Lexus IS official pricing

[steveny]

Infiniti's big, V8 Lux SUV (based on the Armada and I don't know the name) is priced similarly (similarily equipped) and doesn't offer scheduled maint.

QX56, Titan with a cap on it.

MB's new ML isn't as big as the GX but it's offered in V8 form and can seat 5+ with the third row seat and optioned up the same, I'm pretty sure it's quite a bit more than the $50K price point you mentioned. The G wagon is a lot more.

I was just at the MB dealer last week. The new ML is a great improvment over the last generation. The ML 500 I checked out was 53k, seemed like a pretty good deal.

BMW's X5 V8 (also not as big as the GX) and I don't think it seats more than 5 is also quite a bit more expensive than the $50K you mentioned when similarily equipped (I think they start at $54 or $55K and that's without any options).

I have owned several SUV's over the last few years, although I like the Touareg I now have the fully loaded 4.4 BMW X-5 I had still is my favorite.

 

[liftshard]

4 year 50k, just like the rest of the Lexus lineup.

And I'd like to see the sales numbers for the ES330 versus the TL - I bet Lexus wins that battle. The old IS should be compared to the TSX.

Acura has, through Aug 2005, sold about 6000 more units of the TL than Lexus has sold of the ES. The TL had 52,300 thru 8/05.

Sales data is easy to get to...no need to bet on stuff that you have no clue about.

http://www.aicautosite.com/editoria/asmr/svsedan.asp

 

[White92]

Everyone must know where they are on the pecking order. A $40,000 compact? Who WOULDN'T get a 330?

Are the choices the TL, IS, and 330? If so my first choice would be the TL, second the IS and last would be the 330. So basically, I wouldn't get a 330.

 

[liftshard]

Are the choices the TL, IS, and 330? If so my first choice would be the TL, second the IS and last would be the 330. So basically, I wouldn't get a 330.

Not at $40,000, you wouldn't. Cuz, they don't cost that much.

At $40k for a new sedan, I'd be hard-pressed to pass on the RL, but if I did, hmm...I'd probably pony up the few more for the E320CDI.

But, if I wanted a compact and had to spend $40k...I'd get a 330.

 

[White92]

Not at $40,000, you wouldn't. Cuz, they don't cost that much.

At $40k for a new sedan, I'd be hard-pressed to pass on the RL, but if I did, hmm...I'd probably pony up the few more for the E320CDI.

But, if I wanted a compact and had to spend $40k...I'd get a 330.

Ahh true. I forgot that we were talking about a $40k price tag. Someone posted below that they shopped the fully loaded IS350 and it had an MSRP of $42.8k! Isn't that what the dealerships are letting the new RL go for right now? People are buying the RL for $43k, which is almost the exact same MSRP of the last gen RL. If I had to spend $40k agree with you. I'd take the RL.

 

[ISONSX]

I think this post has went off track a bit since it started as the Lexus IS pricing. I was excited to see the new IS and appreciate the info on it but a littel disappointed about hte actual cost creep to $40k+ with some decent options for the 350. Since we are off track a bit and discussing the merits of the BMW / Lexus / Acura, here's my $0.02. I purchased a 20K mile 2001 330i BMW titanium silver convertible, sport package, premium package, etc when I sold my last NSX. I was SEVERLY disappointed. I was kicking myself for the entire six months I owned it since I spent $32K for it used a year ago (MSRP was right about $50K) when I could have had a brand new TL for the same money. The build quality on the BMW is average at best, the materials are average at best, the performance is substandard in BMWs for the price, and the overall package is just plain overpriced. I bought the thing on a whim and after I owned it for a few days, I realized how unsatisfying all of the aforementioned issues were. I had a hig line dealer sell it for me and he had a new M3 that I drove. The power was very good and the brakes were great, but $60K for a little over 300 horsepower? No way for me. It sounds like the TL might be the better buy over the IS350 but the one thing I didn't like about the TL when I drove it was the FWD. However, the build quality, fit, and finish were great IMO.

 

[NetViper]

Not at $40,000, you wouldn't. Cuz, they don't cost that much.

At $40k for a new sedan, I'd be hard-pressed to pass on the RL, but if I did, hmm...I'd probably pony up the few more for the E320CDI.

But, if I wanted a compact and had to spend $40k...I'd get a 330.

First the RL doesn't cost $40K -- more like $48K.

Second, I think the new BMW is ugly and I would take the TL or IS350 over one any day.

 

[Osiris_x11]

Bimmma'

First the RL doesn't cost $40K -- more like $48K.

Second, I think the new BMW is ugly and I would take the TL or IS350 over one any day.

There are Acura dealer incentives towards the purchase of a new RL of nearly $10k off MSRP. Paying $40k for a new RL (of-course not including ttl) is not unheard of.

I actually like the new 3-series, and it's as spacious as the last gen' 5-series! However, I'd only pursue a coupe if I was actually in the market... which only will be available in 2007. BMW's 3-series offers the sportiest drive (amongst the premium makes), ample luxury/tech., fit/finish is solid, styling is contemporary, resale value is VERY solid, and inclusive 3yr service/maint' is a nice perk.

 

[NsSeX]

When I think of Lexus or toyota, Buick comes to my mind right away! :biggrin: They're so boring to drive that I feel as if I should be some senile old grandpa!
My friend has a IS300 with coilover's (dirty slammed) and 19" Wheels and the car still felt so soft I had to ask him twice if he had installed his coilovers.

So this is just my opinion, but I will take a BMW or Acura over any Lexus any day.

 

[liftshard]

I think this post has went off track a bit since it started as the Lexus IS pricing. I was excited to see the new IS and appreciate the info on it but a littel disappointed about hte actual cost creep to $40k+ with some decent options for the 350. Since we are off track a bit and discussing the merits of the BMW / Lexus / Acura, here's my $0.02. I purchased a 20K mile 2001 330i BMW titanium silver convertible, sport package, premium package, etc when I sold my last NSX. I was SEVERLY disappointed. I was kicking myself for the entire six months I owned it since I spent $32K for it used a year ago (MSRP was right about $50K) when I could have had a brand new TL for the same money. The build quality on the BMW is average at best, the materials are average at best, the performance is substandard in BMWs for the price, and the overall package is just plain overpriced. I bought the thing on a whim and after I owned it for a few days, I realized how unsatisfying all of the aforementioned issues were. I had a hig line dealer sell it for me and he had a new M3 that I drove. The power was very good and the brakes were great, but $60K for a little over 300 horsepower? No way for me. It sounds like the TL might be the better buy over the IS350 but the one thing I didn't like about the TL when I drove it was the FWD. However, the build quality, fit, and finish were great IMO.

OK...all of what you say is true. You know, however, that the BADGE on the BMW MORE than makes up for all the rest of this, right?

Cuz they're selling 3-s like HOTCAKES, man, and have been for a decade. If all you say is true and common, that BMW makes an objectively inferior car to Acura, the ONLY thing keeping BMW in business is PRESTIGE. And, this level of brand cachet cannot be matched by Lexus. Lexus may have been close for a while, but they've slid backwards because the competing japanese brands' cars have gotten better.

You also need to remember that women are 50% of car buyers and chicks DIG BMWs. Guys know this and buy BMWs and do things BECAUSE chicks like them. I know, I know, a stunning revelation.

This IS is entering a crowded marketspace and is overpriced. BMW owns the small sports sedan niche anyway. The TSX does well, surely the IS will too...just not phenomenally well. And, if they are talking $43k for this car, whoa. Look at Lexus' sales figures, tho...the GS is brand-new and not selling particularly well. They sell ASTOUNDINGLY more 300s than 430s, and have for some time.

Everyone is paying so much attention to the bigger engined models, but it is the smaller ones that drive profits. The TL is the best-selling luxury car this year so far and has been either the best or #2 since just after its inception.

 

[NsSeX]

I just saw two brand new IS's a little while ago, and upon seeing the IS in person, it reminded me of a glorified Mazda 3 IMO the front body lines do not match up well with the rear.

 

[Dave Hardy]

I just saw two brand new IS's a little while ago, and upon seeing the IS in person, it reminded me of a glorified Mazda 3 IMO the front body lines do not match up well with the rear.

As stated earlier - it looks like Bangle had his hand in the cookie dough. A random collection of unrelated and mismatched features is a staple of that school of design.

 

[SilverStone05]

Is it just me or does anyone else agree that the new Lexus' are becoming more and more BMW like in design??

Also I don't have high expectations from the IS after test driving a GS 430. A Complete waste of money especially when your paying about 50k for a "sports luxury sedan" that feels cheaper than a accord.

hahaha....you're joking right?

 

[Vytas]

Is there an IS350 Manual coming?

I don't think so. I read the review of the car in AutoWeek and liked everything about it except the slushbox being the only tranny on the IS350.

One AutoWeek reader commented about this. "If Lexus is so relentless in its pursuit of the 3 Series, it needs to figure out that people who want manuals don't want to settle for less power. Limiting AWD and manual options to the IS250 is absolutely absurd."

I couldn't agree more. I prefer to shift my own gears and want a clutch. I will never buy a slushbox mated to a sports car, no matter what kind it is. To me the car is handicapped. You'll never see the full and complete potential of the car.

 

[Hiroshima]

Re: Bimmma'

There are Acura dealer incentives towards the purchase of a new RL of nearly $10k off MSRP. Paying $40k for a new RL (of-course not including ttl) is not unheard of.

If this is the case, I think an RL would be in my future long before the IS. I am pretty active on the IS.net boards and a few things have come up that make me lean more towards the Acura brand.

The IS literature says it has more interior space than the prevoius model, however members on the IS300.net board say that it feels more crampt than the current generation. (they should know what they are talking about after all) This IMO is really dissapointing for someone who is going to be in the market for a sedan that can actually hold 4 people. I don't want a civic sized car (which the IS300 is). The car is small to begin with. Why make it bigger and heavier on the outside but smaller on the inside? But I also don't necessarily want an ES330 sized car either. That is why I find the TL so attractive. It is sized just right, has a lot of value for the money, and it looks pretty good. FWD asside, it sound like a great deal.

But if you told me I could get an RL for just 7-8k more.... well then I may not mind the fact that I will be driving a ES330 sized car :wink:

 

[Da Hapa]

OK...all of what you say is true. You know, however, that the BADGE on the BMW MORE than makes up for all the rest of this, right?
.

It might to some people. Personally, I think buying a car because it has a particular brand on the hood is just plain stuipd.

 

[steveny]

OK...all of what you say is true. You know, however, that the BADGE on the BMW MORE than makes up for all the rest of this, right?

Cuz they're selling 3-s like HOTCAKES, man, and have been for a decade. If all you say is true and common, that BMW makes an objectively inferior car to Acura, the ONLY thing keeping BMW in business is PRESTIGE. And, this level of brand cachet cannot be matched by Lexus. Lexus may have been close for a while, but they've slid backwards because the competing japanese brands' cars have gotten better.

You also need to remember that women are 50% of car buyers and chicks DIG BMWs. Guys know this and buy BMWs and do things BECAUSE chicks like them. I know, I know, a stunning revelation.

This IS is entering a crowded marketspace and is overpriced. BMW owns the small sports sedan niche anyway. The TSX does well, surely the IS will too...just not phenomenally well. And, if they are talking $43k for this car, whoa. Look at Lexus' sales figures, tho...the GS is brand-new and not selling particularly well. They sell ASTOUNDINGLY more 300s than 430s, and have for some time.

Everyone is paying so much attention to the bigger engined models, but it is the smaller ones that drive profits. The TL is the best-selling luxury car this year so far and has been either the best or #2 since just after its inception.

Also BMW service, at least around here, is top notch. No arguing to get something done, just a yes sir. Also no crappy loaner to drive when I take the BMW in I get a very nice new 5 series to drive.

 

[bsudiro]

Went to the Lexus test drive event today.
They had both IS 250 and 350 on the autocross-like track, .. and I tried both of them. Actually tried more than once on the 350.
I like the exterior design, .. interior is quite comfortable for the driver, but very cramped in the back. It did not look small from the outside, but legroom in the back is surprisingly small, even worse than the old '01 corolla!! :frown:

Accelleration was OK, .. but very dissapointed with the 250 semi-auto transmission (They didn't have the manual version). It had quite a long lag on gear change (I used the paddle shifters). The ppl there claimed that both cars used the same gearbox, but there was such a difference in shifting between both cars that I can't tell if it's true. The 350 just shifted much faster with the paddle shifter.

Steering was very light .. power steering was much more than I like to, but turning the corner on the 350, it has quite a confidence in gripping the road. I was not too afraid to push it through the corners and it was quite fun going through the makeshift track. 250 was not too bad in the corners too, but the slow shifting just bugged the hell out of me.

To sum it up, I think the IS 350 was quite OK. I didn't try BMW 330 this afternoon, the line was quite long and we decided to try the GS instead. But, the legroom in the back and the lack of manual transmission on the IS 350 are 2 big negatives. With the long shifting time on the IS 250, I just don't like that at all!!

Also tried the GS 430 along with BMW 530. What a dissapointment! BMW was just way more fun to drive and inspire a lot more confidence through the corners. I have not liked GS styling at all (Really reminds me of a Maxima!!) and the performance is just not there. Apart from the plush leather and a better electronics (none of those iDrive crap!), 530 just spanked the GS!

Just for fun at the end of the day, tried SC 430, .. that was even worse!! I'd better not say more, .. it was really not worth even testing.

Cheers .. Gus

 

[NsSeX]

hahaha....you're joking right?

lol I wish I wasn't but IMO I do feel that a Lexus is a waste of money especially when your comparing them against a BMW. It's like childs play when you try comparing the build quality of a Lexus vs. a BMW.

 

[liftshard]

I don't think so. I read the review of the car in AutoWeek and liked everything about it except the slushbox being the only tranny on the IS350.

One AutoWeek reader commented about this. "If Lexus is so relentless in its pursuit of the 3 Series, it needs to figure out that people who want manuals don't want to settle for less power. Limiting AWD and manual options to the IS250 is absolutely absurd."

This AutoWeek reader is absolutely absurd. Automatics comprise the VAST majority of car sales. And, the SMALLER-engined cars comprise the VAST majority within any model. Basically, despite all the hype on TV, for example, the Accord 4-banger outsells the 6 by like 9:1 or something. Same thing with autos vs. manuals. 6:1 at least. Look at GS300 vs. 430 in the sales data I posted.

IOW, NOBODY buying freaking 3-SERIES cars is buying V6 manuals EITHER! Why carmakers even still produce them is beyond me in vehicles like this.

It might to some people. Personally, I think buying a car because it has a particular brand on the hood is just plain stuipd.

Well, you are in a minority. People like you and me do not drive car sales. Image-conscious people do.

 

[White92]

This AutoWeek reader is absolutely absurd. Automatics comprise the VAST majority of car sales. And, the SMALLER-engined cars comprise the VAST majority within any model. Basically, despite all the hype on TV, for example, the Accord 4-banger outsells the 6 by like 9:1 or something. Same thing with autos vs. manuals. 6:1 at least. Look at GS300 vs. 430 in the sales data I posted.

IOW, NOBODY buying freaking 3-SERIES cars is buying V6 manuals EITHER! Why carmakers even still produce them is beyond me in vehicles like this.



Well, you are in a minority. People like you and me do not drive car sales. Image-conscious people do.

I know it would be the majority of the IS350 sales, but couldn't they at least offer the manual tranny in it?

 

[Da Hapa]

lol I wish I wasn't but IMO I do feel that a Lexus is a waste of money especially when your comparing them against a BMW. It's like childs play when you try comparing the build quality of a Lexus vs. a BMW.

I couldn't disagree more strongly.

We've had 5 Lexus. Only the 2002 IS has less than 50K miles on it (the RX has 80K and we have two LS that went over 130K) and not one serious problem. We did have a few minor issues with the second LS but they weren't until the car got way deep in the six figure mark.

Compare that to a 2002 M3 that has had a myriad of problems including:
1. HID headlamps that get stuck in the down position (when you start the car the headlights move down, then up before centering) no less than four times which leaves me driving with the headlights that I just paid a premium for pointed straight at the ground.
2. Headliner falling out of the car
3. Trim pieces falling off the door handle on the passenger side.
4. Premium sound that just stopped working.
5. Weird ilde that sometimes translates into slow throttle response when you're in traffic (twice).

BMW has been kind enough to handle all of these repairs under warranty (as the car only has 30K miles on it) but they've been fighting about the HID lamps the last few times saying that the ballasts are breaking as a function of the stiff ride, small sidewalls (don't have the optional 19" wheels) and the supposedly "bad" roads in S. CA (if you've been here you'd know what a joke that is).

I'm not impressed and frankly since I think all the new BMW's are butt ugly it might not matter

 

[NsSeX]

Well I guess you got a bad apple :biggrin:

But honestly when you compare the interior feel of the Lexus vs. the BMW doesn't the BMW feel much better? Lexus's leather doesn't feel like quality leather (?) whereas the BMW leather well you get the point.

Even when you close the doors you can really tell/feel the difference. On any German car, you pretty much guarenteed a nice solid sound/feel when you close your doors. I remember on the Lexus LX 470 the doors felt super light, didn't shut like the german cars and one had to practically slam the door shut for it to completely shut.

 

[liftshard]

Oh yes, door slamming is the way to judge quality on a car.

Sorry, but Toyota build quality is far better than BMW's.

 

[Da Hapa]

Oh yes, door slamming is the way to judge quality on a car.

Sorry, but Toyota build quality is far better than BMW's.

I knew Liftshard and I would find something that we would agree on. :biggrin: