I test drove this car last week. It's beautiful on the outside, much more so than in photos and video. And the interior is NOT as dated as everyone is saying. It's elegant and practical, and the instrument cluster graphics are way ahead of their time. The seats are also very comfortable. But I was really surprised by how soft the brake and gas pedals are. They travel quite far before you get any response. That's not a good feel in a sports sedan or even a GT. In addition, it's true what most reviewers are saying about the paddle shifters: there's significant delay, at least on the up shifts. Down shifts are much quicker and satisfying. I understand that Lexus was going for comfort, but I think they went too far in the soft direction. Here I'm comparing the IS500 to the AUDI S4, Genesis G70, Mercedes C43 sedan, and BMW M340i. Finally, the footwell is cramped. It's not a problem for everyday driving around town, but I could see how it would be on a problem on long trips. I'm only 5'8", so it'll be worse for anyone taller. The center console gives you very little room to adjust or stretch your legs. Lexus really should have widened the IS 500 as well as lengthened it. I was seriously thinking of getting this car, but I've decided to pass on it for all of these reasons. The engine does have a spectacular exhaust note, but I think I'll have to find my NA V-8 somewhere else.
Sadly, there is no other V-8 luxury compact sedan. I've had mine for about 5 months. In that time, I've learned you have to grab this car by the scruff of its neck to get the best from it. Don't be a coward. Press the pedal down!
I like how it has a cd player in it, good to know that a car in 2023 has got one, lexus is all about simplicity and not putting to much tech in like how Mercedes-Benz or BMW does
Some really good comments in the other threads. I test drove one at local dealer in the spring and was a little disappointed as well. Main reason is that for value, compared to the IS350, you don’t get that much more. Maybe shave 1-1.3 seconds off 0-60. OTD cost for the IS500 when I test drove was $72k, no dealer markup. A well optioned IS350 would be about $55k OTD. Is a NA V8 worth ~$17k? Maybe to some. Also, some IS500 owners are complaining about body panel sag on driver side at the headlight. Some speculate this is due to Lexus not upgrading the steel on the front subframe to accommodate the additional deadweight and dynamic stresses from the V8. Don’t know how wide spread the problem is, but I don’t want to spend $70k+ for a car that can’t handle its engine. Supposed Lexus reliability was the main selling point that almost made me pay the premium.
Not sure from where you got these misinformations. The IS500 is basically the GS F minus the TVD and the aluminum rear link. The chassis is rigid and the car handles really well. More than enough for fun street drives. If you want to make it track ready, coilovers will fix the softness.
That info about the front subframe is from a blog called Motor Frontier. The author of that blog came over to Club Lexus and started trolling the forums. I wouldn't take that info seriously.
I snagged a brand new one for $60k and change...at that price, it's a steal compared to the IS350. Way more exclusive simply with the V8 and I'm fine with that. I'm ecstatic to have this car because I had an SC400 and LS400 back in the day, and miss the Lexus V8s after driving tons of small motor turbo and hybrid cars and tiring of them...Lexus V8s are pure bliss and I see this as a refreshed, more "modernized" take in a compact package whereas everyone else calls it outdated. I WANT a simplistic but functional interior - hate touchscreens, unnecessary and fancy tech, complicated driving aids- just leaves more room for things to fail long-term. Plan to keep this car until I'm unable to drive. Also regarding your comment on shaving little time 0-60 compared to the 350, this car isn't about that but the TOP END on the highway is the truth. This car moves.
One day I went mad and threw away all my CDs Then one month later I bought this with a CD player, my only complaint after getting my IS500 is that I threw away the CDs 😂, but thank god the engine sound keeps me entertained.
Funny I have a IS500 (my 3rd one) I recognize the roads. North Territorial & Hankard? Thats Pickney. Great roads used to take my STI & Evo there. Also the highway was US23?
@@Philmoscowitz it doesn’t live up to expectations Sure the v8 is great, but other than that it’s just an is350 with the v8. Not to mention the 8 speed transmission really holds it back. The 8 speed wasn’t that good in the IS F and it still isn’t for a performance car. The 500 is supposed to be a halo model yet it looks exactly like an is350. The exterior and interior are exactly the same Bottom line is you should watch the car care nut video on the is500. He explains it better
@@naveenthemachine - I totally agree with you. I test drove the IS500 last week and was really disappointed. I also found it to be too cramped in the foot well. Not good for long distance journeys!
@@naveenthemachine I watched CCN's video. He was expecting an IS F. This is both cheaper than an RC F (modern-day, that's as close to an IS F as we'll get) and is also badged as an F Sport, not an F. He rambled on and on about this. I didn't particularly like his take. This is priced more like an M340i or Audi S4, not an M3 or RS 5, so it should be compared to the M340i/S4.
@ARentz07 maybe with someone who is 5' 0" up front. I'm 6' 2" and can't even fit in the back seat without my feet getting stuck underneath the drivers seat. Saying that you're comfortable sitting in the back seat of that car is bullshit. You know there's no room back there. Lol you could probably feel a little comfortable with the drivers seat all the way up and nobody driving. 🤣
I test drove this car last week. It's beautiful on the outside, much more so than in photos and video. And the interior is NOT as dated as everyone is saying. It's elegant and practical, and the instrument cluster graphics are way ahead of their time. The seats are also very comfortable. But I was really surprised by how soft the brake and gas pedals are. They travel quite far before you get any response. That's not a good feel in a sports sedan or even a GT. In addition, it's true what most reviewers are saying about the paddle shifters: there's significant delay, at least on the up shifts. Down shifts are much quicker and satisfying. I understand that Lexus was going for comfort, but I think they went too far in the soft direction. Here I'm comparing the IS500 to the AUDI S4, Genesis G70, Mercedes C43 sedan, and BMW M340i. Finally, the footwell is cramped. It's not a problem for everyday driving around town, but I could see how it would be on a problem on long trips. I'm only 5'8", so it'll be worse for anyone taller. The center console gives you very little room to adjust or stretch your legs. Lexus really should have widened the IS 500 as well as lengthened it. I was seriously thinking of getting this car, but I've decided to pass on it for all of these reasons. The engine does have a spectacular exhaust note, but I think I'll have to find my NA V-8 somewhere else.
I’d go dodge Charger scat pack.
Sadly, there is no other V-8 luxury compact sedan.
I've had mine for about 5 months. In that time, I've learned you have to grab this car by the scruff of its neck to get the best from it. Don't be a coward. Press the pedal down!
@@ARentz07 v8 compact sure. But there are v8 sedans that perform better fof the same if not less. Like for 10K less the dodge Charger scat pack
@@naveenthemachine The IS 500 will keep up with or beat a Scat Pack, while having a much nicer interior and better reliability.
@@ARentz07 a scat pack has a better zf 8 speed transmission.
The interior, despite identical to the older model, the refreshed element makes it looks relevant today, if not better than many cars.
It’s insane that Lexus sells a Mercedes C63 AMG from 10 years ago with more power and reliability for just $60k
Lexus is stunning!!❤
I like how it has a cd player in it, good to know that a car in 2023 has got one, lexus is all about simplicity and not putting to much tech in like how Mercedes-Benz or BMW does
It's a DVD player too actually
This is perfect for vertically challenged driver {5’4”}. Awesome motor, perfect for senior car enthusiast like me.
Keep pumping out these vids can't wait for winter Pov
Some really good comments in the other threads. I test drove one at local dealer in the spring and was a little disappointed as well. Main reason is that for value, compared to the IS350, you don’t get that much more. Maybe shave 1-1.3 seconds off 0-60. OTD cost for the IS500 when I test drove was $72k, no dealer markup. A well optioned IS350 would be about $55k OTD. Is a NA V8 worth ~$17k? Maybe to some. Also, some IS500 owners are complaining about body panel sag on driver side at the headlight. Some speculate this is due to Lexus not upgrading the steel on the front subframe to accommodate the additional deadweight and dynamic stresses from the V8. Don’t know how wide spread the problem is, but I don’t want to spend $70k+ for a car that can’t handle its engine. Supposed Lexus reliability was the main selling point that almost made me pay the premium.
Not sure from where you got these misinformations.
The IS500 is basically the GS F minus the TVD and the aluminum rear link.
The chassis is rigid and the car handles really well. More than enough for fun street drives. If you want to make it track ready, coilovers will fix the softness.
That info about the front subframe is from a blog called Motor Frontier. The author of that blog came over to Club Lexus and started trolling the forums. I wouldn't take that info seriously.
I snagged a brand new one for $60k and change...at that price, it's a steal compared to the IS350. Way more exclusive simply with the V8 and I'm fine with that. I'm ecstatic to have this car because I had an SC400 and LS400 back in the day, and miss the Lexus V8s after driving tons of small motor turbo and hybrid cars and tiring of them...Lexus V8s are pure bliss and I see this as a refreshed, more "modernized" take in a compact package whereas everyone else calls it outdated. I WANT a simplistic but functional interior - hate touchscreens, unnecessary and fancy tech, complicated driving aids- just leaves more room for things to fail long-term. Plan to keep this car until I'm unable to drive. Also regarding your comment on shaving little time 0-60 compared to the 350, this car isn't about that but the TOP END on the highway is the truth. This car moves.
found a 22 launch edition with 6k miles for 58 where i live, definitely a steal of a used vehicle imo.
Blah blah blah blah
No car is perfect, but this one is perfect for me.
So. Good. Period.
Love it! ❤
One day I went mad and threw away all my CDs Then one month later I bought this with a CD player, my only complaint after getting my IS500 is that I threw away the CDs 😂, but thank god the engine sound keeps me entertained.
This car is just perfect
No it’s not 😂. An m340i c43 stinger g70 3.3T are perfect.
Engine is but not the interior. Stil uses old remote touch from Lexus which is horrible
@@BigAltimaEnergy719 but it also has a touchscreen so you don’t have to use the trackpad
@@naveenthemachine Doubtful.
@@naveenthemachine perfect in every domain no doubt cars you listed are great but they got there flaws.
it's truly a drivers sedan
will buy a used one in a few years.
Love this!
Great job showcasing that rev limiter. 😁
Yeah I think I might be leaving the window open a lot when mine arrives next month.
I love this car ❤
Perfect 👍
you never disappoint me bro
very reliable
awesome
Beauty car.
So, lane keep assist just doesn't work...?
nice man...
Cute upholstery.
Nice sedan worth with it's price.
Funny I have a IS500 (my 3rd one) I recognize the roads. North Territorial & Hankard? Thats Pickney. Great roads used to take my STI & Evo there. Also the highway was US23?
Did you also sell the 2nd one? Haha!
Why have you had 3 IS500s?
Hi
A great v8 on an otherwise not so great car. Car care nut said he was very disappointed with the 500
What was he disappointed by?
@@Philmoscowitz it doesn’t live up to expectations
Sure the v8 is great, but other than that it’s just an is350 with the v8. Not to mention the 8 speed transmission really holds it back. The 8 speed wasn’t that good in the IS F and it still isn’t for a performance car. The 500 is supposed to be a halo model yet it looks exactly like an is350. The exterior and interior are exactly the same
Bottom line is you should watch the car care nut video on the is500. He explains it better
@@naveenthemachine - I totally agree with you. I test drove the IS500 last week and was really disappointed. I also found it to be too cramped in the foot well. Not good for long distance journeys!
@@naveenthemachine I watched CCN's video. He was expecting an IS F. This is both cheaper than an RC F (modern-day, that's as close to an IS F as we'll get) and is also badged as an F Sport, not an F. He rambled on and on about this. I didn't particularly like his take. This is priced more like an M340i or Audi S4, not an M3 or RS 5, so it should be compared to the M340i/S4.
@@ARentz07 yet it doesn’t perform anywhere near as well as the s4 or m340i or even the ct4 V black wing
Those back seats are useless. Lol
5' 11", and I can sit behind myself comfortably.
@ARentz07 maybe with someone who is 5' 0" up front. I'm 6' 2" and can't even fit in the back seat without my feet getting stuck underneath the drivers seat. Saying that you're comfortable sitting in the back seat of that car is bullshit. You know there's no room back there. Lol you could probably feel a little comfortable with the drivers seat all the way up and nobody driving. 🤣
@ARentz07 after all, it is just an is350 with a V8. What more can we expect.
@@vz2556 I said behind myself. I'm 5'11". With the seat adjusted for me, I fit.
@ARentz07 I know what you said. I still think you're full of shit. You're not sitting comfortably back their buddy. Maybe in an es or an ls.
Poor equipment and features for the price. Shame.
Foreskin
Twat Me