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I would be very surprised 1. that they can cram a 5.0L V8 in the engine bay and 2. that they would put development $$$ into a shrinking sedan segment for a V8 option with even worse MPG than the V6. It would be a nice surprise, but people have been clamoring for a V8 Tacoma for at least 15 years.
The V8 will easily fit, and in fact will bolt right in with no modifications required to the vehicle or engine. The IS and RC engine bays are the same size. It's a pretty low development cost, all things considered.
Still, doesn't mean they'll do it, just means it would be easy if they wanted to.
Anyone have an idea how long they will be making these redesigned models? I know that generally speaking, Toyota will run a new model that has been facelifted for at least 3-4 years. Since they just released this facelifted one, I would be surprised if they only ran it for a year. I am interested in buying one as I do like the reliability aspect even if it's an "old, outdated engine" but I agree that the price is pretty high for what it is and each package adds a hefty chunk of change to the final price.
This is very accurate per product cadence. Per a UK Lexus personnel, 2023 was mentioned at a conference. However that was last year. These 2021 changes were 3 years in the making, like most significant updates. In UK 2023 refers to calendar year, so that = 2024 MY. It seems rather short to me, because the level of changes demanded a lot in terms of sheet metal.
According to pbm317 (via PM) a former TMC USA product planner, Toyota seemingly develops vehicles with a buffer window of 2 years on. So what is designed for a minimum of a 3 year run, is also expected to hold for 5 years at worst. This is the case with the 2016 200-Series I suspected, that it was designed for a 4 year run through 2019, but slipped into 2021.
4Runner, Tundra, and Sequoia are the sole exception due to deliberate setbacks and delayed planning.
Originally Posted by ThunderOne
I have a 2004 Tacoma that has just passed 200k miles and has needed fairly minimal maintenance, the only surprise costs associated with ownership in the 12 years I've had it have been charcoal canister malfunctions (has happened twice). The 2004 model was the last year of the facelifted 2001-2004 Tacomas and the last of the first generation which started in 1995.5.
I'm sure back in 2004, people were complaining that the Toyota Tacoma wasn't innovative enough and was "an old, outdated engine and platform", now I have people asking me if I'll sell my truck whenever I'm pumping gas and minding my own business lol.
I have gone from wanting to buy a Subaru WRX STI in my mid-20s until I found out how unreliable they were, a Cadillac CTS-V 2009-2014 model (hard to find, still holding value, gas guzzler tho), and a 2020 Honda Passport (that enthusiasm fizzled out). Even wanted a Lexus LS 430 for a bit because I used to valet one fairly regularly with 400k+ miles on it and still ran super smooth. Then I saw the '21 IS 350 in a commercial last Saturday, watched some reviews and saw they had that awesome blue color reminiscent of the STI, and the grille doesn't look hideous.. I'm pretty sold on it
I wonder how that heavily modified 2004 looks? I'm extra fancy/bougie, but I love 4x4s, muscle cars, and trucks intensely (an enthusiast should be open to anything).
As for what folks were feeling in 2004, it's not quite what you were thinking. In fact, I think you should push that back to 2002-2003, when they couldn't see the 2nd generation truck much or at all. The year of 2004 entirely forgot the first generation Tacoma, because it was entirely dedicated to the 2nd generation truck that grew bigger and fancier.
When the truck itself was revealed in February 2004, it was over for not only the old Tacoma, but the whole segment for the next 2 decades. Only the diehard traditionalists complained at that point, because Toyota delivered the Lexus of midsize pickups and never looked back.
The 2020 TRD Pro 6MT I added to my large and varied stable is far from the most very impressive of it, but it was time I bought my first Tacoma. The core sales base of that now dated truck in 2020, still coasts off of the yuppie-with-rugged-aspirations reputation solidified over a decade and half ago by the 2005 Tacoma and old school heritage of the 1st gen and Hilux-based trucks.
Nobody had a truly all-around decent truck in 2004, which truly wowed buyers like the 2005 Tacoma. Reading old forum threads across the internet and news archives, Toyota knocked out the segment and hijacked it, ascending its throne. I was a teenager then, desperately wanting as a first vehicle.
My parents wouldn't budge, so I started out much smaller, but never forgot about it and got a new one this year as an extra vehicle for the hell of it.
For a lot of guys in 2020, your 2004 might hearken back to a time of when these trucks were truly compact, rugged, trouble-free, and nimble, but in 2004 the truck base already had what they wanted shown to them, with no element mystery of what lies beyond.
The Tacoma is redesigned for the 2024 model year and I have 100% confirmation of this, only at worst slipping a few months. US production ends next year, shifting to Mexico-only.
With this 2021 IS, it signals a fully new car is still years in the future or dead as we know it (no more ICE RWD). 2024 is apparently the model year, but can also stretch to 2026 if Toyota deems it necessary. Maybe Mazda's new RWD architecture for MY 2023 is a factor?
Which WRX STIs are that unreliable BTW? 2nd generation or 3rd generation? I never really thought much of their "ringland" failures to be much of anything. Or are you referring to headgasket issues?
As for the CTS-V (manual), I really grew to love that 2nd generation car (2008-14) and never cared much for the 3rd gen. The first generation was too crude and old GM undercooked, but a 2013/14 Gen 2 CTS-V manual is something I desired to add to my stable (fiance got one in auto). New CT5-V Blackwing exterior is unfortunately just a disappointment, but has the right ingredients. I really want a high quality American V8 sedan with a manual.
IIRC, both the 2nd generation WRX STI and 2nd generation Tacoma in both X-Runner and TRD Off-Road ACB 6MT grades were the biggest contenders in what I wanted as a first vehicle many moons ago, that I have always regretted never pushing for either way back when (ended up getting a '07 V6 Sonata and then '08 G35S sedan). I have grown up, but there's still that desire to hoon around once in a while. My E90 M3 feels too tame by comparison and don't want a turbo V8 F10 M5.
Last edited by Carmaker1; Dec 13, 2020 at 04:13 PM.
The GSF is almost $90k MSRPwhich would make the ISF DOA. The V8 is nice but it's only about as fast as the M340 and much more expensive. I was hoping the IS500 had the V6 twin turbo and be priced only $5k more than the IS350 FSport. It would be a fitting match to such a beautiful car.
Sorry if I wasn't clear... In between the price ranges of an RC F -> GS F
The last fully equipped V8 - 2nd GEN IS F model in 2014 had an MSRP sticker of $67,400 ish
Today a 2021 well equipped RC F is approx $79,500 while the exiting 2020 GS F is approx $88,400
With the GS being discontinued, a future IS 500 / IS F does seem plausible...
The V8 will easily fit, and in fact will bolt right in with no modifications required to the vehicle or engine. The IS and RC engine bays are the same size. It's a pretty low development cost, all things considered.
Still, doesn't mean they'll do it, just means it would be easy if they wanted to.
Jeff
huh, well that's pretty cool, too bad they probably won't do it though, unfortunately. Maybe they'll throw one in as a last hurrah before this 3.5 gen is discontinued?
This is very accurate per product cadence. Per a UK Lexus personnel, 2023 was mentioned at a conference. However that was last year. These 2021 changes were 3 years in the making, like most significant updates. In UK 2023 refers to calendar year, so that = 2024 MY. It seems rather short to me, because the level of changes demanded a lot in terms of sheet metal.
According to pbm317 (via PM) a former TMC USA product planner, Toyota seemingly develops vehicles with a buffer window of 2 years on. So what is designed for a minimum of a 3 year run, is also expected to hold for 5 years at worst. This is the case with the 2016 200-Series I suspected, that it was designed for a 4 year run through 2019, but slipped into 2021.
4Runner, Tundra, and Sequoia are the sole exception due to deliberate setbacks and delayed planning.
I wonder how that heavily modified 2004 looks? I'm extra fancy/bougie, but I love 4x4s, muscle cars, and trucks intensely (an enthusiast should be open to anything).
As for what folks were feeling in 2004, it's not quite what you were thinking. In fact, I think you should push that back to 2002-2003, when they couldn't see the 2nd generation truck much or at all. The year of 2004 entirely forgot the first generation Tacoma, because it was entirely dedicated to the 2nd generation truck that grew bigger and fancier.
When the truck itself was revealed in February 2004, it was over for not only the old Tacoma, but the whole segment for the next 2 decades. Only the diehard traditionalists complained at that point, because Toyota delivered the Lexus of midsize pickups and never looked back.
The 2020 TRD Pro 6MT I added to my large and varied stable is far from the most very impressive of it, but it was time I bought my first Tacoma. The core sales base of that now dated truck in 2020, still coasts off of the yuppie-with-rugged-aspirations reputation solidified over a decade and half ago by the 2005 Tacoma and old school heritage of the 1st gen and Hilux-based trucks.
Nobody had a truly all-around decent truck in 2004, which truly wowed buyers like the 2005 Tacoma. Reading old forum threads across the internet and news archives, Toyota knocked out the segment and hijacked it, ascending its throne. I was a teenager then, desperately wanting as a first vehicle.
My parents wouldn't budge, so I started out much smaller, but never forgot about it and got a new one this year as an extra vehicle for the hell of it.
For a lot of guys in 2020, your 2004 might hearken back to a time of when these trucks were truly compact, rugged, trouble-free, and nimble, but in 2004 the truck base already had what they wanted shown to them, with no element mystery of what lies beyond.
The Tacoma is redesigned for the 2024 model year and I have 100% confirmation of this, only at worst slipping a few months. US production ends next year, shifting to Mexico-only.
With this 2021 IS, it signals a fully new car is still years in the future or dead as we know it (no more ICE RWD). 2024 is apparently the model year, but can also stretch to 2026 if Toyota deems it necessary. Maybe Mazda's new RWD architecture for MY 2023 is a factor?
Which WRX STIs are that unreliable BTW? 2nd generation or 3rd generation? I never really thought much of their "ringland" failures to be much of anything. Or are you referring to headgasket issues?
As for the CTS-V (manual), I really grew to love that 2nd generation car (2008-14) and never cared much for the 3rd gen. The first generation was too crude and old GM undercooked, but a 2013/14 Gen 2 CTS-V manual is something I desired to add to my stable (fiance got one in auto). New CT5-V Blackwing exterior is unfortunately just a disappointment, but has the right ingredients. I really want a high quality American V8 sedan with a manual.
IIRC, both the 2nd generation WRX STI and 2nd generation Tacoma in both X-Runner and TRD Off-Road ACB 6MT grades were the biggest contenders in what I wanted as a first vehicle many moons ago, that I have always regretted never pushing for either way back when (ended up getting a '07 V6 Sonata and then '08 G35S sedan). I have grown up, but there's still that desire to hoon around once in a while. My E90 M3 feels too tame by comparison and don't want a turbo V8 F10 M5.
Here is my rig, it's a 5 speed manual 3.4L V6 j-shift 4wd, I don't want to think about how much money I have thrown into it haha. When I bought it as a high schooler in 2008, the only extra accessory it had was a bed cover (which took forever to sell). At the end of the day, it's been extremely reliable, even after thrashing it around on trails several times a year since I've owned it. The only real annoyance other than the charcoal canister is the terrible location of the alternator, which makes it susceptible to failure when too much mud gets on it. I don't bomb through mud holes for that reason, but I do keep a spare alt in the toolbox
Here it is right after I plastidipped it in space grey. I used plastidip as a paint job for 5 years and started to show its age so I went with a slightly lighter silver color this time. The first pic is when it was anthracite grey. The clear coat on my black truck was starting to fail and this was a good remedy for it. Pictured with my 2006 GSXR 600.
As for the STI, I think at the time I was looking at a 2004-2008 versions, and kept seeing "body 100k, engine 20k" over and over again. It seems like they had ringland and head gasket issues and were barely adequate for the turbo setup they had, let alone anything more powerful. I do love the way they sound with a proper exhaust though. I love the CTSV of that generation, I just haven't found one used that strikes the right balance of proper care and price. I agree on the older and newer gens of the CTSV. They really nailed the design on the 08-14 models. Sounds like you and I have similar vehicular interests haha. I suppose the IS segment still attracts a certain type of buyer, especially the F sport models.
It's good to know that this IS 350 will be in inventory for a couple of years, so I don't really feel any sense of urgency to buy at the moment. Perhaps the price will come down some, and some smaller tweaks will be added to the interior.
Last edited by ThunderOne; Dec 14, 2020 at 12:09 PM.
Front end of the RC is supposed to be a GS. Though there is that modified 3is with the v8 stuffed in there.
The IS, RC, and GS share the same crossmember, upper rad support, and firewall. The distance between the frame rails of all three is +/- 2 mm or so, and the strut towers are the same width apart.
Or it could be someone who has done his research completely and knows exactly what he/she wants.
In a sea of turbo-4 bangers, he wanted a refined V6. He doesn't want to settle for turbo lag but wants a pure driver's car ie seamless throttle response.
He wanted the bulletproof 2GR-FSE instead of a high strung over-stressed turbo with a limited lifespan.
He doesn't drink the Kool Aid that newer must be better when the original platform was already great handling from the start. Fact of the matter is : newer often means more teething problems. Why put up with that when he can have a tried and tested engine/gearbox/bodyshell combo that just works and doesn't add more complexity and bother to his life. His time is better spent at work/play instead of the workshop.
He wanted a live-able suspension, one that can hang with the best in the business in a corner but has the refinement not to beat you up over bumps and uneven roads.
He realized that flashing lights and gimmicky ambient lighting has no functional value and in fact is just more things to go wrong in the next 1-2 years and he still has Carplay and Android Auto just like everyone else. And his triple led headlights still look cooler and function better than the competition.
Best of all, he got a legendary V6 at the same price of a bargain basement German 4 banger.
I'm not sure who's the uninformed one : the 350 F-Sport buyer or the one TRYING to rag on his purchase.
Here is my rig, it's a 5 speed manual 3.4L V6 j-shift 4wd, I don't want to think about how much money I have thrown into it haha. When I bought it as a high schooler in 2008, the only extra accessory it had was a bed cover (which took forever to sell). At the end of the day, it's been extremely reliable, even after thrashing it around on trails several times a year since I've owned it. The only real annoyance other than the charcoal canister is the terrible location of the alternator, which makes it susceptible to failure when too much mud gets on it. I don't bomb through mud holes for that reason, but I do keep a spare alt in the toolbox
Here it is right after I plastidipped it in space grey. I used plastidip as a paint job for 5 years and started to show its age so I went with a slightly lighter silver color this time. The first pic is when it was anthracite grey. The clear coat on my black truck was starting to fail and this was a good remedy for it. Pictured with my 2006 GSXR 600.
As for the STI, I think at the time I was looking at a 2004-2008 versions, and kept seeing "body 100k, engine 20k" over and over again. It seems like they had ringland and head gasket issues and were barely adequate for the turbo setup they had, let alone anything more powerful. I do love the way they sound with a proper exhaust though. I love the CTSV of that generation, I just haven't found one used that strikes the right balance of proper care and price. I agree on the older and newer gens of the CTSV. They really nailed the design on the 08-14 models. Sounds like you and I have similar vehicular interests haha. I suppose the IS segment still attracts a certain type of buyer, especially the F sport models.
It's good to know that this IS 350 will be in inventory for a couple of years, so I don't really feel any sense of urgency to buy at the moment. Perhaps the price will come down some, and some smaller tweaks will be added to the interior.
Oh, that's just fire! And you've had it since 2008? I love it. One of the best 1st gen Tacomas I've seen! Similar tastes indeed LOL. I would've been happy with that too as my first, being licensed at the start of 2007. Very happy indeed, but oh well LOL. Really one of the best honestly, especially AC V6+6MT.(BTW only one photo is showing!)
Lucky you honestly (I imagine you worked for it though), as my dad in 2006-2007 was just so adamantly against pickups for personal use, he wouldn't even let me get a 4x4/truck with my OWN savings back then and forced me into milquetoast choices on purpose (compact/midsize family sedans) on his dime. Probably why I've gone crazy collecting used vehicles and newer 4x4s (the past decade). My first actual purchase ever was a '13 BRZ and similar to my first car, it lasted only 5 months.
In Africa, I bought an old 1996 Hilux Dual Cab 5MT (1989-94 bodystyle) a few years ago, but never considered a Tacoma again until this year. The Hilux is a nice (way more spartan than a Tacoma) rugged little thing to bomb around in villages/rural areas and staying low key as an American visiting.
As for Lexus, after my 2008 G35S and hating the Q50 and Q60 being delayed, I left Infiniti and went to BMW since Lexus didn't offer any manuals and I didn't care for the ATS-V compared to the this 2nd generation of CTS-V. 3rd generation was too funky and overdone on the exterior.
As for the Subarus, I 100% knew that's what you were getting at LOL. I think it's the guys who beat the hell out of them and due to many modifications causing all those issues. Well maintained cars like one of my friends has in Houston, runs like perfection. He'll never sell it though, after 13 years of ownership. I love those 2nd generation cars and might buy one too, as long it's less than $25k.
I really wish Lexus built on what the first generation IS 300 offered and didn't go the way of Mercedes-Benz C-Class with the more milquetoast 2nd generation, with no spirit underneath.
The original IS was designed specifically for enthusiasts, even with the knowledge it would be a Lexus product. Performance first, luxury sedan. The 2IS dialed it down too much, while 3IS delivered a "youthful" design, yet no more ISF and no real kick. 2IS became luxury first, performance maybe. 3IS is at odds, but seems nice in some areas.
In this class, I've gone BMW entirely and bought out my M4 6MT coupe lease, since I hate the new G82 for 2021. I bought both my 2011 M3 E90 and E92 M3 (both manuals), used instead of an IS-F, because Lexus is automatic only. Other than 1/2 ton trucks (Raptors) and my Sonata, every car I have owned since 2007 is a manual.
Still of my E90 Sedan & E92 Coupe
Only a few "automatics" (DCT/PDK style) I can live with and anything "auto", must have shift paddles.
Anyway...the IS is here to stay definitely through 2023.
Oh, that's just fire! And you've had it since 2008? I love it. One of the best 1st gen Tacomas I've seen! Similar tastes indeed LOL. I would've been happy with that too as my first, being licensed at the start of 2007. Very happy indeed, but oh well LOL. Really one of the best honestly, especially AC V6+6MT.(BTW only one photo is showing!)
Lucky you honestly (I imagine you worked for it though), as my dad in 2006-2007 was just so adamantly against pickups for personal use, he wouldn't even let me get a 4x4/truck with my OWN savings back then and forced me into milquetoast choices on purpose (compact/midsize family sedans) on his dime. Probably why I've gone crazy collecting used vehicles and newer 4x4s (the past decade). My first actual purchase ever was a '13 BRZ and similar to my first car, it lasted only 5 months.
In Africa, I bought an old 1996 Hilux Dual Cab 5MT (1989-94 bodystyle) a few years ago, but never considered a Tacoma again until this year. The Hilux is a nice (way more spartan than a Tacoma) rugged little thing to bomb around in villages/rural areas and staying low key as an American visiting.
As for Lexus, after my 2008 G35S and hating the Q50 and Q60 being delayed, I left Infiniti and went to BMW since Lexus didn't offer any manuals and I didn't care for the ATS-V compared to the this 2nd generation of CTS-V. 3rd generation was too funky and overdone on the exterior.
As for the Subarus, I 100% knew that's what you were getting at LOL. I think it's the guys who beat the hell out of them and due to many modifications causing all those issues. Well maintained cars like one of my friends has in Houston, runs like perfection. He'll never sell it though, after 13 years of ownership. I love those 2nd generation cars and might buy one too, as long it's less than $25k.
I really wish Lexus built on what the first generation IS 300 offered and didn't go the way of Mercedes-Benz C-Class with the more milquetoast 2nd generation, with no spirit underneath.
The original IS was designed specifically for enthusiasts, even with the knowledge it would be a Lexus product. Performance first, luxury sedan. The 2IS dialed it down too much, while 3IS delivered a "youthful" design, yet no more ISF and no real kick. 2IS became luxury first, performance maybe. 3IS is at odds, but seems nice in some areas.
In this class, I've gone BMW entirely and bought out my M4 6MT coupe lease, since I hate the new G82 for 2021. I bought both my 2011 M3 E90 and E92 M3 (both manuals), used instead of an IS-F, because Lexus is automatic only. Other than 1/2 ton trucks (Raptors) and my Sonata, every car I have owned since 2007 is a manual.
Still of my E90 Sedan & E92 Coupe
Only a few "automatics" (DCT/PDK style) I can live with and anything "auto", must have shift paddles.
Anyway...the IS is here to stay definitely through 2023.
huh, weird. I guess most of the pics didn't upload for some reason. Here are the rest (hopefully they work)
I think you are I are the same age lol. I'm about to be 30 in a little over a month. I paid for half of the purchase price of the truck back then and my parents paid the other half, I actually got lucky with some stock I had in a company my mom worked for that sold to a larger company and was able to use that to buy this truck.
I'm with you on owning a manual, my truck is amazing fun to drive, especially on some fun dirt roads. I would love if the IS 350 were a manual, but I've come to appreciate an auto for daily driving/commuting. Did you have any kind of maintenance headaches with the BMWs or Infinitis? I have always been weary of those brands for that reason. Kinda why I am still sticking with the Toyota umbrella by looking at the IS 350. I have seen a few modded 3IS's so I'm thinking they can handle a bit extra power if I ever wanted it, but I'm not sure I would since my sport bike does all that already lol. I used to be a valet driver in a past life and the Mercs and Lexuses always seemed the most comfortable and well built. If I had to pick one though, it would be a Lexus just because I think the cost of ownership would be lower. Good color choice on the BMW btw, I'm not biased at all lol!
The IS, RC, and GS share the same crossmember, upper rad support, and firewall. The distance between the frame rails of all three is +/- 2 mm or so, and the strut towers are the same width apart.
Jeff
While the RC benefitted from the Frankenstein chassis
huh, weird. I guess most of the pics didn't upload for some reason. Here are the rest (hopefully they work)
I think you are I are the same age lol. I'm about to be 30 in a little over a month. I paid for half of the purchase price of the truck back then and my parents paid the other half, I actually got lucky with some stock I had in a company my mom worked for that sold to a larger company and was able to use that to buy this truck.
I'm with you on owning a manual, my truck is amazing fun to drive, especially on some fun dirt roads. I would love if the IS 350 were a manual, but I've come to appreciate an auto for daily driving/commuting. Did you have any kind of maintenance headaches with the BMWs or Infinitis? I have always been weary of those brands for that reason. Kinda why I am still sticking with the Toyota umbrella by looking at the IS 350. I have seen a few modded 3IS's so I'm thinking they can handle a bit extra power if I ever wanted it, but I'm not sure I would since my sport bike does all that already lol. I used to be a valet driver in a past life and the Mercs and Lexuses always seemed the most comfortable and well built. If I had to pick one though, it would be a Lexus just because I think the cost of ownership would be lower. Good color choice on the BMW btw, I'm not biased at all lol!
Same here, I'm 30 in 4 weeks. Looks as I suspected truck, the minute you said "heavily modified". Always love greys, especially with matte finish. Nice rugged toy to have that early on versus a Sonata LOL. My 2020 is probably much numb feeling by comparison, but the shift action is much better than my cousin's 2nd generation (2014) which was very notchy and as bad as Prado.
I prefer the old school trucky long throws of the 1st gen. Each of generation of Tacoma fits their purpose very well, even though Gen 3 has had a lot of hiccups and was compromised short term in favor of long term goals by Toyota regarding TNGA.
I had been very much hoping either the 2014 Q50 or 2014 IS 350 added a manual, but realized it was hopeless due to cynical product planners. Unfortunately CTS-V wasn't a consideration then, until years after production ended. I'll see I guess.
Lexus has been so consistent with build quality, that if you don't mind an automatic sports sedan with great reliability, you can't go wrong with an IS or even a GS.
My M3s are well-maintained (second owner of both) and thankfully have next to no issues, since I avoided the DCT. They aren't daily driven though, so I'll see. The TTI6 M4 is probably a bigger concern, now that it's out of lease.
I admit I avoided many E46 M3s, as when it comes to collecting vehicles my limit is $25k +/- and many in that range left little to be desired for the 2004-06 range.
Too many are SMG, some stuff have poorly maintained interiors with awful odors or tears/burn marks, so even if paint and service history was great, I couldn't justify it. Many E46s have too many mods and the individual wants $28-32k anyway. Collecting Fords, Toyotas, JLR vehicles, and BMW M cars is pretty much what I do now, but I budget accordingly.
Nice bike too BTW! I ride as well, but Honda and Ducati. Have ceased doing so until spring, because of cold.
Anyway, one hopes that Toyota is willing to redesign the IS following the same formula and not going FWD EV for 2024. If that is why they are redoing 3IS for 2021, then I will never forgive them. I may have never gotten the 6-speed manual super IS I wanted, but I expect them to at least give this car one more generation before going full EV.
Same here, I'm 30 in 4 weeks. Looks as I suspected truck, the minute you said "heavily modified". Always love greys, especially with matte finish. Nice rugged toy to have that early on versus a Sonata LOL. My 2020 is probably much numb feeling by comparison, but the shift action is much better than my cousin's 2nd generation (2014) which was very notchy and as bad as Prado.
I prefer the old school trucky long throws of the 1st gen. Each of generation of Tacoma fits their purpose very well, even though Gen 3 has had a lot of hiccups and was compromised short term in favor of long term goals by Toyota regarding TNGA.
I had been very much hoping either the 2014 Q50 or 2014 IS 350 added a manual, but realized it was hopeless due to cynical product planners. Unfortunately CTS-V wasn't a consideration then, until years after production ended. I'll see I guess.
Lexus has been so consistent with build quality, that if you don't mind an automatic sports sedan with great reliability, you can't go wrong with an IS or even a GS.
My M3s are well-maintained (second owner of both) and thankfully have next to no issues, since I avoided the DCT. They aren't daily driven though, so I'll see. The TTI6 M4 is probably a bigger concern, now that it's out of lease.
I admit I avoided many E46 M3s, as when it comes to collecting vehicles my limit is $25k +/- and many in that range left little to be desired for the 2004-06 range.
Too many are SMG, some stuff have poorly maintained interiors with awful odors or tears/burn marks, so even if paint and service history was great, I couldn't justify it. Many E46s have too many mods and the individual wants $28-32k anyway. Collecting Fords, Toyotas, JLR vehicles, and BMW M cars is pretty much what I do now, but I budget accordingly.
Nice bike too BTW! I ride as well, but Honda and Ducati. Have ceased doing so until spring, because of cold.
Anyway, one hopes that Toyota is willing to redesign the IS following the same formula and not going FWD EV for 2024. If that is why they are redoing 3IS for 2021, then I will never forgive them. I may have never gotten the 6-speed manual super IS I wanted, but I expect them to at least give this car one more generation before going full EV.
The way I see it, the truck and motorcycle are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but I'm really looking for a zippy sport sedan (if I wanted fast I would just ride the GSXR), that won't toss me around on bumpy roads like these two vehicles do lol. Plus I think they almost perfectly nailed the exterior. 3.5L V6 has been around for a decade, so all the kinks should be worked out or well known by now, so no surprises.
Can anyone explain why 2021 IS350's curb weight is heavier than pre 2021 3IS350 3748 lbs vs 3593 lbs? Despite Lexus advertised they use lighter suspension components.
I'm extra fancy/bougie, but I love 4x4s, muscle cars, and trucks intensely (an enthusiast should be open to anything).
(BTW only one photo is showing!)
