Now that our IS500s made in Japan are subject to a 25% tariif are ours sitting in our garages more or less desireable, thoughts? Actually they are probably still desireable but at what cost?

 

I do not see how it could be less desirable since it is so unique. It has already been rumored that production will end in the near future so the price increase shouldn't have impact on that either. It seems that all used cars will be worth more since they are not tariffed. So, if you have one enjoy it or sell it for more than you paid for it!

 

Quick reminder not to venture into politics discussion in this forum, as this topic has a tendency to go in that direction. Thank you.

 

This is how things were back in the day before global trade and transportation. All imported cars were expensive and these tariffs just turned back the clock. MSPR will go up, parts, repairs, and insurance will be more expensive. Imported cars were desirable to the few that could afford them and the expenses that came with them. Hopefully the domestic car makers step it up and build good, reliable, beautiful cars because that's all most will afford and our IS500 will remain desirable but not too accessible to the masses.

 

This is not politics it is economics, in my opinion.....

 

I wish the AI videos were true for a new Imapala SS and Corvette SUV both powered with the upcoming LT2 V8. I'd go for the SUV quick.

I'm guessing everything will balance out in a year or two. There are so many pieces on the board, the immediate future is all anyone can see right now.

 

agreed

 

I know, I am just trying to remind folks not to go to politics. Nowhere in my post did I say anything so far was politics.

 

Apparently, the IS will probably get some updates with the 2026 MY and the IS500/V8 will not be discontinued. According to the rumors in JP, the development code for the IS refresh is 554D and is scheduled to roll off the line at the end of this year. If that's true, I hope they'll update the interior and update the tech.
Btw, that goes for the LC as well. It remains to be seen how the tariffs will affect us.

 

I mean I can see Japan getting that refreshed IS, of course, but it's no guarantee they'll send it here (and certainly not if these tariffs stick!), even as a product the US big wigs begged for originally. Not sure about that new chrome bar linking the headlights, but if it keeps the car relevant and alive, I support whatever.

 

I would be very very surprised if we get the updated IS unless tariffs are repealed. Even MBUSA is thinking about stopping the import of their cheapest imported cars like the C class if the tariffs persist. We'll see if Toyota is willing to eat the 25% tariffs on the 100% Japanese IS.

 

I was assuming 2025 was the last model year of the IS 500 anyway. I thought Jeff Bracken, David Christ or Andrew Gilleland came out and said the IS 500 will only exist for 4 years.

The tariffs surely kill the LS.

 

Sadly I see the tariffs killing all the luxo barges with maybe the exception of the S-Class. The domestics have largely given up and are non competitive. Genesis isn’t going to sell at 25% markup and BMW might move the 7 series to Spartanburg, but I really doubt it. Too bad my wife is stuck on SUVs as I’d love to replace her X5 with a LS500. We only have 1 child and don’t need a SUV. I really thought about getting a LS500 myself, but while I’m still young enough to get in and out of an IS500, the V8 won out.

 

I also have a 2016 LS, the most comfortable car I've ever owned over 56 years of car ownership. The IS is my fun car but when I want pure opulence the LS is it and what I drive most.

 

So they are updating the IS to look like the current Honda Accord?