I bought a 23 premium certified for 57.5K with 12 thousand on the clock in march and as a daily it’s everything I need. I’ve had a type R and a Shelby GT500 and a new m340i xdrive which I traded for the IS. Yes it’s not BM quick but overall quality and the Lexus dealership experience is another league to all the other cars I’ve owned. The tactile feel of everything is great and the sound system is superb.
The Lexus dealership experience is absolutely unmatched. And their extended warranty is insane because it’s reasonable and starts AFTER the CPO warranty expires. So it’s something like 8 or 9 years bumper to bumper with two years of service included where they’ll pick your car up and leave a loaner at your house, then drop off when done.
@@ryansm3417The steering feel is completely numb; it’s like driving a video game and I couldn’t get used to the instrument panel and lack of physical buttons. Lastly the sound system was average at best. The B58 is a great engine fast and efficient but the overall car wasn’t for me. I traded it after 10 months and don’t regret it one bit.
I couldn’t disagree more. I went from a 21 m340i to IS500 and found it lacking in every category except intake noise. My BMW dealership experience also blew the Lexus experience out of the water.
@@trueblueamerican9if you don’t find the steering feel of an m340i to be numb, there isn’t anything that could possibly change your mind about these cars
I have an RCF and it is by far the best engine I have ever listened to (that isn't a V10/V12). It is absolutely amazing in how it drives. These cars will age like fine wine. Design wise they are timeless.
I’ve lived with this car for 2.5 years (at 31k miles on the odo) and 100% disagree on the fun factor knock. I drive mine daily in manual, Sport S+, and keep the RPMs above 4k at all times. You said there’s no difference between Sport and Sport S+, but in the next breath say the wheel has more heft and the transmission shifts are harder in Sport S+. That’s where the fun lives, not in simple Sport. (Your preference.) 😎 The knock on the transmission is spot on, but in the mountains in Sport S+ and Manual (w/PS4S) it is a crap ton of fun. I’m an admitted IS500 troll, but I freely accept its issues/limitations. To say it’s not a fun car is not correct in my opinion.
Yeah I'll be honest, I've driven a couple of RC Fs and lived with my IS 500 for over a year and a half now, and the main difference between the cars is the suspension. Whenever someone goes on about engine sound or transmission tuning, I don't buy it. If there ARE differences, they are so small as to be negligible. I certainly couldn't tell. The IS 500 is a little soft, sure, but you could easily fix that in the aftermarket if you're looking for a tighter-handling car.
@@ARentz07 I've driven them too, great cars, but I thought they were super heavy. At the Lexus Performance Driving School, I found the IS to be way more nimble and lighter on its feet than the RCF. Basically it's preference and not every car will speak to everyone. However...don't ding the car's fun factor, because there's a ton to be had. Side note, the Sport S+ setting in the RCF is waaaay harsher than the IS500's setting. With the 500, you're not doing your best bobble-head impersonation. 😀
I don't think there is a "compromise" here with this model. I think it's exactly what Lexus tried to accomplish. Make it fun, spirited, while still being a Lexus in comfortable, reliable and livable.
@dom7098 a 69 camaro is 55 years old and is loved by so many people who wouldnt change a thing. So people saying things are "dated" isn't necessarily a bad thing. The interior is just fine
@@bryy2053agree. It’s these people that want the car for other reasons. If I buy a IS500 with the V8 I want performance and the Lexus reliability and comfort. The interior looks nice, much better than many cars. I wouldn’t say it’s dated at all.
@@longboardguy Everyone kinda got their own taste you know, for me I means I'm only 25 but this is my dream car, now there are other " options " in this budget range that are far better. But I honestly don't see anything wrong with the info system as I kinda like hard button beside the goddamn touchpad that really gotta go lol, but good things the screen are touchscreen so most likely never touch that. Anyway if I'm ever able to get this car first thing I would do it install some real LED ambient lighting along the door trims and all that. Feels like it's missing that other than that seem good.
I regret selling my 2017 IS300. I traded in for a 2024 Tacoma because I needed a midsized pickup for work and the bed space. But I thought about it and I really didn't need a truck and I lied to myself lol. Craving an IS500 after watching these videos
yea get that is500... now look back and reflect on yourself.... how much did you really use your truck to do truck things?? if you have a business and always hauling things then it would make sense to keep it, but if you're barely using it for what it is then why not get an is500.
Topher you should do a separate video of your watch collection. i always enjoy trying to freeze a frame so i can figure out what your wearing(tudor bb pro??) cars, watches, bourbon, and cigars. love them all!
That is such a clean, tasteful, genuinely classy interior. It may be outdated technology wise, but damn it’s gorgeous and functional. God, I love circles & horizontal lines.
I knew it wasn't an ISF when i bought mine. That V8 is the soundtrack for my morning commute. Excellent job Topher! If someone is looking for a track weapon in sedan form, I would honestly suggest M3, QV, or CT4 BW.... or previous gen C63
As a owner of the ct200h, this car would meet my expectations for daily driving. I don’t hoon or “race” at all but want the luxury of having a vehicle that is comfortable.
When Lexus still has a V8 and the C Class super-duper AMG F1 Inspired ultra Mega 63sSs runs a 4 banger hybrid, it's kind of funny. The MB is faster, no doubt, but it's a spec-sheet car.
10:10 man that sunset when you’re merging onto the highway is just beautiful, makes me want this car even more 😭 I’m putting 10k down in like 4 years for this idc
It’s an IS with a big motor which I think is perfect for a ton of people. Almost nobody actually goes to the race track. I wish Cadillac had done a similar car with the CTS/CT5 and a normally aspirated LS motor, instead we either got a V6 or a psychopath supercharged V8. This right here is the 500e of today.
The Cadillac brings an interesting point - they did do an extremely limited run of CT6 Platinum with the 4.2L twin turbo Blackwing V8, which sounds exactly like what you're referring to. However, the CT5 and CT6 are much, much bigger chassis, since they're full size luxury limousines - the CT4 is more in line with the IS on chassis size.
" Almost nobody actually goes to the race track." Exactly...100%. Take that 10% out of the equation and this car is more than capable on regular streets when compared to others.
I've had one for just under a month, bought it for my wife. This is a hooligan's car that your mom can drive. By default it does NOT want to go fast, it does NOT want to go sideways. Pedestrians are safe unless there is a mustang behind you. But it _will_ donut and standing burnouts if you tell it to (sport s+, manual) and it will want to do it once you go through the song and dance of telling it that you want it to go crazy. It feels like a tame muscle car that is built to burn the tires off and race red light to red light on the way back from the grocery store.
I love this car! For me, it’s still the mostly perfect daily driver. I just wish I were in a position to pick one up right now. When Lexus announces the end of the IS500, I might have to figure out a way. I’ve always thought it would be fun to put Mustang 5.0 badges on the fenders… haha!
2025 will be the last model year with the naturally aspirated V8. Other than folding mirrors, a new paint color (Flare Yellow), and a new wheel design; it will remain unchanged from previous years.
I absolutely love this car. Thought about getting one but I ordered a ranger raptor instead. It suits my needs better living here in the Northeast, and if I could have two cars this might be one
I think I overlooked the fact that the IS 500 is an F Sport and not a full F. But I still do like the concept of having an IS that just happens to have the V8 shoved in. I think that's why I enjoyed my Sonata N-Line so much (no, I'm not making a direct comparison to the IS 500). It was still a Sonata underneath, a great daily driver. But a tune, a few bolt-ons, and throw it in Sport+ mode and it was an absolute ripper. I think the $70k price tag on this example is a bit eye-watering though.
The thing is, a "normal" IS350 tops out in the mid to high $50k range, so if you go by the barely-in-existance base trim, the IS500 isn't much more money - and it also happens to be cheaper than everything in it's class when comparably equipped (3 series M Sport, C class AMG package). More than anything, I think the V8 rekindles people's thoughts of the ISF, so they have a misalignment with what this car was designed as from the start.
I don't understand your comparison to the RCF. The RCFs I have seen in showrooms run $90K and have 2 doors. I bought the IS500 2 years ago for $65K. I needed a 4 door sedan and wanted a RELIABLE, COMFORTABLE, BEAUTIFUL, and EXCITING vehicle that would hold its value relatively well. I don't need a track car because I don't go to the track, like 99.99% of car owners. If I wanted to track the 4 door luxury car, I would drop $20k into upgrades, including a supercharger and still be cheaper than the RCF. And I love the antiquated interior and the CD Player.
@@rubbertoe. It's not a fair comparison to compare the price of a a used RCF to a new IS500. I think he was referring to a new RCF, which theoretically can be purchased for under $70k. However, I haven't seen one that cheap in real life. The ones I see are $90k - $106k.
@@JeffLebowskiTheDudeyou're bang on - the starting price is that low, but add one of the two packages to it, and it's already up at $90k. Sort of like the base trim of the IS500, I haven't seen a real world example of a stripper base trim RCF either.
@@Ill06Taco I've been burned by used cars a couple of times, so I decided I'd rather get a brand-new IS 500 for my budget than a used RC F. There is something nice about having the updated Android Auto- and Apple Carplay-compatible version of the old Lexus infotainment, where most used RC Fs out there will not have those features. Not to mention, I know every mile that was put on this car was either by me or by the techs that have worked on my vehicle. Used IS 500s will exist in the future and will likely be less costly on the used market than RC Fs. For me, the extra $20k or so for your average RC F at a dealership is hard to justify unless you do plan on pushing the car hard. I've driven the RC F multiple times and can acknowledge it feels sharper to drive overall, but it's mostly just handling and steering. Nothing else feels noticeably different; the cars literally have the exact same drivetrains down to the differential (except for the discontinued "TVD" torque-vectoring differential).
@@brian3is When it comes to Lexus, it’s the way of the enthusiast’s world. The LC, IS500, & GSF aren’t sold in the same numbers as the RCF and ISF. Nothing is remotely close to the LFA, but look at its history. Journalists trashed that car for years, now it’s highly regarded due to its low volume and driving dynamics. I think the same might happen for the GSF, LC, and IS500.
I've not driven this car but I have a 2022 M4. By comparing my experience with it and seeing how this car behaves I am confident you nailed the review of this ride. Sporty, comfy but not exciting. Well done
The IS500 is sportier than its entire segment minus the American rivals. It drives and handles better than the M340i, C43, S5, G70, Stinger... It's on par with the base trim Mustang GT. And all these cars get owned by the Camaro SS in terms of performance. But if we're talking about the best all-rounder (performance and comfort), it easily goes to the IS500.
@@yousef.al-assaf I’m not saying the IS is not a sporty car. It’s not a sports car. Only car Lexus made that’s a sports car is the LFA which is a super sports car. Let’s talk sports car like GR Supra, GR Corolla, Z.. these are dedicated sports cars. Lexus doesn’t have one excluding LFA.
I dont care if its supposedly old and outdated, compared to its competitors if I find a good deal on a certified pre-owned one, I think I'm going for it. A Toyota with a reliable 5.0 V8? I'll take that all day.
I have the ISF and I’m thinking about upgrading to this. I only hope they took care of the issues with the exhaust manifold cracking and valley plate seals. 2 major repairs that shops rob you in labor costs for. Literally everything for the ISF requires “engine removal” so they say. 🙄
Checked out your RC F vids after you mentioned in this vid, and I gotta say, something about the engine in this car just sounds better to me than the RC F's. Both are gorgeous vehicles though.
I hope before they eliminate the IS/RC they give us a version with something akin to the new ES infotainment with wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto and wireless charger but keep the existing steering wheel and dash. Throw in the door handles from the ES/LC and that would be the perfect car to me at least. Unlikely, but the fact the 2024 LC500 got a updated infotainment gives me hope to dream haha.
I know out of the box its missing a bit of that full F experience. However, after getting RSR lowering springs, better tires, and the RR Catback for mine my enjoyment has gone up significantly. I fully understand those that say 'well modifications is extra $$$, the car should already be X'. But hear me out, I can enjoy this alone on an hour commute or with 3 other people. Also, this is a great addition if you already have something else with pure performance. (something...something...reliable too...something...Lexus styling rocks)
you can make IS500 into RC-F with 4 doors, with not that much money, some coils, better pads and tires (Coolers from RR racing or Lexus parts bin if you track it) help this car perform a lot better and if u have little bit more throw on some RCF Brembos
Putting brakes and mods won't fix the chassis. RC F is built like a tank, IS 500 is not. So no. The advantage of an IS 500 is it's new. Rides comfortably well, better than RC F because the coupe is too aggressive for Lexus comfort even in Normal setting, RC F Normal is equal to IS 500's S+ mode in Suspension.
"Not as fun, exciting or dynamically enjoyable as I think people think it is..." - Exactly what my experience was when I test drove it. I wanted this car so much but after getting out of my 2019 G70 3.3T, the IS500 felt slow(ish) - I'm used to the 3.3T torque and had to wait for the V8 to get into the revs. I ended up getting a 2023 G70 3.3T instead. However, I STILL love the idea of the IS500. I want a V8 or at least the idea of it. Maybe the RCF is the way to go but I can't test drive one because there are zero where I live...
It's funny, the argument you made about the RC F simply being a better car at what it does is sort of the reverse of the argument I made AGAINST buying an RC F. I guess it depends on what you want to do with the car. If you are mostly commuting or running errands with occasional spirited drives, there is almost no reason to spend the extra (new-for-new) on an RC F. If you, however, are going to actually push the car hard, the RC F makes sense and is probably worth it - failing that, some aftermarket upgrades. But the way I saw it is as follows. Why pay more for having a less practical vehicle when the performance on the street is going to be very similar? Accounting for inflation, this is the cheapest way to get a 2UR-GSE brand new that Lexus has ever offered. That's pretty neat. And for someone like me, who does not really want or need a track car, this car makes way more sense than an RC F, since I can actually put folks in the rear seats in a pinch. (Yes, the RC F has rear seats... but try shoving a 60-year-old back there... not fun for them!) Anyway, with all that said, I totally agree with you on managing expectations. This is not an M3 fighrer; this is a fast Lexus IS, which is great if that's what you are looking for. I've had mine for a year and a half and have fallen in and out of love with it a few times - it's an arm's length driving experience, but it's also just such an easy car to live with and sounds amazing. It's hard to imagine getting rid of it for me because I just don't know what else could provide this kind of driver experience.
Man, the dash camera beeping is so true to life though. 🤣 Thankfully, the sensitivity to G-forces is adjustable... I've tuned mine down to a point where it doesn't come on anymore.
While getting my integra type s last year I HEAVILY considered an is500 but the handling dynamics of the type s just won me over but I do at times wished I got the is500 for all the creature comforts
I will buy one of these some day soon. Within the next 5 years. It doesn’t have to be new, a clean used one would do it for me. I’d buy for a fun car and mabey some daily type driving here and there.
Mine is a daily driver, albeit I only drive 10 miles round trip to work. Exclusivity is prime with the car, as I can bet it’ll take me years to see someone driving the V8 model.
I used to have one, the biggest advantage for this car is its softer ride and great driving dynamics. The perks are superb 1800W ML audio, great features like memory, all buttons no stupid nonsense touchscreen galore. Simple but sophisticated tach, that S+ mode transforms the car which is really great feature. And finally the NA V8 experience. It's a good car. But there are downsides, one the damn front bumper has a sag, Lexus did not fix it, it will happen no matter what, even IS 350 exhibits that, happens because of Toyota not designing it properly. Second downside is it's not an F car so do not expect to have extreme chassis control and stability with no body roll. And its 67K with taxes, no leather is unacceptable. Mirrors closing is now only coming with 2025 MY.
I was considering one of these but did ultimately buy a used 19 RCF for half the price. 2019 can have apple carplay added at the dealership for $200 so that is pretty sweet.
I want an IS500 so so so bad. It could totally be my next vehicle. My problem is the rear wheel drive. I live in a place not having 4wd or awd is kind of a deal breaker. I hope in years to come when I can have this as a second vehicle, I can still get this 5L V8.
I'd love to see you do another drive in a 2014 ISF and compare. Personally I prefer the ISF to the RCF and IS500 and I know you've done reviews a decade ago
In the sea of EVs with everything stuck onto enlarged ipads and their owners bragging about 0-60 times, this is 100% the car I would buy as a daily driver if I had the money.
@@Agent00J why did they strip it off for a car that’s wearing the Lexus badge. That’s suck it’s not big of a deal and if doesn’t cost that much for them to put that thing in.
@gordonnguyen7160 Lexus USA and Lexus Canada pick their own options and color combos. For example: you can get infrared on red in Japan. Neither Lexus USA or Canada allow that color combo. Also, headlight washers are available on the IS500 in Japan and Canada, but not in the US. And the moonroof isn't available on the IS500 in Canada at all. Black suede interior is also optional in Japan for the IS500, but not in the US or Canada. Weird
It’s typical for Toyota to cut back in some areas to save money. Hence why they’ve still haven’t completely redesigned the interior after 10 years, but that was actually surprising to hear because my 2014 RX350 has folding mirrors lol…
If people don't understand that it's not a full "F" model by now then idk how to help em. Can we just appreciate an epic sounding 472hp souped-up version of an IS350 F Sport? Sounds like an epic daily to me 🤷♂️
With a few upgrades it can be just as fun as an RCF. ISF brakes bolt right up and you can add a oil cooler and the same transmission cooler thats on the RCF. Your choice of coilovers and some better tires and boom, you have an unofficial "F" car.
No you don't and cannot. IS 500 auxillary cooler is not at all comparable to the RC F factory Engine oil cooler AND Transmission cooler, it has a scavenger pump in the RC F. The OEM style or more like Japan exclusive aftermarket OEM mod you are speaking about bolts onto the front radiator and it's just an engine oil cooler addon. RC F has dedicated vents, there's a reason why F marque is not applied here, because F car needs to have entire chassis tuned for Track use. If you drive an RC F and IS 500, you can understand what I'm saying. As for the brake mods, sure many do those. But remember you are adding more and deviating from the spec. Plus the rear suspension on the RC F and GS F is full aluminium and bigger tires. Finally not even LC 500 gets F, and it's transmission overheats in S+ mode with spirited drives. RC F will never overheat no matter how many laps you run.
@@lostalx I don't think the comment was intended to say you can make an IS 500 exactly like an RC F. He said "as fun as an RCF". Don't be jelly. I've driven both cars, and yes, the RC F feels tighter and more planted. But, maybe you can get a little closer to that while still having four doors with an IS 500.
I never liked how the RC looked, I think it has odd proportions as a coupe and the Lexus gaping mouth Grille treatment on the IS facelift is the best it has ever looked. I'd take the IS over the RC any day just based on that. Also, isn't the RCF similarly equipped almost $10k MORE than this?
love this car... but i can picture myself accelerating in second gear and have to let off before even reaching the redline because I'm already at 90mph. Reason why I like the vb wrx so much.. people complain about the short gears, but it's what makes it amazing for daily driving.
It's funny, all the comments you made about the IS500 not being as "sporty" as the RC-F is kinda what makes me want to trade my RC-F for one 😅 Going from an RC-350 F-Sport to the F, I didn't realize just how stiff it would be to daily the RC-F. I miss the "plushness" of being able to get in after a long work day and not feel like you're going to feel every bump on the drive home. Of course, everyone wants something different, and maybe it's just the old man in me speaking. As much as I still love my RC-F, I'd really like to test drive an IS500 and see what it's about. Still want the 2UR V8, no matter what. Finding a clean, used GS-F on the other hand, is like finding a needle in a haystack.
I had an RCF and just switched to the IS500 for exactly your reasons. The IS500 is much smoother and more comfortable, yet still retains the power of the RCF. It truly is the perfect balance (for me at least).
If Lexus updated the interiors to match other luxury competition they would easily steal a lot of the market. They make nice cars that are reliable I just don’t understand why they don’t care much about adding some flare to the interior.
It's a matter of taste, really. I find Mercedes interiors to be immature and autozone-tacky while BMW is half decent, excluding their overuse of piano black and cost cutting buttons into the touchscreen (industry trend). BMW's last version of i-drive was better than what they've cost cut it to. Anyway, I think the outgoing Lexus interiors were their peak, unfortunately, and now they've gone a lot more bland and lost identity. I hope it works out for them as a brand though and they find younger buyers- because that's what they lack and need.
@@faheemabbas3965 hang on to the ones you got or pick up the legacy vehicles they are basically finished selling- GX460, IS500, RCF, LC500. Heck, you can still pick up the LX570 or LS460 in good shape too.
@@Slythey exactly my point. Every young buyer wants a BMW or AMG. Never heard of them want a Lexus. If they added a small flare…. Maybe ambient lighting or something I bet it would work. It doesn’t have to cost them a fortune
@@bv431 Lexus has old person stigma, understandably. Kids don't know better and ppl who are replacing cars every 2-3 years don't care about reliability. They've got to get stranded on the side of the road and eat a few $3-5k bills for "minor repairs" for that to sink in.
Also remember most of the european competition will disintigrate mechanically at 100k. That alone gives me more piece of mind with toyota/honda, as well as a few others.
I think your review definitely has a place here. But I think it finds more truth *with people who have not owned or extensively driven an IS* Basically everything you said is exactly how all of the IS cars feel. I daily a 2016 IS200t. Everything from the good to the bad can be said about my car. Same with the long 8 speed gearing. Same with the time it takes to warm up, etc etc But, I don’t consider any of that to be necessarily “bad”. You said it’s like they took your average IS and threw a V8 in it..well that’s exactly what they did 😂. And as someone who tracks and dailys a 200t I would be more than happy to own a 500. I have beaten a good assortment of cars with mine and it only pushes 241 hp. Plus I’m in central Arkansas, our back roads can be serious and considered a race track in their own right lmao. The 500 I’m assuming is 3x better in all aspects compared to mine. I also do agree with you that the IS cars are some of the best daily drivers on the market rn So I do think what you said makes sense, but I also think you’d have to really live with it for a while to truly understand how well these cars perform. Everything from the 200t/300(same car lol) straight to the 500. I will also say that I personally would not buy a 500 at msrp(even tho it’s one of my favorite cars rn) simply because it’s too close in price to stuff like Camaros and corvettes. Both of which I want more. Would I buy a 500 over those ? No. Would I buy one over basically anything else including BMw series ? Yes lol. The entire IS line outside of the 250 should be considered **Luxury-Sports**
This interior keeps its nostalga and soul without compromising on tech, nor power or the reliability of the N.A. v8, and an aggressive front end. BMW and Benz overdoing it with screens doesn’t do it for me, and all the electrical issues!
Not only that, it keeps FUNCTION. I can turn off the AC and heated seats using buttons and change the volume with a dial!! Imagine that??? Being able to control the car by touch without looking at the screen!!
The thing is, this interior doesn't look outdated. They've modernised the materials and the current car interiors don't look more modern they just look CHEAP and they are already aging horribly whereas this interior is just straight up timeless. No buttons, no switches, pure cost cutting everywhere. Meanwhile this looks like a modern revamp of a W140 interior. Come back in 30 years and look at this IS interior vs for example a 2025 E Class. You will wonder what happened to society to go so wrong.
This interior isn't nearly bad enough to change this from a "no brainer" to a no purchase. I always thought car enthusiasts would tick about a dozen boxes before they get to the interior.
@@TT92348 True that. A lot of newer cars make you go into a menu to change the drive mode. Imagine just being able to turn a dial. Wow! Amazing! It is so annoying how everything is being relegated to screens... this car, however, doesn't have that issue.
@@ARentz07 Unfortunately we aren’t going back. It’s so much cheaper for manufacturers to use screens. Even cars like the 8.5 GTI are only adding a couple buttons back. Then you also have people complaining that things like Toyotas cruise control stalk are out of date which is asinine. Do these people complain that a fork or a spoon is “out of date” also? What part of the design needs changed?
I wouldn't have know that the RCF was a better driver than this F Sport if Chris had not mentioned it. I mean it makes sense in retrospect. Lexus themselves never marketed the IS 500 as a full F car. Which is also why if you put the old ISF on a lift you will find go fast/stop parts on the old vehicle not present on the IS 500. Some enthusiast still prefer the ISF over this IS 500. I trust this reviewer for the most part whatever he says, I'm certain it's accurate. That being said... i think lexus choosing to give the GS the F treatment ILO of the IS was a huge missed opportunity. I mean what sold more in 2016, the M3 or M5? People want a compact sports sedan. Lexus didnt do their homework. Also, Lexus sucks at marketing. Fire those dunces. Lexus loves talking about "refinement" or "balanced dynamics". But for those of us who want a fast and furious performance car those qualities take a back seat. Lexus instead should be telling people the beauty of a naturally aspirated v8. The sounds. The reliability. It's almost as if Lexus themselves do not understand why people buy a Lexus.
Toyota and Lexus are the marketing kings of the world when it comes to cars. Who sells more cars than Toyota motor corp… they don’t even need to market their cars because they will get the most sales regardless. They don’t even need to update the cars or upgrade them and they’ll still be the hottest sellers in the world. You’re the fool 😂😂. You think you know anything better than Toyota motor corp?? Are u on magic mushroom bud
@@almightybirdwatcher4986 I'm talking about the IS 500 specifically but ok moe-ron lol I wasn't talking about your step mommy's RX 350 😂 How well did the IS 500 sell? Because they completely MISSED all the talking points about the NA V8. They did mention it but it was never the selling point. Instead it was the "daring style" and the "responsive handling" So first, learn how to read. And second, learn how to THINK -- critically. And apply them to your responses next time.
I never had that issue in my 2021 IS350 (first year of the facelift), so I'm going to guess that's either a yes or an issue you're facing in your specific car.
can you do a car review where youre wearing comically large shoes and a top hat and act like nothing is out of the ordinary
Sounds like a good video for April 1st!
With the cameras
@@TheTopher that would make it ordinary!!
I’m dead
Review the Z3 M Coupe in full clown garb
i’m 17 but these car videos are just therapy i can use on any kind of day.
same
same here brother
18 here. God bless u man
I bought a 23 premium certified for 57.5K with 12 thousand on the clock in march and as a daily it’s everything I need. I’ve had a type R and a Shelby GT500 and a new m340i xdrive which I traded for the IS. Yes it’s not BM quick but overall quality and the Lexus dealership experience is another league to all the other cars I’ve owned. The tactile feel of everything is great and the sound system is superb.
The Lexus dealership experience is absolutely unmatched. And their extended warranty is insane because it’s reasonable and starts AFTER the CPO warranty expires. So it’s something like 8 or 9 years bumper to bumper with two years of service included where they’ll pick your car up and leave a loaner at your house, then drop off when done.
What was wrong with the M340i?
@@ryansm3417The steering feel is completely numb; it’s like driving a video game and I couldn’t get used to the instrument panel and lack of physical buttons. Lastly the sound system was average at best. The B58 is a great engine fast and efficient but the overall car wasn’t for me. I traded it after 10 months and don’t regret it one bit.
I couldn’t disagree more. I went from a 21 m340i to IS500 and found it lacking in every category except intake noise. My BMW dealership experience also blew the Lexus experience out of the water.
@@trueblueamerican9if you don’t find the steering feel of an m340i to be numb, there isn’t anything that could possibly change your mind about these cars
Chris, 'Managing expectations' is always important when considering a 472 hp sedan. 😉
I have an RCF and it is by far the best engine I have ever listened to (that isn't a V10/V12). It is absolutely amazing in how it drives. These cars will age like fine wine. Design wise they are timeless.
I’ve lived with this car for 2.5 years (at 31k miles on the odo) and 100% disagree on the fun factor knock. I drive mine daily in manual, Sport S+, and keep the RPMs above 4k at all times. You said there’s no difference between Sport and Sport S+, but in the next breath say the wheel has more heft and the transmission shifts are harder in Sport S+. That’s where the fun lives, not in simple Sport. (Your preference.) 😎
The knock on the transmission is spot on, but in the mountains in Sport S+ and Manual (w/PS4S) it is a crap ton of fun. I’m an admitted IS500 troll, but I freely accept its issues/limitations. To say it’s not a fun car is not correct in my opinion.
Yeah I'll be honest, I've driven a couple of RC Fs and lived with my IS 500 for over a year and a half now, and the main difference between the cars is the suspension. Whenever someone goes on about engine sound or transmission tuning, I don't buy it. If there ARE differences, they are so small as to be negligible. I certainly couldn't tell. The IS 500 is a little soft, sure, but you could easily fix that in the aftermarket if you're looking for a tighter-handling car.
@@ARentz07 I've driven them too, great cars, but I thought they were super heavy. At the Lexus Performance Driving School, I found the IS to be way more nimble and lighter on its feet than the RCF. Basically it's preference and not every car will speak to everyone. However...don't ding the car's fun factor, because there's a ton to be had. Side note, the Sport S+ setting in the RCF is waaaay harsher than the IS500's setting. With the 500, you're not doing your best bobble-head impersonation. 😀
I had one and got rid of it because it wasn’t a fun car, respect your take but I agree with him.
I don't think there is a "compromise" here with this model. I think it's exactly what Lexus tried to accomplish. Make it fun, spirited, while still being a Lexus in comfortable, reliable and livable.
The compromise is that the interior is 12 years old.
@dom7098 a 69 camaro is 55 years old and is loved by so many people who wouldnt change a thing. So people saying things are "dated" isn't necessarily a bad thing. The interior is just fine
@@dom7098 Cars from 12 years ago didn't have 10.3-inch screens unless you're talking some very high-end model. Nor did any of them have Apple CarPlay.
@@bryy2053agree. It’s these people that want the car for other reasons. If I buy a IS500 with the V8 I want performance and the Lexus reliability and comfort. The interior looks nice, much better than many cars. I wouldn’t say it’s dated at all.
@@longboardguy Everyone kinda got their own taste you know, for me I means I'm only 25 but this is my dream car, now there are other " options " in this budget range that are far better. But I honestly don't see anything wrong with the info system as I kinda like hard button beside the goddamn touchpad that really gotta go lol, but good things the screen are touchscreen so most likely never touch that. Anyway if I'm ever able to get this car first thing I would do it install some real LED ambient lighting along the door trims and all that. Feels like it's missing that other than that seem good.
I regret selling my 2017 IS300. I traded in for a 2024 Tacoma because I needed a midsized pickup for work and the bed space. But I thought about it and I really didn't need a truck and I lied to myself lol. Craving an IS500 after watching these videos
Yeah…make up for the stupid mistake you made by getting the V8 👌🏾
yea get that is500... now look back and reflect on yourself.... how much did you really use your truck to do truck things?? if you have a business and always hauling things then it would make sense to keep it, but if you're barely using it for what it is then why not get an is500.
Topher you should do a separate video of your watch collection. i always enjoy trying to freeze a frame so i can figure out what your wearing(tudor bb pro??) cars, watches, bourbon, and cigars. love them all!
That is such a clean, tasteful, genuinely classy interior. It may be outdated technology wise, but damn it’s gorgeous and functional. God, I love circles & horizontal lines.
I knew it wasn't an ISF when i bought mine. That V8 is the soundtrack for my morning commute.
Excellent job Topher! If someone is looking for a track weapon in sedan form, I would honestly suggest M3, QV, or CT4 BW.... or previous gen C63
I love my IS350 F-Sport. First car was my mother’s Lexus Sc400. New body kit, paint job, rims, and seats. I was in heaven!
As a owner of the ct200h, this car would meet my expectations for daily driving. I don’t hoon or “race” at all but want the luxury of having a vehicle that is comfortable.
@TheTopher, you answered all my questions and hit the points that I too noticed.
Thank you!
When Lexus still has a V8 and the C Class super-duper AMG F1 Inspired ultra Mega 63sSs runs a 4 banger hybrid, it's kind of funny.
The MB is faster, no doubt, but it's a spec-sheet car.
I hope to make enough one day to be the fourth owner of an orange IS500 in 20 years
I bought 3 IS500s
lmao fr
10:10 man that sunset when you’re merging onto the highway is just beautiful, makes me want this car even more 😭 I’m putting 10k down in like 4 years for this idc
It’s an IS with a big motor which I think is perfect for a ton of people. Almost nobody actually goes to the race track. I wish Cadillac had done a similar car with the CTS/CT5 and a normally aspirated LS motor, instead we either got a V6 or a psychopath supercharged V8. This right here is the 500e of today.
The Cadillac brings an interesting point - they did do an extremely limited run of CT6 Platinum with the 4.2L twin turbo Blackwing V8, which sounds exactly like what you're referring to. However, the CT5 and CT6 are much, much bigger chassis, since they're full size luxury limousines - the CT4 is more in line with the IS on chassis size.
" Almost nobody actually goes to the race track." Exactly...100%. Take that 10% out of the equation and this car is more than capable on regular streets when compared to others.
I love the red interior, and so glad they still make this with a V8
I've had one for just under a month, bought it for my wife. This is a hooligan's car that your mom can drive. By default it does NOT want to go fast, it does NOT want to go sideways. Pedestrians are safe unless there is a mustang behind you.
But it _will_ donut and standing burnouts if you tell it to (sport s+, manual) and it will want to do it once you go through the song and dance of telling it that you want it to go crazy.
It feels like a tame muscle car that is built to burn the tires off and race red light to red light on the way back from the grocery store.
rcf so beautiful just picked one up a month ago and put a borla catback on it you gotta drive it man * drive it with the exhaust on it
This not having wireless apple car play is a complete joke for a car of this price. Still a dream car and definitely a must have.
just get a wireless carplay adaptor lol
This man never misses
real
I love this car! For me, it’s still the mostly perfect daily driver. I just wish I were in a position to pick one up right now. When Lexus announces the end of the IS500, I might have to figure out a way. I’ve always thought it would be fun to put Mustang 5.0 badges on the fenders… haha!
2025 will be the last model year with the naturally aspirated V8. Other than folding mirrors, a new paint color (Flare Yellow), and a new wheel design; it will remain unchanged from previous years.
Oh my gosh dude I want one so bad. It sounds soooo good with the v8
I absolutely love this car. Thought about getting one but I ordered a ranger raptor instead. It suits my needs better living here in the Northeast, and if I could have two cars this might be one
Let's get it brother. Good luck!
@yousef.al-assaf do you have one too? Or think it's a good move? Let me know! Thanks!
@@bryy2053
I do. I freaking love it. The perfect all-rounder. Performance, comfort, rarity... worth every penny!
@@yousef.al-assaf nice! I got shelter green, standard rims, no graphics package, in production as ae speak. What color did you get?
I think I overlooked the fact that the IS 500 is an F Sport and not a full F. But I still do like the concept of having an IS that just happens to have the V8 shoved in. I think that's why I enjoyed my Sonata N-Line so much (no, I'm not making a direct comparison to the IS 500). It was still a Sonata underneath, a great daily driver. But a tune, a few bolt-ons, and throw it in Sport+ mode and it was an absolute ripper. I think the $70k price tag on this example is a bit eye-watering though.
The thing is, a "normal" IS350 tops out in the mid to high $50k range, so if you go by the barely-in-existance base trim, the IS500 isn't much more money - and it also happens to be cheaper than everything in it's class when comparably equipped (3 series M Sport, C class AMG package). More than anything, I think the V8 rekindles people's thoughts of the ISF, so they have a misalignment with what this car was designed as from the start.
Yep. The good thing about it being softer is that you can drive it all day and not get beaten up.
I don't understand your comparison to the RCF. The RCFs I have seen in showrooms run $90K and have 2 doors. I bought the IS500 2 years ago for $65K. I needed a 4 door sedan and wanted a RELIABLE, COMFORTABLE, BEAUTIFUL, and EXCITING vehicle that would hold its value relatively well. I don't need a track car because I don't go to the track, like 99.99% of car owners. If I wanted to track the 4 door luxury car, I would drop $20k into upgrades, including a supercharger and still be cheaper than the RCF. And I love the antiquated interior and the CD Player.
I think he's referring to used RCF, they are about the same price as a new IS 500
a new RCF is probably the worst value vehicle one could buy. It's far too close to the LC500 pricing. But in the video, he's referring to a used RCF.
@@rubbertoe. It's not a fair comparison to compare the price of a a used RCF to a new IS500. I think he was referring to a new RCF, which theoretically can be purchased for under $70k. However, I haven't seen one that cheap in real life. The ones I see are $90k - $106k.
@@JeffLebowskiTheDudeyou're bang on - the starting price is that low, but add one of the two packages to it, and it's already up at $90k. Sort of like the base trim of the IS500, I haven't seen a real world example of a stripper base trim RCF either.
@@Ill06Taco I've been burned by used cars a couple of times, so I decided I'd rather get a brand-new IS 500 for my budget than a used RC F. There is something nice about having the updated Android Auto- and Apple Carplay-compatible version of the old Lexus infotainment, where most used RC Fs out there will not have those features. Not to mention, I know every mile that was put on this car was either by me or by the techs that have worked on my vehicle.
Used IS 500s will exist in the future and will likely be less costly on the used market than RC Fs.
For me, the extra $20k or so for your average RC F at a dealership is hard to justify unless you do plan on pushing the car hard. I've driven the RC F multiple times and can acknowledge it feels sharper to drive overall, but it's mostly just handling and steering. Nothing else feels noticeably different; the cars literally have the exact same drivetrains down to the differential (except for the discontinued "TVD" torque-vectoring differential).
This thing is perfect for me. I have kids and a professional job. I can give it some boot now and then, but it’s still a great normal car.
Preordered the launch edition, cancelled it and got a GS F, didn’t regret it!
These cars are underrated and will be underappreciated until it overappreciates in value
@@brian3is When it comes to Lexus, it’s the way of the enthusiast’s world. The LC, IS500, & GSF aren’t sold in the same numbers as the RCF and ISF. Nothing is remotely close to the LFA, but look at its history. Journalists trashed that car for years, now it’s highly regarded due to its low volume and driving dynamics. I think the same might happen for the GSF, LC, and IS500.
I've not driven this car but I have a 2022 M4. By comparing my experience with it and seeing how this car behaves I am confident you nailed the review of this ride. Sporty, comfy but not exciting. Well done
I thought at @8:25 you said let's "topher a drive....." had me rolling my guy.
Hahah
as much as I love this variant of the LEXUS IS! I look forward to the next gen LEXUS IS!
The longer you drive Lexus cars the more you appreciate the daily driver part and see they are not sports cars
They might not be as sporty as other brands, but that doesn’t mean that some of their options arent sports cars.
@@Eausti I wish they did make a sports car but sadly they are just sporty cars
@@Kevin27182 opinion rejected
The IS500 is sportier than its entire segment minus the American rivals.
It drives and handles better than the M340i, C43, S5, G70, Stinger...
It's on par with the base trim Mustang GT.
And all these cars get owned by the Camaro SS in terms of performance.
But if we're talking about the best all-rounder (performance and comfort), it easily goes to the IS500.
@@yousef.al-assaf I’m not saying the IS is not a sporty car. It’s not a sports car. Only car Lexus made that’s a sports car is the LFA which is a super sports car.
Let’s talk sports car like GR Supra, GR Corolla, Z.. these are dedicated sports cars. Lexus doesn’t have one excluding LFA.
I dont care if its supposedly old and outdated, compared to its competitors if I find a good deal on a certified pre-owned one, I think I'm going for it.
A Toyota with a reliable 5.0 V8? I'll take that all day.
The IS 500 has been out for 3 years, so there are used versions out there that make the car just as attainable as a used RCF.
I have the ISF and I’m thinking about upgrading to this. I only hope they took care of the issues with the exhaust manifold cracking and valley plate seals. 2 major repairs that shops rob you in labor costs for. Literally everything for the ISF requires “engine removal” so they say. 🙄
Checked out your RC F vids after you mentioned in this vid, and I gotta say, something about the engine in this car just sounds better to me than the RC F's. Both are gorgeous vehicles though.
I hope before they eliminate the IS/RC they give us a version with something akin to the new ES infotainment with wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto and wireless charger but keep the existing steering wheel and dash. Throw in the door handles from the ES/LC and that would be the perfect car to me at least. Unlikely, but the fact the 2024 LC500 got a updated infotainment gives me hope to dream haha.
I'm early. Can't wait to get this car in a couple of years.
I wouldn't wait that long. It likely won't be around by then.
@@ytj22 I never said it was going to be a brand new one 😅. Also rumor has it Lexus will get the v8 for the new generation.
@@pkagent14 hopefully you're right! But I'm guessing torque fill hybrid with an EV offering for this model
I know out of the box its missing a bit of that full F experience. However, after getting RSR lowering springs, better tires, and the RR Catback for mine my enjoyment has gone up significantly. I fully understand those that say 'well modifications is extra $$$, the car should already be X'. But hear me out, I can enjoy this alone on an hour commute or with 3 other people. Also, this is a great addition if you already have something else with pure performance. (something...something...reliable too...something...Lexus styling rocks)
you can make IS500 into RC-F with 4 doors, with not that much money, some coils, better pads and tires (Coolers from RR racing or Lexus parts bin if you track it) help this car perform a lot better and if u have little bit more throw on some RCF Brembos
Great so spend $80k and then another $10k lel.
Putting brakes and mods won't fix the chassis. RC F is built like a tank, IS 500 is not. So no. The advantage of an IS 500 is it's new. Rides comfortably well, better than RC F because the coupe is too aggressive for Lexus comfort even in Normal setting, RC F Normal is equal to IS 500's S+ mode in Suspension.
"Not as fun, exciting or dynamically enjoyable as I think people think it is..." - Exactly what my experience was when I test drove it. I wanted this car so much but after getting out of my 2019 G70 3.3T, the IS500 felt slow(ish) - I'm used to the 3.3T torque and had to wait for the V8 to get into the revs. I ended up getting a 2023 G70 3.3T instead. However, I STILL love the idea of the IS500. I want a V8 or at least the idea of it. Maybe the RCF is the way to go but I can't test drive one because there are zero where I live...
I have a few questions
What’s your favorite car?
What’s your attainable dream car?
In your opinion, what is the best new car available?
It's funny, the argument you made about the RC F simply being a better car at what it does is sort of the reverse of the argument I made AGAINST buying an RC F. I guess it depends on what you want to do with the car. If you are mostly commuting or running errands with occasional spirited drives, there is almost no reason to spend the extra (new-for-new) on an RC F. If you, however, are going to actually push the car hard, the RC F makes sense and is probably worth it - failing that, some aftermarket upgrades. But the way I saw it is as follows. Why pay more for having a less practical vehicle when the performance on the street is going to be very similar? Accounting for inflation, this is the cheapest way to get a 2UR-GSE brand new that Lexus has ever offered. That's pretty neat. And for someone like me, who does not really want or need a track car, this car makes way more sense than an RC F, since I can actually put folks in the rear seats in a pinch. (Yes, the RC F has rear seats... but try shoving a 60-year-old back there... not fun for them!) Anyway, with all that said, I totally agree with you on managing expectations. This is not an M3 fighrer; this is a fast Lexus IS, which is great if that's what you are looking for. I've had mine for a year and a half and have fallen in and out of love with it a few times - it's an arm's length driving experience, but it's also just such an easy car to live with and sounds amazing. It's hard to imagine getting rid of it for me because I just don't know what else could provide this kind of driver experience.
Man, the dash camera beeping is so true to life though. 🤣 Thankfully, the sensitivity to G-forces is adjustable... I've tuned mine down to a point where it doesn't come on anymore.
Last of its kind. Last performance car with a v8 and real interior and isn't a pure track weapon. It is literally the "perfect" car
While getting my integra type s last year I HEAVILY considered an is500 but the handling dynamics of the type s just won me over but I do at times wished I got the is500 for all the creature comforts
I wish Toyota-San would bless us with as many manuals in Lexus cars that he does with Toyotas
I will buy one of these some day soon. Within the next 5 years. It doesn’t have to be new, a clean used one would do it for me. I’d buy for a fun car and mabey some daily type driving here and there.
Mine is a daily driver, albeit I only drive 10 miles round trip to work. Exclusivity is prime with the car, as I can bet it’ll take me years to see someone driving the V8 model.
This is my forever car. After my S3 goes kaput (which it will).
You need to start putting what's on your wrist in the description lol. Nice Tudor btw
I used to have one, the biggest advantage for this car is its softer ride and great driving dynamics. The perks are superb 1800W ML audio, great features like memory, all buttons no stupid nonsense touchscreen galore. Simple but sophisticated tach, that S+ mode transforms the car which is really great feature. And finally the NA V8 experience. It's a good car. But there are downsides, one the damn front bumper has a sag, Lexus did not fix it, it will happen no matter what, even IS 350 exhibits that, happens because of Toyota not designing it properly. Second downside is it's not an F car so do not expect to have extreme chassis control and stability with no body roll. And its 67K with taxes, no leather is unacceptable. Mirrors closing is now only coming with 2025 MY.
I was considering one of these but did ultimately buy a used 19 RCF for half the price. 2019 can have apple carplay added at the dealership for $200 so that is pretty sweet.
I want an IS500 so so so bad. It could totally be my next vehicle. My problem is the rear wheel drive. I live in a place not having 4wd or awd is kind of a deal breaker. I hope in years to come when I can have this as a second vehicle, I can still get this 5L V8.
If you had the choice between this or an M340i what are you picking for daily driving?
I'd love to see you do another drive in a 2014 ISF and compare. Personally I prefer the ISF to the RCF and IS500 and I know you've done reviews a decade ago
Dream car.
My dream car
This my dream car right here 😂
i was gonna ask, you can switch to manual mode without messing with the transmission?
I really really like the sound of this car! I know it's old and dated, but man.... it sure does go!
Damn your camera is so smooth; What product is that?
Why don't you guys EVER talk about the stereo? It's the most important part of a premium car for me.
I love the exterior of this car; however, the interior needs a major overhaul to compete against it’s competitors.
In the sea of EVs with everything stuck onto enlarged ipads and their owners bragging about 0-60 times, this is 100% the car I would buy as a daily driver if I had the money.
Well said😂😂 i would love to hv it as well unfortunately don’t have the money 😂
I miss my GS. I wish the vehicle was never discontinued. I love the body style of the IS, it just lacks the overall space I desire.
70k without auto folding mirrors damn that’s crazy
Exactly!! When a 440i has that standard smh
It's standard in Japan. I know they're late with that option for the US market, but the 2025 IS will finally have power folding mirrors in the US
@@Agent00J why did they strip it off for a car that’s wearing the Lexus badge. That’s suck it’s not big of a deal and if doesn’t cost that much for them to put that thing in.
@gordonnguyen7160 Lexus USA and Lexus Canada pick their own options and color combos. For example: you can get infrared on red in Japan. Neither Lexus USA or Canada allow that color combo. Also, headlight washers are available on the IS500 in Japan and Canada, but not in the US. And the moonroof isn't available on the IS500 in Canada at all. Black suede interior is also optional in Japan for the IS500, but not in the US or Canada. Weird
It’s typical for Toyota to cut back in some areas to save money. Hence why they’ve still haven’t completely redesigned the interior after 10 years, but that was actually surprising to hear because my 2014 RX350 has folding mirrors lol…
Why did I think I'd see Topherdrives in the Sl63 pass by like we saw the IS500 pass him in his video
If people don't understand that it's not a full "F" model by now then idk how to help em. Can we just appreciate an epic sounding 472hp souped-up version of an IS350 F Sport? Sounds like an epic daily to me 🤷♂️
I think this car would be spectacular.. with a better transmission. It would push me over the edge to actually purchase one.
With a few upgrades it can be just as fun as an RCF. ISF brakes bolt right up and you can add a oil cooler and the same transmission cooler thats on the RCF. Your choice of coilovers and some better tires and boom, you have an unofficial "F" car.
No you don't and cannot. IS 500 auxillary cooler is not at all comparable to the RC F factory Engine oil cooler AND Transmission cooler, it has a scavenger pump in the RC F. The OEM style or more like Japan exclusive aftermarket OEM mod you are speaking about bolts onto the front radiator and it's just an engine oil cooler addon. RC F has dedicated vents, there's a reason why F marque is not applied here, because F car needs to have entire chassis tuned for Track use. If you drive an RC F and IS 500, you can understand what I'm saying. As for the brake mods, sure many do those. But remember you are adding more and deviating from the spec. Plus the rear suspension on the RC F and GS F is full aluminium and bigger tires. Finally not even LC 500 gets F, and it's transmission overheats in S+ mode with spirited drives. RC F will never overheat no matter how many laps you run.
@@lostalx I don't think the comment was intended to say you can make an IS 500 exactly like an RC F. He said "as fun as an RCF". Don't be jelly.
I've driven both cars, and yes, the RC F feels tighter and more planted. But, maybe you can get a little closer to that while still having four doors with an IS 500.
Lexus not giving Australia this car is a crime.
let me just say for 60k dollars man. I know its a lot of money but thats a veyr good value price
I never liked how the RC looked, I think it has odd proportions as a coupe and the Lexus gaping mouth Grille treatment on the IS facelift is the best it has ever looked. I'd take the IS over the RC any day just based on that. Also, isn't the RCF similarly equipped almost $10k MORE than this?
love this car... but i can picture myself accelerating in second gear and have to let off before even reaching the redline because I'm already at 90mph. Reason why I like the vb wrx so much.. people complain about the short gears, but it's what makes it amazing for daily driving.
I traded my IS500 after only a year for an RS3….. no regrets. Never could warm up to it fully and way too smooth & soft ride
23:09 actually an insane view
IS500 vs Acura TLX Type S?
Am I the only one who clearly can not afford this car but still watches all the videos and goes to different car websites and specs it😂
It's funny, all the comments you made about the IS500 not being as "sporty" as the RC-F is kinda what makes me want to trade my RC-F for one 😅
Going from an RC-350 F-Sport to the F, I didn't realize just how stiff it would be to daily the RC-F. I miss the "plushness" of being able to get in after a long work day and not feel like you're going to feel every bump on the drive home.
Of course, everyone wants something different, and maybe it's just the old man in me speaking. As much as I still love my RC-F, I'd really like to test drive an IS500 and see what it's about. Still want the 2UR V8, no matter what. Finding a clean, used GS-F on the other hand, is like finding a needle in a haystack.
I had an RCF and just switched to the IS500 for exactly your reasons. The IS500 is much smoother and more comfortable, yet still retains the power of the RCF. It truly is the perfect balance (for me at least).
If Lexus updated the interiors to match other luxury competition they would easily steal a lot of the market. They make nice cars that are reliable I just don’t understand why they don’t care much about adding some flare to the interior.
It's a matter of taste, really. I find Mercedes interiors to be immature and autozone-tacky while BMW is half decent, excluding their overuse of piano black and cost cutting buttons into the touchscreen (industry trend). BMW's last version of i-drive was better than what they've cost cut it to. Anyway, I think the outgoing Lexus interiors were their peak, unfortunately, and now they've gone a lot more bland and lost identity. I hope it works out for them as a brand though and they find younger buyers- because that's what they lack and need.
@@Slytheythen luxury cars are dead to me. They will never be better ever again.
@@faheemabbas3965 hang on to the ones you got or pick up the legacy vehicles they are basically finished selling- GX460, IS500, RCF, LC500. Heck, you can still pick up the LX570 or LS460 in good shape too.
@@Slythey exactly my point. Every young buyer wants a BMW or AMG. Never heard of them want a Lexus. If they added a small flare…. Maybe ambient lighting or something I bet it would work. It doesn’t have to cost them a fortune
@@bv431 Lexus has old person stigma, understandably. Kids don't know better and ppl who are replacing cars every 2-3 years don't care about reliability. They've got to get stranded on the side of the road and eat a few $3-5k bills for "minor repairs" for that to sink in.
they gotta update the interior. I am not asking for those big screen like the bmw or merc, but they still gotta update it.
Overall it's a great car!
Really such a pretty design. Would have liked a sound test.
Also remember most of the european competition will disintigrate mechanically at 100k. That alone gives me more piece of mind with toyota/honda, as well as a few others.
Sounds like with some nice suspension upgrades it would really come alive.
I think your review definitely has a place here. But I think it finds more truth *with people who have not owned or extensively driven an IS*
Basically everything you said is exactly how all of the IS cars feel. I daily a 2016 IS200t. Everything from the good to the bad can be said about my car. Same with the long 8 speed gearing. Same with the time it takes to warm up, etc etc
But, I don’t consider any of that to be necessarily “bad”. You said it’s like they took your average IS and threw a V8 in it..well that’s exactly what they did 😂. And as someone who tracks and dailys a 200t I would be more than happy to own a 500. I have beaten a good assortment of cars with mine and it only pushes 241 hp. Plus I’m in central Arkansas, our back roads can be serious and considered a race track in their own right lmao.
The 500 I’m assuming is 3x better in all aspects compared to mine. I also do agree with you that the IS cars are some of the best daily drivers on the market rn
So I do think what you said makes sense, but I also think you’d have to really live with it for a while to truly understand how well these cars perform. Everything from the 200t/300(same car lol) straight to the 500. I will also say that I personally would not buy a 500 at msrp(even tho it’s one of my favorite cars rn) simply because it’s too close in price to stuff like Camaros and corvettes. Both of which I want more.
Would I buy a 500 over those ? No. Would I buy one over basically anything else including BMw series ? Yes lol. The entire IS line outside of the 250 should be considered **Luxury-Sports**
If this came in a manual, I would have had one by now. If they come out with one (which they will not) I would trade my CT4VBW with no hesitation.
This is nice
Should keep its value well too
This interior keeps its nostalga and soul without compromising on tech, nor power or the reliability of the N.A. v8, and an aggressive front end. BMW and Benz overdoing it with screens doesn’t do it for me, and all the electrical issues!
Not only that, it keeps FUNCTION. I can turn off the AC and heated seats using buttons and change the volume with a dial!! Imagine that??? Being able to control the car by touch without looking at the screen!!
You should get a padelbox for the lexus.
I have one in my 2015 rcf it makes such a huge difference.
The thing is, this interior doesn't look outdated. They've modernised the materials and the current car interiors don't look more modern they just look CHEAP and they are already aging horribly whereas this interior is just straight up timeless.
No buttons, no switches, pure cost cutting everywhere. Meanwhile this looks like a modern revamp of a W140 interior.
Come back in 30 years and look at this IS interior vs for example a 2025 E Class. You will wonder what happened to society to go so wrong.
Would def consider a garboyota if it had a tremec, but hey that’s why it’s a garboyota
This car would be an absolute no brainer for me as a daily driver if it they would refresh the interior
This interior isn't nearly bad enough to change this from a "no brainer" to a no purchase. I always thought car enthusiasts would tick about a dozen boxes before they get to the interior.
Honestly I really love this interior
The interior is a selling point to me for this car. Buttons for everything.
@@TT92348 True that. A lot of newer cars make you go into a menu to change the drive mode. Imagine just being able to turn a dial. Wow! Amazing! It is so annoying how everything is being relegated to screens... this car, however, doesn't have that issue.
@@ARentz07 Unfortunately we aren’t going back. It’s so much cheaper for manufacturers to use screens. Even cars like the 8.5 GTI are only adding a couple buttons back. Then you also have people complaining that things like Toyotas cruise control stalk are out of date which is asinine. Do these people complain that a fork or a spoon is “out of date” also? What part of the design needs changed?
It has a V8 and does 0-60 in 4 seconds. WTH is there to complain about?
I wouldn't have know that the RCF was a better driver than this F Sport if Chris had not mentioned it. I mean it makes sense in retrospect. Lexus themselves never marketed the IS 500 as a full F car. Which is also why if you put the old ISF on a lift you will find go fast/stop parts on the old vehicle not present on the IS 500. Some enthusiast still prefer the ISF over this IS 500.
I trust this reviewer for the most part whatever he says, I'm certain it's accurate. That being said... i think lexus choosing to give the GS the F treatment ILO of the IS was a huge missed opportunity. I mean what sold more in 2016, the M3 or M5? People want a compact sports sedan. Lexus didnt do their homework.
Also, Lexus sucks at marketing. Fire those dunces.
Lexus loves talking about "refinement" or "balanced dynamics". But for those of us who want a fast and furious performance car those qualities take a back seat.
Lexus instead should be telling people the beauty of a naturally aspirated v8. The sounds. The reliability.
It's almost as if Lexus themselves do not understand why people buy a Lexus.
Toyota and Lexus are the marketing kings of the world when it comes to cars. Who sells more cars than Toyota motor corp… they don’t even need to market their cars because they will get the most sales regardless. They don’t even need to update the cars or upgrade them and they’ll still be the hottest sellers in the world. You’re the fool 😂😂. You think you know anything better than Toyota motor corp?? Are u on magic mushroom bud
@@almightybirdwatcher4986 I'm talking about the IS 500 specifically but ok moe-ron lol
I wasn't talking about your step mommy's RX 350 😂
How well did the IS 500 sell?
Because they completely MISSED all the talking points about the NA V8. They did mention it but it was never the selling point. Instead it was the "daring style" and the "responsive handling"
So first, learn how to read. And second, learn how to THINK -- critically. And apply them to your responses next time.
10:30 sounds familiar with the last gen GX 😥
You should do a collab with throttle house
Have they fixed all the creaks and crunches from the centre console? That issue has plagued my IS300h :(
I never had that issue in my 2021 IS350 (first year of the facelift), so I'm going to guess that's either a yes or an issue you're facing in your specific car.
Not sure what you're talking about... I have 15,000 miles on my 2023 and no rattles or creaks.
Never heard a squeak or rattle from my 2016 IS350 FSport or my IS500.
sick car, we are not getting these in Europe...