Lets talk about new vehicles

[buster]

Do you think the Lexus IS 300/350 is still a good vehicle in 2026? Watched CCN review and he said the 6speed AT in the AWD is very robust. It's what is used in the Sequioa.

 

[Zee09]

I have a bunch of Crown Jewel level
0W-30 Euro Amsoil but not wasting it on quick spills.. I may use it in my Transit as its a non turbo for a longer interval

 

[Quattro Pete]

Do you think the Lexus IS 300/350 is still a good vehicle in 2026? Watched CCN review and he said the 6speed AT in the AWD is very robust. It's what is used in the Sequioa.

I like that it still has the V6.

I was looking at the new ES350, alas, no more V6. Instead, you get the hybrid, just like Camry. But for a luxury brand, I think they should have given it something a bit more peppy and refined, without forcing you into EV territory.

 

[KCJeep]

I think my neighbor actually buys more new cars than @Zee09 if such a thing were possible.

Noticed he had a new Cadillac (unknown model, but large) in the garage last night. That would follow the GMC Acadia he had for about a year and a Jeep Cherokee he had about two months after that.

Never seen Carvana over there though, he must be trading them in. Ouch.

He also has a 70's Corvette under a tarp I've never seen him take out on the road. I believe he is GM retired, but he could be a day trader. He's drunk a lot so he could be really good at day trading.

 

[Zee09]

Being drunk and day trading is possible as many don't have the guts to hit the buy button

Even if a bit rusty your brain tells you I'm flipping this much money to get how much??? It's not for the faint of heart 4 sure..

 

[buster]

I like that it still has the V6.

I was looking at the new ES350, alas, no more V6. Instead, you get the hybrid, just like Camry. But for a luxury brand, I think they should have given it something a bit more peppy and refined, without forcing you into EV territory.

The IS 350 with the V6 is a dinosaur powertrain but still very smooth and super reliable. It's a positive or negative depending on how you see it relative to today's tech and powertrains.

CCN said it makes him wonder why other automakers can't make a transmission as good as the 6 speed in the V6/AWD IS.

A good automatic transmission seems hard to come by these days.

GM is still having issues with their 8 speed. Ford with the 10 speed. Toyota's new 8 speed is unproven.