Living With A $65,000 Lexus IS500 F-Sport!! 

Should have used LiquiMoly

I did. Not so smart now, are you?@@juniormeyer27

That’s insane! I love the S5 SB, I never thought that engine would die so early. I bought a Stinger GT2 cause of the warranty and cheaper maintenance. I can’t actually see myself going to Lexus after owning German cause it’s just not on the same level. No HUD and not even an automatic trunk on the IS500…but if you’re in it for that long term reliability then I get it

it’s not about the reliability of just the brand, think about just the general reliability of a turbo charged engine vs a higher cylinder NA engine. The NA engine is always gonna outlast the turbo charged, way less strain on the engine and no power taken away from it. Hope you switched over

There aren't really any NA V-8 competitors anymore. If you want to include random cars that have NA V-8 engines, well, this 472-horsepower engine makes more power than a Camaro SS and the S550 Mustang GT (excluding the Bullitt or Mach 1) and though a 392 Charger has more power, it's also several hundred pounds heavier. If you compare it to other compact luxury performance sedans in the same price bracket, it makes the most power. The RWD setup really limits this car 0-60, but some better tires will help out.

@@ARentz07I thought this had 402HP

@@marcuspage2026 pretty sure its like 474 or something

I bet this V-8 is the most reliable.

Is this faster than your bmw on the track?

@@theanimerapper6351 Not a snowball’s chance. The M5 was built to crush tracks. This 500 is a sporty GT car not at all equipped for track work.

@@bhongtasticso what makes it more fun?

@@jameshumphrey3425Some cars are more fun to drive slow than fast if that makes sense

​@jameshumphrey3425 that NA engine is something you have to experience. Its the perfect daily driver since under 2500rpm its like a regular comfortable sedan and at higher rpm you get that power and beautiful sound.

Oooh that’ll be a cool color combo

You won't regret it. It's fun af in sport+ manual

Congratulations!

Mine is at the processing center right now same ultrasonic blue red interior 💪🏾

I debated this Color but I think I am going to with infrared and black interior

Also critical to understand that the transmission requires optimal operating temp. before it's programming allows it to shift the way it should. Many reviews are not aware of this.

it's a crime Lexus did away with manual transmissions, we're stuck with autotragics now with issues like this ^

Curious, why does natural aspiration matter?

@@pumpkincoffee sounds better minus maybe a hemi supercharged and more reliable than turbocharged or supercharged.

Exactly agreed, and tbh I only see this as a pro since you get "some" more MPG

I’ll be test driving is 500 in couple weeks I’ll let ya know it drives

@@joemilazzo7830 It’ll be awesome, let me know!

Do only some IS350 models have sport+? I don't have that on mine just sport mode

I love my IS500💖

How does the IS compare to the stinger? I currently have a G70 and have been considering the IS

@@jaker6037 the Stinger was a very good choice. I would get another. I tried to get my wife one but she opt'd for a Red Sport

Looks like an egg. Sounds like an egg. Smells like an egg. It's a potato...

@@noob.168why the hate ?

Oh thanks for the correction!

That’s for sure man💯💯

Did you get the Lexus? I am thinking M340i or is500

@@echoalpha9157 I ended up picking up a 2024 IS 500 in Vector Blue. Comparing it to my 2015 435 Xdrive I'd have the say the IS is way more comfortable to drive as a daily driver. I think the acceleration won't be as fast as an M340i but I don't really care about that as I'm not racing it. The IS 500 is definitely fast enough for any of my application when merging or passing vehicles. I will say that I felt a bit more confident in my 4 series in crappy winter driving conditions here in Canada as it was all wheel drive. I also bought the Michelin X-Ice 3 winter tires for the IS so I'm comparing apples to apples. Regarding technology, I use Apply Car Play so it's really good. My wife and kids say they prefer the IS500 over the 4 series. I think it's because it's simply a more comfortable ride. My biggest complaints so far: 1) the side mirrors are manual so going through car washes I have to physically come out to turn them in. 2) the Mark Levinson speaker system sounds OK but nothing crazy. Mind you I haven't played with the settings. Regardless, if you want better sound in the BMW or Lexus you gotta get after market. 3) I wish there was a sunglass holder 4) This could simply be a RWD thing but I feel the rear wants to get squirrely when accelerating hard on wet/slippery surfaces. I didn't feel that in the BMW AWD so I felt more confident on turns. Otherwise, really great car and I'm sure in the long run the cost of maintenance will be less than what I paid for the BMW 4 series.

@@user-nd5yr9ol5i thank you for answering - very informative. How did you decide on a colour for the exterior? Hahahaha I am trying to order one by the end of this weekend. Also, is the new red interior too aggressive? I am looking at the resale value of what colour combinations will help retain a good price / value

@@echoalpha9157 Yeah colour is simply personal preference. Previously, I've always gone black on black with all my sporty cars. I also have a business SUV (GX460 black edition) so I wanted to go with a more fun and visually pleasing color. Personally, I'm not fond of the red interior as it looks too lipstick like to me. If the red interior was more darker I would have liked it. Initially, I was thinking of the following: 1) going red exterior with black interior 2) ultrasonic blue w/ black interior 3) play it safe with cloudburst grey with black interior. Then I saw the Vector Blue in the showroom and I was sold. However, I still had some reservations because it is a loud colour. Then I told myself "who gives a sh!t, this is my fun car". After owning it for 6 months I don't regret the colour as it is a head turner and I get lots of compliments saying they love the colour.

@@user-nd5yr9ol5i wow this is great intel. I appreciate the feedback. I will sleep on this decision on colours because I am looking to at least have this car for over 15+ years. I think the combination of colours you have contemplated is what I have listed as my topic picks including the white. Any feedback on the incognito vs iridium vs blue as well?

Congratulations!!!!! 🎉

@@JloveLamar thanks bro

Woot! Woot! Hope to see pics posted somewhere! Would love to hear your initial driving impressions after the first start up. You never forget the first time. 😍😜

Congrats. How are you liking it so far?

I’m in love w it. I’m hoping to get my drone this weekend and go shoot some video. It’s an amazing car, Ik some people have complains about the transmission but it feels really good. I don’t feel any lag from the transmission.

Wow, how do you feel about the move down in power? Both the Camaro and Is500 are great cars.

@@Barbwire710 definitely miss the excessive power that the zl1 had at times but there was often times where I felt like I couldn’t completely enjoy all the power (never tracked it or any cars but track motorcycles pretty often). The transmission (10spd) in the zl1 was definitely a lot smoother. That being said, the is500 is much more well rounded in comparison to the zl1 (space for my 5 yo son, capable of spirited driving, better interior than the zl1, etc). I’ll probably end up buying something else to add to the stable soon (hopefully a gtr or a 911)

Pick up a used RCF. Gut it out (keep both seats) upgrade the suspension light performance mods and put a roll cage. Now that will be a nice race car to compliment your Is 500.

Yes and the Caddy comes with a stick

And caddy low reliability 😂

Let us know what color you end up with.

@edwardcarballo5843 still waiting for a new color option 🙄

What is this colour called??

@Clarkeisawesome it's called Greacian Water. It's not available anymore though.

@@85CEKR Thanks

Did you get the lexus or BMW?

No auto stop feature

I’d guess the Giulia from what I’ve heard from people I trust. The Giulia Veloce for instance 4-cyl 280 HP. 8 spd tranny. It’s a terrific engine. Alfa Romeo nails engines and chassis dynamics.

Can't speak for you but the SS 1LE would also be the choice of the two.

I have a 2023 Is 500. Raced a SS and it was dead even both times. Lexus cost more but you will notice the quality. Torque in the SS is better fior daily driving. Both are great choices. No need for buyers remorse.

Blackwing

@@EddieX ❤️❤️

Are you talking about the hump from the transfer case. If so that's only on awd models. Rwd models don't have the hump. This Is500 is rwd.

There is a pad there in the 2021+ IS models.

@ARentz07 The hump I was talking about is on all the awd Is and Rc cars my 2016 Is350 awd had the hump,my 2018 Rc350 rwd does not have the hump.

@arthurl.9985 OK well an IS500 doesn't have the hump. It's RWD.

It has a pad where my right knee goes. I think they added the pad for 2021.

Yes

For the old timers as well but it’s going to be excellent quality of sound like you said.

Luxury with no HUD and no automatic trunk lol?

I didn’t know those two things defined what a luxury car is lol. Plus, only the C-class and the G70 are the only ones on the top of my head that have a power trunk in this segment. If you’re going to rag on this car for that, rag on the others. The HUD is a miss but not really much of a deal breaker. Unless, you absolutely cannot have it

@@mrscottmescudi10 I don't really like HUDs, but I do like ventilated seats, which are not available on some competitors.

@@2isadventures You can get a 3-series with a power trunk as well.

@@ARentz07 I knew the earlier model years of the current G20 3 series had it, but I thought they removed it from their later model years. Thanks for the correction lol

your instantly sacrificing reliability once you start turbocharging small engines, which is how the competitors reach those better numbers on paper. Audi, cadillac, BMW, hence why they’re so damn unreliable. Toyota/lexus knows this

luckily lexus/toyota have been working on a TTV8 Hybrid with 900+ HP for a couple years now, should be announced sometime soon

Because bmw makes 380 to the wheels

lol nowadays he reviews cars and makes video content for a living.

damn that's sad

I had an es350 with a similar engine to the IS350 (I think just detuned a bit and transversely mounted) before I got the IS500, I love my IS500 but one of my few complaints is that its just too fast for normal roads, if you try to make the engine sing your instantly doing loose you license speeds. The ES350 was perfect it was super satisfying to rev out and you weren't doing triple digits after going through a few gears. I live in Canada, and will park my IS500 all winter, I wish I could afford and AWD IS350 F sport as well and use that as my winter car.

​@@85CEKRboo hoo😂

The IS500 feels more special to drive. I don't think it's too powerful for the street, either.

I love my dash cam. It is good peace of mind in case any other driver causes an accident involving me.

Newer is not always better. The old DCM is not annoying vs newer one with glitches and almost 95% of the latest bleeding edge Wireless charging in Cars are wonky and heat up your phone fast plus all the screens and shit is not good either finally the new Lexus interface sucks, toyota motor corp takes time is not a good trait but it helps in some reliability factor.

​@@lostalx wireless AA/carplay and a fast, intuitive UI is what matters most IMO. sad to hear interface sucks- infotainment has always been their achilles heel. Having the prev gen infotainment in my '22 GX is fine because it at least aligns with the charm/age of the vehicle... but when I get in my '22 F250 with Sync4's great UI and wireless android it's a much more modern experience.

@sly9263 agree. I think the Android OS has a nice alternative, which is Motorola MA1, which enables wireless Android Auto. However, it is not a factory, so maybe be some UX changes.

100% is stock.

F sprort

You’re right, dynamically the Cadillac is in another universe. But as an overall car taking in practical considerations like build quality, reliability and resale the IS makes up some ground