3IS long term ownership concerns
Driver
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 71
Likes: 9
From: Seattle
My car is 37k miles, and I feel like there is a delay when I pressed the gas. Only happens when I parked outside. It hesitated for like 2 secs jumping between 500 rpm to 1000rpm (the car shaked or surging) then I hit3000rpm without any issue. So far, that's the only problem that I have with the car.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 853
Likes: 175
From: Ontario
You could add Paint chips forward of rear wheel to the list. TSB is referenced in thread.
Advanced
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 653
Likes: 96
From: PA
Interestingly, I was just leafing thru CR's annual car review, which just came out this week. CR's take is basically that the IS 350 just isn't all that great--cramped, not sporty or fast, not keeping up with tech changes, too much plastic, hard to get in and out of, poor suspension, etc. etc. Nonetheless, it's reliability is still pretty top notch, with the exception of the electronics and infotainment system.
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 199
Likes: 57
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
You could give your local dealership a call and reference that document.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,593
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
Interestingly, I was just leafing thru CR's annual car review, which just came out this week. CR's take is basically that the IS 350 just isn't all that great--cramped, not sporty or fast, not keeping up with tech changes, too much plastic, hard to get in and out of, poor suspension, etc. etc. Nonetheless, it's reliability is still pretty top notch, with the exception of the electronics and infotainment system.
If you look at Motortrend, they did a compact executive sedan comparison a couple of years ago, and the IS got 4th, only losing to the A4, C-class, and Giulia. In particular, they liked the IS's interior. People seem to be really polarized about the interior. It doesn't look as good in photos as it does in person, and you can't judge seat quality from looking at it.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/alfa...60-comparison/
That being said, I do agree it could be more spacious. Sporty? Eh, in personality more than in numbers. That could be improved as well, as well as perhaps a more polished suspension. It's firmly damped but not resistant to body roll. There are things that could be improved, but I still thought it was the best out of the 3-4 options I was looking at. No question. It just felt like a more well-built car, and also the V6 engine helped. Compared to the 4-cylinder BMW and Audi, the V6 gave the IS a smoother feel - and it helped that the steering in the IS is a bit heavier as well.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 224
Likes: 70
From: CA
Interestingly, I was just leafing thru CR's annual car review, which just came out this week. CR's take is basically that the IS 350 just isn't all that great--cramped, not sporty or fast, not keeping up with tech changes, too much plastic, hard to get in and out of, poor suspension, etc. etc. Nonetheless, it's reliability is still pretty top notch, with the exception of the electronics and infotainment system.
What I will say is stock tires are garbage. They lose traction in the rain and they really hurt your first impressions of the vehicle's handling.
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,593
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
Consumer reports keeps slamming the IS on things it is good at; it's odd because they seem to think the ES is more a driver's car than the IS. It's simply not true and seeing all their bias against the IS has really changed my opinion on them.
What I will say is stock tires are garbage. They lose traction in the rain and they really hurt your first impressions of the vehicle's handling.
What I will say is stock tires are garbage. They lose traction in the rain and they really hurt your first impressions of the vehicle's handling.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Originally Posted by BrettKA7
Consumer reports keeps slamming the IS on things it is good at; it's odd because they seem to think the ES is more a driver's car than the IS. It's simply not true and seeing all their bias against the IS has really changed my opinion on them.
What I will say is stock tires are garbage. They lose traction in the rain and they really hurt your first impressions of the vehicle's handling.
What I will say is stock tires are garbage. They lose traction in the rain and they really hurt your first impressions of the vehicle's handling.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
Car Reviews on any and every forum, platform, or by different organizations, vendors, etc, have two strong components: "1) reliability & objective technical specifications", and "2) highly subjective opinions". When it comes to cars you simply cannot get around this. Despite objective technical specs, Everyone has different driving experiences, shapes, sizes, creature/comfort levels/preferences, etc. For example, Consumer Reports consistently rates Lexus among the highest for #1 - reliability & objective technical specifications, but when it comes to #2 - highly subjective opinions, CR is partial to European & German manufacturers.
The good thing about Consumer Reports, despite their impartiality per #2 above, is that they are not at all impacted by advertisements and 3rd party influences. On the other hand, Motortrend and C&D are highly dependant on running ads and influenced by 3rd parties when it comes to car reviews, and in some cases investment by automobile companies in their organizations. Just look at their websites which are plastered with ads whereas CR is not.
The good thing about Consumer Reports, despite their impartiality per #2 above, is that they are not at all impacted by advertisements and 3rd party influences. On the other hand, Motortrend and C&D are highly dependant on running ads and influenced by 3rd parties when it comes to car reviews, and in some cases investment by automobile companies in their organizations. Just look at their websites which are plastered with ads whereas CR is not.
Last edited by LaZeR; Mar 3, 2019 at 11:43 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 774
Likes: 97
From: BC
I don't really give CR the time of day. They also ranked the Model 3 very highly - but then rescinded their "recommended" status mere weeks later due to reliability issues.
If you look at Motortrend, they did a compact executive sedan comparison a couple of years ago, and the IS got 4th, only losing to the A4, C-class, and Giulia. In particular, they liked the IS's interior. People seem to be really polarized about the interior. It doesn't look as good in photos as it does in person, and you can't judge seat quality from looking at it.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/alfa...60-comparison/
That being said, I do agree it could be more spacious. Sporty? Eh, in personality more than in numbers. That could be improved as well, as well as perhaps a more polished suspension. It's firmly damped but not resistant to body roll. There are things that could be improved, but I still thought it was the best out of the 3-4 options I was looking at. No question. It just felt like a more well-built car, and also the V6 engine helped. Compared to the 4-cylinder BMW and Audi, the V6 gave the IS a smoother feel - and it helped that the steering in the IS is a bit heavier as well.
If you look at Motortrend, they did a compact executive sedan comparison a couple of years ago, and the IS got 4th, only losing to the A4, C-class, and Giulia. In particular, they liked the IS's interior. People seem to be really polarized about the interior. It doesn't look as good in photos as it does in person, and you can't judge seat quality from looking at it.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/alfa...60-comparison/
That being said, I do agree it could be more spacious. Sporty? Eh, in personality more than in numbers. That could be improved as well, as well as perhaps a more polished suspension. It's firmly damped but not resistant to body roll. There are things that could be improved, but I still thought it was the best out of the 3-4 options I was looking at. No question. It just felt like a more well-built car, and also the V6 engine helped. Compared to the 4-cylinder BMW and Audi, the V6 gave the IS a smoother feel - and it helped that the steering in the IS is a bit heavier as well.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 249
Likes: 44
From: GA
It may be subjective, but I very much like the 3IS interior. Its fit and finish is flawless, and hardly "plastic". The Eurocars, America, and other Japanese makes use far more plastic, fake-metal, and shiny chrome-ish trim. As for "cramped", it's supposed to be a sports sedan, not a family cruiser. There are three other Lexus sedan models offered for those purposes. If someone feels cramped, then it's not for you -- get an ES. I enjoy the feel of it because it belies the exterior -- with the excellent seats and encapsulated dash and center console, you get the impression you are in a sports/performance car, not a 4-door sedan.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 336
Likes: 31
From: texas
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
For those analyzing their 3IS tire wear, make sure you turn the wheel at full lock and closely inspect the inside of the tire. I've found there's a fine line between OK and HOLY S this has to be replaced that can sneak up on you fast. The very inner and very outer should be close. Look for signs of a "stripe" appearing on the very inner edge. Usually occurs around 10-15k, and maybe 20k if you drive very conservatively.