Here’s What Lexus IS 500 Owners DON’T Like About Their Cars
The Lexus IS 500 is undoubtedly a satisfying machine, but there are a few minor complaints owners have about it.
For years, enthusiasts have pined for the return of the Lexus IS F, a proper rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered luxury sedan that once existed in a highly competitive space. Sadly, the IS F hasn’t returned, however, and in the years it’s been gone, most of its competition has ditched V8 power for four- and six-cylinder engines with forced induction. Those cars are more powerful and capable than their predecessors, of course, but to us, there’s just no replacing how a naturally-aspirated V8 sounds and feels. However, while the IS F is likely to never return in its original form, we were blessed with the Lexus IS 500 a couple of years ago, which is softer-edged IS F of sorts, complete with V8 power. It’s an amazing machine for many reasons, but like anything else, it isn’t perfect – a topic explored in this recent Club Lexus thread.
These aren’t really any major complaints here, of course, but there are a few minor things that have rubbed a few Lexus IS 500 owners the wrong way. “Other than the brakes, that is it for me,” said wthrman2. “Everything is just perfect! Well, maybe if the front bumper sagging affects me, I’ll have to add that to the list but for now, that is my sole beef with this car is how the brakes feel, but far from a show stopper.” However, others have far more complaints about their V8-powered sedan.
“No wireless CarPlay, subpar OEM summer tires, and brakes that start fading too quickly,” said jororo. “First two are easy to fix and third (brakes) will soon enough be addressed by the aftermarket now that Japanese market is getting the IS 500. Guessing a good set of brake pads would be enough for what I want but too lazy to swap them out prior to original pads wearing down. Sagging fender was an issue but whatever the Lexus dealership did to fix it on my ’22 held strong. Edit – add very weak remote lock/unlock range to this list.”
“The issues i have with this car are very minor and could’ve been offered by Lexus,” said cp2. “The IS 500 had everything the DHP package had minus the CF mirror caps and spoiler. The other thing I was bummed about was that the suede/Alcantara feature was only available in Incognito Gray. One issue – not a dealer option – that sucks at the moment is when upgrading to BBK, the rear e-brake issue is real. Oil and tranny cooler would be nice if they were included, but there are kits available now as options.”
“The front camera manual button too hard to access – it should be in center console,” added DarthCholo. The turn signal, very little storage, the transmission shifts too conservatively unless it’s in Sport Plus, there are no rear door touch unlock sensors, remote start turns off the engine when you open the door, and the front/rear cameras don’t have dashcam recording abilities.”
As one would assume, several owners simply wish that the Lexus IS 500 was a real F car, too. “I feel slightly embarrassed that it’s not a full F car,” said macmaster. “The IS F boys are mean and think they’re better than us. I take solace in knowing they had to buy their IS F secondhand and can never afford a $70k car…. but I can.”
Regardless, essentially everyone that has contributed to this thread thus far notes that their complaints essentially amount to “nitpicking,” though we’d say that they’re certainly worth lulling over if you’re considering the purchase of a Lexus IS 500. After all, what many think is a minor annoyance, others may find to be a large one, and vice versa – so be sure and head over here to check out this informative thread in its entirety, and if you own an IS 500, tell us what you DON’T like about it!
Photos: Lexus
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