Depends on your desires in a car...for me:

IS300. Wonderfully smooth engine, good balance and feel coupled with the basics. The IS feels more like a drivers car than the ES...both nice though. If you need to drive people around and want a car that will grow with you, the ES.

If you are considering either new, a pre-owned GS or LS can be found within your budget too.

 

Really tough question...but a lot will depend on whether the IS200 becomes the new entry-level Lexus, as some sources have indicated.

Like I said...really tough choice between the ES330 and IS300. When I bought new in 2001 I chose the IS for several reasons...partly the solar yellow paint color.....but that color is gone now.
Both cars, in my opinion, need an AWD option, but neither one has it yet.

 

the rx gets my vote as well

 

the RX330s went up in price by quite a substantial sum. if you're looking at used RX300's, then i'd say that's true. but the RX330's are hitting $40k+.

you can buy an ES or IS for closer to $30k than $40k.

btw, in case it's not obvious, i'd pick the IS.

 

Has the jury reach a verdict???

I would kinda say depending on your age:

If you're in the younger crowd, of course get the IS.

If you're in the tad older crowd, the ES would suit you more. At least you can take clients out, conduct business more professionally than an IS.

Any comments to this?

 

My friends from the college years thought I was "pimp" when I had my older ES for 2 years on campus

Nowadays I look at my current ES as a sophisticated and reliable luxury vehicle, and I use it on all occasions.

 

I perfer the larger ES with the added traction I need in the winter of FWD.

 

im in the younger crowd.... but i chose the ES.... typically i would like sportier cars... but the IS doesnt strike me as all that sporty. i personally dont like "sport cars" that are sedans... i mean.. i like M5's and the real sport sedans that have some class.... but i hate the EVO and STI... so i chose the more traditional, roomier sedan because of its ease in carrying people around and more of a luxury feel. i would look for my sport car elsewhere and take the ES to drive every day... however.. i suppose if it were to be my only car, i would choose the IS because it does come in 5 speed, has a 2jz, and is RWD. in this class i see some other very viable options including the BMW 3 series and G35 sedan

 

If you've worked up to the G35, might as well throw in the GS3/4 too. Give us time...you'll soon be looking at LS's...then you have a car that will be suitable till you reach your 60's.

 

I added the RX 330 link. Having driven all 3 quite a bit it really comes down to personel preference. The RX 330 drives so much like a car, I would get that over the ES. Both are top luxury, you just FEEL like a King sitting in those cars.
The IS is a much sportier, smaller car and I love it, even if it is based on an older design and tech compared to the 2 new Lexi.

IS 300 gets my vote, ONLY if I cannot have an AWD RX 330.
Otherwise, SHOCKER! RX 330 AWD gets my vote.
ES 330 is third.

 

didnt know the RX 330 was entry level

 

First off, define entry level. $42,000 for a GS300 isn't entry. IS and ES are the only models in that range. The IS is a Toyota Altezza with lexus badges, Although the IS is obviously bred for performance, I would look elsewhere for my ricer project. If you want true lexus quality, only the ES, GS, and LS model lines will suffice for a sedan.

 

i drove RX330 the other day and didnt really impress me that much.

ES300 ( dont know about ES 330 but i suspect they have similar suspension set up ) a bit soft for my taste.

i would go for IS300 and 2JZ is one strong engine.

 

Entry Level designated by the experts is the 30-40k range. So the IS/ES and RX are entry level luxury. The RX can be optioned to 47k. The ES close to 40k. The IS 300 L-tuned was 42-44k.

Ricer project? I think not. The IS is built off a shortned GS platform. The ES and RX are built off the Camry platform. The IS is the strongest car in it's class in safety tests.

The IS is the sport ying to the ES luxury yang.

 

IS,and do rmm gs430 engine swap.Hell ya!!