Lexus IS300

Scuzi

Scuzi

Scuzi

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Although I don't really plan to change my car for at least another few months yet I've been pretty much set on either a BMW 330i Sport or a 325/328Ci. I was looking to see if there were any plausible alternatives and the Lexus IS200 was my first thought. I did a bit of research and stumbled upon the 3.0l version, the IS300. Having driven an IS200 a while ago, I was rather impressed with the build and handling but thought it lacked power. I very briefly drove an IS300 at the same time but it consisted of a 5 minute drive through town and doesn't really count.

So, do you think the IS300 is a suitable alternative to a 330i? What are the good and bad points, which performs better in each department and which offers best value for money? The main thing that I am after in my next car is decent handling. My current car (Toledo 20VT) has absolutely zero steering feel and sloppy handling which was fine when I bought it but having test driven a few BMW's and as I've been driving my mums a lot recently, I'm really pining for a car with good steering feel, feedback and decent handling. Proper wheel drive is a must too:p

I still want a 330i at the minute but I thought it best to research the Lexus in case it turns out to be a better car.

Over to you.
 
I would say the BMW will be the better drivers car, Lexus aren't called the Japanese Mercedes for nothing ;).

I think that all IS300s are autos as well which also shows they're more for cruising than hooning.
 
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We you have toyota reliability with the lexus:)

Heres the Engine and info on the engine which they put in it (The 3 litre model)

The 2JZ-GE is a common version. Output is 215 to 230 hp JIS (158 to 169 kW) at 5800 to 6000 rpm and 209 to 220 ft.lbf (283 to 298 Nm) of torque at 3800 to 4800 rpm.

It uses SEFI fuel injection, has an aluminum head and 4 valves per cylinder with some versions using VVT-i, along with a cast iron cylinder block.
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Im sure if you wanted to you could get more power by putting a 2JZ-GTE in it if you had the time or money :cool:


Edit: What generation are you looking at Scuzi?
The first gen comes with either 5 speed manual or 5 speed auto
The second Gen comes with either 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto
 
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I've not looked at the IS300 simply becuase they are exceptionally rare so finding one to play with is difficult, but I did look at the IS200.

Not a patch on the E46, in my opinion. The interior isnt as nice, it doesnt feel as nice a place to be, etc etc. Build quality is fine, but you just get the impression its a fake BMW..

My current car (Toledo 20VT) has absolutely zero steering feel and sloppy handling
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How odd, a couple of months ago you were telling us all how great Leon and Toledo handling was :p
 
Have driven the is200 and can agree it's woefully underpowered and not suited to the 6 speed box it has. The interior isn't bad but is still very jap and a bit plastic and while at first it looks cool I imagine it wouldn't stay looking cool. Still like the watch style clocks though :)
 
[TW]Fox said:
I've not looked at the IS300 simply becuase they are exceptionally rare so finding one to play with is difficult, but I did look at the IS200.

Not a patch on the E46, in my opinion. The interior isnt as nice, it doesnt feel as nice a place to be, etc etc. Build quality is fine, but you just get the impression its a fake BMW..



How odd, a couple of months ago you were telling us all how great Leon and Toledo handling was :p
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isnt the is200 more comparable to the e36 (later models) rather than the e46, thats how ive always looked at it.
the new is220 does look nice
 
Morba said:
isnt the is200 more comparable to the e36 (later models) rather than the e46
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No, why would it be? Both cars were introduced in approx 1999. I dont think the IS200 was ever offered for sale new at the same time the E36 was.
 
I drove an IS300 last weekend. As already stated, they've all autos, though the one I tried did have manual override switches on the steering wheel.
Have to say I was quite impressed, very well built, nice interior, seemed to handle well, went a lot faster than it felt and probably is one of the most reliable cars available.
Against that, I'm guessing that 330 would have more feel, and the IS200 was slightly better balanced and made a nicer noise than the bigger 3ltr version.
Would I buy one? Yes, I think I would, though I'd probably go for the 2ltr, which certainly is pretty gutless, but is a lovely place to be, is very well balanced and in our gatso infested road system, makes more sense 95% of the time.
 
If you want ultimate reliability then go for the Lexus.

If you want more "class" then go for the BMW.

I havent driven either, but the BMW is probably a more involving drive.

My dad looked at an IS200, was impressed by the engine. Sounded great and went well for a 2 litre. I guess I wasnt expecting that much performance though.
The IS300 must be good performance wise.

I felt a little numb afterwards though. Sure it was well built etc, but inside didnt feel like anything really special and wasnt all that roomy either.
This wasnt the new model though, and was an auto.

The newer shape is probably a large improvement in auto guise as it has an extra gear.
 
[TW]Fox said:
How odd, a couple of months ago you were telling us all how great Leon and Toledo handling was :p
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I was saying that it wasn't as bad as some people made it out to be which it isn't but having recently driven a lot of BMW's for longer periods of time, my eyes have been opened, I'm a changed man :eek:

So the general consensus is that the Lexus is more reliable than the E46 but not necessarily a nicer place to be? I'd prefer the better handling car so the E46 seems to win in that department. I wasn't aware that the IS300 was only available in auto, that will be a problem as I prefer a manual. I suppose it's worth a look and a drive though.

Thanks for the advice :)
 
Have you considered an Aristo Vertex is basically a GS300 with a Supra TT engine, very rare. Might be a bit of a boat to drive but it would seriously shift with a little tuning.
 
D4VE said:
If you want more "class" then go for the BMW.
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I see it the other way around. The E46 is a good all-rounder, but its a common sight. The IS200 is more prestigious in my eyes. Although the facelifted e46 coupe sport looks quite special.
 
50/50 said:
Although the facelifted e46 coupe sport looks quite special.
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It did, until every rep in the world found the 320Cd on the company car list at special rates due to the run-out of the model :(
 
Mr_Sukebe said:
I drove an IS300 last weekend. As already stated, they've all autos, though the one I tried did have manual override switches on the steering wheel.
Have to say I was quite impressed, very well built, nice interior, seemed to handle well, went a lot faster than it felt and probably is one of the most reliable cars available.
Against that, I'm guessing that 330 would have more feel, and the IS200 was slightly better balanced and made a nicer noise than the bigger 3ltr version.
Would I buy one? Yes, I think I would, though I'd probably go for the 2ltr, which certainly is pretty gutless, but is a lovely place to be, is very well balanced and in our gatso infested road system, makes more sense 95% of the time.
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I originaly went for the 200 for that reason, in that I wanted to "slow down" a bit...

1 year later I traded it for a 300.... HID lamps, VSC, e-shift, lowered as std...

Having had both 200 and 300 and been on track with both, the 300 is far far better, including the handleing.. It could have been the geometry of the 300 vrs the 200 which you drove which caused the difference, like any car with multi adjust geo, they benifit from proper settings and a yearly re-visit to check them.

It now has eibachs on and a K&N plus a few other little tweaks... far superior, even the lads with supercharged 200's couldnt keep up with it on the autobahns :D ..as for the noise, well it is super quiet when you need it and has enough noise later on to get them pesky BMW's out of your way ;) :D lol

I looked at the 300 in terms of it was going to cost about 3K to supercharge a 200 and then there was a huge insurance leap... for about 3K more I traded up to a 300 suffered only 50 quid more insurance.... definatly wouldnt dream of not getting a 300 now :).

Tried the new 250's and they dont cut the mustard I am afraid... if I change now it will proally be for a new GS300 or wait for an IS500 in a few years time.

If your still set on getting a 200, take a look over on the owners club (link in signature) there may be some good deals over there for you and plenty of friendly banter and advise.
 
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