loki

Possible V8? yup, it'll be the IS430:

[URL=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?[URL=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/previews/previews_story.php?id=31769]http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?http://...ry.php?id=31769]http://www...y.php?id=31769

I like the styling of the IS series, that and the new saab 9-3.

eyescream

saad 9-3 looks good, but still a slow fwd sedan.

Konrad

The pricing the US received put me off of this car.

I was in Tokyo a month or so after its release, grabbed the brochures and picked out exactly what I wanted. The price would have been around $23k US and I was happy. Was all set at getting one when it arrived but after the price was set at $30k+ it put me off. The price difference was way too much and the fact it only came in an automatic at that time was a downside. The test drive on the auto did not help either, tranny is too conservative. The style, to me, is still there but the US is being charged too much.

And I really wanted it!!

Konrad

derryck

Having owned a manual IS300 I can tell you that it is a very nice car... it offers alot of what a 3 series BMW offers at less price. It is, however, underpowered to be a true threat to BMW.

Mark_is300

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scot
[B]I think the IS300 is pretty damned nice looking.

ccarnel

If i'm in the market for a small sedan (especially) or for any car, I consider a lot more than just overall power. In fact in a year or two when i'll be shopping for a brand new sedan to get to and from work straightline acceleration and power will probably be low on my list of priorities.
I do see what you are saying though... maybe the V8 as mentioned above will change that story

Da Hapa

Since i own both and IS300 and an S2000, I'll wade in here.

We love our IS. Its a very well built, stylish (I won't argue with the earlier poster who disliked the looks of the car because style is so personal), comfortable, quick, smooth and it handles very well.

We bought ours a year ago and damn near fully loaded (everything but full leather becuase we wanted the escaine and nav system because frankly I think they're a colossal waste of money) and paid more than $10K less (at that time) than a similarily equipped 330i. Yes, the 330i is a nicer car. It is quicker, the rear seats fold down and the ride/handling compromise is a bit better sorted out. But it aint $10K better. And don't start with me on the 325i. I challenge anyone with an open mind to tell me that the 325i (even though its still more expensive) is a nicer car than the IS.

Do I wish our IS was a little quicker? Yes, but usually only after spending a lot of time in the S. The fat torque curve of the straight 6 makes the car accelerate effortlessly and if you didn't spend all day with your head buried in a car magazine you'd think the car pulls just fine. Even at speed.

Throw on top of all that the Lexus ownership experience and you have a winner. My wife is likely a Lexus customer for life now. They're that good.

SsamJang

i also have an IS300 and S2000.. the IS300 is very comfortable... i did puts some mods on it though.. just basic though.. injen intake, toyomoto header, Greddy Evo exhaust and TRD yellow race sways... and its riding on 19 white axis Ne-0s.. it looks very sleek and nice.. its pretty decent on power and its actually fun to drive.. i wish i had the 5 speed though.. but for true fun.. the s2000 blows that away.. but not in comfort .