Should You Buy a Lexus IS500? Old School V8 Masterpiece with an Incomplete Project.

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.
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#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?

[@howardwilliams2587]

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.

[@nelsonricciardi7087]

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.

[@GrandHuevotes]

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

[@D.N.R.911]

Hope you get many miles of enjoyment 😁

[@scholz222]

Well put.

[@scholz222]

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.

[@aletta4lyfe916]

Man I want the IS500 so bad. The V8 alone is why I want it!

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

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!

[@deel.4982]

I’m an owner and I totally agree with your opinion. It has a split personality and that what makes it fun.

[@dzelk34]

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.

[@stonewalled9696]

This Channel is on Fire!

[@andylai9646]

FIYA

[@jamram9924]

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….? 🤑🤑

[@naveenthemachine]

Now everyone is laughing at Toyota. Because they’re so far behind

[@Billeh556]

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.

[@Billeh556]

@@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.

[@falcondrvr200]

@@Billeh556They did a commercial with the 400 and glasses on the cars hood showing how smooth the engine was back in the 90’s

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@falcondrvr200 yes, I remember seeing a picture of that with the LS

[@aross924]

I love the clock 😂😂😂

[@jpete3027666]

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.

[@roninbushito]

I chose this over the m340i

[@ARentz07]

@@roninbushito Same. I like having the V-8 - especially this V-8 in particular!

[@naveenthemachine]

I’d choose the m340i or g70. But the lc500 though. That’s a different story

[@jpete3027666]

@@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.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@jpete3027666 and they lease cheaper too

[@ltwracing]

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.

[@tubedude92]

finally someone explains this properly

[@forty5r637]

How well do the paddles respond compared to a M340i?

[@ltwracing]

@@forty5r637 idk I’ve never driven a 340i. Go test drive both.

[@soorensuroosh]

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

[@LONGWALDO]

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.

[@StratusFearX]

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 kzbin.infoUgkxz5IyR95702mEN7-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.

[@JacesOwnWorld]

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.

[@user-vz4ck4hw2q]

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.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

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.

[@mattl6584]

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

[@RandenMontalvo]

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.

[@robertlovesgothgirlz]

True. I've skipped Lexus altogether these years since a manual option isn't available.

[@marvinmurakami8828]

At least you can get half way there by installing a Borla or Magnaflow exhaust.

[@Curiosity_Tales]

Not gonna happen.

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

Do you think this transmission in it now can handle all the power long term?

[@ericgarcia3217]

@ 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.

[@Ruisantos84]

You need to get an IS-F and LFA for the 1M subscribers.

[@MH3914]

LC 500 too please :)

[@alexandertebo4011]

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

[@CudiFan224]

Man I will love to see him have those to do a video on

[@Jantonvid]

@@alexandertebo4011 those guys are great. They got a whole team though. Which is why production is so nice but amd will get there too…

[@logandeering7947]

@@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.

[@ltwracing]

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.

[@TankerJYV]

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. ❤️❤️❤️

[@HBCertified]

The IS500 is a classic v8 sports sedan in modern styling.

[@joseCalderon1976]

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.

[@venturework]

Your knowledge of Lexus vehicles is sooo helpful! Great channel

[@sarkaranish]

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.

[@THEFIRE360]

still is a sports car, although on the lower threshold of the definition

[@sarkaranish]

@@THEFIRE360 power makes a car sporty but not a sports car

[@ARentz07]

@@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.

[@roninbushito]

His review is biased I don’t agree

[@roninbushito]

It’s a ‘sporty’ car

[@rightlanehog3151]

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. 🤩🤩

[@jcord0013]

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.

[@ajf5745]

@@jcord0013 probably the cheapest to maintain v8 vehicle

[@85CEKR]

@@jcord0013 what are you on about?

[@cubanrafy]

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!

[@ARentz07]

@@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.

[@C-M-E]

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.

[@kattanablade]

i really appreciate your honesty. its refreshing. thank you. from perth australia

[@Dontknowshit]

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.

[@CyFi6]

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.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

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.

[@lostalx]

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.

[@ARentz07]

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.

[@kseries20-24only]

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!

[@MrAznman24]

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.

[@gsfmark]

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

[@peterkwok9608]

Thank you AMD for another honest reviews of the Lexus Is 500.

[@whammys]

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!

[@LateNightDateNight]

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.

[@MrPland1992]

⁠@@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.

[@Paul-sq7lw]

LOL electric

[@ruflelol]

The clock is my favorite thing in my IS300, I agree the infotainment should be better though.

[@nelsonricciardi7087]

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.

[@ARentz07]

I like the carbon-fiber-like pattern in the clock face. Nice attention to detail.

[@blu_is500]

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.

[@ARentz07]

Well said.

[@kr9181]

This car review I was waiting for 😅. Thank you!

[@darthcholo]

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.

[@jml9550]

Panamera? Although it doesn’t offer manual.

[@gsent56]

I love how this car looks. Would like one... but can't afford it 😅

[@josephiousbrosif]

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 🤦‍♂️

[@tubedude92]

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

[@abdullahipad7664]

Hey AMD, any update on the 600k mile Lexus? Thanks and love your videos

[@madpistol]

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.

[@moonman_8935]

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.

[@RayanMADAO]

Why?

[@Dontknowshit]

@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

[@ruthnoya8424]

​@@RayanMADAO So he could flip them $$$$$

[@BabyJesus66]

Gay

[@2jzee103]

Car gonna be worth a lot in just a few years, especially that launch edition. I'd say good investment!

[@freewilly5073]

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.

[@connormckay9429]

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.

[@ebykay]

Great review as always. @TheCarCareNut, I await your review and analysis of the 2023 Toyota Crown.

[@DarthTerminatti]

Yeah. I still bought this car. Love it.❤😂

[@Matt-tf1wz]

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.

[@sunnysaenngarm5375]

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.

[@henrymarley956]

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.

[@timomomomo969]

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.

[@MisterSkizzels]

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.

[@CelicaDragon]

Love your videos and knowledge! Could you make a video on the RX300 with its planetary transmission problems?

[@cpfb68]

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!

[@lostalx]

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.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@lostalxan is f wouldn’t sell? An m3 or c63 sell decently. An m340i sells as does a c43

[@ARentz07]

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.

[@lostalx]

@@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.

[@Sirlockholmes]

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.

[@A.I.WarFare1947]

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

[@jimamizzi1]

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?

[@sarkaranish]

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!

[@ARentz07]

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.

[@marcosbravo87]

Go grave it man if you have the budget, you won’t be disappointed

[@abdullahipad7664]

@@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.

[@purplehills56]

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

[@nelsonricciardi7087]

@@abdullahipad7664 I'm not sure I agree. What is the option? BMW 340? Audi S5? Thanks, but no, thanks.

[@AlexS-ob8kv]

Great review and great pick of a car to review!!!

[@jimharrington7532]

amazing content..Best mechanic on KZbin..You are fantastic..

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏👏👏

[@ddog707]

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!

[@TheeJaneDoe]

I got the IS500 and I LOVE IT!!!

[@moismunoz3634]

These is a complete full real review 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ARentz07]

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?

[@Beasy63]

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.

[@lostalx]

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.

[@agentsixx4343]

The boss is back, I never get bored watching your video

[@Zephyrdaze1819]

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”.

[@b16da93]

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.

[@ARentz07]

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.

[@gxplore]

Going from a v6 to a v8.... is a big deal imo

[@Aikynbreusov]

You get bragging right.... the bigger the better...

[@jonschlegel2961]

Biggggg difference sir

[@linkylion9060]

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

[@the_frankc]

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.

[@naveenthemachine]

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

[@the_frankc]

@@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.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@the_frankc have you tried a dodge charger scat pack or Hellcat?

[@the_frankc]

@@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

[@MrSweetHart6976]

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 😃

[@rightlanehog3151]

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 KZbin channel for Toyota to send their vehicles for evaluation.

[@E99584]

It's also a very biased review, and holding a car to a standard it wasn't built to be.

[@roninbushito]

It’s biased

[@roninbushito]

@@E99584yup for sure and I disagree with him as one drive doesn’t tell all

[@trieunguyen5897]

Finally you did a review on this car. I hope to purchase this car as my daily .

[@theTurtleChiropractor]

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

[@cliffm6566]

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.

[@markuz7118]

I got one and I really love it! IS500 is a badass!

[@rcDoom]

Old school enginee with an old school transmission makes for a happy marriage

[@zdwaffles]

This is exactly why I built a custom 3inch exhaust for my TRD camry, the stock exhaust was so quiet and trumpety

[@petercoburn2362]

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. 😢

[@loranger6447]

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.

[@jpete3027666]

Ahh yes you finally got an IS500. I have been waiting for this moment!

[@roninbushito]

Biased review

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you for your videos.

[@alexc2013]

Thanks! Please review an RC-F. I would love to hear your thoughts.

[@tubedude92]

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?

[@stillinsocal42]

love my IS500, see ya on down the road 😁

[@KnightIndustries572]

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.

[@tubedude92]

"This interior is a reminderr of when QUALITY ruled" man very well said 💯

[@sebyylove]

Beautiful paint color.

[@sheilasayson1108]

I’ve been watching your videos, and it’s very informative, just wondering where do you usually buy aisin parts? Thanks!

[@Uno91180]

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.

[@roninbushito]

It needs to warm up first than it’s good

[@pmiahky]

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.

[@tubedude92]

do the early oil change right after break in

[@pmiahky]

@@tubedude92thanks was leaning that route. 👍

[@samh6761]

I like how the hood is raised to fit the V8. Not just for looks.

[@marceldobre3434]

Capping the price for this IS 500 was the main focus for Lexus. Enjoy it on the main roads everyday as it won't break any track records! Would love to own it!

[@kevbev89]

unfortunately that didn't translate to the dealerships. On release, dealerships were asking for 90K on the car, which was the reason I dropped it from my wishlist.

[@sddsmb]

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!

[@GAMINGSTUDIO7385]

i am louis from south africa, i love watching your channel

[@DerrickJohnson-be3xz]

Well that and RX 500 crossover I was wondering about.I also noticed there are Toyota and Lexus models coming to market that were much harder to get six months ago.A good way to describe it is it’s just an is.

[@parrott350]

yes I should buy one ! to go with my old 2006 IS 350. You can't replace a V8 with a turbo, LOL been tried and can't be done. Thanks AMD! best regards chuck

[@georgerafa5041]

This V8 has been my dream car since it came out. So hoping its still made in 3 years even though this has me less enamoured with it.

[@lot5953]

Same for me. I would love to have v8 even though I'm not aggressive driver or racer. Unfortunately the price is out of my range after getting the 2021 4runner.

[@bjsimon802]

better hurry, the new model will be out in few year. Hope you get your dream car. I would buy one in heart beat if had a chance.

[@oilhammer04]

I once owned a 1991 Honda Prelude with very sensitive steering like what you expected from this Lexus. One drawback to the sensitive steering that on a long trip it fatigued me. Otherwise it was very cool.

[@timw2083]

This was NEVER meant to be the IS-F... that's my whole post

[@blu_is500]

👏🏽👏🏽

[@lexusrcf2441]

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

[@roxys744]

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

[@eddiem4098]

I have a mechanic question. I have a 2020 Camry LE. It hit a deer. I had to replace some stuff such as driver headlight, radiator support, hood, windshield and some plastics under the hood, because the hood crumpled a little and broke some plastics underneath it. I replaced all those things but now, once in a while, a bunch of errors would pop up. LDA malfunction, pre collision malfunction, secondary collision brake system malfunction, and the check engine light. Also the engine would occasionally oscillate while accelerating, jerking the car. The scanner says the check engine light is for the mass air flow sensor. All these errors would show up for a day and disappear for a few days, and repeat. I replaced the mass air flow sensor with a brand new one from the dealer, still same issue. I also did recalibrate my windshield camera at the dealer. I called some mechanics and they didn’t want to deal with electrical issues(that’s what they assumed it was and so do I). And the dealer wants just short of a thousand dollars pre approved for a multiple hour diagnosis. Any suggestions on how to proceed without paying so much? I figured since the damage was light, it would be easy fix. I am assuming it’s electrical issue, but I can’t find where the collision would have possibly damaged some wires.

[@owenromulodejesus6240]

Hi! I really like your channel because its very detailed and i learn a lot from you. Cuz i have a toyota camry and i myself do the maintenance that i can do with myself. It helps a lot. I have a favor, can you please show us how to replace the transmission filter for camry 2018 LE. Thank you! I hope you notice.

[@praetorian5499]

When you mentioned you would rather have a 2008, why is that? Aside from price of course. I noticed they’re around 30k which is definitely more affordable. Thanks for another great video!

[@shawnm2597]

Hi, Love your channel. I have a quick question for you. If my significant other inadvertently filled up the tank half way with 87 gas on our LC500 before she realized what she did. Can the 2UR-GSE handle running through a half tank of 87 gas without any problems or should I drain the tank or add some octane boost until we run it out to fill it back up with 91 octane?

[@nashbridges120]

As with each video you produce, I really enjoyed and got a lot out of. But here I am a little confused: In a previous video, you praised the IS500 quite a bit (even the trans), calling it a “tank.” Here, you kinda’ play all that down and call it an incomplete project. Is the trans junk? Is the car junk? Or is it a tank that doesn’t quite measure up?

[@aluisious]

I don't think the transmission is that big of a deal with this motor. For commuting or highway driving, who cares? When you're on a mountain road or a highway ramp, the top speed in second gear is 65 mph, and third gear is 95 mph. Put it in manual mode and shift between second and third, that's all you need. I had this problem switching from a 600cc sport bike to a 1200cc sport touring bike, before I figured out I was trying to shift like it was a bike with a smaller engine. Second gear goes fast, third gear is good if I want to chill, and there are 3 other gears for getting better mpg on the highway. Every now and then I find myself admiring bikes with quick shifters, before I remember I can climb a 4k foot mountain at twice the speed limit without shifting at all. Adjust your driving style to the strength of the motor.