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Well I bit the bullet this week and picked up a new Is500. It's my first Lexus since my 2001 IS300. Since then I have only been driving BMW 3 and 4 series. I did drive this back to back with the new BMW M2 for comparison sake. I must admit that objectively the M2 is better in most attributes, with better acceleration, handling, sharper steering and brakes. Yet the Is500 is something that just can't be quantified objectively, there is an emotion to driving it that most modern cars are missing. Even though it's a parts bin car, the car is better than the sum of its parts. The instrument cluster, the sound of the engine, even the abruptness of how the transmission shifts almost adds to the experience which makes it stand out from the more clinical options out there. It's certainly not for someone chasing stat sheets or lap times, but for a road car that will never exceed 7/10ths - it sure is a lot of fun.
Well I bit the bullet this week and picked up a new Is500. It's my first Lexus since my 2001 IS300. Since then I have only been driving BMW 3 and 4 series. I did drive this back to back with the new BMW M2 for comparison sake. I must admit that objectively the M2 is better in most attributes, with better acceleration, handling, sharper steering and brakes. Yet the Is500 is something that just can't be quantified objectively, there is an emotion to driving it that most modern cars are missing. Even though it's a parts bin car, the car is better than the sum of its parts. The instrument cluster, the sound of the engine, even the abruptness of how the transmission shifts almost adds to the experience which makes it stand out from the more clinical options out there. It's certainly not for someone chasing stat sheets or lap times, but for a road car that will never exceed 7/10ths - it sure is a lot of fun.
Welcome to the club!
Once you get some beauty shots, check out this thread.
Well I bit the bullet this week and picked up a new Is500. It's my first Lexus since my 2001 IS300. Since then I have only been driving BMW 3 and 4 series. I did drive this back to back with the new BMW M2 for comparison sake. I must admit that objectively the M2 is better in most attributes, with better acceleration, handling, sharper steering and brakes. Yet the Is500 is something that just can't be quantified objectively, there is an emotion to driving it that most modern cars are missing. Even though it's a parts bin car, the car is better than the sum of its parts. The instrument cluster, the sound of the engine, even the abruptness of how the transmission shifts almost adds to the experience which makes it stand out from the more clinical options out there. It's certainly not for someone chasing stat sheets or lap times, but for a road car that will never exceed 7/10ths - it sure is a lot of fun.
You forgot to mention much better looking, better resale value and much more reliable on your way to 200,000 miles plus!
Well I bit the bullet this week and picked up a new Is500. It's my first Lexus since my 2001 IS300. Since then I have only been driving BMW 3 and 4 series. I did drive this back to back with the new BMW M2 for comparison sake. I must admit that objectively the M2 is better in most attributes, with better acceleration, handling, sharper steering and brakes. Yet the Is500 is something that just can't be quantified objectively, there is an emotion to driving it that most modern cars are missing. Even though it's a parts bin car, the car is better than the sum of its parts. The instrument cluster, the sound of the engine, even the abruptness of how the transmission shifts almost adds to the experience which makes it stand out from the more clinical options out there. It's certainly not for someone chasing stat sheets or lap times, but for a road car that will never exceed 7/10ths - it sure is a lot of fun.
Congrats and welcome !! One of my work colleagues has an M2 - its like a go-cart. Lots of fun. But you summed it up very well: the IS500 gives you a synergistic effect where the total experience is greater than the sum of its parts.
Beautiful car!!! Any difference between 2023 and 2024 IS500?
I believe other than two new exterior colors, the major difference between 23 and 24 is all black side mirrors. Otherwise pretty much the same car since 22.
I did drive this back to back with the new BMW M2 for comparison sake. I must admit that objectively the M2 is better in most attributes, with better acceleration, handling, sharper steering and brakes. Yet the Is500 is something that just can't be quantified objectively, there is an emotion to driving it that most modern cars are missing. Even though it's a parts bin car, the car is better than the sum of its parts. The instrument cluster, the sound of the engine, even the abruptness of how the transmission shifts almost adds to the experience which makes it stand out from the more clinical options out there. It's certainly not for someone chasing stat sheets or lap times, but for a road car that will never exceed 7/10ths - it sure is a lot of fun.
Hello from another former 1st gen IS owner! And your summary of the IS500 vs. the competition is spot-on.
Excellent description of this car. It has so much character and absolutely so much better than the sum of its parts. I too considered much more "track oriented" cars but ultimately found them less than ideal for day to day. Even coming from a car with built V8 engine, coilovers, tight suspension, and brakes...I wouldn't drive it everyday because of it. Even when hitting more aggressive driving, I am finding the IS500 genuinely better and more enjoyable. I want to drive it every single day!
Kept having to go back to how much am I really going to be on a race track with this car (doesn't take a race car to enjoy that), and it is so much fun on twisty roads without beating you up. This car is so enjoyable to just get in and drive (or even ride). The power is there, the sound is there, the seats are wonderful, and the driving experience and controls interaction is wonderful. and the physical buttons make life so much easier for the things used every time I am in the car...I enjoy my technology but I despise fumbling through menus to do what I want even when I know exactly where to go and it still takes 3 different screens to do it.
I went from an EV back to an ICE and specifically bought the 500 for the V8 and after driving for a couple of months I really appreciate going back to the old school tech and actual buttons. The EV tech is great but I didn't like almost having to relearn the vehicle after every major software update and to do everything on the screen can get annoying even after you think you mastered it. The first Tesla Model S's were sold in 2012 so now 12 years old, not sure how they are holding up but if repairs are needed I'm sure very, very expensive especially if you have to replace some electronics which is basically the whole powertrain and operating system not to mention the battery.
02-23-24, 10:08 PM
My 2024 Is500
The 500 and your neighborhood both look great.
