The V8 is back: IS 500 F SPORT Performance
05-06-21 | 02:47 PM
#481
Calling the GM is probably the worst way to approach this...if anything that will just lessen your chances of getting on that list because a lot of people are doing the same thing.
Build your relationship with the salesperson you're buying the car from and go from there. Loyalty goes a long way.
Build your relationship with the salesperson you're buying the car from and go from there. Loyalty goes a long way.
05-06-21 | 04:05 PM
#482
Intermediate
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 29
From: GA
05-06-21 | 07:49 PM
#483
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 108
Likes: 41
From: CA
1) Don't bother with Cali. A lot of ppl made bank in the stock market, they couldn't care less about an extra $30k for a new toy. Look out of state, Texas, Florida, Iowa, wherever and pay the extra $1-2k for shipping, you'll save a lot of money that way.
2) The dollar hasn't fallen against other currencies, but it's fallen against pretty much everything else. Unless you need to use cash soon, don't keep much cash of any currency.
2) The dollar hasn't fallen against other currencies, but it's fallen against pretty much everything else. Unless you need to use cash soon, don't keep much cash of any currency.
05-06-21 | 11:23 PM
#484
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 508
Likes: 97
From: CA
The US economy today is in far worse shape than it was in the year 2000. The imbalances are much bigger, the debts are much bigger. This is going to be a much bigger dollar decline than we had from 2000 to 2008. The next crisis is going to be a US dollar crisis and a sovereign debt crisis.
This past week the Federal Reserve told us that QE will not end, despite the stronger economic data. Clearly, the Fed is concerned that ending QE will send a signal that the first interest rate hike is nearer than expected. And the Fed wants us to believe that rates won't rise until 2024. Hence, the Fed will make a major policy error, encouraging the asset price bubble to continue to levels that ensure great investor pain when markets recognize inflation and/or some exogenous event hits markets.
One fallout from this misguided Fed policy of letting inflation get out of control before reacting is the impact on the U.S. dollar. We all know the quality of currencies in high inflation countries, and it's never pretty (buenos dias, Argentina). Recall that the gold standard ended in the 1974, and the only thing backing fiat currencies is the belief by the public in the credibility of the central bank that issues the notes. And it does not take a degree in economics or finance to understand that a country whose central bank just prints money out of thin air is, in effect, just debasing its currency for ephemeral short-term gains.
Last edited by GaryJG; 05-06-21 at 11:36 PM.
05-07-21 | 03:56 AM
#485
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 4,129
From: GA
i have not been on clublexus in years but i've been excited with the reveal of the IS 500, so decided to log in and join the fray. i had to sell my previous IS F due to needing more room for car seats for my two kids so had to get a small CUV. ended up custom ordering a 2018 Macan S and have had it a few years now. even with the light performance mods i've done, i've missed my old V8. the turbo lag on the Macan is awful. the piggyback tune helps a little but nothing compares to an NA motor.
with the IS 500, i think i may jump ship bc my kids soon won't need car seats and my wife still has the RX. i was seriously considering a used 991.2 in about 4 years but just can't justify the premium they fetch. i still really want to see what the new IS F will bring, whether it'll be a TTV8 or TTV6, price, looks, etc. but the IS 500 is a serious contender for me, maybe pick one up that's slightly used and not take the initial depreciation hit. i'm already thinking i'll do a custom inconel exhaust to reduce some weight and amp up the noise.
with the IS 500, i think i may jump ship bc my kids soon won't need car seats and my wife still has the RX. i was seriously considering a used 991.2 in about 4 years but just can't justify the premium they fetch. i still really want to see what the new IS F will bring, whether it'll be a TTV8 or TTV6, price, looks, etc. but the IS 500 is a serious contender for me, maybe pick one up that's slightly used and not take the initial depreciation hit. i'm already thinking i'll do a custom inconel exhaust to reduce some weight and amp up the noise.
05-07-21 | 04:17 AM
#486
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 4,129
From: GA
That is a little early to tell if you can do a custom order or not. They will put your preference in to the area office (most likely Lexus Eastern Area) and see if they will take the order. If the IS 500 has only two available builds lets say for example, base with no Nav and fully loaded with Nav & ML, you will probably have to wait longer for a special order. It typically takes 90-120 days to get an order in, plus a few more weeks of shipping. With the current state of supply chain issues and the major back up at the ports due to short staff of long shoremen/customs agents, it may take longer.
It's always good to have a plan B & C.
It's always good to have a plan B & C.
05-07-21 | 07:36 AM
#487
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,802
Likes: 534
From: USA
My personal preference for the 500 is the USB w/red interior (keeping with what I have), ML, and a mid-60s price tag. The NAV is not desired, but if I can get my color choice, I'll gladly eat the additional cost of the NAV. You said take it easy for the next few months and I'm listening, but dealership shenanigans give me heartburn. :-D
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DLPTony (05-07-21)
05-07-21 | 09:42 AM
#488
Same...I haven't been on in quite a few years myself. I was reminded of the page via the IS Freaks FB group, popped over, and saw this glorious thread! It's nice to see so many folks, other than me, jazzed for the 500. I just hope I can get it spec'ed to my specifications, not interested in being the first to own if I'm not completely happy with it.
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DLPTony (05-08-21)
05-07-21 | 11:42 AM
#490
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,802
Likes: 534
From: USA
05-07-21 | 02:25 PM
#492
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 118
Likes: 197
From: Ca
I sold my rattle box of a 2015 GS 350 in anticipation of the IS Fivehundo. The GS was bound to need a water pump, front suspension TLC, tires and another year's registration. Got good money for her though. Now I'm stuck driving my Toyota truck until the end of summer or beyond. Like everyone else, I'm hoping for a mid to low $60K tag or its just not going to taste good enough. I'll abandon ship and figure out what other sedan is next. The local dealer took my deposit in February 
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flipside909 (05-07-21)
05-07-21 | 02:27 PM
#493
Lexus Connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,802
Likes: 534
From: USA
I sold my rattle box of a 2015 GS 350 in anticipation of the IS Fivehundo. The GS was bound to need a water pump, front suspension TLC, tires and another year's registration. Got good money for her though. Now I'm stuck driving my Toyota truck until the end of summer or beyond. Like everyone else, I'm hoping for a mid to low $60K tag or its just not going to taste good enough. I'll abandon ship and figure out what other sedan is next. The local dealer took my deposit in February
05-07-21 | 02:39 PM
#494
Pit Crew
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 118
Likes: 197
From: Ca
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flipside909 (05-08-21)
05-07-21 | 08:41 PM
#495
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 342
Likes: 415
From: CA
What's everyone who's interested in the IS500 also cross-shopping with? There really isn't anything that is 400+ HP in this price-range, but the main competition I'm assuming is: BMW M340i, Audi S4, MB C43 AMG, Acura TLX Type-S, and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. If the IS500 is just too overpriced (dealer markup) or too hard to get, what's the next go to? I'm personally looking at the TLX Type-S.
Last edited by Compromise; 05-07-21 at 10:31 PM.