Topic: Lexus IS250

[wing]

I'll agree with that, although the lexus is about $5k more and probably not worth it.  Although it's RWD!

[G0dspd]

Very nice evolution on this car!

It's a great thing that they kept it RWD and that the new engine has VVT (I don't know if the older model has this feature) but it's sad that they gave up the "real" manual transmission.  I would take a stick shift over a electronic joystick any day of the week.  This is a somewhat sporty car!

[Snowman]

RWD is a must to compete with the 3 Series. Acura needs to step up to a RWD or AWD to be a serious contender in this class. The LGT Limited is still the performance king in the $40k crowed.

[wing]

Very nice evolution on this car!

It's a great thing that they kept it RWD and that the new engine has VVT (I don't know if the older model has this feature) but it's sad that they gave up the "real" manual transmission. I would take a stick shift over a electronic joystick any day of the week. This is a somewhat sporty car!

It does come in Manual look again

[JSCC]

It's okay to me if $40,000 includes sunroof, alloy wheels and leather.

[locutusx]

actually, i looked at the specs for the IS350 and i was *really* impressed, although I assume that one will be at least $50k.

I think with the IS350, Toyota wanted a "G35 beater".

too bad all the Lexus's come with Auto tranny only now! a bit bizarre, actually.

[JSCC]

Hmmm.... looking at the specs, seems like leather only comes standard on the IS350.
The IS250 comes standard with sport fabric.

Doh... seems like sunroof and Xenons are extras for both models too. 

[johngenx]

...too bad all the Lexus's come with Auto tranny only now! a bit bizarre, actually.

I understand manny-tranny sales on the Lexus IS models were really, really, slow.

[wing]

The 250 comes in manual

[captain_ron]

$40,000 is pushing it.  I know it is a lexus, but with sunroof and leather (will probably come in a package), it will be more than $10,000 than the TSX, and more than the G35 which is 280hp. 

[davidm]

Dropped by the Lexus dealership yesterday.  No car or pricing yet, they expect it mid next week.

They do have the packaging:

1) Leather and Moonroof pkg

- leather seats
- moonroof
- maybe something else small

2) Leather premium pkg
- leather
- heated and vented seats
- power seats
- tinting mirrors
- wood trim
- 17" wheels
- some other small stuff

3) Leather and moonroof premium pkg
- pkg 2 + moonroof

4) Sport pkg
- leather and moonroof premium pkg
- sport suspension
- 18" wheels
- metal interior accents
- sport pedals
- other stuff I can't remember

Important point is that to get all the "sporty stuff" you have to buy all the other crap.  Kinda a PITA.

As for pricing, he doesn't know for sure, but figures the base RWD 250 will start around $34-35k and a loaded RWD 250 manual will be about $43k.  Loaded 350 will be mid to high 50s.

He has presold 5 250s all RWD manual versions (interesting for people in an aging suburb).

[wing]

^^ who  buys a car that they do not know the price of and haven't seen it?

[avtoller]

^^ who  buys a car that they do not know the price of and haven't seen it?

Well, me for one!! 

[Traum]

As for pricing, he doesn't know for sure, but figures the base RWD 250 will start around $34-35k and a loaded RWD 250 manual will be about $43k.  Loaded 350 will be mid to high 50s.

I can't imagine how the IS can start in the $34 to $35k range though. That's TSX territory. The IS250 comes with a small six cylinder after all, and alone is good enough reason for it to be priced higher than the TSX.

-Rick

[ramp_signal]

...too bad all the Lexus's come with Auto tranny only now! a bit bizarre, actually.

I understand manny-tranny sales on the Lexus IS models were really, really, slow.

From a highly unscientific survey (I was shopping for one a few months ago), they probably represented only 7 - 8% of sales.  It was a sweet shifter though.

[RayT]

As for pricing, he doesn't know for sure, but figures the base RWD 250 will start around $34-35k and a loaded RWD 250 manual will be about $43k.  Loaded 350 will be mid to high 50s.

I can't imagine how the IS can start in the $34 to $35k range though. That's TSX territory. The IS250 comes with a small six cylinder after all, and alone is good enough reason for it to be priced higher than the TSX.

-Rick

James/wing did say that he heard the commercial and it stated that it *started* at $40K. That's about the same ballpark as the older one but it looks like this one is better equipped in the base model.

I was hoping it would be around $37-38K in the base model, but it's much less of a stripper model than the old base model which didn't have basic things such as stability control until you added the premium packages that pushed it above $45K

[wing]

Yes it was a commercial I heard, they said it started at $39,990 but maybe they were guessing

[davidm]

I had the discussion with the sales guy on buying a car you've never driven/seen and don't know the pricing.  He said they were all current Lexus owners and 4 of the 5 were trading in IS300s.  Guess they feel they know what they are going to get.

As for pricing, those were his guesses.  I agree they seem optimistic.  I would guess $37k base.

[GTI-Gabe]

The IS300 started at $37k

The current BMW 325 starts at $40k

I bet they'll price the IS250 close to the BMW but lower

[wing]

$34k would make me VERY interested in this car.