to my stable.

 

This is my first.. and the only lexus I like.

 

Having owned a 1992 LS400 as my first car and the car I learned to drive with is a major factor in making me want another Lexus.

 

This is my first Lexus!

I'm very happy with my purchase and would do it again exactly the same in a heartbeat.

 

this is my first lexus. but i'm going to reston tomorrow (sunrise valley dr), does that count?