Should You Buy a Lexus IS500? Old School V8 Masterpiece with an Incomplete Project.
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- Should you buy a 2023 Lexus IS500? In today's video we will take a thorough look at the Lexus IS500 to see if the supposed successor to the Lexus ISF is worth it or not.
TCCN Automotive Inc.
Toyota and Lexus Specialist Repair
Visit www.tccnautomotive.com to schedule your appointment today.
Check out the second channel :
/ @thecarcarenutreviews
Recommended Tools:
Basic Scan Tool amzn.to/3Jm6aom
Very good DIY Scan Tool amzn.to/3zF7dvH
Advanced Scan tool amzn.to/3q3L3QQ
Spill Free Coolant Replacement Funnel amzn.to/3uJfKxm
Sun roof drain cleaning tool amzn.to/3GMDlQ9
Good DIY Torque Wrench 1/2" amzn.to/3gE9bnw
Wireless Apple CarPlay for Toyota\Lexus amzn.to/3uKElSo
Very Good Triple Camera Borescope amzn.to/3MrgFs0
*as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow the channel on Social Media :
/ thecarcarenut
/ thecarcarenut
Check out the channel Merch store
/ @thecarcarenut
Support the channel on Patreon:
/ thecarcarenut
Make a one time donation to the channel:
www.paypal.me/CCNdonate
Check out the amazon store:
www.amazon.com/shop/thecarcarenut
*as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#thecarcarenut #tccnautomotive #toyota #lexus #lexusis500
0:00 Intro
1:02 Test Drive
6:56 The Engine
19:11 The Lexus ISF That ISN'T
23:31 Exterior Tour
26:49 Interior Tour
29:38 Should You Buy One? - Авто та транспорт
As an owner of an IS500 I find your perspective really interesting. This is my first Lexus, having moved up from Mercedes (SL AMG). Biggest problem with Mercedes is quality and longevity - it's just not there. For me, and yes I am really old school, the IS500 is a great blend of new and old. I agree the infotainment system could use work, but the seats, ride, and whole experience takes me back to old school high performance sport sedans. If Lexus marketing were aiming for the Baby Boomer and Gen X buyers, they nailed it for me. We drove the BMW, Acura, Audi, and Infinity versions of the sport sedan and they just didn't fit. So for me and my wife, this is a great compromise and hopefully will have many years of service from our IS500.
That is exactly the point. What options do we have in the market? An Audi S4? With that reliability? I went there. Got burned. Never again.
As a former 3IS owner its quality isn’t that much to write home about either. At the end of the day the 3IS is a RWD Corolla with a fancier powertrain (in looks/size) in fact - hah! The Corolla is larger dimensions wise and interior room wise
Hope you get many miles of enjoyment 😁
Well put.
Bought a certified launch edition with 3500 miles. I use it as my commuter car (50 miles round trip). Makes the drive so much more enjoyable. The car isn’t numb and boring but is fairly inexpensive to maintain and put some miles on it. I’ve owned 3 Lexus GS. Each were great but wanted one of the last v8 sedans before they are gone for good.
I love your channel, and disagree strongly with your take on the IS 500. The fact that the car is not a full F version, is an asset, not a liability. The buyer gets traditional Lexus smoothness, isolation, comfort, top-tier audio with the Levinson, and reliability--that V8 will last forever. If you drive it gently and keep it below 3000 RPM, it's quiet and luxurious. It's a nice car, for nice people.
But stomp on the throttle, and you get old fashioned RWD V8 fun, snappy shifts, and engine roar. Making it a full F would make it less desirable to me--rougher, and more expensive. And I'm never going to take it on the track. If I were to buy a car today, it would be an IS 500.
Just my opinion, all the best!
I’m an owner and I totally agree with your opinion. It has a split personality and that what makes it fun.
I just got the IS 500 and that sums it up very well! It's the perfect blend of luxury and performance with rock solid build quality and reliability.
This Channel is on Fire!
FIYA
Man I want the IS500 so bad. The V8 alone is why I want it!
I just love the fact when Toyota came out with their first V-8. American and European automotive engineers laughed at Toyota. That commercial with champagne glasses on the hood of an LS-400 was spot-on. Who’s laughing now….? 🤑🤑
Now everyone is laughing at Toyota. Because they’re so far behind
You’re wrong on the LS400 being the vehicle featured in the commercial. That was the sound of the glorious v10 in the Lexus LFA super car, which actually broke the champagne glasses.
@@naveenthemachineyes they’re soooo far behind…..in catching up with supply vs their demand. Anything else and your comment is massively and factually wrong 🥱🥱🥱
I work in the car industry and they are absolutely killing it…make a great product, some that appreciate in price which is unheard of….problem is you can’t get a lot of their models right away due to demand.
@@Billeh556They did a commercial with the 400 and glasses on the cars hood showing how smooth the engine was back in the 90’s
@@falcondrvr200 yes, I remember seeing a picture of that with the LS
I love the clock 😂😂😂
Surprising take on this IS500. I’d still rather have this than a comparable German car. The IS500 is going to retain its value and last, German cars don’t do either.
I chose this over the m340i
@@roninbushito Same. I like having the V-8 - especially this V-8 in particular!
I’d choose the m340i or g70. But the lc500 though. That’s a different story
@@naveenthemachine yeah the LC is in a different league for sure, the BMW and Infiniti are awesome cars for sure but their value is going to be in the dumps inside of 10 years. I guess it also depends on the buyer. I keep cars a long time. For someone that doesn't keep cars long and get a new one every few years, I can see why the Infiniti or BMW are more attractive options just due to the great driving experience.
@@jpete3027666 and they lease cheaper too
You're so wrong about the clock, dude. That analogue clock is on purpose. It's classy. Not everybody gets it.
Guys there's a reason they called this an IS500 and not an ISF! So many reviewers are reviewing it like it's an ISF! This is supposed to be a more fun IS350 that retains the daily drivability and reliability. If they went full ISF this car would probably start at $75,000-$80,000 instead of $60,000 🤦♂️
this is why I'd rather put on the subtitles and watch japanese review the is500 than americans... in the japanese reviews they review the car based on what it is...not on what it's not
I normally love your reviews, but you came into this one completely wrong. e.g. Intellectually you know the IS 500 is not an F product, but it was clear that’s what you wanted. Don’t get the car; because no matter what, you will not be happy with it. The ethos of the IS 500 is to be a comfortable commuter during the week and a fun mountain sweeper on the weekend. I’ve had two IS 350s previously and as much as I loved them, this car makes me want to drive….everywhere. 😂 The 350s did not illicit the same emotion. If you’re not an owner, you won’t get it and that’s okay.
Well said.
I dont really get why everyone dislikes the car so much. I came to my IS500 from a 2019 Mustang GT PP1, manual. I much prefer driving it every day to the mustang. There is absolutely nothing that really bothers me in the slightest.
The car doesn't win spec sheet races. I think that's 95% of it. Like somehow the 40ish-100ish of this car remains its biggest kept secret, which is really annoying in these discussions, because it's a monster between those speeds and it's where most people will live with this car when they want to give it any beans. Idgaf about the M340i's 0-60; most people aren't doing launch control at every red light all day long. The transmission complaints are weird to me too; I come from a long line of ownership of manual cars, I want my daily driving to be shifted smoothly, and my spirited driving to be shifted hard; the AA80E does both very well. I find DCTs and ZF8s too clinical. Last but not least there's the F car gatekeeping brigade. I'd be surprised if anywhere near the majority of F car owners tracked their cars. I'm unlikely to ever track this one. All I really have to say to those people can be summed up with this ua-cam.com/users/clipUgkxz5IyR95702mEN7-R6aQZ0TJNRzymWma1 I think Lexus set out to make this car a competent daily that was still pretty fast. I think they succeeded. People should just try driving the car. Most of them complaining probably haven't.
Performance sucks in comparison to its rivals. Lexus focuses on reliability, but tries to market it as a “performance” car. That’s why it’s laughed at.
I think people miss the point of this car. It's not meant to be a performance sedan. It's meant to be a Grand Touring (GT) with a really kick ass V8. I feel like Lexus wanted something old school. An M340i or M3 or nearly anything from Germany in this price range is going to perform better... but I think Lexus was going for an American GT w/ a little kick. As long as you never plan to track it, it's a pretty awesome little car.
@ 21:17 the answer is yes! I overheard an engineer at a Lexus event in Arizona a couple of years ago mention exactly this. They wanted to make a performance version of the IS and they came to a compromise of putting the 2UR-GSE in it. Akio himself approved it.
Outstanding video Mr. Ibraheem! So informative, educational, and entertaining at the same time! Your videos continue to impress with high levels of accuracy, honesty, and integrity! Thanks for being such an amazing God fearing man. Your friend Albert Smith.
You need to get an IS-F and LFA for the 1M subscribers.
LC 500 too please :)
No one will touch SavageGeese when it comes to the LFA and he didn’t even need 1M subscribers. Also another local Chicago reviewer, no one comes close to him in quality
Man I will love to see him have those to do a video on
@@alexandertebo4011 those guys are great. They got a whole team though. Which is why production is so nice but amd will get there too…
@@Jantonvidthey don’t have a team they talk about it a lot, it’s legitimately just them that’s why their channel and quality is so impressive.
There’s no issue w/ the transmission. It’s programmed perfectly. Your not driving fast enough for it to shift fast in manual mode. In Drive at behaves like any other Lexus. Go faster!
Watch my track videos if you care to. My car is not tuned & the engine/trans tuning in the IS500 is better. Same drivetrain and tuning as RC F/GS F. You’re not driving it aggressively. That’s why the shifts are delayed.
finally someone explains this properly
How well do the paddles respond compared to a M340i?
@@forty5r637 idk I’ve never driven a 340i. Go test drive both.
A number of youtube reviewers also don’t drive around long enough for the transmission to get up to temp to get the thing out of “slow” mode. Needs a good 15 minutes or so. I would say it’s a fair criticism that it takes that long to warm up, but at the same time, since they’re so well known for reliability, I only presume Lexus tuned the transmission that way exactly for reliability purposes.
I would still buy it. Its a miracle to find a reliable sedan in 2023, with a v8. Also that color and the looks are beautiful. That car is my dream car. Wow, i wish. ❤️❤️❤️
This is a fantastic car, and I don't agree that people don't buy them because they're reliable. That's exactly why I own a Lexus and a Toyota. If I wanted nothing but performance, I'd buy a BMW. But I don't want a car that needs thousands of dollars in repairs every year
I am happy to see an objective and critical car review! It does not trash the vehicle yet shows areas that could have been improved or upgraded. Thanks AMD...and keep up the good work.
Your knowledge of Lexus vehicles is sooo helpful! Great channel
This definitely needs a six speed manual swap and a free flowing, nice sounding louder exhaust. If that was available from the factory, this would’ve been a legend
Manuals as they are now I should say are dead to Lexus and this is not a full F car it doesn't even have a oil coolers of a F car ....its really just a nice sounding ride with some dated bits. Really a odd ball offering. Lexus needed a F car this is a parts bin car. I agree i do not understand this car.
True. I've skipped Lexus altogether these years since a manual option isn't available.
At least you can get half way there by installing a Borla or Magnaflow exhaust.
Not gonna happen.
Do you think this transmission in it now can handle all the power long term?
I think you misunderstood this car. This is NOT a "sports car" although it can be. It is primarily a v8 sedan, that's all. It just happens to make a lot of power here.
still is a sports car, although on the lower threshold of the definition
@@THEFIRE360 power makes a car sporty but not a sports car
@@sarkaranish I mean, a Tesla Model X P100D is fast, but sporty? Heck no. Perfect example. This car is "sporty", perhaps, but to call it a sports car is just silly. It's a grand touring sedan at best, but thankfully, it does handle really well and is fun to drive.
His review is biased I don’t agree
It’s a ‘sporty’ car
i really appreciate your honesty. its refreshing. thank you. from perth australia
The EPS is dynamic. The steering tightens as you go up in sport/+ modes. Also with speed. Drive/normal mode is the most relaxed steering setting.
A couple things
You gave praise to the gs f for having the same engine and its reliability but contradicted yourself on why the is f should be all about performance and not for reliability. Toyota/lexus has never made a car, much less a performance car without reliability in mind, even with the lfa. This isn’t supposed to be an f car even if it has f performance. Its a farewell to the last naturally aspirated 8 cylinder sports car on the market. Wouldn’t have made sense to put R&D into it.
And the irony is GS F has SAME transmission as the IS 500 and even funny thing is RC F as well. And both of them FAIL in Performance vs German. Lexus never wins being fast but it will last the longest of all cars out there. He failed big time. I did not really expect him to blast this universally acclaimed car. Raiti, Throttlehouse, Savagegeese everyone praised it and they all know it's not an IS F.
Umm must be different I found this car is perfect for me , owning a 97 Supra TT and a M3 at the same time which make me hate the M3, the M3 were sold in a year and when I sell the Supra I got more money than what I paid for it, test drove the ISF when it first come out, it was nice but don't like the style that much, when Toyota brought the Supra was so excited then find out is a freaking BMW swear will never buy a Toyota again until this come out.
Love the sond system excepecially with the CD, don't care about the 0-6 time everything is what I want perfectly for an old ass like myself.
Hard disagree on a lot of your perspective, but thats alright! Personally I think this car is a gem. It is what Lexus COULD give us and I am happy they did. I was surprised to find the new IS included a V8 option when it came out, and they could have easily excluded it considering the terrible sales numbers this car will surely have relative to their main sellers. I don't think Lexus is making a lot off this car, we are lucky to have it.
I really do with they put the 10 speed from the LC500 in it, it really makes me wonder why they didn't, but this sedan isn't trying to be anything it isn't. Its an IS350 with a big boy V8 and thats all, and I am happy with that and its price.
I agree. And I like it better than a full F version. You get the traditional comfort, isolation, top--tier audio, convenient controls, and quiet when driven gently, AND rip-snorting V8 fun. For me, the best of both worlds.
The IS500 is a classic v8 sports sedan in modern styling.
As a gsf owner the transmission can be a little clunky if driving slightly aggressive. But on the track or driving flat out the transmission is extremely fast and smooth. So just drive it fast...lol
The clock is my favorite thing in my IS300, I agree the infotainment should be better though.
The clock is great indeed. I couldn't care less about the infotainment. All I need is a screen for Carplay/Android Auto. Never used the native interface. Have no clue what it is. Not relevant.
I like the carbon-fiber-like pattern in the clock face. Nice attention to detail.
This car review I was waiting for 😅. Thank you!
Love these videos, thanks for taking a look from the perspective of a mechanic! Really hoping you can get ahold of the new Tacoma coming out!
Everything aluminum que way better than plastic that can crack with long term mileage. What a beautiful engine! A masterpiece. I really love the 3.5 V6 in my 2015 GS 350. Another masterpiece.
Hmmm, I don't think this was supposed to be a full 'F' Lexus CCN so I don't go along with the premise that it was an unfinished project. As for the interior, that's subjective, but it's somewhat 'old school' looks with the clock for example ARE COOL! Nowadays all car inteiors look the same, BLAND. One rectangular screen for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainement. You can't tell an Alfa from a KIA these days when you step inside. This interior is a reminderr of when QUALITY ruled, you had a proper instrument binnacle and some nice solid phycial buttons too, This what I love about my gen 2 Lexus IS350 Sports Luxury.
"This interior is a reminderr of when QUALITY ruled" man very well said 💯
Thank you AMD for another honest reviews of the Lexus Is 500.
Finally the video I have been waiting for, my dream car which can be owned !! Thanks a lot AMD for your honest opinion and sad to hear your brutal comments on it, but I have a few points to mention.
Unfortunately the flaws exist, the low drive mode of Eco and Sport+ offer nice "split personality" with it's drive modes the 7000 revving beast or the 2000 cruiser it's a nice trait this 3IS has. Yep it lacks all the Track features that GS F / RC F has like Oil cooler and Trans cooler sadly along with F fenders & IIRC GS F also has ASC but it can be disabled at-least unlike 99.99% of the modern cars which all of them have fake pumped noise. For the bulletproof AISIN AA80E it is same in GS F and IS F and RC F from what I can remember only LC500 has that 10Sp super fast transmission. A ZF would have been nice but Toyota changed a LOT, we all know how LS is now a dead husk. It's a miracle that Lexus even put out an IS 500 with the legendary NA 2UR-GSE V8 that too in this age, it's really an anomaly. Nobody makes the NA cars let alone a an NA V8 that is actually dependable.
The brakes also are under-powered, but you can get the GS F brakes, and you should get an LCA bushing from the RC F to minimize the wear. As for the infotainment, the DCM module for the newer one adds a ton of bloatware and data analytics, the old one works fine why even replace it maybe the touchpad should have been removed and put a wireless charger. Plus the modern one lacks charisma in the UI it's too boring and clinical. The other flaws are no Semi-Aniline leather like GS it's all Nuluxe and Ultrasuede is only for Launch Edition, not good space for rear and trunk, a bit of overprice. But it's the last of the last engineering masterpiece to get plus one which is actually reliable, by 2025 both ES and IS will be replaced, so no more NA engines from Toyota stable. They all are going away, the GX is also dead now. Finally it's made in Aichi, Japan and one of the world's most advanced and legendary plant, Tahara.
One more point is IS350 with BBS forged costs a ton almost near to 60K while this one maxed out minus BBS (with Enkei Alloys) costs $65K. And why would anyone opt for V6 ? if you remove BBS forged (they cost $9K retail outside the factory) the diff is ~8K. And remember the GS F is too damn expensive, 85K retail and now used you get same price as a brand new IS 500. Plus add extra cost for more expensive maintenance.
Also why no under car review ? sad to not see that part. I think you hated the car a lot. Plus as I mentioned, it has same parts from RC and GS line, even the front end of the car is completely changed from IS350, it's all GS which is why you can swap the LCA bushings from RC F and GS F. Same Transmission too... Also to be honest, Lexus never was Performance first. They always lost to Germans, always. But excelled in reliability It's really sad for this brutal take on the last swan song for the Lexus corporation's Japanese Engineering of the V8 that put the company in it's place the original LS.
The fact that it is an IS 350 with a new engine and transmission is a blessing and a curse. I prefer to focus on the blessing - it is a hell of a cruiser. 4-hour road trip last weekend for the holiday was no problem, and I got a chance to leave behind a Hemi Charger while I was at it. This car is a lot of fun. CCN comes across, weirdly enough, as a Lexus F purist in this video and is not looking at this car for what it is.
I was jonesing for a GS-F several years ago, but even a preowned was going for stupid money at the time. These had me on release for the same reason; old school V8, great sound, reasonable performance, but above all, it was made to last, possibly longer than gasoline will remain the de facto fuel of choice for the automobile.
Love the channel . IS500 owner here Was looking at Porsches but wasn't quite ready to give up a back seat and auto for a daily driver. I didn't want BMW reliability and resale or a turbo car in general. Now I'm thinking I should picked up a RCF instead. Either way this is a very comfortable daily and the only thing I'll be doing is adding a louder exhaust. Maybe will get a manual Porsche as a 3rd car later.
Panamera? Although it doesn’t offer manual.
Your quarrels with this magnificent Lexus are silly. This is not an F car, this is an upgraded 350, already a near perfect car, to a gorgeous 500 Lexus V8. I own an ISF, one of the last ones, 2013 and though I’m not tempted to trade mine, I wouldn’t hesitate to write a check for whatever they want for this if I didn’t already have an F. This is a special car that will always be desirable to own.
The boss is back, I never get bored watching your video
AMD, After watching your justified frustration with the unsuitable automatic transmission, I am reminded that the 6 speed M-A-N-U-A-L is a core component in making the new GR Corolla so excellent. 🤩🤩
Sorry everyone, but the AT is a golf cart. It is also a complex and expensive to maintain golf cart. More than the fake engine noise, a 'performance' car it does not make.
@@jcord0013 probably the cheapest to maintain v8 vehicle
@@jcord0013 what are you on about?
If they put a manual on the ISF, they'll sell boat load! Cadillac can't keep up with their Blackwing CT4 and CT5 manual orders and command a huge markup at dealers!
@@jcord0013 You can turn off the fake engine noise. I've had mine off since day 1. Not sure why the reviewer couldn't figure that out - other IS models have the same feature.
Hey AMD, any update on the 600k mile Lexus? Thanks and love your videos
Great video and presentation. I agree with all your opinions on this vehicle, it could’ve been so much better with just a more up to date transmission.
Great review and great pick of a car to review!!!
Great review. I bought my 23 IS500 on NYE and have enjoyed it. It feels dated and having previously owned a fully optioned 14 IS350 F-Sport, I was surprised by how little has changed. The transmission is the weak spot in this car for sure. However, it’s still fun to drive and if you’re daily driving it, it’s pretty good. A ZF 8 speed it’s not. I bought this as my last new V8 car before going electric. It’s a bit of a sleeper, will roast the tires on demand, drives nicely, and sounds good. Is it amazing? No. Will it hold its value and not break? Oh yes. Keep up the great work!
I had one of these, sold it after 8 months and must say you summed up my experience with it perfectly. It was just kinda there, not bad but not great lol.
@@LateNightDateNightsucks to see comments like this. I was going to get one but after seeing the interior and how slow they are I backed out. It’s about as fast as a scat pack which I run door to door with in my 2001 $1,500 Silverado with full bolt ons and a tune.
LOL electric
I love how this car looks. Would like one... but can't afford it 😅
These is a complete full real review 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
CCN had completely unrealistic expectations. This car maxes out at $66k; for that price, why would it be like an RC F or an M3?
Great review as always. @TheCarCareNut, I await your review and analysis of the 2023 Toyota Crown.
You’re knocking it out of the park with reviews lately! Thanks for showing this car off.
There are things I may change about it, but in the end I’m a sucker for the old-school N/A V8 with Toyota quality and Lexus engineering.
I was literally researching buying this car yesterday! This video will definitely help me judge whether to buy the car or not, very lucky timing!
I would seek out a lot of other videos. This one is clearly biased from the get-go. The IS 500 is a parts-bin car, but who cares? This guy went in with the mindset that he should judge it for being a car whose development "lacked funding" or whatever.
Go grave it man if you have the budget, you won’t be disappointed
@@ARentz07 He makes a lot of good points. He’s judging it by the label Lexus gave it. The parts bin car idea was a bad choice, at least for a flagship sedan. It’s not really worthy of its place, and that’s the problem.
thats the thing about amd when he gives these reviews about these cars and when he starts talking about the things that are wrong or could have been better it gets to your head. You are not sure if he is saying to get the car or not but depends on what he says you dont want to get the car. I was one that loved the Lexus LS and wanted to get one. When i saw he did a review on one and mentioned all of the things that could go bad but still saying they are good cars i pretty much lost love and interest for the car and have no more intentions of getting it anymore just because of him
@@abdullahipad7664 I'm not sure I agree. What is the option? BMW 340? Audi S5? Thanks, but no, thanks.
everything you’ve said is exactly what i’ve been saying. it’s essentially just a is350 handling package with a v8. it’s not a full on “F” model but it was an opportunity to do a bit more than just throw in a bigger engine.
Thank you for your videos.
I considered trading in my 2011 IS350 with 72k for one of these. However, I came to the conclusion I would not be getting much more aside from the V8.
If you like the way a Lexus IS drives, you should at least test-drive it, if you can find one to test-drive, of course. It's basically an engine-swapped IS 350, but as a former IS 350 owner, I have no regrets going to the 500. I didn't really want or need a more performance-oriented car, but I did kind of want more power, especially from this V-8. And because it's not super stiff or loud, I drove it recently on a 4-hour trip each way and was totally fine at the end, even though I got the chance to do some spirited accelerations here and there with the V-8 sound. That's pretty awesome if you ask me.
Going from a v6 to a v8.... is a big deal imo
You get bragging right.... the bigger the better...
Biggggg difference sir
You're getting a bigger difference...from what you have now 2011 in comparison to the is 500..the 3rd generation is is more sportier ..handles way better than. The second gen plus your getting the v8 ..and yes the refresh is still made on the 3rd gen is platform just a different skin on the outside
I think you missed the mark a bit with this car because you werent realistic with your expectations. It was never meant to be a "halo car", it was meant to be a more fun IS350. It wasn't branded as a track car, but it still does 95% of what an RCF does for 10k-20k less. They HAD to keep the IS500 under a certain cost; specifically the M3. Because once you hit M3 MSRP, you start being compared to the M3. The RCF has been dead on sales for years because it's more expensive than an M3 and performs horribly on a track compared to the M3 or even an M240i.
Lexus wanted the IS500 to be an intermediate tier fun car, which they succeeded in.
The is500 isn’t even faster than the m340i. Yet it’s similar in price
Even the g70 3.3 is as fast as the 500
@@naveenthemachine The car isn't about flat out speed. The sum of its parts equal more than those cars, and the performance numbers journalists go on and on about don't grasp it well.
I have extensive seat time in the M340i at the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience in autocross and on the street. Under 60mph, yes it's faster and more thrilling than the IS500 hands down. On the highway, the IS500 absolutely crushes it. The M340i feels really firm and sporty, but it doesn't do soft daily driving well. The IS500 is softer and can be firm with the turn of a dial.
The Genesis G70 3.3T I've also driven, I almost bought one, but long term Hyundai reliability and depreciation is not great, that's what steered me away.
I don't know, it's hard to explain but the IS500 has character, intangibles you can't measure. Yes, it has flaws but adding up the sum of its parts it's a fantastic car.
On paper, the M340i and G70 3.3 are better cars without a doubt, actual driving experience at least for me it's the IS500 every time.
@@the_frankc have you tried a dodge charger scat pack or Hellcat?
@@naveenthemachine I drove a Scatpack charger and absolutely hated it. The interior was all rubber, touch points felt like the inside of a rainboot, and it FELT heavy. Body roll like crazy, literally felt like steering a cruiseliner. I didn't even finish the test drive route before deciding it wasn't for me. Also, the fact they get stolen so easily didn't make me feel great about purchasing one either
I love mine no complaints here. Also it plays dvds lol which I find hilarious. Super fun car fast and fun and puts a smile on my face.
Finally you did a review on this car. I hope to purchase this car as my daily .
I really like the is500 and the rcf. Only issue is that are out of my budget currently and I do not want to finance. All the older v8 models are inflated in price. You could get an ISF a few years back for less than 20k. But now you are lucky if you can get a 350 f sport for 20k. Ended up getting a gs350 f sport as my new daily. Maybe I'll upgrade to a v8 lexus in a few years.
Ahh yes you finally got an IS500. I have been waiting for this moment!
Biased review
Another nice video ! Super informative too. How did this compare to that modified Supra you had on here? You drove both, which would you rather take on a road trip? Keep up the good work!
amazing content..Best mechanic on UA-cam..You are fantastic..
👏👏👏👏
I have a fully loaded is350 in atomic silver with the NEW F-sport exhaust, it added more hp to car and looks amazing, still more affordable then the is500 I’d personally go with that.
Where did you get the exhaust and what was the cost? I own a 2021 is350 white/red and I'm looking for a good exhaust. Thank you
I love the honest review, but I don't think this channel will be getting any more Lexus's to review after this because of the honesty 😃
This is not the first time a Lexus or Toyota product has received a relatively poor grade on this channel. All in all, this is possibly the best and most focused UA-cam channel for Toyota to send their vehicles for evaluation.
It's also a very biased review, and holding a car to a standard it wasn't built to be.
It’s biased
@@E99584yup for sure and I disagree with him as one drive doesn’t tell all
I got the IS500 and I LOVE IT!!!
Love your videos and knowledge! Could you make a video on the RX300 with its planetary transmission problems?
I love this car I bought 3 (msrp) of them & my 1st one was the Launch Edition. Also the re-sale / Trade-In values on these care are amazing.
Why?
@RayanMADAO Why not if I have the money I would buy one more, especially with the government pushing ev to replace the ice which I think is a big mistake, people don't realize where the electric coming form, no nuclear power plant no coal power plant only rely on the so call green energy lot of people are going to die
@@RayanMADAO
So he could flip them $$$$$
Gay
Car gonna be worth a lot in just a few years, especially that launch edition. I'd say good investment!
Great video but he’s missing the point. Maybe you have to already be a Lexus sedan owner to really understand how this car nails it. Basically the choice is ES comfort and cushion with enough hp to hit that freeway to work with umph or an IS with sporty look and tighter handling, but the same hp. This is something special and different that meets you in the middle and takes you up 10 notches or 150 hp. It’s a cruiser that rips. But you have to understand the Lexus cruiser philosophy to get it.
Owned my IS-F for 16 years now - best daily driver I have ever owned. Really wish it would have been a fully F model with new brakes and suspension and front fenders...but oh well. Get one if you can.
Excellent review, the transmission and steering seemed ok by watching, sort of car we need to drive to understand your concerns, overall a good looking car, the thing I thought was odd no folding side mirrors?
ADM, I have an is500. The transmisión will only only perform well if you switch it to manual shift with the shifter at wide open throttle. Will be smooth and quick.
It needs to warm up first than it’s good
Old school enginee with an old school transmission makes for a happy marriage
I got one and I really love it! IS500 is a badass!
Great review. Knew nothing about this car, but I sure do now! The whole artificial sound feature reminds me of Elaine on Seinfeld talking about “faking it”.
Yeah. I still bought this car. Love it.❤😂
This was NEVER meant to be the IS-F... that's my whole post
👏🏽👏🏽
love my IS500, see ya on down the road 😁
I’ve been watching your videos, and it’s very informative, just wondering where do you usually buy aisin parts? Thanks!
I have to completely disagree with you. Been driving M cars and AMGs. Lexus is just far too superior
The favorite car I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned quite a few, was the ISF. Very sad to have to sell solely as I needed my wife to co-drive on long trips and the power scared her. We don’t do long trips anymore and would love an IS500 but it’s a shame they don’t comply with Australian design and safety rules. 😢
Are you allowed to import new cars to Australia? In the US you can’t import a car if it’s less than 25 years old.
You're missing the point of this car. Premium cars should not break $1,000 Parts like matchsticks and shouldn't depreciate by 50% once the warranty ends. The engine noise is not fake. The car has a lot of sound insulation to give a quiet refined ride but if you would like to hear the lovely V8 there's a mechanism to allow you to do that. The engine noise is bled from the intake manifold area into the cabin.
21:10 is exactly what i was thinking when i was torn between 350 and 500. 4.4 to 60 is nice, still, so happy i decided on the 350
Keep up with the new car reviews. Its so seldom a new car buyer walks into the shop to talk to a technician before buying their "new" vehicle. Love the insider technical info. Thank you!
It's only a disappointment when one has built their expectations out of proportion. I'm actually disappointed in your review.
Your IS review from a couple of years ago and this one is night and day different, yet there's almost no difference in the cars. Toyota simply stuffed the 2UR-GSE in it, exactly what everyone wanted! This was never to be the next IS-F. This was/is the debut of the F Sport Performance line at a price point well below the last remaining F car. The only cliché you missed from all the hater "journalists" was, it doesn't have an option for a manual transmission.
Maybe I had built my expectations of your long awaited "Deep Dive" of this beast way out of proportion.😢 I expected a deep dive, not a hatchet job
Yea, I was also expecting a positive review with some negatives and flaws but TCCN went crazy on this completely blasted the beautiful car. Other good channels like Throttlehouse, Savageeese all of them gave a big plus to this despite the flaws I did not expect TCCN to just do such a huge negative piece, shocked in-fact.
thanks for this informative video...to enhance the transmission ventilation for spirited driving would if be ok to have a transmission cooler installed? Also, what are your thoughts about installing after market engine oil cooler and air/oil separator? Lastly regarding the point you made about steering, can an aftermarket upgrade of the lower control arms help with its steering response?
This is exactly why I built a custom 3inch exhaust for my TRD camry, the stock exhaust was so quiet and trumpety
Could you and your experts tweak the internals or programing of that transmission to make it as sporty as you would like it to be?
The transmission shifts really fast when it is warmed up and in manual mode or Sport S+. Not sure what more you want. I want it to last, so I will defer to Lexus's factory programming. 😉
As a current owner of a 2011 IS F for over five years, I was one of the many hoping that Lexus would had made this car the new F. Your review is spot-on for all of us that had the hope that it was to be. Yes, overall, it’s very reliable, looks great, and the interior, while being the exact same as the 350 and having some slow, older bits, is still a great place to be. Once the prices for these cars come down, I may get one as my new daily driver. I will never sell my F as even with its few shortfalls in the transmission, it’s a fantastic, fast, fun and reliable car that with proper maintenance will last my life and my sons. I agree with your assessment, Lexus missed the mark and just ran out of money on the IS 500. Sad but true. Thanks for another great review and keep up the fantastic work!
IS F won't sell in this age. It will blow the roof off the cost if Lexus went in with Track features from RC F. Already the RC F is selling very little to none because it's expensive, and loses out to BMW M and others. Lexus gave exactly what IS deserved the newer chassis and a final swan song to the V8. Also Lexus putting a ZF in this would never materialize because it's not about money, it's about the NA engines, they are dying breed. Plus it will be a waste of resources as ES sells 4x more volume than IS. Why did GS died ? Because ES killed it. And if RC F exists with Aisin AA80E why will Lexus redesign it ? LC500 tranny won't come to IS it's ridiculous to assume esp when GS F also has same trans.
TCCN failed at this review. This car is NOT an IS F and esp it is actually affordable at 60-65K vs RC F at 75K+. The major flaws for this vehicle are - No leather. Small space in the rear. Lack of ES Ultra Lux cabin dampening features. So if you really want a racing car track one, one should buy RC F with Premium package. Not IS.
@@lostalxan is f wouldn’t sell? An m3 or c63 sell decently. An m340i sells as does a c43
My issue with this review is that this car is NOT an IS F and is not even advertised as such... It's an F Sport Performance, not an F. If you want a modern, compact F, it's gotta be RC F, unfortunately. The IS 500 is priced more like an M340i or something in that class - an IS F would be more money, probably in the same range as an RC F.
@@naveenthemachine The buyers for M and AMG are leasing. An IS F will be too pricey and it will reach to RC F territory. Right now RC F is available for 68K, I do not understand why AMD is saying no F, literally RC F is available for 2K more than IS 500 maxed out. But if one wants extra premium then RC F will go 80K. So yea his argument falls apart because there's a real F car for almost same money. IS 500 is NOT an F car.
Thanks! Please review an RC-F. I would love to hear your thoughts.
People are often critical in their reviews of this car, and their criticisms are definitely valid in some ways, I find the fact that there are very few used examples on the market to be very telling; The people who do buy them tend not to get rid of them.
I think lexus was going for a grand tourer vibe more than a track car vibe. which, philosophically, I love it. practically... I couldn't imagine spending 60k USD on a sedan. And I imagine the venn diagram of [ppl who like the car] and [ppl willing to fork out the cash] has to be an extremely narrow one.
They’re sure selling well. 🤷🏻♂️
@@3on4offnot anymore, Lexus of Beverly Hills are discount them now. Seems like the hype is over or people have less money due to inflation and high interest rate.
It’s not that people aren’t interested on sport cars, it’s that dealers charge a high markup on everything. They are not selling because of dealers, not because people aren’t interested… dealers kill amazing vehicles! Sales are low because of markup and “add ons” and then manufacture kills them for “low sales”.
True Lexus dealers were marking up adm crazy when it first came out
I’ve been loving the detail and enthusiasm in all your reviews. A treat. Ended up buying this car and love it. 2024. Came off the train last week. I have a Cloudburst/Red combo. Traded in a 2021 TLX ASpec SHAWD. I understand your complaints but those don’t bother me. I haven’t had it a week even but obviously the V8 sound is glorious and it’s plenty quick and responsive for me as I’m not the most advanced analyst/driver. The fit and finish inside is impeccable and it is a little tank much like the 350. For me I REALLY love how planted this is and how there barely is any body roll. Better than I had expected. The Acura was not good in that department and all that weight despite it being only a 2.0T really held the car back. Very wobbly when not in Sport mode but Sport mode made it become such a gas guzzler. Again, unfortunate. Such a bulky car and I wanted something smaller.
Would you recommend the first oil change at the 1000 mile break in like some enthusiasts say or stick to 5K? Thanks in advance.
do the early oil change right after break in
@@tubedude92thanks was leaning that route. 👍
i am louis from south africa, i love watching your channel
I think you're experiencing a break-in phenomenon with the 8 speed trans. I bought a 2020 Camry SE used with 59K miles. I had the same negative experience with the 8 speed lagging on accelleration and rough shifts. I read up on the history of the 8 speed with a lot of similar complaints. Then something strange happened. After I put about 3 thousand miles on it, all the transmission anomolies went away! No clunks, engagement delys or any problems at all with shifting are occurring. The trans is performiing perfectly. I haven't done anyting to it. no fluid change at 60K, no checks by the service department, just drove it.
I owned the car, put on about 8k before selling it and the transmission stayed lackluster as all hell. Even in Sports Plus downshifts in the lower gears were painful, such a shame.
@@LateNightDateNight what model and year was it?
@@stevewarren3051 I had a 2022 IS500 LE. Really well built car, loved the look, just couldn’t get over the transmission and sluggish feel of the vehicle.
@@LateNightDateNight Did that car have the same 8 speed auto as the 2020 Camry? Most of the complaints on the 8 speed auto was 2019 - 2021.
@@stevewarren3051 No. The IS 500 has an Aisin AA80E.
What people need to understand about this car is that everything is adaptive - from the steering feel to the suspension. The faster you go in the sport modes, the tighter the car will feel. If you’re not in the right mode or have it in the correct settings, it’ll feel like an IS300 with an engine swap. But if you know how to dial it in, it’ll truly reward you. The lurching transmission takes some getting used to because like I said before, it’s an adaptive system. So if you’re driving in the city, it’ll lurch forward for a second from a dig at a green light because it ‘knows’ you’re not racing it unless you really sink that pedal into the floor.
Thank you, that was my first reaction when he complained about the steering and transmission
Agreed.
@@Darylrb1983 Exactly. Even in Sport S+, the suspension doesn't get stiff unless the car detects that you are driving it hard. I actually drive around in S+ sometimes even on normal roads because it's still comfy.
Yea this guy obviously knows his stuff but didn’t spend enough time pushing this car
I just test drove one, i will have one next to my 4Runner. It’s fun, quick enough, and feels great. Give me old school, and clunky downshift( which was barely noticeable ), NOW! Lol
AMD, would it be possible for you to review either the 2021, 2022, or 2023 Camry XSE V6 in the next 2 or 3 months? I realize they are 8th Gen Camrys but in 2021 the Camry received a refresh. Just wished they updated from Safety Sense 2.5 plus to 3.0. You have talked about the 2GR-FSE but what about the 2GR-FKS, then on proper Oil Changes, and how bad the Panoramic roof is. I would appreciate more info on how to maintain the panoramic roof and exactly where those slats or wedges that Toyota should had inserted. The braking is squishy or travels very far on the XSE V6 as too soft in braking. Overall, my Camry XSE V6 handles well, I do get wind noise while driving on the Highway. If the opportunity arises, a nice video recording of the undercarriage/underbody with covers and without. - Much appreciated and thank you for being a terrific person. I wish you and your family well and to be safe.
My 2023 Toyota Camry XSE V6 (2GR-FKS 3.5L)
MSRP $41,305.00
[Base MSRP $36,370. Drivers Assist $830, Cold Weather $150, Navigation $1,040, Special Color $425, Two-Tone $500, All Weather Floor Liners & Cargo Tray $299, Quick Charge Cable $70,
Door Edge Guards $129, Rear Bumper Applique $69, Door Sills $199, Mud Guards $129, Destination $1,095 fee. Grand Total MSRP $41,305.]
Sales Tax $3,452.80
Dealer Documentation $175.00
DMV Registration $151.50
Safety Inspection $10.00
Government Tire Waste $12.50
Military Rebate minus $500.00
Final Cost of Camry $44,606.80 (cash value)
I'm a V6 and V8 guy who likes Classics and muscle cars.
As much as I want to agree with you Master I can’t.Current Lexus LS has no V8 , GsF discontinued.Even though this platform was a plug and play from the previous isF Lexus did not fail to provide a V8 to it’s people despite all this emissions demand .So no , this car is not a disappointment this just Lexus saying you have a 2 doors V8 which is the Lc but you also have a V8 sedan with more space so you can choose.They could have done something to the exterior to differentiate from the 350 , yes I agree but that’s about it.Thank you lexus for giving us the legendary V8.
Me too. I have the 500 and couldn’t agree with him the points about the steering is off.
@@roninbushito I've got one too, he's off on alot, the steering is great, the transmission while maybe a bit clunky (2nd to 1st downshift) is a real joy to drive, especially in manual mode and imo the best looking lexus right now.
@@85CEKR yes I have one too 23’ 500. Best looking IS so far I agree. I had it since November last yr. The steering is better and tighter more heavily weighted than my 21’ 350 I had. Even in normal mode its still pretty heavy even in low speeds. The transmission is the same as the RC-F (Aisin AA80) the 350 has the AA81. The AA80 downshifts more aggressively than 350 or even the 22’ IS500 according to ‘Lexus’ forum members. It gets better when warmed up. My ASC sound volume is off the V8 sounds good without it and actually has induction sound the intake flaps open around 2800 rpm to let in natural sound. I’m a hardcore Lexus guy so I know more than the average Lexus owner. I thoroughly enjoy my 500 USB 2.0 and I would’ve gotten rid of it if I never liked it and for sure would never take an IS350 over the 500 as I came from one having had it for 1.5 yrs.
I’m looking for a used IS-F to play around as a daily
Opinion is just like an asshole every body got one, got mine weeks ago love it, can't stop smiling while driving it.
Its funny watching reviews like this. The car being held to a standard that it specifically was NOT trying to be. It fits a very specific segment that the US dealerships asked Lexus to build because there was a market. I am so happy AMD made this video because now I hope less people will be interested in the car, making my ability to get the car even easier. That the point though, we are waiting for the next model year to see if the navigation will be upgraded just like the GX was the year before its cancellation.
Exactly, this car never tried or even attempted to be anything other than a V8 IS. I'd love to know how many ISF, GSF and RCF owners use all the race goodies on their cars. The MAJORITY of people buy these for the V8 sound and so they can floor it every once in a while with their friends inside. It's great to say you have the brakes, oil cooler, trans cooler etc but in reality its not worth the extra cost if none of your customers are actually using them. This car gives the customer just exactly what they want out of a car like this without jacking the price way up with all the extra goodies. The GSF was $85,000 dollars and barely sold at all. It was just too expensive and Lexus learned from that mistake.
Yup. He already had an agenda going into this review. We all knew this wasn't a F car. It's a cruiser with a v8 with some sportiness
@@E99584I disagree with him as one drive you can’t tell all.
I totally agree, this car, like the whole IS line is always super misunderstood. I would have expected AMD to understand that be he seems more confused than most people. Lexus wanted to build an IS with their glorious V8 that wasn't out of reach for people who can't afford an LC500 or and RCF. It's not going to be as refined as the LC because its less than 2/3 the price and its not going to be as sporty as an RCF for the same reason. It's exactly what I and pretty much anyone else who actually bought one hoped it would be, it's a great car.
@@85CEKR that’s why I bought one because I couldn’t afford an RC-F or LC500. To me the RCF isn’t much better and not $10k-$20k better. You will almost never find a base RC-F every dealer options it out. Only thing better is the suspension, stiffer LCA bushings, titanium exhaust, and some carbon parts. I can spend the extra $$$ for upgrades if I wanted
I like how the hood is raised to fit the V8. Not just for looks.
Lexus will never do away with v8s I’ve been hearing this for years!!! I’m on my 16th Lexus and I’m keeping my appealing fbo tuned 😊 Lexus RCF my rcf downshifts way quicker. I wouldn’t but the is500