TexMaximum

is300, black, fully loaded with all options, LSD RWD, graphite wheels! Someone please tell me why I shouldn't rid the I30T and do it Friday or Monday? Talk me out of it!! lol

Yea its just 215HP, but it still gets me to 60MPH in about 7 Seconds stock, which takes the new I35 260HP to do the same. I don't know why Nissan is just throwing larger engines at their cars, and when their Vtech, Vanos, VVTi...etc will be available?

I know many will still point to the 215Hp, as the new Maxima and Altima are coming out, but two simple mods will add 16HP at the wheels[187 hp @ the wheels with RMM Intake & Exhaust for about $700) vs. 161 hp at the wheels (stock)]not to mention the new chip,and many other mods and more turbos coming! This car seems like it loves to respond to mods? Plus lots of body kits to choose from. In the short period this car has been available, there is tons of stuff for it, wish it was that way for the Maxima, so they all woudln't look the same.

I want something sporty but 4 doors. Would like manual, but the wife wants an auto, so e-shift would be the best for both. I want something with luxury, but not like I'm driving my father's car type of look.

Also, what would be the most you would pay for a fully decked out 2001 considering the 2002 will be available very very shortly. Sticker is $35K

I would be driving it in the evenings/weekends, and the wife in the mornings. Also, while on the topic, what would you replace a C4 with? Its not comfy at all, every OEM part for it is $$$ yet so-so on quality, is big, yet holds nothing except two small people, which is fine unless a larger friend wants a ride : ) C5 is too costly, would like another fast yet affordable 2 seater for me to go to work in. Else, I'm going to get it repainted, and buy the smog pump eliminator pulley for 20 more HP

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

Get a BMW for $35k

TexMaximum

went there, nothing quick with sport package for 35K.

deezo

iTrader: (3)

I don't think I would go for an IS300 because of the interior room. Now the GS400 is a different story.

You know getting the right car is a process in itself. Take your time and really weight your pros and cons. I think its better you keep your car. It looks better than the IS.

blizz20oma

iTrader: (1)

The *wife* would be driving it? Awww...I'd buy her a civic or a hyandui and get the manual IS for myself

Sonic

It's an excellent choice. Good luck.

Paul6speed

The new 3.5 VQ has variable intakes and timing. It's also the same size block, stroked and bored, so the weight is the same as the old 3.0. While the current version is 255 HP, the Z-350 version will be close to 300. Anyway, Nissan does a nice combination of displacement, HP, and torque on their engines.

The IS300 is a nice car. Too damn small for me though. I would love to have the GS400, if I had the money.

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

what you really need is a bus pass because you get a new car every 4 months

SYCEFIRO

iTrader: (10)

But you know that IS300 uses the same plateform as Toyota Corolla rite?
The new Corolla that's been redesigned looks similar to the IS300...
Just like the G20 has the same plateform as Sentra...

I know that IS300 is RWD... but the car is really small compare to I30/Maxima~

SY~

breaux124

iTrader: (1)

Get the IS300 and sell my your mods

In my opinion the IS300 looks to much like a hooked up civic. It's very small too, but I'm not sure if space is an issue to you.
You haven't had your car too long, why get rid of it already? Save the cash, keep your car, and in another two years get something much better - M3.

TexMaximum

Ok size is a good point, but I fit in the back, and there will really at most be 3 people in the car. Also, not every 4 months, just 8 to 10 months I get tired of a car

As far as it being a corolla, uhm...no. GO drive both of them. Its anything but.

GS400 would be great, but $$$

Any comments on the a C4 replacement? What else should I consider if not the is300? Like the new Altima but its a down grade in call from the i30T plus Nissan services bites and its FWD.

AznWontonboy

SYCEFIRO

iTrader: (10)

my friend with 2000 I30 is interested
thanx

SY~
nismo@hacksrus.com

bill99gxe

iTrader: (1)

Am I the only one here who feels this a classic Russ "what should I do?" post when his mind is already made up?

TexMaximum,

Go for the IS300. If it will make you happy, screw what any of us think and enjoy the new ride!

Paul6speed

Dibs on the Y pipe! (If it's Cali spec)

gtr_rider

iTrader: (50)

No manual, damn IS!!! If you have some patience wait a couple months and get the 6spd thats coming out, it maybe more delighting! Oh and the IS is a really nice looking car, if you slam it OMFG, that thing is beautiful(with some rims of course). Good Luck

TexMaximum

The Y-pipe is in fact cali spec. The I30s are 50 state cars.

Anyhow, I want more feedback, I'm not just "screw what yea think but still asking" type of post as I don't want to be kicking myself later.

I'm just responding to my point of veiw on the topics brought up. I'm sure some I will agree with. Anyhow, now one stated what they would trade a C4 Vette for? I'll likely do the two things stated above and keep it, but maybe not.

gtr_rider

iTrader: (50)

OH yea, WTF is a C4!!!

gtr_rider

iTrader: (50)

OH ok, got it. LOL

breaux124

iTrader: (1)

My boss is selling his Shelby Cobra. Interested?

ArcticMax

terms like "all decked out" or "fully loaded" don't apply to most of modern cars, of course, unless you buy a bmw or benz. Can't believe leather is an option on the beamers.

Like the only option on the TL is the navigation systems, there aren't any options on the IS300 that's gonna affect the price of the car significantly.

Anyways, you can get a brand new IS for 32k. And even if the 2002 comes out, since they got 5spds now, and 5spds are cheaper, the price of the 2002 should be similar to 2001.

But I think the best part of IS is the toyota factory turbo and RWD and independent suspension, which Maxima doesnt have.

Go for it!

gtr_rider

iTrader: (50)

I checked out an IS when they first came out, and they were charging $1k for the added spoiler, I told the salesmen I'll think about it and drove right out of the dealer, down here in Miami there is a dealer that has a couple Lexus' with bodykits, and rims I was like WTF, and there for sale at very insane prices.

TexMaximum

Draw backs are that its smaller, and the alteza tail lights are getting old. Postives are that it handles great, lots of mods and body kits, RWD, lexus service.

Any other Negatives? C4 is the 4th Generation Corvette. THe body style before the current one.

Well it has the optional sport seating upgrade, tinted rims, and LSD, so thats why I said fully loaded. What whould be the most to pay?

TexMaximum

I would consider a TL type S, but its too bland looking! Wife doesn't like it either. Sure it looks a lot better when you add ground effects and a wing, but I feel like you shouldn't have to add things to a 30K plus new car to make it look like a 30K car. If I were to add kits to a new car, it would be to set it apart, not to make it less bland or less ugly.

Wish the 330 wasn't so costly, and that they had a 5spd in stock here.

mAdD MAX

For the replacement for the Corvette, why not get a Nissan Z when its released.

And instead of getting the IS300, why not wait for the Infiniti G35? Its 260+hp, RWD, independent rear, and since its competing with the IS300 its gonna be in the same price-range.

Just something to think about.

NickStam

iTrader: (3)

I think you should clam down and not make a choice to quickly.

speednsound007

The IS300 doesn't come with a turbo. It has a 3.0 L Inline 6 cylinder. I saw a turbo IS on clublexus.org and it was crucial...I forget the HP number but it was a rack.

PJ

TexMaximum

I think he is meaning the turbo add-on L tune may offer.

Mike S.

I'd say wait just a few short months for the G35. It should KILL the is300. World class interior, nice exterior, NO CHEESY TAILS, and oh yea......280hp vq Should have a 5sp auto/6sp man. Great rear suspension, rwd etc. Should go head to head with the is300.

TexMaximum

Well, the G35 looks like a great car, but I think its more then just a few months away, no?

Just found a super charger for the IS, its great. I'm lost now, don't know what to do The TL S is also a great great value, and this blue one I saw was nice, but still bland for my taste and I never really was into hondas?

Maybe I can keep it, let the wife drive it and find me a new two seater? Ughhh,I'm nuts, I know it. The I30T has also given me soem issues/headaches though all under warrenty and the dealer is great.

Dave B

The reason the IS300 has a lot of toys is because that particular motor is the NA Supra 3.0 which has been around for a while now. The down side is the fact that the block is cast iron which is heavy, but very strong.

Do you REALLY need a new car right now? Does it REALLY have to be an auto? You really limit your performance potential by owning autos. The only automatic that performs flawlessly is GMs 4L series autos. If my wife couldn't drive a stick.....she would learn (mine already know how). There are too many awesome 4-doors out there that offer some good performance, but you need the manual to get the good numbers. Sorry, but you shot yourself buying an auto Nissan. They are make some of the roughest shifting autos I've driven. Since you clearly like performance, get a manual. The fun factor is increased 2X plus you pay $1000-1500 less. Cars I would consider in your price range are:

-IS300 5 speed
-New A4 5 speed
-New Maxima SE 6 speed
-New Altima SE 3.5 6 speed

My choice out of those is clearly the A4. Simply spending $3500 will get you a G25 turbo, manifold, injectors, ECU, and ~270hp/300tq. My next will probably be an 98 A4 1.8T and the turbo upgrade from APR (www.goapr.com).

As for a fun 2 seater to replace the C4. Hmmmm....probably a LS1 F-Body (even though the interiors are crap).


Dave

TexMaximum

No I do not "NEED" a new car right now. Your right about that. Also, she knows how to drive stick, but there is a bit of traffic around town, where a sifter would not be missed much. At first she was cool with the idea of a 5 or 6spd, and now no. She said I should just get something else for me to drive. I'm liken that new Altima! With a kit, rims, and a few performance mods, that will be killer!

Your right about GM. I have a 700R4 with a demon package in my vette, and it shifts so hard and crisp, has a 2800 stall, and Jeff Gordan couldn't shift it better then that Auto! Jap autos suck in general, ask any tranny shop.

carnal_c30

iTrader: (38)

I'd stick with the I30 and then go for the Altima...
and to answer someoones criticism about Nissan throwuing bigger engines around... its a great idea... a bigger engine allows greater flexibility and even more power... I'd take a plain 3.5L 260hp DOHC V6 over a 3.0L pushin 280hp anyday... (Yes I know the IS300 is a 3.0L I-6 215hp)

and a replacement for the C4? how bout buy a two year old C5?
dont throw out the idea of buying a one year old car...

breaux124

iTrader: (1)

Why the altima? More power? It's still going from an Infinity I30 to an altima. If that's the case, then get a new Camaro if you want power.

If you want the lexus, get it. Nice mix of power, performance and luxery

TexMaximum

I don't just want more power, or just a large engine. Have that already in the Vette. The altima has more power and handels better.

I think I want something that is a bit faster, has class, handles well, and not over 38K. Lots of choices, no?

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

i think u should get a G35. it is gonna woop the is300's AZZ
lots of power, good looks, bigger that is300, great handling, priced less than is300.

the G35 is most likly gonna come out in april or may(I SAW THIS ON FRESH ALLOY FORUMS) because nissan is releasing new cars every 6 months

breaux124

iTrader: (1)

How about the Acura 3.2CL Type S?

Aren't they around $35k
They're class, sporty and fast. Why not take a test drive and see what you think?

Terminator X

For the same $$ you can get a used 1998 GS400 - that thing will tap-dance all over the IS300 performance-wise. You can buy them all day long for $30-$33K in the Northeast...

quote:
------------------------------------------------------------
But you know that IS300 uses the same plateform as Toyota Corolla rite?
------------------------------------------------------------
Where did you get this info? Corrolla: front-drive. IS: rear-drive. I don't know where you guys come up with this.

TexMaximum

breaux124, funny thing that you say that, I did just today, and then the black all options IS 300 again so I can feel them back to back..

Ok, the TL Type S is a lot faster then I had originally thought. I drove it when they first came out. Most likely due to the fact this time the sales guy didn't come with me, and I got a good 20 minutes in this time on all kinds of roads.

WELL… the car is smooth, and the performance is great! The shift tronic is nice and exact. It even does something the Lexus does not, and shows 1st gear instead of showing/starting with 2'nd all the time, though you don't take over till second on both cars.

The shifts where much firmer on the IS 300 though. Lots of people think the IS300 starts in second in the M mode even some auto press, but its starts in first, just shows 2nd as the starting gear. Who knows why and it’s a bit confusing. You notice first as the RPM bumps down twice to get to third.

Not sure which shifter I like better. The floor mount is more traditional kind of sporty, but on the steering wheel is great, and both hands are always on the wheel. The steering is more precise and the feedback is better on the IS300, which also much handles better, but the TL handles quite well also (I would say a bit better then an SE Maxima) and has a stock FSTD

I didn't like the black with the tan interior, but the blue is beautiful and the black interior is nicer. They had that combo. I drove the black one for testing, but would get the blue one which was still in plastic and 0 miles.

All the TL greatness aside, and there are many, I wish it was RWD and not such a Honda though!! Brand new, stickers for about 31K, fully loaded minus Navi, not 35K! Its a real great value, all the features you could want and power for only 31K!!! Plus mod city man!! They make headers with a Y for a little less then 1G, chips intakes, you name it. 300HP would be easy to get.

My wife and I agree on this, it looks and feels cheap though. Not very cheap as in bad budget GM car cheap, but more as in civic and accord cheap, not like a luxury brand. They did not invest much upgrading the interior over the Hondas, that is for sure. This may be one reason Acura is not taken serious as a luxury brand and Lexus is. Also, you can not refuse how much it looks like an account ourside.

The door handles, switches and stereo is so Honda. The bose is not half as good as mine or the stereo in the is300, and has the worse buttons and face plate I’ve ever seen in a car of this class, or anything over 25K really! The wheels are ugly, just like the regular TL, just one size up. It just doesn’t feel like a luxury car by no means at all!!

So:

I could more then live with the way the is300 looks stock inside and out, handles better, and shifts better. I would only add body mods for individuality maybe a bit down the road, and a few high quality performance mods to drop the 0-60. maybe turbo it in 6 to 12 months. High end, it runs great. Power is continual and not peaky.

On the other hand, its 35.4K, maybe talk down to 34K. Its smaller, less power, a couple tenths of a second slower (About 4 or 5). Also they only want to offer me 24G to trade in my I30T.

The TL however, I would have to at least, just to be confident with its looks and before showing anyone, no joke, add complete ground effects and spoiler, after market and wider wheels, and new mufflers. Its just to plane Jane mundane without those items. I really like the size, and acceleration and smooth engine, and no torque steed despite all the power and FWD. The looks can be fixed as stated above. I will look at some other people’s moded TLs for appearance. I don't think the TL is a car that will stop traffic, just blast through it.

nismomaxse97

iTrader: (4)

Blah Blah Blah, Wait for G35 or you will be watching taillights. Patience is a virtue. For the G35 is my next car hands down. Or wait for bigger engine in the IS 300.
Whatever you do will be well thought out. So whatever your gut tells you will do.