Manual Lexus IS 250 or Manual Lexus IS 300?
09-11-15, 05:16 PM
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Manual Lexus IS 250 or Manual Lexus IS 300?
Title says it all. I'm xposting this to both 1st gen and 2nd gen subforums. I hope I'm not breaking rules by doing that.
I am stuck between a 2004 Lexus IS 300 w/ Stick! and a 2006 Lexus IS 250 w/ Stick!
Sources differ whether they have the same 0-60 with the manual configuration or if the IS 300 is slower at 7.4 vs. the IS 250's 7.1 but one thing is universal. Everyone laments the IS 250 as feeling slow and there's nothing in the way of cheap performance upgrades that yield an improvement.
So here I am. I want a fun car to drive but the IS 250's niceties really tempt me, especially since the IS 250 is fully loaded. The IS 300 on the other hand swings in the opposite direction with some really choice mods. Front and rear sway bars, struts, short throw shifter, springs (but barely noticeable. I really hate slammed cars), exhaust and a subwoofer. Basically, how I'd modify my car. Automatic is not an option. I'm pretty hell bent on the manual versions of these cars and already am seeing the cars tomorrow.
Please tell me what I should be weighing, considering and thinking about here!
Thanks clublexus this is my first time being on this forum but not my first Lexus! I've driven my dad's old 2003 Lexus ES300 for the last 3 years. That's going to my sister now. The fam will have 2 Lexuses if all goes well!
I am stuck between a 2004 Lexus IS 300 w/ Stick! and a 2006 Lexus IS 250 w/ Stick!
Sources differ whether they have the same 0-60 with the manual configuration or if the IS 300 is slower at 7.4 vs. the IS 250's 7.1 but one thing is universal. Everyone laments the IS 250 as feeling slow and there's nothing in the way of cheap performance upgrades that yield an improvement.
So here I am. I want a fun car to drive but the IS 250's niceties really tempt me, especially since the IS 250 is fully loaded. The IS 300 on the other hand swings in the opposite direction with some really choice mods. Front and rear sway bars, struts, short throw shifter, springs (but barely noticeable. I really hate slammed cars), exhaust and a subwoofer. Basically, how I'd modify my car. Automatic is not an option. I'm pretty hell bent on the manual versions of these cars and already am seeing the cars tomorrow.
Please tell me what I should be weighing, considering and thinking about here!
Thanks clublexus this is my first time being on this forum but not my first Lexus! I've driven my dad's old 2003 Lexus ES300 for the last 3 years. That's going to my sister now. The fam will have 2 Lexuses if all goes well!
09-12-15, 11:36 AM
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You took the words right out of my mouth haha, I'm in the same boat right now... I think it comes down to performance really. I would rather have something older with a more mechanical feel (plus more horsepower and torque) versus something with luxury and potentially harder to work on.
But in the end, really comes down to availability which especially sucks with manuals...
But in the end, really comes down to availability which especially sucks with manuals...
09-12-15, 12:04 PM
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I'm selling a 2003 is300 manual - Mint
I'm selling my 2003 is300 - manual, black on black - full leather seats. Awesome cond. 173k miles. Located in palm beach Florida. Maybe that will help you with your decision. Lol.
09-12-15, 01:23 PM
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(Sorry if its considered hijacking a thread
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09-12-15, 05:46 PM
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haha nah its all good. Florida is also a bit far from CA and the car's got slightly more miles than I'd like. But ya I think I'm pretty dead set on a 1st gen.
09-14-15, 12:35 AM
#6
I just picked up a 2002 IS300 with a manual transmission. I find it very fun and engaging to drive, even though its wearing a Lexus badge.
Regarding the IS250 with a manual, I heard the clutch is too "soft" and coupled with the electric steering system, the driving experience leaves much to be desired.
Regarding the IS250 with a manual, I heard the clutch is too "soft" and coupled with the electric steering system, the driving experience leaves much to be desired.
09-14-15, 01:03 AM
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Well good thing I picked up a 2004 IS300 today! God it feels great. I just am not in love with the clutch engagement so I'm going to look into doing the CDD delete.
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09-15-15, 06:36 AM
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Cleaaaaan, but still faaaaar for me :P, though very tempting
10-09-15, 07:51 PM
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I think you made the right choice IMO.
The IS300 is, to me at least, one of the only real drivers cars that Lexus has ever made, especially when paired with the manual. The engine is literally what legends were built upon. The styling and design are absolutely classic, and the build quality and fit and finish are at the levels which made Lexus the benchmark in those categories.
The IS250 is a real departure from the point that Lexus made with the IS300. The engine is just a lifeless downsizing of the 350, the manual trans is vague and soft and the styling leaves a lot to be desired. When I see them now, they just look dated and not in a good way. Where as the IS300 has that classic 90's timeless styling, the Gen2 IS250 has that look that so many early 2000's car had. They wanted to depart from the mechanical function and styling of previous vehicles, but their understanding of future styling and technology just wasn't quite there yet.
Personally, outside of the IS F, I don't see the Gen 2 IS being a very highly regarded vehicle in the Lexus lineup or in automotive history.
The IS300 is, to me at least, one of the only real drivers cars that Lexus has ever made, especially when paired with the manual. The engine is literally what legends were built upon. The styling and design are absolutely classic, and the build quality and fit and finish are at the levels which made Lexus the benchmark in those categories.
The IS250 is a real departure from the point that Lexus made with the IS300. The engine is just a lifeless downsizing of the 350, the manual trans is vague and soft and the styling leaves a lot to be desired. When I see them now, they just look dated and not in a good way. Where as the IS300 has that classic 90's timeless styling, the Gen2 IS250 has that look that so many early 2000's car had. They wanted to depart from the mechanical function and styling of previous vehicles, but their understanding of future styling and technology just wasn't quite there yet.
Personally, outside of the IS F, I don't see the Gen 2 IS being a very highly regarded vehicle in the Lexus lineup or in automotive history.
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