Looking for IS 500 Thoughts
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 221
Likes: 182
From: Ca
The IS500 is one of the ultimate jeckel and hyde cars. When you test drive it, put it in Sport+, manual, fully warmed up, traction off, and drive it hard around corners to stiffen up the suspension. It becomes remarkably nimble, handles well, loses the rear end quite easily if you're not careful, and is an absolute blast to drive. On the other hand, if you stay in eco/sport mode and take it easy on the throttle, corners, etc. then it can feel too soft, lazy to shift, maybe a bit "boaty", etc. That's absolutely fine if you want to just cruise and chill, and it absorbs bumps to perfection (the balance that Lexus has found between absorbing the bumps whilst still giving you good road feel is truly remarkable IMO). But , just make sure you drive it extensively in both "modes" to get the true sense of the car. Many reviewers simply don't push it like I described above, and come away with an inaccurate impression of the car's overall abilities.
Test drove a 350 for about 10 minutes, no 500' s in stock just to get the feel and fit, I'm 5 ft 11 and I felt comfortable in it , had planned on a 350 from day 1 until reading up and my 24 yr old son
telling me how bad ( great ) it is , he's into imports, I currently drive a Toyota Solara
but also have a 66 Chevy Nova, mild small block
and didn't want to say " wow I could've had a V8"
( younger guys probably won't get that slogan)
Put down my deposit, due in about 3 to 4 weeks in the build stage.
2 V8'S are better than 1
Can't wait for my first drive, moreso the first drive once broken in when I make a run to Reno to play in the mountains.
Live in Sacramento area and have yet to see one on the road.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 221
Likes: 182
From: Ca
First and foremost the IS500 is a Lexus, that means the tilt will be toward luxury and reliability. This car will not outperform a BMW M3 or AMG Mercedes set up for the track but it will be a hell of a lot more comfortable yet still very fun to drive everyday. If you keep your cars this will most likely keep you happy for many trouble free years, if you switch every few years the Lexus resale value will always hold up well especially with this last of the Mohicans V8 (I personally think the stock sound is awesome!), plus this is arguably the best looking sports sedan on the market, absolutely stunning!
Was thinking a used 22-24 but at around 50 K
plus with lo mileage, new around 60
I figured what the hell
Wanted white orig, then Atomic silver (discontinued) then saw Incognito and WOW sold
So deposit on 24 Incognito performance Premium with the BBS wheels, build stage and expected 9/24 to 10/10
Surprised how loaded it is , wheels being the only option offered
When I got into the G70 and adjusted the drivers seat to where I was comfortable the rear of the G70 had very little back seat room. It had less than even my wife's 2013 IS 350 which has less room than my current gen IS. I'm not a tall guy so I'd like to know if they increased the room in the refresh because it did not look like they did. It was one of the reasons I did not consider the G70. The Kia Stinger GT which my brother has is far more roomy and a hatchback so to me it's the better packaged version of this car / platform.
a pre-facelift model and hope it wouldn't need any warranty work. Anything else I would diy or use a local third party mechanic.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,625
Likes: 5,001
From: GA
I currently drive a Toyota Solara
but also have a 66 Chevy Nova, mild small block
and didn't want to say " wow I could've had a V8"
( younger guys probably won't get that slogan)
Put down my deposit, due in about 3 to 4 weeks in the build stage.
2 V8'S are better than .
but also have a 66 Chevy Nova, mild small block
and didn't want to say " wow I could've had a V8"
( younger guys probably won't get that slogan)
Put down my deposit, due in about 3 to 4 weeks in the build stage.
2 V8'S are better than .
My dad and I rebuilt a ‘77 Chevy Nova and put a racing cam in it. It was my daily driver in the DC Area at the time and I called him Brutus. God I miss that thing, kids these days don’t know what loud means… 🤣
Cant wait to hear/read your first impressions, good luck!
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 137
Likes: 103
From: IL
That seems to be the story in most areas from what I've read: great car - lousy service. The closest dealer to me has a lot of terrible reviews. I would likely get a pre-facelift model and hope it wouldn't need any warranty work. Anything else I would diy or use a local third party mechanic.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 22
From: Florida (Miami)
Driver
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 70
Likes: 22
From: Florida (Miami)
Hello everyone,
I feel I am being pulled into the sport sedan market and the IS 500 is on my short list as I am a Lexus fan ever since I purchased my RX350 back in 2021. I have always had fun cars in my stable 97 corvette - SOLD, 2006 Corvette Z06 - SOLD, 2013 427 Vert. - Current. Looking to possibly sell the Vette and get into the IS 500 just wondering if anyone can give their thoughts on driving dynamics. I know I may miss the LS7 and manual transmission but I am hoping that the IS 500 is still fun to drive. Just looking for a change or may I be just a little crazy going from a sports car to a sport sedan????
I feel I am being pulled into the sport sedan market and the IS 500 is on my short list as I am a Lexus fan ever since I purchased my RX350 back in 2021. I have always had fun cars in my stable 97 corvette - SOLD, 2006 Corvette Z06 - SOLD, 2013 427 Vert. - Current. Looking to possibly sell the Vette and get into the IS 500 just wondering if anyone can give their thoughts on driving dynamics. I know I may miss the LS7 and manual transmission but I am hoping that the IS 500 is still fun to drive. Just looking for a change or may I be just a little crazy going from a sports car to a sport sedan????
Driver
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 7
From: MD
hello all, really looking forward to getting into an IS500 someday soon. besides the wheel change from 2022 (silver Enkeis, which I prefer) to 2023 (dark Enkeis), did the IS500 change at all from one model year to the next?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 140
Likes: 152
From: North Carolina
2025MY will have new wheels and power folding side mirror. Even a new yellow exterior color as special appearance package.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 221
Likes: 182
From: Ca
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 238
Likes: 184
At least you'll be able to source the US spec parts to add it in the future. You had to do a bit of modding if you wanted to use the JDM power mirrors that others here have done.
Driver
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 7
From: MD