Lexus Finally Makes A Decision About Aging IS Sedan
01-13-20, 01:07 PM
#76
drives cars
The IS, in its pre-refresh form, has aged pretty well. Maybe I am biased. 
However, I just don't find the refresh to be attractive at all.
A technology/infotainment refresh is what it needs the most. I know, most car enthusiasts here are going to question this statement, but lately in 3IS-land, a lot of threads have been around Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, specifically adding it aftermarket, and... get this: asking if it'll be available for 2020 or 2021. A lot of folks shopping in this segment are not enthusiasts and simply want a tech-laden commuter car.
That said, the powertrains are pretty dated at this point and could use work. The 2.5-liter turbo would do wonders if it were the base engine. I'd happily consider a base (IS 300?) model if it had more power. However, the 350 is also a sort-of tweener option at the moment, both in price and performance, that doesn't really sell. My local dealership is lucky to have even one of them in stock at any given time.
Here's hoping an actual brand-new IS will be near on the horizon. With a shift to GA-L or some global platform, it should be able to save weight while maintaining one of its standout strengths today, which is a highly rigid and responsive chassis.
However, I just don't find the refresh to be attractive at all.A technology/infotainment refresh is what it needs the most. I know, most car enthusiasts here are going to question this statement, but lately in 3IS-land, a lot of threads have been around Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, specifically adding it aftermarket, and... get this: asking if it'll be available for 2020 or 2021. A lot of folks shopping in this segment are not enthusiasts and simply want a tech-laden commuter car.
That said, the powertrains are pretty dated at this point and could use work. The 2.5-liter turbo would do wonders if it were the base engine. I'd happily consider a base (IS 300?) model if it had more power. However, the 350 is also a sort-of tweener option at the moment, both in price and performance, that doesn't really sell. My local dealership is lucky to have even one of them in stock at any given time.
Here's hoping an actual brand-new IS will be near on the horizon. With a shift to GA-L or some global platform, it should be able to save weight while maintaining one of its standout strengths today, which is a highly rigid and responsive chassis.
01-15-20, 09:39 AM
#77
It's amazing what they are doing. LS got stalled, GS canceled and now IS being stalled all due to lack of vision that has produced lack of technology that should go into new generation of products. Simply they have nothing to offer on the table. Lexus is in such empty vacuum right now, nowhere to go waiting for the game to change. Fortunately for Lexus fans they cannot let IS go just like GS cause IS is too important in small car markets around the world, unfortunately for Lexus fans current IS is way too outdated and no amount of refresh will hide it just like LS major refresh couldn't hide what was behind new fascia and lovely interior pieces.
As of right now pure Lexus products, which are RWD cars and not Toyota derivatives, are nothing more than emotional buy and only two products that strike the emotion to buy them are LS and LC.
As of right now pure Lexus products, which are RWD cars and not Toyota derivatives, are nothing more than emotional buy and only two products that strike the emotion to buy them are LS and LC.
If you want to always drive new and pay for a car forever, then go right ahead and lease your German uber-teck car and hand it back as soon as it expires then go onto the next. Paying them forever. In the Toyota line I previously owned an MR2 Turbo and this is my first Lexus, and both have been awesome, as well as the three others my family have owned. Yeah OWNED. We buy cars because it's something that's supposed to work for more than a couple years, be reliable and get done what it's made to do, not be a sizzling firecracker that blows up even before its warranty expires.
Fact of the matter, some like Ford are getting out of cars nearly completely because of the current trend towards crossovers. Is it just a trend or permanent, who knows, but Lexus is likely just wanting to accurately gauge the market and make the right decisions. They're the #1 car manufacturer in the world so it's not like they lack for money or resources, let alone technology, insight, or capability.
01-15-20, 09:48 AM
#78
I'm fine with them using the current platform/chassis, as it still handles well. So if they do that, with new engines, significantly updated styling, interior updates, and new tech, then I think it's fine. If it's limited to a new grill and the addition of AA/CP and such, then I view it as a signal that it will likely be the last IS and that they don't see the value in investing in it anymore, much like they've done with the GS.
01-15-20, 10:21 AM
#79
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
LOL at some of the comments in this thread. Rather have a Mazda over a Lexus? Speaking of "emotional"...
If you want to always drive new and pay for a car forever, then go right ahead and lease your German uber-teck car and hand it back as soon as it expires then go onto the next. Paying them forever. In the Toyota line I previously owned an MR2 Turbo and this is my first Lexus, and both have been awesome, as well as the three others my family have owned. Yeah OWNED. We buy cars because it's something that's supposed to work for more than a couple years, be reliable and get done what it's made to do, not be a sizzling firecracker that blows up even before its warranty expires.
Fact of the matter, some like Ford are getting out of cars nearly completely because of the current trend towards crossovers. Is it just a trend or permanent, who knows, but Lexus is likely just wanting to accurately gauge the market and make the right decisions. They're the #1 car manufacturer in the world so it's not like they lack for money or resources, let alone technology, insight, or capability.
If you want to always drive new and pay for a car forever, then go right ahead and lease your German uber-teck car and hand it back as soon as it expires then go onto the next. Paying them forever. In the Toyota line I previously owned an MR2 Turbo and this is my first Lexus, and both have been awesome, as well as the three others my family have owned. Yeah OWNED. We buy cars because it's something that's supposed to work for more than a couple years, be reliable and get done what it's made to do, not be a sizzling firecracker that blows up even before its warranty expires.
Fact of the matter, some like Ford are getting out of cars nearly completely because of the current trend towards crossovers. Is it just a trend or permanent, who knows, but Lexus is likely just wanting to accurately gauge the market and make the right decisions. They're the #1 car manufacturer in the world so it's not like they lack for money or resources, let alone technology, insight, or capability.
01-15-20, 01:42 PM
#81
drives cars
It's got a much newer platform that the old Infiniti FM, and should handle better.I've loved mine. Had it for 3 years now, and it has been flawless. I could see how you might want to get something different, since you already have a 2IS - and the 3IS has the same drivetrain. However, the RWD 350 will get you the 8-speed transmission, which is better than the 6-speed in several ways, and of course, the interior has been modernized, now featuring some amazing seats.
Have you thought about the Genesis G70 or new BMW 3-series?
01-15-20, 02:03 PM
#82
Just get a 3IS. It's got a much newer platform that the old Infiniti FM, and should handle better.
I've loved mine. Had it for 3 years now, and it has been flawless. I could see how you might want to get something different, since you already have a 2IS - and the 3IS has the same drivetrain. However, the RWD 350 will get you the 8-speed transmission, which is better than the 6-speed in several ways, and of course, the interior has been modernized, now featuring some amazing seats.
Have you thought about the Genesis G70 or new BMW 3-series?
It's got a much newer platform that the old Infiniti FM, and should handle better.I've loved mine. Had it for 3 years now, and it has been flawless. I could see how you might want to get something different, since you already have a 2IS - and the 3IS has the same drivetrain. However, the RWD 350 will get you the 8-speed transmission, which is better than the 6-speed in several ways, and of course, the interior has been modernized, now featuring some amazing seats.
Have you thought about the Genesis G70 or new BMW 3-series?
Nah man. Defiantly not considering BMW as they have no reliability. And the Genesis is still a Hyundai. Looking a Infiniti because they actually offer a manual shifter.
01-15-20, 02:16 PM
#83
I still love my 2IS. I know its old now but it has real leather seats, AFS lights, rear window shades, driver and passenger memory seats etc, which are aren't available on the 3IS. The only thing I don't like is the 6 speed auto and the outdated infotainment system. Yeah plus they have the same engine!
01-15-20, 03:24 PM
#84
drives cars
I still love my 2IS. I know its old now but it has real leather seats, AFS lights, rear window shades, driver and passenger memory seats etc, which are aren't available on the 3IS. The only thing I don't like is the 6 speed auto and the outdated infotainment system. Yeah plus they have the same engine!
Nah man. Defiantly not considering BMW as they have no reliability. And the Genesis is still a Hyundai. Looking a Infiniti because they actually offer a manual shifter.
Nah man. Defiantly not considering BMW as they have no reliability. And the Genesis is still a Hyundai. Looking a Infiniti because they actually offer a manual shifter.
01-15-20, 03:27 PM
#85
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
I still love my 2IS. I know its old now but it has real leather seats, AFS lights, rear window shades, driver and passenger memory seats etc, which are aren't available on the 3IS. The only thing I don't like is the 6 speed auto and the outdated infotainment system. Yeah plus they have the same engine!
Nah man. Defiantly not considering BMW as they have no reliability. And the Genesis is still a Hyundai. Looking a Infiniti because they actually offer a manual shifter.
Nah man. Defiantly not considering BMW as they have no reliability. And the Genesis is still a Hyundai. Looking a Infiniti because they actually offer a manual shifter.
01-15-20, 05:29 PM
#86
Lexus Champion
My neighbor just bought a new G80 and it’s gorgeous.
01-16-20, 08:00 AM
#87
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
nice! of course the G80's been around a long time and the last one i drove i found the center stack design a bit wanting and cheap looking... your neighbor probably got a great deal on one too. but the g80 drives REALLY nice and all the controls and everything are just great. and it's a roomy and GREAT looking car too!
01-16-20, 08:20 AM
#88
Lexus Champion
nice! of course the G80's been around a long time and the last one i drove i found the center stack design a bit wanting and cheap looking... your neighbor probably got a great deal on one too. but the g80 drives REALLY nice and all the controls and everything are just great. and it's a roomy and GREAT looking car too!
01-16-20, 08:28 AM
#89
drives cars
I agree. I am not in love with the entire dash design, and the car is way too heavy (about 600 lbs more than my GS). But it's a real looker and has several features you cannot even get on a GS, like the rear heated seats and the panoramic sunroof. I'll be curious to see how well he likes it. He is replacing his well used BMW 5 Series.
01-16-20, 08:55 AM
#90
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
the next gen G80 should arrive later this year. obviously this is off topic from the Lexus IS.