Lexus IS Regret?
04-04-20, 08:14 AM
#166
We had a 2015 IS 350 FSport AWD and now have a 2018 IS 300 AWD FSport. No regrets here.
We've owned BMWs and Audis in the past. They were fun cars, but tended to be in the shop quite often. Nothing beats Lexus reliability!
We've owned BMWs and Audis in the past. They were fun cars, but tended to be in the shop quite often. Nothing beats Lexus reliability!
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LaZeR (04-04-20)
04-04-20, 02:00 PM
#168
Advanced
04-04-20, 08:32 PM
#169
Advanced
I literally do TONS of review & research before buying a car.
04-05-20, 11:46 AM
#172
Instructor
Major towns in southern Ontario & BC, and northern New York state, also don't get tons of snow, even if they do it doesn't last very long, and with a set snow tires it's a no brainer. But all of this applies more so if you really want, and ONLY want RWD, like me!! 
On a related note, it's not only performance related, AWD adds more: mechanism, weight (sometimes several hundred pounds), and (new car) cost $$$$.
On a related note, it's not only performance related, AWD adds more: mechanism, weight (sometimes several hundred pounds), and (new car) cost $$$$.But in the case of our cars...
-Fastest 3rd gen IS is the 350 AWD, tested as low as 5.3 0-60 with a 13.9 quarter mile compare to RWD doing a 5.5 with a 14.0 quarter mile. Now that’s on dry pavement, factor in snow, rain/wet roads, some sand/gravel etc and the AWD beats it even more.
- 350 AWD curb weight is 3737 pounds vs 3593 for RWD...only a 144 lb difference.
- AWD Lexus system in our 3rd gens is full time AWD with 70% of power going to the rear wheels. Meaning the rears get almost 2.5x more power than the fronts. Power can be split 50/50 when slipping. Both understeer at limit.
- RWD has a much better 8 speed tranny vs the 6 speed...Except 0-60 gearing where 8 speed needs 2 shifts to hit 60 where as AWD only needs 1.
- About 1mpg better fuel economy for RWD.
-RWD Would have more WHP than AWD+weighs less so has a better top end speed after 100mph or so.
-handing is 0.86g of lateral acceleration for RWD vs 0.85g for AWD.
-RWD can get VGRS option...variable gear ratio steering.
Realistically, being that our cars aren’t a true performance sports sedan most ppl buying one are not going to push them to the limits. in terms of almost every metric they are damn near identical.
For me, in a part of Canada that sees insane amounts of snow AWD was a no brainer.
Only BIG differences would be rain/snow traction which depending on where u live may not even be a factor.
Ultimately if you live in a place that gets real snowfalls, like apocalyptic blizzards where I live your better off getting AWD. If you live in Cali or places that don’t see snow, or have very minimal snow RWD would be the better choice.
either way anyone with a 350 has a great car.
08-07-21, 07:07 AM
#173
My ONLY regret is not worrying about the AWD drivers floor hump, it drives me absolutely nuts!! I love everything about the car except that dam HUMP!! Honestly Lexus really F'kd up leaving that hump there for us left side drivers, it really destroys the cars desirability for me, and I will be a little sad, but mostly glad when i get rid of it in a couple years. I would keep this car forever if it didnt have that damn hump, and I had really planned to until i realized this hump was going to ruin the car for me. I know they have RWD but I need an AWD, and sadly the IS & GS are the only V6 awd sedans available that are newer out of Lexus/Toyota & Honda/Acura. I may try the TLX Type-S since its v6 awd, but it has a turbo & im not very fond of them tbh.
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GrizzlyMan (08-07-21)
08-07-21, 12:56 PM
#174
If Lexus managed to fit a V8, they can manage to have alternate platforms.
To me V8 is too much, it would be perfect a V6 4.0 on the engine bay
To keep the same 350 yr after yr is lame, and then keep adding weight. It somewhat suffers from the same power issue as the RX8, well it was worst as they removed boost.
To me V8 is too much, it would be perfect a V6 4.0 on the engine bay
To keep the same 350 yr after yr is lame, and then keep adding weight. It somewhat suffers from the same power issue as the RX8, well it was worst as they removed boost.
08-07-21, 06:29 PM
#175
My ONLY regret is not worrying about the AWD drivers floor hump, it drives me absolutely nuts!! I love everything about the car except that dam HUMP!! Honestly Lexus really F'kd up leaving that hump there for us left side drivers, it really destroys the cars desirability for me, and I will be a little sad, but mostly glad when i get rid of it in a couple years. I would keep this car forever if it didnt have that damn hump, and I had really planned to until i realized this hump was going to ruin the car for me. I know they have RWD but I need an AWD, and sadly the IS & GS are the only V6 awd sedans available that are newer out of Lexus/Toyota & Honda/Acura. I may try the TLX Type-S since its v6 awd, but it has a turbo & im not very fond of them tbh.
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AquaMayne (08-08-21)
08-07-21, 06:50 PM
#176
08-08-21, 01:21 AM
#177
My ONLY regret is not worrying about the AWD drivers floor hump, it drives me absolutely nuts!! I love everything about the car except that dam HUMP!! Honestly Lexus really F'kd up leaving that hump there for us left side drivers, it really destroys the cars desirability for me, and I will be a little sad, but mostly glad when i get rid of it in a couple years. I would keep this car forever if it didnt have that damn hump, and I had really planned to until i realized this hump was going to ruin the car for me. I know they have RWD but I need an AWD, and sadly the IS & GS are the only V6 awd sedans available that are newer out of Lexus/Toyota & Honda/Acura. I may try the TLX Type-S since its v6 awd, but it has a turbo & im not very fond of them tbh.
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AquaMayne (08-08-21)
08-08-21, 10:18 AM
#178
5’10” and I noticed the hump immediately when I test drove a couple cars, and wondered if it would bother me long term, but it ticked all the boxes in what I was looking for, so pulled the trigger. After I got my car, and fine tuned the seat position for comfort, I’ve never noticed the hump in this car.
08-08-21, 10:51 AM
#179
08-08-21, 11:47 AM
#180
Its not necessarily the hump in a way, its what the hump forces your ankle/foot to do. You either have to have your entire foot on the pedal, or if you bring your foot down the pedal at all you are forced to angle your foot around the hump. The hump also prevents me from bringing my foot back like you can on the left foot. Its most noticeable when your on a long commute; theres nowhere for your right leg & foot to go besides on the pedal. Cruise control is kinda pointless for me on the car because of that.
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AquaMayne (09-07-21)