"Car Care Nut" Reviews IS500
Driver
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 73
Likes: 47
From: TX
The Eco mode I actually echo his sentiment as Eco/standard and Sport all seem the same to me. Only Sport plus seems to make a difference.
The IS500 is more similar to it's 3IS IS350 Fsport counterparts than the ISF was to it's Lexus equivalent. So in a sense the ISF WAS a significantly different and better car than a regular 2IS 350 than the IS500 is to it's contemporary version. I don't think he's saying outright head to head it's better overall, but if you want a track focused car, an argument can be made due to brakes and suspension.
The IS500 is more similar to it's 3IS IS350 Fsport counterparts than the ISF was to it's Lexus equivalent. So in a sense the ISF WAS a significantly different and better car than a regular 2IS 350 than the IS500 is to it's contemporary version. I don't think he's saying outright head to head it's better overall, but if you want a track focused car, an argument can be made due to brakes and suspension.
"The IS 350 wasn't promised to be a hot performer so....here we are with this"....
Strong words and very poorly delivered. Hopefully, folks considering will take the necessary steps to find out more before they make their final decision.
I will add one caveat.....I do have a Pedal Commander that I use from time to time, so I don't necessarily have any issues with the transmission after it's warmed. No issues with the steering that he seems to think is the biggest letdown.
I traded in a 2022 BMW M440i for my IS500 and had the same discussions there. It's not a true M car....but I found it better than the current M4 when factoring cost/performance. It was about the same price as the IS 500.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 137
Likes: 103
From: IL
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 556
Likes: 843
From: ID
Love how the IS500 carries on the 1960s muscle car tradition of manufacturers stuffing their biggest engine into their smallest car with little upgrades to anything else. Yes, many of us would’ve gladly paid $4-5k extra for better brakes and oil/transmission coolers but we all understand why Lexus chose a lower MSRP over more track oriented equipment.
Besides, spending 30 minutes complaining that the IS500 is not a modern day IS-F makes about as much sense as complaining that it can’t tow 7500 lbs.
Besides, spending 30 minutes complaining that the IS500 is not a modern day IS-F makes about as much sense as complaining that it can’t tow 7500 lbs.
I don't think he's wrong with everything that he said but I think his own expectation prior to driving the car really created bias in his review. It almost seems like he expected this to be an M/RS/AMG competitor (and we all know that it isn't supposed to be) even though he didn't say it out loud. I do agree with him and wished Lexus put the 10 speed from the LC in this car but I understand why they didn't. They would've had to put it in the RC-F as well and it really wouldn't make sense for a car that's reaching end of production plus it's more cost effective as a company since a lot is carried over from the IS350 RWD. I'm sure we all would've loved for this to be a full F car but most of us knew it isn't going in so that's why we are satisfied with our purchase.
Just my two cents.
Just my two cents.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 1,380
From: TX
Here is a huge one he got wrong that this is the same engine as the one in the IS F. It isn't. There are many changes, it's not just bumped up compression and some tuning. When he said that he lost any credibility. For someone who claims to know, he does not. He is full of crap.
Here is a good spot to read from...
http://australiancar.reviews/2UR-GSE-engine.php
Here is a good spot to read from...
http://australiancar.reviews/2UR-GSE-engine.php
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 143
Likes: 78
From: The Yay
I don't think he's wrong with everything that he said but I think his own expectation prior to driving the car really created bias in his review. It almost seems like he expected this to be an M/RS/AMG competitor (and we all know that it isn't supposed to be) even though he didn't say it out loud. I do agree with him and wished Lexus put the 10 speed from the LC in this car but I understand why they didn't. They would've had to put it in the RC-F as well and it really wouldn't make sense for a car that's reaching end of production plus it's more cost effective as a company since a lot is carried over from the IS350 RWD. I'm sure we all would've loved for this to be a full F car but most of us knew it isn't going in so that's why we are satisfied with our purchase.
Just my two cents.
Just my two cents.
The IS500 car is more like the older GS430, SC400, SC430 where they were just an additional engine option, but otherwise the same car.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 1,380
From: TX
totally agree. CCN put too much emotion into this review. All based on an oversold expectations that he had incorrectly assumed or had been given. It's been mostly met by equally strong emotions by us in reaction to his emotions. However we mostly don't disagree with this factual observations.
The IS500 car is more like the older GS430, SC400, SC430 where they were just an additional engine option, but otherwise the same car.
The IS500 car is more like the older GS430, SC400, SC430 where they were just an additional engine option, but otherwise the same car.
I disagree with lots of his "factual" observations as he got lots of "facts" wrong. Is it a perfect car? No. Was it sold as the IS F? No. Is it as specced up as an F car like the GS F or RC F are? No. But he was stuck on the they ran out of money, it's incomplete shtick. It's his take but he's wrong. Maybe it's his way of trying to have an angle on the debate. This car is basically the last gasp of the 2UR-GSE V8 and swan song for the current IS platform and that motor. I am thankful they did it as it looked like they would not. It took them 8 years of the platform to release what many of us wanted in 2014.
I don't care that he doesn't think it is perfect or God's gift to humanity in car form. (that's the MK4 Supra /sarcasm)
When someone blows their facts so hard then I get upset. Too many youtubers suck at basic facts. If you say something try to back it up.
Last edited by Bechtold; Jul 5, 2023 at 08:12 PM.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 143
Likes: 78
From: The Yay
CCN is nothing but a compensated You Tuber. There are even vids where he rebuilt a customers motor. It blew up. Then he did another vid about how and why to do it the correct way and why it blew up. There was already a technical document on how to do it the right way in the 1st place. Then he goes on to say -"what we learned". lol! We?
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 164
Likes: 82
From: GA
I hear ya...but he literally said it's better at everything and the IS 500 is a complete disappointment. I agree with you WRT similarities with the 350 F Sport.
"The IS 350 wasn't promised to be a hot performer so....here we are with this"....
Strong words and very poorly delivered. Hopefully, folks considering will take the necessary steps to find out more before they make their final decision.
I will add one caveat.....I do have a Pedal Commander that I use from time to time, so I don't necessarily have any issues with the transmission after it's warmed. No issues with the steering that he seems to think is the biggest letdown.
I traded in a 2022 BMW M440i for my IS500 and had the same discussions there. It's not a true M car....but I found it better than the current M4 when factoring cost/performance. It was about the same price as the IS 500.
"The IS 350 wasn't promised to be a hot performer so....here we are with this"....
Strong words and very poorly delivered. Hopefully, folks considering will take the necessary steps to find out more before they make their final decision.
I will add one caveat.....I do have a Pedal Commander that I use from time to time, so I don't necessarily have any issues with the transmission after it's warmed. No issues with the steering that he seems to think is the biggest letdown.
I traded in a 2022 BMW M440i for my IS500 and had the same discussions there. It's not a true M car....but I found it better than the current M4 when factoring cost/performance. It was about the same price as the IS 500.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 143
Likes: 78
From: The Yay
Your last line is correct, yet somehow he missed that.
I disagree with lots of his "factual" observations as he got lots of "facts" wrong. Is it a perfect car? No. Was it sold as the IS F? No. Is it as specced up as an F car like the GS F or RC F are? No. But he was stuck on the they ran out of money, it's incomplete shtick. It's his take but he's wrong. Maybe it's his way of trying to have an angle on the debate. This car is basically the last gasp of the 2UR-GSE V8 and swan song for the current IS platform and that motor. I am thankful they did it as it looked like they would not. It took them 8 years of the platform to release what many of us wanted in 2014.
I don't care that he doesn't think it is perfect or God's gift to humanity in car form. (that's the MK4 Supra /sarcasm)
When someone blows their facts so hard then I get upset. Too many youtubers suck at basic facts. If you say something try to back it up.
I disagree with lots of his "factual" observations as he got lots of "facts" wrong. Is it a perfect car? No. Was it sold as the IS F? No. Is it as specced up as an F car like the GS F or RC F are? No. But he was stuck on the they ran out of money, it's incomplete shtick. It's his take but he's wrong. Maybe it's his way of trying to have an angle on the debate. This car is basically the last gasp of the 2UR-GSE V8 and swan song for the current IS platform and that motor. I am thankful they did it as it looked like they would not. It took them 8 years of the platform to release what many of us wanted in 2014.
I don't care that he doesn't think it is perfect or God's gift to humanity in car form. (that's the MK4 Supra /sarcasm)
When someone blows their facts so hard then I get upset. Too many youtubers suck at basic facts. If you say something try to back it up.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 319
Likes: 286
From: HI
^^^ same here. I went back and rewatched the contents and agree that his expectations were a bit more than what this car was intended, but his observations about the shortcomings of this car mirrors our gripes as well.
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 119
Likes: 108
From: IA
I made that change within a week of getting the car. Go ahead and try it, there's no harm. It takes 30 seconds. If you don't like it, then another 30 seconds will put you back to stock. I grabbed a pack of vacuum caps from an auto parts store for like 4 bucks.
The change is obvious, but not dramatic, if that makes sense. Overall I prefer the earlier onset of intake noise with the flap perma-open. I spend a lot more time in the 2000-3000 rpm range than 3000+, so it's nice to hear intake noise more frequently. The sound of the engine, after all, is the whole reason I bought this car.
The change is obvious, but not dramatic, if that makes sense. Overall I prefer the earlier onset of intake noise with the flap perma-open. I spend a lot more time in the 2000-3000 rpm range than 3000+, so it's nice to hear intake noise more frequently. The sound of the engine, after all, is the whole reason I bought this car.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 836
Likes: 1,075
From: NJ
Love how the IS500 carries on the 1960s muscle car tradition of manufacturers stuffing their biggest engine into their smallest car with little upgrades to anything else. Yes, many of us would’ve gladly paid $4-5k extra for better brakes and oil/transmission coolers but we all understand why Lexus chose a lower MSRP over more track oriented equipment.
Besides, spending 30 minutes complaining that the IS500 is not a modern day IS-F makes about as much sense as complaining that it can’t tow 7500 lbs.
Besides, spending 30 minutes complaining that the IS500 is not a modern day IS-F makes about as much sense as complaining that it can’t tow 7500 lbs.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 1,380
From: TX
His harping on the fake sound and how unusual it was to have it.. Yes it has it so turn it off and there is none but he never mentioned you can do that. The RC F has ASC that is active in Sport S+ but no button to turn it On / Off! The GS F had an On / Off ASC button, not a volume control like the IS 500 so it is not unprecedented with the Lexus performance V8 cars to have it.
During 19:54-20:23 in the video he says... "All they did was increase the compression. And then they tweaked a little bit of the tuning to get it that last push to 472hp."
Uh No it is not the same motor, they did a lot more than that as I posted here...
http://australiancar.reviews/2UR-GSE-engine.php
A fair amount of hardware changed. If it was easy IS F guys would have swapped the parts to get the same power.
Like I said before I don't care if the review is all positive and agrees with me 100%, heck it can disagree with me 100% and that is fine. Just get your facts straight and he did not. If you don't like the car or it disappoints you, great, it's not for everyone. If you like it great. We have different reasons for liking it.
During 19:54-20:23 in the video he says... "All they did was increase the compression. And then they tweaked a little bit of the tuning to get it that last push to 472hp."
Uh No it is not the same motor, they did a lot more than that as I posted here...
http://australiancar.reviews/2UR-GSE-engine.php
A fair amount of hardware changed. If it was easy IS F guys would have swapped the parts to get the same power.
Like I said before I don't care if the review is all positive and agrees with me 100%, heck it can disagree with me 100% and that is fine. Just get your facts straight and he did not. If you don't like the car or it disappoints you, great, it's not for everyone. If you like it great. We have different reasons for liking it.
Last edited by Bechtold; Jul 6, 2023 at 08:00 AM.
Driver
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 62
Likes: 53
From: MD
I made that change within a week of getting the car. Go ahead and try it, there's no harm. It takes 30 seconds. If you don't like it, then another 30 seconds will put you back to stock. I grabbed a pack of vacuum caps from an auto parts store for like 4 bucks.
The change is obvious, but not dramatic, if that makes sense. Overall I prefer the earlier onset of intake noise with the flap perma-open. I spend a lot more time in the 2000-3000 rpm range than 3000+, so it's nice to hear intake noise more frequently. The sound of the engine, after all, is the whole reason I bought this car.
The change is obvious, but not dramatic, if that makes sense. Overall I prefer the earlier onset of intake noise with the flap perma-open. I spend a lot more time in the 2000-3000 rpm range than 3000+, so it's nice to hear intake noise more frequently. The sound of the engine, after all, is the whole reason I bought this car.