First off, a shout out to all the old skool kids, I ain't been around in a while.

After 4 years, the lease is up!





I spent a good month researching and driving, so I figured I'd share my opinion on what all is out there and why I choose to go with the Lexus IS 300.

My requirements were a car that could haul two adults and two kids (one in a car seat) and a weekends worth of luggage. Manual transmission required, sedan preferred (stuffing a car seat in the back of a coupe sucks). Handling and driving fun was the priority.

Here's what all I looked at:

Subaru Impreza WRX Wagon

Good car, I liked the price. Funky looking, but I think the wagon looks much better. Fit and finish were pretty good, and the dealer was really laid back and cool. But ultimately, the performance was not quite up to par. If you go by the magazine numbers, this one should be easy. But that's a bit misleading. It has great 0-60 and 1/4 mile times, but that's due to the traction from the AWD launch. I don't drag race, street race, or plan to launch my car at 6,000 rpms, so that doesn't mean much to me.

In around town driving, the car isn't all that fast, certainly no faster than the other cars I was checking out. Powerband isn't too flat either, it's pokey down low. Handling also was iffy. It handles well, but there's a lot of body roll and there isn't a whole lot of ultimate grip. Decent feedback from the road, but not exceptional. The car would definately need some aftermarket suspension work to bring out it's potential. But, thanks to the AWD it's safe and easy to drive at the limit.

Mini Cooper

If I were single, this is the car I would get. It's the closest thing to a street legal go cart out there. Not super fast, but who cares, it's fun as hell and handles amazingly. And at under $20k fully loaded, it's a deal. Think of it as a poor man's S2000. Ultimately though, cramped rear seats and lack of a trunk are a deal breaker. Other than that, great car. Good fit and finish, lots of fun, neat interior.

Audi A4 1.8T

Hated it. It looks cool, it's comfortable and plush, but it ain't no driver's car. This is the car I would recommend for my mom... Decent power, but handling was bad. Lots of body roll, poor feel, and the chassis was easily upset. Oh, and this was with the "sport suspension". This car is just too soft, it's a cruiser and not a driver's car. I also hated the dash design, the center console had way too much going on, buttons everywhere. The rest of the interior was just plain. Nice, but plain. It reminded me of a german version of a GM sedan...

Infiniti G35

Nice car. Build quality is good, comfortable and well layed out. Can't decide on whether I like the styling or not. This car is being sold on power, it's a rocket and fun to drive. But, no manual tranny on the sedan. Plus, while it handles well, it just doesn't offer the driving feel the lexus did. I suspect they will sell quite a few of these though, as most people seem to just want power. If you could get a 5 spd, it might have been a tougher decision. The coupe wasn't an option, spec'd out like I wanted it'd be pushing $35k which is getting out of what I wanted to spend.

I bought the lexus because it was the best overall sports sedan of the group. Handling is incredibly, almost no body roll and it really involves the driver. Brakes are excellent. It doesn't feel like a big car like the max did, probably because it's not. There's plenty of power for me, and the powerband is flat and smooth so it's very usable. Roomy enough for all of us and some luggage without being overly large. Fit and finish are excellent, the interior is simple and well layed out.

I love the styling, my only beef is the tail lights. But at least I have the original and not some ripped off aftermarket lights, so that's some consolation. The car is dead quiet, the engine is smooth and minimal wind noise. And no rattles.

I'm happy with the car, in my opinion it offers 95% of the driving experience of a BMW 330 for about $7k less. Not a bad deal.

 

Good call Chad.

 

Cannot say that I blame you. May I ask what you spent?

 

nice review
congratz on the new car

 

I love the IS300! I would def. get one if I had the money, good choice.

 

I paid $31,500, MSRP was about $34k. Options were full leather package, heated front seats, moonroof, heated seats, limited slip differential, trunk mat, wheel locks, and cargo net.

Not bad, I calculated it to be about 5% over wholesale.

 

Chad! Long time no see man! Hows life been treating ya?

 

pretty good deal, good luck with it

 

i was thinking the S4 would suit you more.. with AWD for handling and power on tap..

but i guess you wanted a new car than a pre-owned

 

S4's actually don't handle that well stock. They're fast though But I don't really want to spend the next few years saving for a new suspension, so I got a car that handles well out of the box. Plus, S4 still has the audi interior I don't like...

 

My friends Dad just bought the little Cooper you mentioned above. It is kind of a fun little car , but I agree with the issues you mentioned it having for you.

Did you test drive the version with the Supercharger in it?

SuDZ

 

Hate to see you go Chad...come back and visit us

 

it was nice while it lasted i man - good luck with your car - get rid of the amber!!!