anyone try 5-spd IS300?

[FriedRice]

my dad needs a new car.. trying to get him to get a 5-spd Is300. (we probably end up sharing it haha) it seems pretty good... mag times of 0-60 in 6.8, with 215 hp/218 tq.... and its RWD. its right in between the 325i and the 330i in terms of performance and its cheaper than either. just wanna know what u guys think of the 5spd IS300 compared to say... a 5 or 6-spd celi? magazine times show 0-60 at around same speed for an '01 GT-s (but i know how mag times are)

my dad's choosing between an IS300 and the 325i.... any comments, suggestions?

and we've test driven the 325i (in 5-spd m/t) and the WRX for comparison's sake.

thanks in advance and sorry for the vagueness

[Stories]

The Lexus will be a far better value. You can get a fully loaded IS for about $35,000, to get the 325 or the 330 to the same equipment level, you'll need to spend about $6,000 more. Both cars will deliver similar levels of performance and drivability. It'll probably come down to whoever can give you the best deal and the exterior/interior styling. I personally like both cars' styling, but I love the IS styling... (Toyota Altezza, hell yes :D). But the BMW has more of a "wow" brand factor.

[GT-S Celica]

wow 0-60 in 6.8! i would've thought it would be somewhere around 7.1 or 7.2

[Kit99bar]

for drag racing the wrx

for looks and convience and pretty good speed the IS!!!

[FriedRice]

haha thats on the brochure... for the 5-spd manual... im thinking at this point, it can hang with the 2002 gt-s... and if yes, my vote is behind the IS... speed of a gt-s, comfort of a lexus, looks of a japan car of the year (altezza)........ and its a better value than any of the bummers.....

thanks for the posts guys..... is the 5-spd really worth getting? m/t good for celicas.... but what about the IS? any problems with tranny? (maybe i should be posting in the IS forums....) thanks a lot guys

[Da Kine Guy]

buy a used IS, take money saved and invest towards 2JZ-GTE swap, have the comfort of a Lexus, and the oompa of a Supra :D (hehe, that last part rhymes:))