If you’re the type of person to trade-in their car after 3 years or so, then I can see why this car would be kind of a hard sell if you look at its competitors. But if you’re the type of person who ‘marries’ their sporty car for 8 to 10 years at a time (like I do) then this car is perfect! Before I bought this car, I had a ‘08 Acura TL Type S which I loved until it was totaled last year. Nothing in the IS500 feels “old” to me because I was in a 2008 car for 11 years. And under certain circumstances it CAN beat its competitors in a friendly race that doesn’t require any sort of modifications, but thats not the point of this car. It’s meant to be a kind of jack-of-all-trades type of GT sports sedan that leans towards being a spirited drivers car. To unlock the full potential of the transmission lies in keeping the RPMs above 4k. Lots of surprises in this car. Had it for almost a year and couldn’t be happier.
Sorry to hear about the TL! Glad you found something you love to replace it though! Yeah, there's definitely a place for it on the market and I can see it working for plenty of people. Enjoy!
I’m in the same situation. I have an 05 TL that I bought brand new. It is on its last leg and I am considering the IS 500. The interior and infotainment on this to me looks amazing and not dated at all.
Agree. Most of those who trade in their cars or end their leases after 3 years usually do so because they want to avoid the breakdowns and high repair/maintenance costs that surface for cars with more performance features, but dismal quality (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Audi). I also had a TL (2014 AWD) and was looking for a 2024 Type S but could not find one locally, which was disappointing. So I researched other makers and fell in love with this Lexus model. End of story, bought my very first Lexus and have become an IS fanboy.
Good to hear. I just ordered a 2025 IS500 after driving my 07 TL Type S since I got it in 2010. I'm also one that marries their vehicle for 10+ years. I agree that going from an 07 to this feels like a big technological upgrade. Really, the only thing I was hoping for that is not available is wireless charging.
Very informative review! I had a 2016 IS350 FSport RWD and absolutely l-o-v-e-d that car, but wished it had a little more umph. So for me, the 500 is the Super Saiyan III version of the 3rd Generation IS models. Two years at 23K miles (and counting!) and this car is still amazing! The guy who only had the car for a week is ridiculous; not because the 500 didn't speak to him, but because he did not do his RESEARCH. At the end of the day, this is a Lexus first-and-foremost and will always lean towards a comfortable car tuned to ensure longevity. Lexus from the start billed the 500 as a Sporty Grand Tourer, with spirited daily commuting in mind. In that vein, they've hit it out of the park. I am an aggressive driver, so the OEM Bridgestones were dumped for PS4S' (the other reason your traction was terrible, not just the cold), upgraded to the aFe dry air filter, and I drive 100% in Manual and Sport S+. I have hung out with Bimmers, Supras, Porsches, and other F products on the mountain sweepers for hours and be the only one who isn't beaten up afterwards. 😀 If you understand the purpose of this car (Great handling, Great Riding, Great Sounding, Great Comfort), you will be super happy with it. If you're expecting a track weapon, look elsewhere. Thanks for posting!
Thanks! And congrats on the car! Yes, you hit the nail on the head. Lexus always leans toward comfort, and they've done exactly that here, and it makes it great as a daily driver or something you can drive long distances (minus fuel economy), and if you want to push it a bit, you get great sound and quickness. And good call on the tires, I should have mentioned something about changing out the tires for better grip. Glad to hear the PS4Ss are holding up better. Lexus should really offer those stock. Heck, they put them on the RX 500h.
@@GearboxCarReviews You are so right; pretty much every 2021+ IS owner swaps those tires out as soon as they get worn out (which also doesn't take more than 15,000 miles for most people).
I've been commenting on various IS500 reviews since I've owned mine for a few months and am enamored with it. Got it under MSRP as my understanding is these aren't exactly flying out of dealerships. Initially I was gunning for an RCF. Long story short, the comfort, build quality, V8 (still gets 20 MPG with my driving!), and RWD were all hits for me. Frankly the old interior is a win for me too because there are (gasp) buttons. Yes it's objectively worse than an M340i, or really anything (omitting the C43) in the class in performance figures. In my case, who cares!
Ordered same options and colorway but with the Black Nuluxe interior. Could take up to 6 months or even longer to build/ship here. Nice informative video. Cheers .....
Nice review; I think you really highlighted the fine print of this car. It's tire-limited, it's soft, and the interior tech is dated. But, it is a fantastic daily and has arguably one of the best engines for the money in this segment, which makes it feel and sound more exciting than it has any right to. The transmission is kinda weird. If in Sport S+ or even in Sport S, if you push it through the corners for a few turns, it'll wake up and start holding the gears. Once you know that, it actually is usable on a back road without resorting to manual mode. It is too bad that it takes so long to figure out that you're driving in a sporting manner, and I think it results in a lot of negative experiences. Like you said, just go manual for the most response and control; if I am being honest, it feels like Lexus really expected owners to drive it exclusively in manual mode when driven hard.
Thanks! I appreciate the comment! It really is a great daily. The sound and ride quality are tough to beat in the segment. That's interesting that it wakes up a bit after you start to push it. I'll have to try that out if I get a chance in another one. Honestly, when I start to push a car hard I typically go straight into manual mode anyway, so not a bad assumption. But would definitely be nice if it was a little quicker when acting on its own.
Nice detailed review. As far as transmissions go, the IS500 gets the AA80E which is designed for the V8 cars. IS350 gets the AA81E designed for the V6 cars.
Thanks! I believe the AA80E and AA81E are essentially the same transmission with different programming and the AA80E gets a couple more sensors. Don't quote me on that. But when I asked the Lexus rep about the difference between the IS350 and IS500 transmissions, he said it was basically just programming.
You can only get stretchy vinyl on the seats, which feels like it is smothering you much more than leather because it form fits to your skin. So wish I could get actual leather.
Supposedly if you have the subscription you can use the lock button, but I couldn't get it to work. It's possible that the subscription wasn't setup or I was doing something wrong, but if your purchase comes with the free trial then it should work.
This project feels incomplete, is like Lexus had V8 and old trannies laying around and slapped into a 350 chassis and called it an IS500. While the engines is unique, I don't think is a reason to sell it for what they are asking for. However, you have the benefit that this could potentially become a " collectible" if you are willing to keep it for a long time.
I actually bought an IS 500... and returned it less than a week later. It's only really got 2 things going for it above the competition. 1. V8 2. Reliability Beyond that, nearly every car in the segment, especially at this price, is better, including the BMW M340i. It's just a hard sell when for the same money, you can get an M340i that is faster, more fuel efficient, has lower insurance premiums, better tech, and is more dialed in and refined on the chassis setup, not to mention the M340i has more room. The price Lexus is asking for this vehicle is ridiculous.
I can't argue with any of that. The appeals are looks, sound, badge cache, reliability, and it's a surprisingly comfortable ride for a compact sports sedan. But the price is pretty crazy when you look around at the competition. I definitely see there being room in the market for it because I think that buyer exists, but if you want any kind of modern tech or if you're a car enthusiast that wants to throw the car around a bit, it's a really hard sell.
Got to research or drive the competition. This car has a place for many, and well, not so many. I only drive Toyotas and Lexus so my dealers all know me. @@GearboxCarReviews
I've driven pretty much everything in the segment and I can see where this one fits in. I really think they need to update the infotainment and the safety/assist systems to the latest versions they're offering on other models at the very least to justify the price. But I do see where it fits in, I see there's a specific buyer for it that it just works best for.
Totally get your reasoning. For myself, I stuck with the IS500, have had the pleasure of 10 months of ownership. I agree that other cars deliver superior specifications for similar money. But it’s all about the unquantifiable for me. I could have the worst day at work, and stepping into the IS and revving the V8 turns it around every time. Yes, an m340i is faster, but it doesn’t hit me the same emotionally. I love that EMOTION!!
If you’re the type of person to trade-in their car after 3 years or so, then I can see why this car would be kind of a hard sell if you look at its competitors. But if you’re the type of person who ‘marries’ their sporty car for 8 to 10 years at a time (like I do) then this car is perfect! Before I bought this car, I had a ‘08 Acura TL Type S which I loved until it was totaled last year. Nothing in the IS500 feels “old” to me because I was in a 2008 car for 11 years. And under certain circumstances it CAN beat its competitors in a friendly race that doesn’t require any sort of modifications, but thats not the point of this car. It’s meant to be a kind of jack-of-all-trades type of GT sports sedan that leans towards being a spirited drivers car. To unlock the full potential of the transmission lies in keeping the RPMs above 4k. Lots of surprises in this car. Had it for almost a year and couldn’t be happier.
Sorry to hear about the TL! Glad you found something you love to replace it though! Yeah, there's definitely a place for it on the market and I can see it working for plenty of people. Enjoy!
I’m in the same situation. I have an 05 TL that I bought brand new. It is on its last leg and I am considering the IS 500. The interior and infotainment on this to me looks amazing and not dated at all.
Agree. Most of those who trade in their cars or end their leases after 3 years usually do so because they want to avoid the breakdowns and high repair/maintenance costs that surface for cars with more performance features, but dismal quality (e.g., BMW, Mercedes, Audi). I also had a TL (2014 AWD) and was looking for a 2024 Type S but could not find one locally, which was disappointing. So I researched other makers and fell in love with this Lexus model. End of story, bought my very first Lexus and have become an IS fanboy.
Good to hear. I just ordered a 2025 IS500 after driving my 07 TL Type S since I got it in 2010. I'm also one that marries their vehicle for 10+ years. I agree that going from an 07 to this feels like a big technological upgrade. Really, the only thing I was hoping for that is not available is wireless charging.
Very informative review! I had a 2016 IS350 FSport RWD and absolutely l-o-v-e-d that car, but wished it had a little more umph. So for me, the 500 is the Super Saiyan III version of the 3rd Generation IS models. Two years at 23K miles (and counting!) and this car is still amazing! The guy who only had the car for a week is ridiculous; not because the 500 didn't speak to him, but because he did not do his RESEARCH. At the end of the day, this is a Lexus first-and-foremost and will always lean towards a comfortable car tuned to ensure longevity. Lexus from the start billed the 500 as a Sporty Grand Tourer, with spirited daily commuting in mind. In that vein, they've hit it out of the park. I am an aggressive driver, so the OEM Bridgestones were dumped for PS4S' (the other reason your traction was terrible, not just the cold), upgraded to the aFe dry air filter, and I drive 100% in Manual and Sport S+. I have hung out with Bimmers, Supras, Porsches, and other F products on the mountain sweepers for hours and be the only one who isn't beaten up afterwards. 😀 If you understand the purpose of this car (Great handling, Great Riding, Great Sounding, Great Comfort), you will be super happy with it. If you're expecting a track weapon, look elsewhere. Thanks for posting!
Thanks! And congrats on the car! Yes, you hit the nail on the head. Lexus always leans toward comfort, and they've done exactly that here, and it makes it great as a daily driver or something you can drive long distances (minus fuel economy), and if you want to push it a bit, you get great sound and quickness. And good call on the tires, I should have mentioned something about changing out the tires for better grip. Glad to hear the PS4Ss are holding up better. Lexus should really offer those stock. Heck, they put them on the RX 500h.
@@GearboxCarReviews You are so right; pretty much every 2021+ IS owner swaps those tires out as soon as they get worn out (which also doesn't take more than 15,000 miles for most people).
I've been commenting on various IS500 reviews since I've owned mine for a few months and am enamored with it. Got it under MSRP as my understanding is these aren't exactly flying out of dealerships. Initially I was gunning for an RCF.
Long story short, the comfort, build quality, V8 (still gets 20 MPG with my driving!), and RWD were all hits for me. Frankly the old interior is a win for me too because there are (gasp) buttons. Yes it's objectively worse than an M340i, or really anything (omitting the C43) in the class in performance figures. In my case, who cares!
That’s surprising! Dealers by me can’t seem to hold on to them. They’re sold before they arrive on their lot, and when they do arrive they don’t last.
Ordered same options and colorway but with the Black Nuluxe interior. Could take up to 6 months or even longer to build/ship here. Nice informative video. Cheers .....
Nice! Congrats on the purchase!
Good review, it’s a great car!
Nice review; I think you really highlighted the fine print of this car. It's tire-limited, it's soft, and the interior tech is dated. But, it is a fantastic daily and has arguably one of the best engines for the money in this segment, which makes it feel and sound more exciting than it has any right to.
The transmission is kinda weird. If in Sport S+ or even in Sport S, if you push it through the corners for a few turns, it'll wake up and start holding the gears. Once you know that, it actually is usable on a back road without resorting to manual mode. It is too bad that it takes so long to figure out that you're driving in a sporting manner, and I think it results in a lot of negative experiences. Like you said, just go manual for the most response and control; if I am being honest, it feels like Lexus really expected owners to drive it exclusively in manual mode when driven hard.
Thanks! I appreciate the comment! It really is a great daily. The sound and ride quality are tough to beat in the segment. That's interesting that it wakes up a bit after you start to push it. I'll have to try that out if I get a chance in another one. Honestly, when I start to push a car hard I typically go straight into manual mode anyway, so not a bad assumption. But would definitely be nice if it was a little quicker when acting on its own.
Exactly, you can't tap into this car's potential if you are not engaged in manual mode 100% of the time.
Finally kid seat Info. TY.
Glad I could help!
Nice detailed review. As far as transmissions go, the IS500 gets the AA80E which is designed for the V8 cars. IS350 gets the AA81E designed for the V6 cars.
Thanks! I believe the AA80E and AA81E are essentially the same transmission with different programming and the AA80E gets a couple more sensors. Don't quote me on that. But when I asked the Lexus rep about the difference between the IS350 and IS500 transmissions, he said it was basically just programming.
Awesome car)
I get that the interior is looking a little old. But I still LOVE the layout
You can only get stretchy vinyl on the seats, which feels like it is smothering you much more than leather because it form fits to your skin. So wish I could get actual leather.
I don't mind the synthetic leather, but I get where you're coming from. The interior is in desperate need of an overhaul.
Every car uses synthetic leather
@@LU_JUST There is no synthetic leather in my Porsche, even the trims and everything is leather. Same with my Audi S5. Same with my wife's old Z4.
Cool @@Digiphex
@@Digiphexthe liessses 😂
BTW, will a 3 time and hold of the door open button on the remote start the car ? Thx
Supposedly if you have the subscription you can use the lock button, but I couldn't get it to work. It's possible that the subscription wasn't setup or I was doing something wrong, but if your purchase comes with the free trial then it should work.
No. You hit the lock button 3 times, the third time you hold until the lights flash
@@LU_JUSTyea it wrks I have one
The red is awsome
If plays dvds
The interior looks like from 2005
Yeah, it's basically from 2014. It's past due for an update.
265 seems like a narrow rear tire for a rwd v8
It's not wide for a RWD V8, but it's wide for such a small car. Most RWD V8s are much bigger cars
60K+ no real leather is a disappointment, but NA V8 compensates
This project feels incomplete, is like Lexus had V8 and old trannies laying around and slapped into a 350 chassis and called it an IS500. While the engines is unique, I don't think is a reason to sell it for what they are asking for. However, you have the benefit that this could potentially become a " collectible" if you are willing to keep it for a long time.
Lol, the track pad just needs to go ahead....
I stand by that comment. It's a terrible system 😂
Easy to use cuz of haptic feedback plus good for peeps who don’t like scratches or fingerprints on their screen
I actually bought an IS 500... and returned it less than a week later. It's only really got 2 things going for it above the competition.
1. V8
2. Reliability
Beyond that, nearly every car in the segment, especially at this price, is better, including the BMW M340i. It's just a hard sell when for the same money, you can get an M340i that is faster, more fuel efficient, has lower insurance premiums, better tech, and is more dialed in and refined on the chassis setup, not to mention the M340i has more room. The price Lexus is asking for this vehicle is ridiculous.
I can't argue with any of that. The appeals are looks, sound, badge cache, reliability, and it's a surprisingly comfortable ride for a compact sports sedan. But the price is pretty crazy when you look around at the competition. I definitely see there being room in the market for it because I think that buyer exists, but if you want any kind of modern tech or if you're a car enthusiast that wants to throw the car around a bit, it's a really hard sell.
Got to research or drive the competition. This car has a place for many, and well, not so many. I only drive Toyotas and Lexus so my dealers all know me. @@GearboxCarReviews
I've driven pretty much everything in the segment and I can see where this one fits in. I really think they need to update the infotainment and the safety/assist systems to the latest versions they're offering on other models at the very least to justify the price. But I do see where it fits in, I see there's a specific buyer for it that it just works best for.
IS500 looks 100x better than the m340i. M340i looks a boring regular sedan
Totally get your reasoning. For myself, I stuck with the IS500, have had the pleasure of 10 months of ownership. I agree that other cars deliver superior specifications for similar money. But it’s all about the unquantifiable for me. I could have the worst day at work, and stepping into the IS and revving the V8 turns it around every time. Yes, an m340i is faster, but it doesn’t hit me the same emotionally. I love that EMOTION!!