After wrecking my Acura, I called in sick to work, collected my dope rental car, and started to surf the internet for a new ride. I was considering the following options [1] find another RSX Type-S, [2] upgrade to a TSX, or [3] ball out of control and upgrade to a TL.
I have not bothered to get cable or hook up my sweet rabbit ears to my television. Somehow, despite this lack of television watching, the motherfucking Lexus December to remember promotion was drilled into my brain. Like the model consumer I am, I stopped by the Lexus site to see what they had. Much to my surprise, they had redesigned the butt ass ugly IS 300 and come up with the IS 250 and IS 350. The IS 250 is underpowered with a paltry 205 horsepower, a whopping 11 more than the new Honda Civic SI. However, it fell within my price range and is available with a six speed manual transmission. So I applied for credit on-line.
The next day I took a short trip over to the dealership to test drive an IS 250. Unfortunately the only six speed on the lot was in the showroom, so I was stuck driving one with an automatic transmission. This was a critical error on the part of the dealer, as I came close to purchasing an IS 250. A sweet clutch and precise shifter probably would have sold me.
The dealer’s test drive circuit was one of the best I have ever been on, with plenty of curves and hills to really check out the car. Despite the pathetic horsepower and torque ratings, power was sufficient. The IS 250 really handled well with a tight but not punishing suspension and spot on steering. Rear wheel drive also helped the dynamic of the car. I had a hard time finding a good driving position, as the height adjustment simply did not go low enough. Another key issue is the dumbass headrest for the middle seat blocks the view out the rear window.
I went into the dealership expecting not to like this car. However, after driving it I found it very capable and upgraded it from curiosity to serious consideration. If one is considering the Acura TSX, I highly recommend checking out the Lexus IS 250. However, I did not purchase this vehicle.
comments on “maximum pretension: lexus is250 test drive”
Clay says:
Smoove D says:
I might have, but I was there over my lunch hour and did not have time to screw around. Also, the IS 250 was only available new, so I was on the fence about buying it on principle.
Charles says:
Last Friday (3/17), I ordered silver is250 with manual transmission, luxury package, navigation, and xm radio. I test drove a manual model twice, and it feels much more powerful than 204 h.p. Car is due in 90-120 days, I’ll let you know how it turns out. I’m keeping my 1995 SC300 with 5 speed manual and 175k miles, best car ever.
Smoove D says:
Thanks for stopping by. I came very close to getting the Lexus. Sometimes I regret not getting the IS250, but Nalley Acura made me a deal I couldn’t refuse on the TL. Overall, I like the TL quite a bit and someday I might even get around to writing a full review. I hope you enjoy the IS250 and I look forward to hearing about it.
Konstantin Barinov says:
Wow. How sweet to find manual transmission fans. Most test drivers for magazines, I guess, do not even have the skill to use a clutch and stick. Anyway, today we test drove a manual Lexus IS250. For many years I was a dumb Land Cruiser driver, with a diesel engine and an automatic transmission. And I do not want to sell my all-mechanical 2001 LC95. It is a light tank. We are buying a second car, to replace a Volvo. The first idea vas Avensis. But it sucked all the way. It is good business car but it has no soul. After Avensis, we tested almost everything. BMW 320 - it is a piece of plastic junk. Mercedes C180 - we liked it, but too expensive and too long of a delivery time. Audi A4 - why pay $10K more for a glorified Volkswagen Jetta? Anyway. Lexus IS250, which we drove today was an immediate deal. Manual transmission is charm. The only thing I did not like is the loose stick. But every other feature of the IS250 makes me like this car. We are buying a red IS250 tomorrow.
Leave a Reply
Smoove,
If you liked the car - why not demand a ride in the 6-speed. My opinion, after testing my car in a manual and auto, was that they were two different cars. The manual tranny 5 series I bought is totally 100% more fun and rewarding to drive than the auto. I wouldn’t even think about buying my car in an auto.
Was your Acura front wheel drive? I can imagine the rear wheel drive Lexus would feel a bit more luxurious and handle better being rear wheel.