I'd take this "outdated" over the new interiors with bolted on displays that look really sloppy. I've always loved the look of the IS too, and the older gen with the 2JZ was like an unsung hero of my childhood.
In this day and age, outdated is a good thing! Have you seen what BMW, Audi, and Mercedes are doing with their interiors for their 2023 models? Not a step in the right direction in my opinion.
i dont have a big issue with the overall interior design but the centre console area is just so poorly designed that its enough to render it a deal breaker for me. There's literally no storage spaces other than the cup holders and below the centre armrest
I got the 2021 in AWD. It’s honestly a good car. It’s not a sports car but it is a sporty car. The engine is amazingly smooth and suspension is a work of art. It’s not crazy with the tech but it has everything I want from a car and nothing more. What you do get is all very well made. In the span of a year I’ve put 10,000 miles on it and haven’t had any issues. Only complaints are the stock speakers are not the best, but I’ve heard ML speakers are amazing. Now do I regret my purchase for 48k YES, I simply don’t drive enough since my work is 15 mins away ( at the time of purchase I had an hour commute and it was great on the highway). However I do think out of all the bad financial choices I could make and especially for cars this is one of the better ones I could have made. So many cars now are increasing in price. I sometimes feel stupid about how much I paid but now you have 4cy turbo cars that last for half as long going for 40k and pickup trucks on every corner that cost much more than that. At the end of the day the Lexus will last a very very long time with proper care and at the rate I drive and I know I can keep it for at least 15 years to get my moneys worth. So my recommendation is if you don’t drive a lot get a Honda Civic or Toyota camera. If you drive a lot have the money and want a simple fun luxury car get this, it will save you money in the long run. If want more power just go lease a bmw or Audi.
I agree the gearing need to be more aggressive and need to stay on the red line longer when trying to speed overall it has good power it’s all about the timing of the gearing that’s all the older is300 and is350 are way more aggressive gearing then the newer ones my brother own a 2016 is300 f sport the gearing is perfect aggressive as hell compare to mines
I agree, for 48K it is a little overpriced. Honestly, I was shooting for a 2019 IS300 F sport for 35. but it sold. I ended up paying 48 for a 23 is350 same as you. and you're right it's not a sports car, I was between a Camaro with the LT1 engine or this. I know for a fact the Lexus is a better daily, but the driving experience isn't as sporty as the looks are. A real sports car would've been a Camaro, supra or any muscle car in the 50 K area. I always get compliments on how my Lexus looks though, it's a head turner. Simple if you want a daily with amazing looks and low Maintenace/reliability get the Lexus. If you want a fun sport car for Spirited driving look somewhere else.
I own a 2021 IS 350 FSPORT with the Dynamic Handling Package and rear-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic. ABSOLUTELY love it! Yes, there are faster cars, and cars with more "tech" or "oh wow" interior features, yet, this car is so fun and soooooo comfortable to drive. And, it feels refreshingly analog compared to other cars. I love my car so much! I also have the Iridium exterior with Circuit Red interior.
I have owned an 2016 AWD IS 300 and now a 2021 RWD IS 350. And I agree with you guys, the 8-speed is way better for spirited driving! I've had mine for over a year now and still enjoy it a lot, both for daily driving and tackling the mountain roads here and there. And I still love the way it looks, too. And mine has summer tires, not sure exactly which tires were on this AWD model, but they sure do complain under stress! One other thing, this car does not have adaptive suspension. If it did, you would have Sport S+.
The rwd is definitely the way to go, less weight and better 8speed trans. If you don’t need a lot of space in the back it’s still a great compact sedan and dead reliable.
I have a 2021 IS 350 RWD, and coming from an AWD IS 300, I agree. This is what I have been telling people. Unless you live in a really snowy area, you owe it to yourself to get the good version of this car and get RWD.
First car was a 2008 IS250 and I was really happy with it. Sadly it was recked and I replaced it with a 22 Kona N but I agree this is a great overall package and the reliability and craftsmanship is a strong positive. My new Kona has rattles and has many features removed from EU version.
I like the reviews with both of you guys! The extra dialog and views on things is much better than talking to yourself, isn't it? Haha I think its pretty amazing how sporty-ish this car is but yet looks so comfortable and easy to own and drive. And I'm sure Lexus quality will hold up over the long run.
@@sploit777 Extremely slow is an overstatement. They are quite fast as far as modern transmissions go, but they obviously can't match a dual clutch, especially in downshifting.
@@sploit777 It has one of the quickest shifts in the world at 0.1 sec (the transmission in the IS500, not the IS350)! You are either misled by car reviewers that have no clue how to use Lexus' 8-speed Direct-shift, or you didn't know how to operate it yourself. Put it in manual, sport +, traction off and rep it! This transmission is bipolar and is meant to have this dual personality. If you're not giving it the beans, it will act smooth and sloppy since it's also a luxury car.
I had a 2004 IS 300 (5 cylinder) with a manual and premium sound, super rare combination. Sold it rather than teach the preggo wife how to drive a manual (her car was not reliable). Still miss it dearly.
Totally agree! What colour did you get? In my 3 reviews of the IS350, I drive it as a regular car as opposed to a performance driven car. Feel free to check them out 😊
I love the first generation IS300. I had the 2004 sports design with a manual transmission. And Chris is right, the 2JZ is torquy and tje pull in 2nd and 3rd are intoxicating. I enjoyed driving it more than my AP1 S2000 🤷♂️.
@@MPowerSubie12 now you will make me 😢. So I purchased that car new with 0 miles in I think April of 2004. I sold it in March or April timeframe of 2019. I wanted to keep it and I thought about it, but I had 264k miles on it and since I purchased my 2000 S2000 in 2009 the IS300 set outside and it that time it started getting rust in the fenders. At that point I decided I needed to sell it for something new. I got a 2019 Camry. Since then, I have sold the Camry in the hopes that I would get an IS500. I was not able to get one. Then recently I sold my S2000 as well as I cannot take my kids in it for a fun drive and figured what do I need it for and now... I am left trying to figure out what do I get. M4 M/T (maybe a bit too much $), upcoming M2 M/T, Supra MK5 M/T (I know, 2 seater) or 2023 IS500 (no M/T 😢). 🤷♂️
The sublime Japanese luxury sport sedan imo. So perfect for what it is if I had the money to burn this would be it. But no manual, otherwise ticks all the right boxes. Daily driver or Sunday cruiser.
I just got me a 2022 IS 350 F SPORT RWD with 6.5k miles last week, I traded in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 RWD for this Lexus. I thought they were faster tbh, they are fast tho. Its an awesome car for sure but the only disappoint is the sound system, my 2015 Altima has way better sound. Also being used to the Model 3 torque and its superb sound system made it more difficult to get used to this IS350. Overall Im super happy with my purchase, always dreamed of owning a Lexus
I have a RWD 2021 IS350 with Dynamic Handling Package in Michigan for my work lease. (I work in research at Toyota in Ann Arbor). I like it a lot for a daily driver. It’s horrible in the winter but a great commuting / fun light on its feet car. Not the best at anything like you said but solid at everything. The mark levinson system on mine is great and after 30,000 miles absolutely no creaks or rattles in the interior whatsoever. Quality is top notch.
I have an IS300h, great car and very underrated, amazing fuel economy, great handling and really practical too. However, Lexus decided to completely stop selling the IS here in the UK, despite the fact that hybrids are selling really well, huge mistake as there are so many IS on the road here still, such a shame! I have heard though that the all new IS in a few years time will be coming back to Europe/UK, so fingers crossed...
Sure, dated interior (still looks fantastic in my opinion), but you can't go wrong with a N/A V6, and the driving dynamics. People really complain about how old the IS looks, but to me, I can't complain on how amazing it looks and sounds.
It's even more old school than you think, the AWD system is a center planetary gear set just like on the STI. Nowadays very few vehicles, let alone luxury sedans in this class, use such a system (which also explains the hump for the transfer case). The hump is also on the driver's side because the IS is a RHD car, and it would have been on the passenger side in that config. Also, I fully agree that the feel of the interior is very high quality, one or two steps above the interiors of the NX and even the LX600. The 3rd gen IS was designed before 2010, so figure 12+ years ago when the focus was on quality, quality, quality. Today's new Lexus products cheap out on some small things that the original Japanese-designed Lexus would never have compromised on.
We've nearly gone two generations of the 3 series in the time this has been on sale. Sure it's a good car but it's definitely not as contemporary as it's European rivals
I'm trying to decide between this and a 2023 BMW 440i. I absolutely love the interior and exterior of the BMW, more than this Lexus, but this Lexus is cheaper and much more reliable
You should compare it to the 430, not 440. Lexus has been praised for its reliability for years, but BMW's reliability as increased a lot since 2016 (maybe 2017?) It's even listed as top 3 most reliable brands for 2022 by Consumer Reports. I drove my 2018 X3 M40i for 3 years and 45k miles with no issue except the digital gauge blacking out once.
Do you ever do buying guide type videos? Like here are 5 great used sedans under $25k to consider? Here's 5 great used small SUVs to consider under $25k, etc.
I work at lexus dealership, odd tip, you cannot move IS with door open. Brajes engage and stop car. On another note, check previous service records.... almost everyone IS that has came theough left after our car wash lol
They really need to update this car. I got the new WRX because Lexus was $17k more, and not really for any sport performance benefits, other than reliability. But, I'm not tuning my WRX and have a 10 yr. 100k mile bumper to bumper warranty. The Lexus is anemic. Though, I do really like the car. If they update it, then I would consider trading in for one. I also felt the most comfortable in the IS, though the seats etc. are very slim. I'm 160lb 5'10". I fit OK, but any bigger would not be an option. That car is NOT quiet. An Audi is quiet. geezes. 3800 lb! what a pig.
I'm not a fan of the modern Lexus IS, except the IS-F but that's gone. I much prefer 01-05 generation with the 2JZ. I'd love to find one that hasn't been trashed and thrashed as a daily. I had an RC-F for about 9 months and it was quick, but weight was an issue; and it just felt heavy in general even with the nice 2UR-GSE. Not a fan of the recent facelift, and not really addressing the outdated interior.
Everyone his own soup. But understand that the MK1 Lexus IS300 is now 20 years old. This requires to have several rubber pieces changed at critical points. The belt changed, the bushings changed, the injectors revised and the ignition coil changed. Also the harness on the engine should be revised at such an age. It's a huge cost point. Also, some pieces are now out of stock, like the heating system servo commander. If it starts to give you problem, there is no way around. The 2JZ GE is great, it has less power than other engines, but it screams beautifully in the night. Big advantage of the MK1 is the superior behavior when lowered. It feels light and nimble on it's feet. The perfect steering behavior is very close to Ferrari's F360 Modena. For the price of a shitbox, you can enjoy first class driving feel.
Always liked these and think the current gen still looks great. Love the interior. But the tall gears and poor economy would sway me away. Sounds like the RWD version is the way to go.
This car is a good buy overall without a markup.Otherwise, considered other vehicles such as the g70, type s , stinger with better performance than the lexus.
nice review. i just hate how slow it shifts using the paddle shifters… it shifts slower than my Turbo Mazda CX-30. minor complain, but overall, i love Lexus cars :)
That’s more of a compliment to Mazda’s 6AT, if anything. I’m still shocked by how quickly (relatively speaking) Mazda’s autos shift. They also respond quickly to manual inputs either via the shifter or paddle shifter, and they tend to let you wind out the engines too instead of auto-shifting near redline. For a brand that doesn’t particularly advertise themselves as explicitly sporty, it’s a pleasant surprise.
@@theconformist2399 you’re completely right. i still don’t know what Mazda did with these 6AT, but they’re a blast to use. i love my turbo even if it doesn’t have paddle shifters. it’s a really fun package with AWD as well, which is a bonus (if we don’t count MPG ratings).
My 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport RWD has everything, but the handling package. Curious if the LSD, adaptive suspension and BBS wheels make a huge difference in driving performance?
I’ve been wanting to trade in my 2.0 accord for an m340i but i realized it isn’t in my budget yet. Anybody thinks this would be a good enough upgrade regardless?
Was thinking of getting one. Previous model years did not have Android Auto support. The Interior - dull, fuel economy - low. Behind the competition in sportiness. Reliable and fun to drive. I could not pull the trigger. Thinking of maybe a base Kia Stinger instead.
@@DavidDLee I like Moto-man. But as someone who has driven a Stinger GT and owns an IS 350 now, I'd be hard-pressed to skip the twin-turbo six in the GT. It has addictive power!
I wish you would test the 2021+ IS350 F-Sport RWD 8-speed auto version that has that awesome Torsen LSD. If you have tested one, I haven't seen it, so my apologies if that's the case?
Do you adjust rearview mirrors for the camera on purpose? I've seen a lot of people do POV videos and it always bothers me the mirrors pointing at rear seats.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I've always had a soft spot for these. Even if people complain about the outdated interior etc.
I'd take this "outdated" over the new interiors with bolted on displays that look really sloppy. I've always loved the look of the IS too, and the older gen with the 2JZ was like an unsung hero of my childhood.
In this day and age, outdated is a good thing! Have you seen what BMW, Audi, and Mercedes are doing with their interiors for their 2023 models? Not a step in the right direction in my opinion.
i dont have a big issue with the overall interior design but the centre console area is just so poorly designed that its enough to render it a deal breaker for me. There's literally no storage spaces other than the cup holders and below the centre armrest
ppl calling this outdated is weird to me lmao, I'm so used to my car from 2016 and this shit's like a spaceship to me
@@summers232 yeah. The only thing I'm not a fan of tho is the price! It is a bit elevated TBH.
I really love the Lexus design language. Very distinctly Japanese and unapologetic, yet it's cohesive. Each car looks like origami.
Well said 👏
Damn you should be an automotive writer
I got the 2021 in AWD. It’s honestly a good car. It’s not a sports car but it is a sporty car. The engine is amazingly smooth and suspension is a work of art. It’s not crazy with the tech but it has everything I want from a car and nothing more. What you do get is all very well made. In the span of a year I’ve put 10,000 miles on it and haven’t had any issues. Only complaints are the stock speakers are not the best, but I’ve heard ML speakers are amazing. Now do I regret my purchase for 48k YES, I simply don’t drive enough since my work is 15 mins away ( at the time of purchase I had an hour commute and it was great on the highway). However I do think out of all the bad financial choices I could make and especially for cars this is one of the better ones I could have made. So many cars now are increasing in price. I sometimes feel stupid about how much I paid but now you have 4cy turbo cars that last for half as long going for 40k and pickup trucks on every corner that cost much more than that. At the end of the day the Lexus will last a very very long time with proper care and at the rate I drive and I know I can keep it for at least 15 years to get my moneys worth. So my recommendation is if you don’t drive a lot get a Honda Civic or Toyota camera. If you drive a lot have the money and want a simple fun luxury car get this, it will save you money in the long run. If want more power just go lease a bmw or Audi.
I agree the gearing need to be more aggressive and need to stay on the red line longer when trying to speed overall it has good power it’s all about the timing of the gearing that’s all the older is300 and is350 are way more aggressive gearing then the newer ones my brother own a 2016 is300 f sport the gearing is perfect aggressive as hell compare to mines
I agree, for 48K it is a little overpriced. Honestly, I was shooting for a 2019 IS300 F sport for 35. but it sold. I ended up paying 48 for a 23 is350 same as you. and you're right it's not a sports car, I was between a Camaro with the LT1 engine or this. I know for a fact the Lexus is a better daily, but the driving experience isn't as sporty as the looks are. A real sports car would've been a Camaro, supra or any muscle car in the 50 K area. I always get compliments on how my Lexus looks though, it's a head turner. Simple if you want a daily with amazing looks and low Maintenace/reliability get the Lexus. If you want a fun sport car for Spirited driving look somewhere else.
I own a 2021 IS 350 FSPORT with the Dynamic Handling Package and rear-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic. ABSOLUTELY love it! Yes, there are faster cars, and cars with more "tech" or "oh wow" interior features, yet, this car is so fun and soooooo comfortable to drive. And, it feels refreshingly analog compared to other cars. I love my car so much! I also have the Iridium exterior with Circuit Red interior.
What's the handling package? Adaptive dampers?
@@officialyasir Adaptive dampers, a Torsen limited slip diff, and BBS forged wheels.
how much did you pay for it out the door?
I have owned an 2016 AWD IS 300 and now a 2021 RWD IS 350. And I agree with you guys, the 8-speed is way better for spirited driving! I've had mine for over a year now and still enjoy it a lot, both for daily driving and tackling the mountain roads here and there. And I still love the way it looks, too.
And mine has summer tires, not sure exactly which tires were on this AWD model, but they sure do complain under stress!
One other thing, this car does not have adaptive suspension. If it did, you would have Sport S+.
So relaxing listening to the two of them talk.
The rwd is definitely the way to go, less weight and better 8speed trans. If you don’t need a lot of space in the back it’s still a great compact sedan and dead reliable.
I have a 2021 IS 350 RWD, and coming from an AWD IS 300, I agree. This is what I have been telling people. Unless you live in a really snowy area, you owe it to yourself to get the good version of this car and get RWD.
Not if you’re in Canada
Not in Michigan brother!
First car was a 2008 IS250 and I was really happy with it. Sadly it was recked and I replaced it with a 22 Kona N but I agree this is a great overall package and the reliability and craftsmanship is a strong positive. My new Kona has rattles and has many features removed from EU version.
I’ve always loved this model, and I love the redesign😮💨
I like the reviews with both of you guys! The extra dialog and views on things is much better than talking to yourself, isn't it? Haha
I think its pretty amazing how sporty-ish this car is but yet looks so comfortable and easy to own and drive. And I'm sure Lexus quality will hold up over the long run.
Love this new IS350 F-Sport in Iridium! It looks amazing!
I have one in the same color combo as this one, except mine is RWD. I was originally looking for a white one, but this silver won me over.
this is exactly like the one i just bought! Can't wait to make some upgrades to it
I really wish they would make more RWD. The 8 speed is a big improvement. Better balance too.
8 speed manual shifts are still extremely slow which is what stopped me from even considering an IS500
@@sploit777 Extremely slow is an overstatement. They are quite fast as far as modern transmissions go, but they obviously can't match a dual clutch, especially in downshifting.
@@sploit777 8 speed in the IS350 and IS500 are two completely different units bud
@@sploit777
It has one of the quickest shifts in the world at 0.1 sec (the transmission in the IS500, not the IS350)! You are either misled by car reviewers that have no clue how to use Lexus' 8-speed Direct-shift, or you didn't know how to operate it yourself.
Put it in manual, sport +, traction off and rep it!
This transmission is bipolar and is meant to have this dual personality. If you're not giving it the beans, it will act smooth and sloppy since it's also a luxury car.
Here in Georgia, it's uncommon to see an AWD IS. Most are RWD. I think Lexus always sends AWD cars out to certain climate types, if you will.
I had a 2004 IS 300 (5 cylinder) with a manual and premium sound, super rare combination. Sold it rather than teach the preggo wife how to drive a manual (her car was not reliable). Still miss it dearly.
😔
The interior is freaking dope
i likke benz better idk
@@clutchinc.7070 if I had to choose best modern auto interior it would be Mercedes. They're killing it lately
@@MrMegatron85 that's what im sayinnn
I've got the IS500 launch Edition. The 1st sold in my state Michigan. Love this V8 sedan from Japan.
Yesss the RWD version is sooooo much better. The AWD version isn’t as sporty IMO but it serves it’s purpose like you said for snow
I own this car and it’s awesome. Many of the people driving this car in their videos aren’t driving it correctly.
Totally agree! What colour did you get? In my 3 reviews of the IS350, I drive it as a regular car as opposed to a performance driven car. Feel free to check them out 😊
@@SergCarReviewsAugust 2022! I love it!
@@kahlildumas9746 Heck yeh! Well done mate!!
Bought this car cash with my stock money. Absolutely love it
Lol, gotta flex huh?
@@geo865833 😂😂Cheeky. Mate if you like Lexus reviews, I have plenty and a few with the IS350 😄 Feel free to check it out 😊
I love the first generation IS300.
I had the 2004 sports design with a manual transmission.
And Chris is right, the 2JZ is torquy and tje pull in 2nd and 3rd are intoxicating.
I enjoyed driving it more than my AP1 S2000 🤷♂️.
@Boris Cvijanovic Why’d you get rid of it?!
@@MPowerSubie12 now you will make me 😢.
So I purchased that car new with 0 miles in I think April of 2004.
I sold it in March or April timeframe of 2019.
I wanted to keep it and I thought about it, but I had 264k miles on it and since I purchased my 2000 S2000 in 2009 the IS300 set outside and it that time it started getting rust in the fenders.
At that point I decided I needed to sell it for something new.
I got a 2019 Camry.
Since then, I have sold the Camry in the hopes that I would get an IS500. I was not able to get one. Then recently I sold my S2000 as well as I cannot take my kids in it for a fun drive and figured what do I need it for and now... I am left trying to figure out what do I get. M4 M/T (maybe a bit too much $), upcoming M2 M/T, Supra MK5 M/T (I know, 2 seater) or 2023 IS500 (no M/T 😢).
🤷♂️
@@bcvijasiu IS500 is the better option tbh
@@bcvijasiu LS 500
best family car in the world
@@Hyperborean_2 while LS is nice it is not for me.
It is too big
The sublime Japanese luxury sport sedan imo. So perfect for what it is if I had the money to burn this would be it. But no manual, otherwise ticks all the right boxes. Daily driver or Sunday cruiser.
I just got me a 2022 IS 350 F SPORT RWD with 6.5k miles last week,
I traded in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 RWD for this Lexus.
I thought they were faster tbh, they are fast tho.
Its an awesome car for sure but the only disappoint is the sound system, my 2015 Altima has way better sound.
Also being used to the Model 3 torque and its superb sound system made it more difficult to get used to this IS350.
Overall Im super happy with my purchase, always dreamed of owning a Lexus
Just a great reliable car that will last decades will little maintenance.
Totally agree! Also mate if you like Lexus reviews, I have plenty and a few with the IS350 😄 Feel free to check it out 😊
Man when this thing finally leaves market, it'll be almost 20 years old..
I have a RWD 2021 IS350 with Dynamic Handling Package in Michigan for my work lease. (I work in research at Toyota in Ann Arbor). I like it a lot for a daily driver. It’s horrible in the winter but a great commuting / fun light on its feet car. Not the best at anything like you said but solid at everything. The mark levinson system on mine is great and after 30,000 miles absolutely no creaks or rattles in the interior whatsoever. Quality is top notch.
30k miles already? It must be good to drive then! I have a 2021 as well, just crossed the 14k mile mark.
@@ARentz07 They allow us 25,000 a year on the lease so I use it. Haha .
I always like it when you make awesome and fun videos like this :)
I have an IS300h, great car and very underrated, amazing fuel economy, great handling and really practical too. However, Lexus decided to completely stop selling the IS here in the UK, despite the fact that hybrids are selling really well, huge mistake as there are so many IS on the road here still, such a shame! I have heard though that the all new IS in a few years time will be coming back to Europe/UK, so fingers crossed...
wb benz
350 is always going to have a place in my opinion. I have a 200t rn
The design is amazing but with that kind of price tag, I’d just purchase an ISF or RCF. Still a cool sedan!✨
Lexus ISF for sure. It’s outdated but that V8 makes it up for it.
Sure, dated interior (still looks fantastic in my opinion), but you can't go wrong with a N/A V6, and the driving dynamics. People really complain about how old the IS looks, but to me, I can't complain on how amazing it looks and sounds.
Totally agree! Also mate if you like Lexus reviews, I have plenty and a few with the IS350 😄 Feel free to check it out 😊
Explains why I like it but hate pretty much any other car I've looked at.
Glad you all pointed out the AWD has the old 6 speed.
Going for RWD and 8 speed. (:
I like the 2022 Lexus IS350 F-Sport. It’s an awesome car :)
This car looks sooo much better in person that in any video/photo. I wonder why is that.
You need to review the RWD version.
It's even more old school than you think, the AWD system is a center planetary gear set just like on the STI. Nowadays very few vehicles, let alone luxury sedans in this class, use such a system (which also explains the hump for the transfer case). The hump is also on the driver's side because the IS is a RHD car, and it would have been on the passenger side in that config.
Also, I fully agree that the feel of the interior is very high quality, one or two steps above the interiors of the NX and even the LX600. The 3rd gen IS was designed before 2010, so figure 12+ years ago when the focus was on quality, quality, quality.
Today's new Lexus products cheap out on some small things that the original Japanese-designed Lexus would never have compromised on.
I think its really good that the IS350 F Sport is super tuneable so you 100% can get more power out of it if you truly desire it
We've nearly gone two generations of the 3 series in the time this has been on sale. Sure it's a good car but it's definitely not as contemporary as it's European rivals
I'm trying to decide between this and a 2023 BMW 440i. I absolutely love the interior and exterior of the BMW, more than this Lexus, but this Lexus is cheaper and much more reliable
You should compare it to the 430, not 440. Lexus has been praised for its reliability for years, but BMW's reliability as increased a lot since 2016 (maybe 2017?) It's even listed as top 3 most reliable brands for 2022 by Consumer Reports. I drove my 2018 X3 M40i for 3 years and 45k miles with no issue except the digital gauge blacking out once.
@@jeremycai9782 interesting. thanks for the comment
@@austintrummel1945 Mate if you like Lexus reviews, I have plenty and a few with the IS350 😄 Feel free to check it out 😊
Why you driving the AWD again? Give the RWD drive a shot, big difference in transmission.
love ur videos
One of the very rare IS350's that actually has the Mark Levinson audio upgrade!
Perfect daily!
I would pick this over the Germans. Sure it may not be an M or AMG engine under the hood but it’ll for sure reach 100k+ miles no problem
Love it!
It is interesting to think that the Lexus IS350 F Sport AWD costs $53k msrp, because the Acura TLX Type S SH-AWD is $54k msrp.
I've loved Chris reviewing IS350s.... since 2014 model year though
Do you ever do buying guide type videos? Like here are 5 great used sedans under $25k to consider? Here's 5 great used small SUVs to consider under $25k, etc.
bro, the main problem with these is that the AWD platform has a HUGE bulge on right leg area, such a deal breaker
The white exterior and the red interior is the best option.
I like these. If I had to drive a ton of miles AND had 50 grand (I don't and I don't), I'd be keen on one.
I work at lexus dealership, odd tip, you cannot move IS with door open. Brajes engage and stop car. On another note, check previous service records.... almost everyone IS that has came theough left after our car wash lol
Can’t wait to own one as my next car
Wish they’d make this car a little bigger
I have a 2017 rwd as a daily and I love it
Great Lexus, lovely Omega.
2gr brilliant sound
Good job with review.
Hey mate if you like Lexus reviews, I have plenty and a few with the IS350 😄 Feel free to check it out 😊
They really need to update this car. I got the new WRX because Lexus was $17k more, and not really for any sport performance benefits, other than reliability. But, I'm not tuning my WRX and have a 10 yr. 100k mile bumper to bumper warranty. The Lexus is anemic. Though, I do really like the car. If they update it, then I would consider trading in for one. I also felt the most comfortable in the IS, though the seats etc. are very slim. I'm 160lb 5'10". I fit OK, but any bigger would not be an option. That car is NOT quiet. An Audi is quiet. geezes. 3800 lb! what a pig.
I love them minus the transmission. Needs an 8 speed AWD and faster shifting.
Looks so good. Only wish it had 400hp
Look at the lexus is 500
I'm not a fan of the modern Lexus IS, except the IS-F but that's gone. I much prefer 01-05 generation with the 2JZ. I'd love to find one that hasn't been trashed and thrashed as a daily. I had an RC-F for about 9 months and it was quick, but weight was an issue; and it just felt heavy in general even with the nice 2UR-GSE. Not a fan of the recent facelift, and not really addressing the outdated interior.
Everyone his own soup.
But understand that the MK1 Lexus IS300 is now 20 years old. This requires to have several rubber pieces changed at critical points. The belt changed, the bushings changed, the injectors revised and the ignition coil changed. Also the harness on the engine should be revised at such an age.
It's a huge cost point.
Also, some pieces are now out of stock, like the heating system servo commander. If it starts to give you problem, there is no way around.
The 2JZ GE is great, it has less power than other engines, but it screams beautifully in the night.
Big advantage of the MK1 is the superior behavior when lowered. It feels light and nimble on it's feet. The perfect steering behavior is very close to Ferrari's F360 Modena. For the price of a shitbox, you can enjoy first class driving feel.
Chris, Substitute Topher's IS has a manual and so should this. 🤨
I’m thinking about it 😮 might get it
Asc doesn't come through the speakers it actually is just sound being pumped against the firewall
Always liked these and think the current gen still looks great. Love the interior. But the tall gears and poor economy would sway me away. Sounds like the RWD version is the way to go.
This car is a good buy overall without a markup.Otherwise, considered other vehicles such as the g70, type s , stinger with better performance than the lexus.
bro the rwd one has better transmission and less weight. better as a sport sedan
nice review. i just hate how slow it shifts using the paddle shifters… it shifts slower than my Turbo Mazda CX-30. minor complain, but overall, i love Lexus cars :)
That’s more of a compliment to Mazda’s 6AT, if anything. I’m still shocked by how quickly (relatively speaking) Mazda’s autos shift. They also respond quickly to manual inputs either via the shifter or paddle shifter, and they tend to let you wind out the engines too instead of auto-shifting near redline.
For a brand that doesn’t particularly advertise themselves as explicitly sporty, it’s a pleasant surprise.
@@theconformist2399 you’re completely right. i still don’t know what Mazda did with these 6AT, but they’re a blast to use. i love my turbo even if it doesn’t have paddle shifters. it’s a really fun package with AWD as well, which is a bonus (if we don’t count MPG ratings).
Lexus should give RCF Exhaust option to all their cars !
it’s a great reliable beautiful car….which is what a car owner wants…..
Totally agree!! Also mate if you like Lexus reviews, I have plenty and a few with the IS350 😄 Feel free to check it out 😊
I was going ti buy one until I saw the interior in person.
😔
2023 Impreza hatchback STILL comes with a 5 speed manual. It’s the last one tho
cool design i like it
My 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport RWD has everything, but the handling package.
Curious if the LSD, adaptive suspension and
BBS wheels make a huge difference in driving performance?
I have a 21 and the RWD is the way to go cuz of the 8 speed
Man the camber offset on the shock towers up front...looks like it came out of a race car not a sedan.
I think the awd 3.5 is possibly the worst combo on this car. idk if the 3.5 has enough torque to make the awd any fun
I’ve been wanting to trade in my 2.0 accord for an m340i but i realized it isn’t in my budget yet. Anybody thinks this would be a good enough upgrade regardless?
yes, and what do you mean? used both are the same price.
Life’s too short to drive boring cars. I’m sure you can find one within your budget. Book a flight and drive it back home
My dream sedan car
Was thinking of getting one.
Previous model years did not have Android Auto support. The Interior - dull, fuel economy - low. Behind the competition in sportiness.
Reliable and fun to drive.
I could not pull the trigger. Thinking of maybe a base Kia Stinger instead.
Get the Lexus please
Respect yourself
I think the GT Stinger is great, but the base model seems meh. If you have Lexus IS 350 money, you have Stinger GT money.
@@ARentz07 It's about the same power for less money. Still great to drive, with a better interior.
ruclips.net/video/2sHSCSoHMoY/видео.html
@@DavidDLee I like Moto-man.
But as someone who has driven a Stinger GT and owns an IS 350 now, I'd be hard-pressed to skip the twin-turbo six in the GT. It has addictive power!
It looks far, far more performance orientated than it actually is. With legendary Toyota reliability of course.
nice speedmaster btw
Lol “greetings”…”greeetingss”
Regular gas or premium?
Premium 💯
It’s the best at comfort
Gotta love how folks complain about the stupid stuff. Not like it’s a Plymouth Duster.. 😂
I was ready to buy a 2020 but the lack of CarPlay was a turn off.
Terrific car.
Is that CD player in a 2022?
Actually sounds great, I'm surprised
I wish you would test the 2021+ IS350 F-Sport RWD 8-speed auto version that has that awesome Torsen LSD. If you have tested one, I haven't seen it, so my apologies if that's the case?
Trying decide between … Lexus 350 f sport , Alfa giulia or Acura tlx a spec!
Hey mate if you like Lexus reviews, I have plenty and a few with the IS350 😄 Feel free to check it out 😊
You really need to get the rwd version.
Everything looks so nice inside except for that cruise control stalk from a ‘98 Corolla.
That’s the best part! So easy to use
Do you adjust rearview mirrors for the camera on purpose? I've seen a lot of people do POV videos and it always bothers me the mirrors pointing at rear seats.
Really not a fan of the AWD Lexus IS variants. I much prefer the RWD, as they are a bit faster and more efficient.
Brother in law got one of these for a steal. Sold it a few yrs later for an explorer…. SMH I know he regrets it.
Does it come with wireless charger? wireless apple car play?
I kinda thought the active sound control sounded the same.
How is that steering wheel along with that interior still a thing in 2022 ?