Test drove IS 500 today...
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Intermediate
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From: PA
I was ready to jump out with the car still moving while test driving the new NX... I hope they figure this crap out sooner rather than later.
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From: PA
Yes the tech is updated from the GS-F which was enough to kill my looking at a used GS-F which I started to do when my search for 2013-2014 IS-F's was going nowhere good. The GS-F was updated tech from the IS-F but was missing the ability to play FLAC audio files which I wanted. Adding Android Auto / Apple Carplay was the final nail on the GS-F's coffin for me. Having the torsen diff and thereby having a spare tire versus having a can of fix a flat on the GS-F was an added bonus. The rear seats fold down on the IS 500, they do not on a GS-F or IS-F making it more functional to me as I could now throw my bike in the car easily. So basically I was doomed to buy an IS 500 and I love it. 
I should add that I waited from announcement to driving home over a year for my vehicle. No regrets!
I should add that I waited from announcement to driving home over a year for my vehicle. No regrets!
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
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From: KY
Meaning the GS-F increased in MSRP as the MY’s went on, or they are increasing as used cars now that they are discontinued? If the latter, that’s a fantastic pro for the IS 500 once they are discontinued.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
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From: TX
All the GS-F's I ran into had around a $85k MSRP when they were brand new. Maybe he saw a bump in used prices as we went through the peak of used car pricing. Looking now I can find 8 GS-F's total with some at the same price from a few years ago in the $50k area but the cheapest L certified is $69.5k with 17.5k miles on it which is more than a new IS 500.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
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From: CA
A little bit, yes.
But its good/bad scale like everything else. IMO, the good far outweighs the bad. I'm just complaining about the presence of anything bad like a spoiled child. I don't really have any alternatives to IS 500 though. Only thing that comes to mind is an LC 500... which is far more expensive and is a different beast all together.
But its good/bad scale like everything else. IMO, the good far outweighs the bad. I'm just complaining about the presence of anything bad like a spoiled child. I don't really have any alternatives to IS 500 though. Only thing that comes to mind is an LC 500... which is far more expensive and is a different beast all together.
There's also the CT4-V Blackwing in the same price category, just no V8.
I really wish the TLX Type S had another 100 hp and it would be a serious contender as well.
I think the next car that might pull me away from Lexus isn't a car at all. They are going to make a Corvette SUV in 2025 and I just might make the swap if it's quick and not overpriced. Or if I end up leaving CA I will buy an old truck because I'll lose my 6 figure job 😭
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: IA
Not in the slightest. The seats are very comfy to me even after multiple hours on the road. No, it's not the buttery leather from an S-Class, but I've never once stepped into the car and thought "eww pleather".
Preach. I would have bought a Mk8 R the moment they were available, without so much as a test drive, if VW hadn't saddled it with that abomination of an interior. It was my disappointment with the Mk8 that drove me into the $60k price bracket when looking to replace my Mk7 GTI.
Driver
Joined: Jun 2023
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From: MD
We're on the same page. I keep coming back to IS 500 due to unique powertrain which is what I really want and excellent prospects for long term ownership. Carplay is the one thing that I failed to test during my test drive. Its a must have feature that was critically missing from GS-F (along with a touchscreen). I know there are a few aftermarket options available that would be quite good at driving me nuts on a daily basis. Nothing can be done about the clunky interface with that ancient joystick.
Yeah, I get it. IS 500 is a gift from Lexus as it is, and they likely don't want to invest too much into refreshing a limited appeal car that's mainly enthusiast focused when everyone else seems to be going into opposite direction.
On the other hand... we are paying almost 70k for a new one... Would it kill them to give it same infotainment setup as a new Toyota costing less than half that amount?
Just trying to drag myself over the doubt hill.
Yeah, I get it. IS 500 is a gift from Lexus as it is, and they likely don't want to invest too much into refreshing a limited appeal car that's mainly enthusiast focused when everyone else seems to be going into opposite direction.
On the other hand... we are paying almost 70k for a new one... Would it kill them to give it same infotainment setup as a new Toyota costing less than half that amount?
Just trying to drag myself over the doubt hill.
I will definitely be in the minority here but given the choice between the IS500 or Type S…I’d lean towards the Type S. I don’t see any build quality issues with it and I have one sitting in our garage. Turbo V6 vs V8….But we already have one so it made picking the IS500 easier. They definitely upgraded the ML audio from 2018. Both are very nice vehicles. Go back as many times as you need to.
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From: PA
All the GS-F's I ran into had around a $85k MSRP when they were brand new. Maybe he saw a bump in used prices as we went through the peak of used car pricing. Looking now I can find 8 GS-F's total with some at the same price from a few years ago in the $50k area but the cheapest L certified is $69.5k with 17.5k miles on it which is more than a new IS 500.
Last edited by DeepBlue99; Jun 2, 2023 at 01:10 PM.
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From: PA
If you're not adverse to BMW reliability, how about an M550? I freaking love that car. I just don't want to take a gamble on more service visits and the depreciation. But it's got almost everything IMO. Tech, style, comfort, speed... just not a Lexus reliability record.
There's also the CT4-V Blackwing in the same price category, just no V8.
I really wish the TLX Type S had another 100 hp and it would be a serious contender as well.
I think the next car that might pull me away from Lexus isn't a car at all. They are going to make a Corvette SUV in 2025 and I just might make the swap if it's quick and not overpriced. Or if I end up leaving CA I will buy an old truck because I'll lose my 6 figure job 😭
There's also the CT4-V Blackwing in the same price category, just no V8.
I really wish the TLX Type S had another 100 hp and it would be a serious contender as well.
I think the next car that might pull me away from Lexus isn't a car at all. They are going to make a Corvette SUV in 2025 and I just might make the swap if it's quick and not overpriced. Or if I end up leaving CA I will buy an old truck because I'll lose my 6 figure job 😭
That plus I really don't intend to ever sell this car for a number of reasons. Hence, I want something that can stand the test of time. If I look past this purchase, I might upgrade to LC 500 at some point for my old man car.
Last edited by DeepBlue99; Jun 2, 2023 at 01:30 PM.
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From: PA
Not in the slightest. The seats are very comfy to me even after multiple hours on the road. No, it's not the buttery leather from an S-Class, but I've never once stepped into the car and thought "eww pleather".
Preach. I would have bought a Mk8 R the moment they were available, without so much as a test drive, if VW hadn't saddled it with that abomination of an interior. It was my disappointment with the Mk8 that drove me into the $60k price bracket when looking to replace my Mk7 GTI.
Preach. I would have bought a Mk8 R the moment they were available, without so much as a test drive, if VW hadn't saddled it with that abomination of an interior. It was my disappointment with the Mk8 that drove me into the $60k price bracket when looking to replace my Mk7 GTI.
Love GTI's, I've owned 2 of them, Mk5 and Mk7 for way longer than advisable or wise. Definitely got a lot going for them IMO. Sadly, I'm out after what they did to Mk8. Plus, it sounds like Mk8 will be the last GTI. Next one, if there is one at all will be EV. Not even sure if they will even keep the name. Ether way, it will not be a GTI.
Now I'm at a point where even my wife is telling me that I need to get a grownup car already and stop messing around with gokarts.
Last edited by DeepBlue99; Jun 2, 2023 at 01:38 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2022
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From: CA
How innovative does the infotainment really have to be after android auto and carplay? In the IS500 the volume and physical call control buttons are so perfectly placed you don't even need the steering wheel controls. Climate control buttons and function being totally separate is a big relief for me for potential repairs. The only real performance deficiency is the lack of a heads-up display. The computer screens on Mercedes just looks very off to me.
Personally I love the IS interior since I'm in this car to enjoy the drive, once my music is on I pretty much don't touch anything else infotainment wise.
Last edited by Renault; Jun 2, 2023 at 03:10 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
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From: CA
A few years back I might agree. Sadly, I find that I no longer have the patience for the German car ownership experience. Having said that, I'm even more done with American cars. TLX Type S has been on my radar since they announced, its close but not really a direct competitor. Though, turbo 6 is not bad compared to what MB is doing now in same price range.
That plus I really don't intend to ever sell this car for a number of reasons. Hence, I want something that can stand the test of time. If I look past this purchase, I might upgrade to LC 500 at some point for my old man car.
That plus I really don't intend to ever sell this car for a number of reasons. Hence, I want something that can stand the test of time. If I look past this purchase, I might upgrade to LC 500 at some point for my old man car.
If you're tired of ze Germans the IS 500 is definitely worth it. Just keep in kind its a $30,000 car with a $40,000 motor and your expectations won't get too out of control lol
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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From: PA
The reliability factor was huge for me. Though, to be fair, the most reliable and well-put-together car I've owned was the Corvette. Zero problems for 3 years even with our craptastic roads around here. Never even developed a single rattle. It was gas & oil changes, thats it. My IS rattles in 2 places already!
If you're tired of ze Germans the IS 500 is definitely worth it. Just keep in kind its a $30,000 car with a $40,000 motor and your expectations won't get too out of control lol
If you're tired of ze Germans the IS 500 is definitely worth it. Just keep in kind its a $30,000 car with a $40,000 motor and your expectations won't get too out of control lol
Thanks all! Appreciate the community support!
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 278
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From: KY
Welcome! That’s what we’re here for. Just hang in there; it can be a long, windy road. I started in early Feb and you wouldn’t believe all the Molten Pearls I have had the chance to buy, and then end up with a gently used Launch Edition which I am very excited about!
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,625
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From: GA
I think Lexus/Toyota switched to the NuLuxe for durability reasons. On the old IS Freaks facebook page, people reported issues where common touch points cracked or stitching separated on the bolsters.
Regular people do not take care of their cars properly, so maybe that was their answer? It’s odd that you can get a ‘luxury’ package on other models, but not on the IS.
Regardless…every person who has sat in mine would squish down into the seat and exclaim how lovely it felt. Unless they are car nuts, your friends won’t know. 😜
Regular people do not take care of their cars properly, so maybe that was their answer? It’s odd that you can get a ‘luxury’ package on other models, but not on the IS.
Regardless…every person who has sat in mine would squish down into the seat and exclaim how lovely it felt. Unless they are car nuts, your friends won’t know. 😜