I'm Thinking about a 07 IS350

[Koz]

I want to get a vehicle that I can use on the trips that don't require a truck. I used to have an Avalon (which was sold for the 4Runner) that got 30 mpg and was VERY comfy on a buzz to the shore or to go on long trips. I miss having a car. I'll be selling my TRD blown PreRunner.

After doing some research I think the IS350 is exactly what I'm looking for. It can get 28 mpg on the highway and is kicking ass in its class as far as performance. Even the BMW is meek compared to the IS. It's 1 second faster 0 to 60. It is a TRUE Luxury Sports Car. It has ALL the goodies; keyless

 

[Whoknows]

Can't go wrong with that choice. I saw one at the annual car show here and it would be my choice if I were in the market. Performance, luxury, and reliability -- hard to beat.

Good luck with it.

 

[leftyrb]

We have two 4x4's in the family, and should I decide to buy a sedan, I would consider the 2007 Lexus ES350, perhaps a bit larger than the IS, but priced about the same as an Avalon.

 

[Koz]

We have two 4x4's in the family, and should I decide to buy a sedan, I would consider the 2007 Lexus ES350, perhaps a bit larger than the IS, but priced about the same as an Avalon.

The ES is $10K more then the Avalon! The Avalon is the better buy, but the ES looks better!

Koz

 

[Thai]

IS is a great car! But, you should note that the '07 BMW 3-series coupe will have a turbocharged engine making 300 hp and 300 torque. This should easily matched the IS's acceleration numbers. Handling has always favored BMW. As for quality and interior comforts, Lexus wins by a mile. Just something to consider.

As for the new Avalon, DO NOT CONSIDER IT. There have been a lot of issues/bugs with the new Avalon. Hopefully, by 2007, Toyota has fixed these bugs. However, until that day comes, i would stay clear of it. ES/Camry is also suffering from tranny issues.

Good luck with IS...the only thing keeping me from loving it all the way is the very small rear seat. It is easily the best of the new L-finesse design from Lexus.

 

[Mark86]

When my moms Lexus was in service, I was looking at all their sedans. I really liked the IS, but the headroom was definitely an issue for me in the rear seat. I am around 6' 2'', and my head was hitting the ceiling in the back seat. The ES350 was definitely better with headroom. It was also a nice car, but geared more toward a family sedan than a sports sedan. You can't go wrong with any Lexus you buy. If you need a good Lexus dealer and salesman in New Jersey, just let me know.

 

[Koz]

IS is a great car! But, you should note that the '07 BMW 3-series coupe will have a turbocharged engine making 300 hp and 300 torque. This should easily matched the IS's acceleration numbers. Handling has always favored BMW. As for quality and interior comforts, Lexus wins by a mile. Just something to consider.

Good luck with IS...the only thing keeping me from loving it all the way is the very small rear seat. It is easily the best of the new L-finesse design from Lexus.

I would never even consider a Beemer or Mercedes, they're way over priced for their fair reliability record. I keep my vehicles way beyond their warranty and I have seen repair costs on them that were totally ridiculous, after the warranty expired. Sorry, no German cars for me. Also, I will not support Countries that piss in our ears and tell us it's raining.

The only car that I would consider is the new 07 G35 with a rumored 300+ Hp and upgraded interior. I find that Luxury is just as important as performance (I never thought that would be coming out of my mouth) and no other car in that class can match the IS350 for the money. The IS has ALL the other manufactures scrambling to upgrade/redesign a vehicle to compete. It is funny that the Luxury Manufacture is the one setting the performance bar. Also it's funny that BMW has to go to a turbo to compete. One other big factor is gas mileage, I plan to retire at a young age and the next vehicle I get should get decent mileage (the IS gets 28 Highway MPG, with over 300HP). BMW (and the other manufactures) cannot get that mileage with less hp and without a turbo.

The only thing that I did not like about the IS was the VDIM system that controls all the electronic handling nannies (it could not be turned off). This was the reason the IS came just behind the BMW in handling. The 07 will have a defeat switch, which should make things very interesting.

Koz

 

[Koz]

When my moms Lexus was in service, I was looking at all their sedans. I really liked the IS, but the headroom was definitely an issue for me in the rear seat. I am around 6' 2'', and my head was hitting the ceiling in the back seat. The ES350 was definitely better with headroom. It was also a nice car, but geared more toward a family sedan than a sports sedan. You can't go wrong with any Lexus you buy. If you need a good Lexus dealer and salesman in New Jersey, just let me know.

Mark,

I went out yesterday and looked at all the cars in this class and I found that the IS's back seat is a little smaller then the G and the 330i (very little) but is way more comfy (Plush). I sat in the back seat of the IS and I did not touch the roof (6.1) and my knees just fit without touching. I don't plan on passengers but I feel there is enough room in the back for two adults. The other vehicle's back seats were very uncomfortable. The BMW in particular felt like a covered flat board.

I could not believe how cool the dash and instruments looked. The electroluminescent gauge panels are incredible. Check out how the gauges fire up. In addition, the whole tachometer (lighting) changes to red when you reach the red line.

http://lexus.com/models/is/interior.html

PS - I never heard a better car stereo then the ML, in the IS. BREATHTAKING!

Mark, I will be taking you up on your Lexus connection, they seem to be a PITA to deal with.

Koz

 

[Thai]

Well, i am not sure that IS has taken over the segment from BMW. From 99% of comparisons that i have read, BMW has come out on top. Even if you could disable VDIM (you can do it now too BTW), i doubt that IS would beat BMW in handling and braking. BMW has always been known as a "driver's car." Remember, in all the reviews, IS has been criticized for it's numb electric steering & overall handling feel. It is Lexus best handler for sure, but has not overtaken BMW in this area. Performance is more than just straight line acceleration. If you look at most magazine specs, then you will see that BMW exceeded IS in every category not related to straight line acceleration...some of this you can blame on VDIM, but others you cannot (like braking).

Where IS is clearly better than BMW is luxury features and reliability. I agree with your statement about German cars. Has there been problems with the new BMW 3-series?? I have not looked into this.

Is Lexus really coming out with an OFF switch for IS?? I must have missed this on Clublexus. Can you show me the link?? It's funny because Lexus was very adamant about not offering this OFF switch because they claim that VDIM in IS was aggressive enough.

As for the G35, i do not think that you would like it because there is quite a bit of road noise. My partner at work has one...a 2006 model. It's fairly noisy on anything but smooth pavement.

And Mark Levinson is truly amazing!

As for not buying German cars, i agree partially. Reliability has not been good in general. As for politics, at least, BMW is not French! And didn't Japan kill many Americans at Pearl Harbor and beyond in WWII?? Germans have been supporter of US policy until the past few years. And even now, they are not that anti-American as most European countries. If BMW was French, then i would completely agree with you.

Now, don't get me wrong...if i were to buy a sports sedan today under $45K, then i would pick IS for sure. However, i just want to provide some balance into your discussion.

 

[Koz]

Well, i am not sure that IS has taken over the segment from BMW. From 99% of comparisons that i have read, BMW has come out on top. Even if you could disable VDIM (you can do it now too BTW), i doubt that IS would beat BMW in handling and braking. BMW has always been known as a "driver's car." Remember, in all the reviews, IS has been criticized for it's numb electric steering & overall handling feel. It is Lexus best handler for sure, but has not overtaken BMW in this area. Performance is more than just straight line acceleration. If you look at most magazine specs, then you will see that BMW exceeded IS in every category not related to straight line acceleration...some of this you can blame on VDIM, but others you cannot (like braking).

Where IS is clearly better than BMW is luxury features and reliability. I agree with your statement about German cars. Has there been problems with the new BMW 3-series?? I have not looked into this.

Is Lexus really coming out with an OFF switch for IS?? I must have missed this on Clublexus. Can you show me the link?? It's funny because Lexus was very adamant about not offering this OFF switch because they claim that VDIM in IS was aggressive enough.

As for the G35, i do not think that you would like it because there is quite a bit of road noise. My partner at work has one...a 2006 model. It's fairly noisy on anything but smooth pavement.

And Mark Levinson is truly amazing!

As for not buying German cars, i agree partially. Reliability has not been good in general. As for politics, at least, BMW is not French! And didn't Japan kill many Americans at Pearl Harbor and beyond in WWII?? Germans have been supporter of US policy until the past few years. And even now, they are not that anti-American as most European countries. If BMW was French, then i would completely agree with you.

Now, don't get me wrong...if i were to buy a sports sedan today under $45K, then i would pick IS for sure. However, i just want to provide some balance into your discussion.

Thai,

I always appreciate your opinion and comments (even when they differ form mine), and it does provide balance. I also understand your feelings for German made cars since you own the best German made SUV on the market. But, I don't see much difference between Germany and France when it comes to politics. They both are willing to throw the US under a bus for the right price and out of jealousy/envy, sorry same difference! I really don't want to talk politics; vehicles are what is worth discussing.

Anyway, I don't see, the many reviews, to show the 330i as being the better vehicle. Too the contrary, I see most all the reviews being loyal to the x-reining leader in the Sport/Luxury class. Yes the Beemer does have a better steering feel with a little better handling and braking. As far as I'm concerned I

 

[Thai]

Good points, Koz. We will see if VDIM OFF will improve the IS's handling numbers. And we will see what kind of numbers BMW 335i will put up along with fuel economy numbers. I do not believe that i am clouded by "BMW" in what i said. Remember, i have two Toyotas in my garage. However, i appreciate each vehicle's pros and cons.

"Street" performance, from what i gather from your post, is basically straight line acceleration. Someone can argue that a Mustang Cobra has better "street" performance than a Lotus Elise due to it's stronger acceleration and more manageable power. Even on the streets, you have to deal with handling feel and braking.

IMHO, the IS and 3-series are very close to each other. This is a compliment to Lexus because this was not the case with the previous IS generation. They are so close that, depending on the emphasis of a review, one or the other will win.

Remember to post pics of your IS when you get it.

 

[Mark86]

Mark,

I went out yesterday and looked at all the cars in this class and I found that the IS's back seat is a little smaller then the G and the 330i (very little) but is way more comfy (Plush). I sat in the back seat of the IS and I did not touch the roof (6.1) and my knees just fit without touching. I don't plan on passengers but I feel there is enough room in the back for two adults. The other vehicle's back seats were very uncomfortable. The BMW in particular felt like a covered flat board.

I could not believe how cool the dash and instruments looked. The electroluminescent gauge panels are incredible. Check out how the gauges fire up. In addition, the whole tachometer (lighting) changes to red when you reach the red line.

http://lexus.com/models/is/interior.html

PS - I never heard a better car stereo then the ML, in the IS. BREATHTAKING!

Mark, I will be taking you up on your Lexus connection, they seem to be a PITA to deal with.

Koz

The ML stereo is probably the best car stereo I have heard. It is crystal clear and makes the car into a concert hall. If you are a music person, it is well worth the extra money. I also PM'd you the Lexus info. It is surprising that a Lexus dealer would be a pain to deal with. They usually do everything for the customer.

 

[Koz]

The ML stereo is probably the best car stereo I have heard. It is crystal clear and makes the car into a concert hall. If you are a music person, it is well worth the extra money. I also PM'd you the Lexus info. It is surprising that a Lexus dealer would be a pain to deal with. They usually do everything for the customer.

I will absolutely get the ML stereo. Have you heard the one in the IS, it's new and improved (14 speakers, 10 channels, 300w). There is no way you could duplicate this sound aftermarket for $1K.

Koz

 

[Mark86]

I will absolutely get the ML stereo. Have you heard the one in the IS, it's new and improved (14 speakers, 10 channels, 300w). There is no way you could duplicate this sound aftermarket for $1K.

Koz

I have not heard the ML in the IS. The ML in the RX only has 11 speakers, so I can only imagine what it would sound like in the IS. That is what I will do the next time I am at the Lexus dealer!

 

[leftyrb]

The ES is $10K more then the Avalon! The Avalon is the better buy, but the ES looks better!

Koz

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Here in Canada the Avalon with the 'B' package sells for about the same as the base model ES 350. Check out both lexus.ca and toyota.ca

Rick

 

[Koz]

The ES is $10K more then the Avalon! The Avalon is the better buy, but the ES looks better!

Koz

+++++++++++++++++++

Here in Canada the Avalon with the 'B' package sells for about the same as the base model ES 350. Check out both lexus.ca and toyota.ca

Rick

If you compare fully loaded models there is close to a $10K difference on the 07 model. I had compared the two vehicles back in 97 and got a fully loaded Avalon. What a GREAT family car! Never had to do ANY repairs.

Koz

 

[leftyrb]

If you compare fully loaded models there is close to a $10K difference on the 07 model

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In Canada, a 2006 Avalon with the B package (traction control, etc.) is $43,725

A base model 2007 Lexus ES 350 is $42,900.

Both vehicles have leather seats, traction control, moonroof, 3.5 l engine. The Lexus has a 6 speed automatic, the Avalon, a 5 speed. The Lexus has a longer warranty period.

You can option up the Avalon to include Nav, while the Lexus has two additional option packages, such as HID headlights, Mark Levinson audio, etc.

 

[Koz]

If you compare fully loaded models there is close to a $10K difference on the 07 model

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

In Canada, a 2006 Avalon with the B package (traction control, etc.) is $43,725

A base model 2007 Lexus ES 350 is $42,900.

Both vehicles have leather seats, traction control, moonroof, 3.5 l engine. The Lexus has a 6 speed automatic, the Avalon, a 5 speed. The Lexus has a longer warranty period.

You can option up the Avalon to include Nav, while the Lexus has two additional option packages, such as HID headlights, Mark Levinson audio, etc.

You must be talking about a Limited Avalon (3 models). If you look at a loaded Camry it will be close to the base Avalon. If you look at equally optioned models (Avalon-ES) there should be more of a price difference. I would get the Avalon with all the goodies.

The laser guided cruise will watch the vehicle in front of you and when he brakes and then goes back to speed, the system will brake and accelerate back to your set speed. If he brakes hard the system will brake hard also and if your vehicle can't brake fast enough the system will alert you so you could take over the braking.

Koz

 

[leftyrb]

You must be talking about a Limited Avalon

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I strongly suggest you look at toyota.ca. The Limited is not available in Canada, neither is laser guided cruise control.

Rick B

 

[Koz]

You must be talking about a Limited Avalon

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I strongly suggest you look at toyota.ca. The Limited is not available in Canada, neither is laser guided cruise control.

Rick B

My comments were based on US prices of 06 base models. There is a $5K difference in the base models with no options and $10K in fully loaded base models. You are correct about the Canada models and prices. I didn't realize how differently they sell cars in Canada. Glad I can get a vehicle in the US!

Koz