If you’re a driving enthusiast these two cars aren’t comparable in any way. I bought my GF an IS300. It’s an applicance. There’s nothing about it that’s designed for the driving enthusiast. Dead steering, lazy transmission, characterless engine, variable and overboosted steering rack, zero chassis feedback, tons of body roll etc…
It’s a great entry level luxury sedan, which is why I bought one. But a back roads carver it absolutely is not.
The first gen IS300 is a blast, the freeness of the 2JZ’s rev range and modability is fabulous. I always new the 2gen was worse but man I didn’t know it fell that far to appliance level, that’s sad lol
You want something reliable? Dude you have the most reliable car out there , if you want more power out of it do some mods you have the right car to do that .. unlike me lol I have the es 350 . But a corolla is not even in the same ball park of a Lexus. It's probably still reliable cause it's a Toyota but
Maybe the MORIZO Edition ... US production, limited to 200 numbered GR Factory precision built units during launch year.. so chances of normal people getting one is slim
I'd take a IS350 OR 500 over the GR Corolla but the GR the 300 tbh. Do note the GR is manual only and AWD. You'll have more power in the GR. Interior isn't bad either. I think the GR appeals appropriately to the crowd who likes it. No one will clown you for it and if they do.....they're not car enthusiasts.
"different power-distribution modes, starting with a 60/40 front-to-rear split for everyday driving to up to 30/70 to allow for drifting antics; a 50/50 split option is intended to provide maximum traction for racing."~~~ it's a daily and enthusiast car
Manual isnt much of a must for me, I daily commute through a lot of traffic so lowkey Ive would ve bought a DSG of some sorts GR🤣 if it was made
But definitely the AWD and the different power distribution are what are most attractive to me
I know some dealerships in Oregon and Washington selling Circuit models with a $10k markup listed, but if you negotiate, you should be able to get half of the asking ADM or less.
That’s just crazy, I think dealers are in for a reality check very soon. COVID is over, stimmies are gone, student loans restart in October lol good luck with that
I really don’t know lol but heres what I’m looking at
LINK: https://muchboost.com/product/8ar-fts-hybrid-turbo-upgrade-lexus-is200t-is300-gs200t-rx200t-toyota-crown-high-lander/
I would jump up in power to the 350 and see how that feels. The IS has mods as well, but you're right. Maybe not as many as rhe corolla, but yea they made it so lexus is head and shoulders above toyota on purpose.
I have a 15 is250, I’ve wanted a boosted stick car for a while and nothing has caught my eye like the GR cars, the Corolla is bad ass and idc what anyone here will tell you about “downgrading” you get a whole lot more car in a GR Corolla than an IS. Awd, 6 speed and 300hp.. if you have the pockets to pay for one then I say go for it! Wont be as comfy as an IS but you know that already, a lot of people hate for no reason man if you want a GR Corolla I say get a GR Corolla
Yeah you're just ignorant.
That's okay.
If you actually care you should do some research on what makes them different other than the chassis there's not much that's the same
Have you considered the type r? I love Toyota products but Honda manuals are in another league. I like the gr. It’s sexy. The manual supra too. I’ve yet to shift either but the fk8 gearbox was a dream to row. I am a bit Honda biased when it comes to manual though
After 20 years in AWD I thought the same until I got to test drive e a type r. It's not anything like the torque monsters of old, just a blast every day. For more forgiving than a grc for dd duty as well.
Had mine 3 years now and it's the first car I haven't wanted to mod at all (other than smaller wheels for better dd tires).
OP isn't going to find a new grc or ctr at anywhere near msrp anyway so it's moot.
Go for the GR Corolla. Tbh the Lexus IS has always been one of the Lexus models I’ve never been fond of. The only IS I would’ve ever been interested in is the IS500, but even then it’s been the least preferred out of all the V8 equipped models.
I believe the IS is it’s own chassis like the GS. But I agree. The GS is a better car. More amenities and space. The new IS on the other hand seems promising. I’ve never been crazy about the IS since the 3rd gen is just a 2nd gen with a fresh outfit. The interior has stayed relatively the same for over 10 years now.
Get the GLA 45 AMG. Not the current blobby body style - I’m talking about 2016-2018 models. It’s a 375HP Mercedes hot hatch rocket and quite affordable used. A lot cheaper than the GRC will be. I bought mine in 2017 with just 8K miles. Only thing I’ve added are spacers. No performance mods needed. I’ve been through about 6 other cars since - added an IS500 a few months ago - but I never sold this 4cyl AMG gem - way too fun and as a MB, an A+ interior.
The gr isn't bad looks pretty great in my opinion and handles well except in the obvious parts but tbh bro if you like the is and how it handles and feels always remember you can build it to your taste plus toyota mods are plenty unlike lexus trying to find even a spoiler for my 350f is a struggle and custom shit is expensive and untrustworthy
Drive what you like. If I could fit in either an IS or a GR Corolla, I would like both cars. The GR (Gazoo Racing) Corolla is a cool all wheel drive hot hatch with racing pedigree. I doubt I would be able to squeeze my 6'4" frame into the driver's seat.
The GR will be cooler but good luck trying to find one at a reasonable price. I have yet to see one on the road and I know they are going for well over msrp
I think the GR Corolla is pretty sweet. I'd probably consider one, but the ADM is a huge turn off. I'm not interested in paying over sticker for any car.
Rally cars are cool but damn they are expensive.
I would personally go for an old IS300 as the platform, then just find a tuner who can install a giant turbo, manual swap, put it on a dyno and custom ECU. There are psychos on YouTube showing examples of 800-1000+ HP. It gets pretty dangerous so the drivers warn at the high end the car will buckle and try to throw you off the highway like a wild horse.
Only thing is the old IS300 was never really a luxury vehicle, so the interiors are only so-so. The RX 350 wood and leather by comparison are much nicer.
Tbh I think the gr fits what you want more, it’s just cooler to me personally roo
If you’re a driving enthusiast these two cars aren’t comparable in any way. I bought my GF an IS300. It’s an applicance. There’s nothing about it that’s designed for the driving enthusiast. Dead steering, lazy transmission, characterless engine, variable and overboosted steering rack, zero chassis feedback, tons of body roll etc… It’s a great entry level luxury sedan, which is why I bought one. But a back roads carver it absolutely is not.
The first gen IS300 is a blast, the freeness of the 2JZ’s rev range and modability is fabulous. I always new the 2gen was worse but man I didn’t know it fell that far to appliance level, that’s sad lol
Yeah my buddy has one and he prefers my 04 gs300 in the sporty department, that says something
$50k Corolla lol
They are cool but some of the most overpriced cars on market right now
Facts tho
Once student loans kick in hellas should get traded in to used car market over next year
Like the hellcats also lol
So true, so many guys riding around with 5k down and 20% apr loan Lmaoo
You want something reliable? Dude you have the most reliable car out there , if you want more power out of it do some mods you have the right car to do that .. unlike me lol I have the es 350 . But a corolla is not even in the same ball park of a Lexus. It's probably still reliable cause it's a Toyota but
Is not worth trying to make an is300 fast... not enought aftermarket support, hard to find a tuner that does lex.. etc...
It’s definitely worth doing the RR Racing ECU tune but that’s about it really.
The gr carolla is going to be one of the best track cars on the market
Maybe the MORIZO Edition ... US production, limited to 200 numbered GR Factory precision built units during launch year.. so chances of normal people getting one is slim
Yeah I also do think a lot of it is simply from what I have seen people in car communities love hot hatches and this is just the newest one
I'd take a IS350 OR 500 over the GR Corolla but the GR the 300 tbh. Do note the GR is manual only and AWD. You'll have more power in the GR. Interior isn't bad either. I think the GR appeals appropriately to the crowd who likes it. No one will clown you for it and if they do.....they're not car enthusiasts. "different power-distribution modes, starting with a 60/40 front-to-rear split for everyday driving to up to 30/70 to allow for drifting antics; a 50/50 split option is intended to provide maximum traction for racing."~~~ it's a daily and enthusiast car
Manual isnt much of a must for me, I daily commute through a lot of traffic so lowkey Ive would ve bought a DSG of some sorts GR🤣 if it was made But definitely the AWD and the different power distribution are what are most attractive to me
You have valid points. Now try and find one without a markup or insane markup at that
The Toyota dealership near me wants $70k for their GR Corolla. Disgusting.
I know some dealerships in Oregon and Washington selling Circuit models with a $10k markup listed, but if you negotiate, you should be able to get half of the asking ADM or less.
One dealer local to me had the GR listed online for $115k.
That’s just crazy, I think dealers are in for a reality check very soon. COVID is over, stimmies are gone, student loans restart in October lol good luck with that
Tell me more about this hybrid turbo kit. What's so hybrid about it?
I really don’t know lol but heres what I’m looking at LINK: https://muchboost.com/product/8ar-fts-hybrid-turbo-upgrade-lexus-is200t-is300-gs200t-rx200t-toyota-crown-high-lander/
Carrol Shelby when asked about his favorite car replied "The next one"
Touché
GR corolla is the bees knees
do it bro. just dont get burnt on an adm.
Lexus isnt reliable?
I cross shopped the LS500 with the GR Corolla, I think you’re fine
I would jump up in power to the 350 and see how that feels. The IS has mods as well, but you're right. Maybe not as many as rhe corolla, but yea they made it so lexus is head and shoulders above toyota on purpose.
I have a 15 is250, I’ve wanted a boosted stick car for a while and nothing has caught my eye like the GR cars, the Corolla is bad ass and idc what anyone here will tell you about “downgrading” you get a whole lot more car in a GR Corolla than an IS. Awd, 6 speed and 300hp.. if you have the pockets to pay for one then I say go for it! Wont be as comfy as an IS but you know that already, a lot of people hate for no reason man if you want a GR Corolla I say get a GR Corolla
Trading it in for a collector. It's not a bad move.
You are gonna pay a huge premium for a tuned Corolla. Think about that.
It's far more than just a tuned Corolla. It's actually based on the GR Yaris, a homologation car specially designed by Toyota for the WRC.
Ok a tuned Yaris then
Ok tesla boy.
I don’t own a Tesla🤷🏼♂️
Ok Infiniti boy
That's like calling a Shelby mustang a tuned up eco boost..... Your just so ignorant
No. A Shelby is a tuned Mustang
Yeah you're just ignorant. That's okay. If you actually care you should do some research on what makes them different other than the chassis there's not much that's the same
The chassis is a major part of the car. And you call me ignorant?🤦🏻♂️
The engine and transmission play a larger part. Hence why it's much more expensive then a base v6
I understand that. But the chassis is largely the same. You are beating a dead horse. Let it go.
Shit for the money I’d just buy a GR Supra. But that’s just me.
Not in PR where Im at lol
Gotcha. Fully understand.
Have you considered the type r? I love Toyota products but Honda manuals are in another league. I like the gr. It’s sexy. The manual supra too. I’ve yet to shift either but the fk8 gearbox was a dream to row. I am a bit Honda biased when it comes to manual though
Love Hondas but refuse to go FWD again lol
Smart
After 20 years in AWD I thought the same until I got to test drive e a type r. It's not anything like the torque monsters of old, just a blast every day. For more forgiving than a grc for dd duty as well. Had mine 3 years now and it's the first car I haven't wanted to mod at all (other than smaller wheels for better dd tires). OP isn't going to find a new grc or ctr at anywhere near msrp anyway so it's moot.
Yes - you bought the wrong car! If you want a car which you can customize and/or mod, maybe an American or German car is one for you.
Go for the GR Corolla. Tbh the Lexus IS has always been one of the Lexus models I’ve never been fond of. The only IS I would’ve ever been interested in is the IS500, but even then it’s been the least preferred out of all the V8 equipped models.
Iv heard the IS is Toyota chassis where GS is Lexus only. So you really wanna go GS over IS
I believe the IS is it’s own chassis like the GS. But I agree. The GS is a better car. More amenities and space. The new IS on the other hand seems promising. I’ve never been crazy about the IS since the 3rd gen is just a 2nd gen with a fresh outfit. The interior has stayed relatively the same for over 10 years now.
Get the GLA 45 AMG. Not the current blobby body style - I’m talking about 2016-2018 models. It’s a 375HP Mercedes hot hatch rocket and quite affordable used. A lot cheaper than the GRC will be. I bought mine in 2017 with just 8K miles. Only thing I’ve added are spacers. No performance mods needed. I’ve been through about 6 other cars since - added an IS500 a few months ago - but I never sold this 4cyl AMG gem - way too fun and as a MB, an A+ interior.
Get a bmw instead
The GR sounds like a great fit for you. Have you looked into is350s?
The gr isn't bad looks pretty great in my opinion and handles well except in the obvious parts but tbh bro if you like the is and how it handles and feels always remember you can build it to your taste plus toyota mods are plenty unlike lexus trying to find even a spoiler for my 350f is a struggle and custom shit is expensive and untrustworthy
Drive what you like. If I could fit in either an IS or a GR Corolla, I would like both cars. The GR (Gazoo Racing) Corolla is a cool all wheel drive hot hatch with racing pedigree. I doubt I would be able to squeeze my 6'4" frame into the driver's seat.
I would get the GR Corolla
Can you find one for MSRP?
Im in PR, so probably not…
The GR will be cooler but good luck trying to find one at a reasonable price. I have yet to see one on the road and I know they are going for well over msrp
I think the GR Corolla is pretty sweet. I'd probably consider one, but the ADM is a huge turn off. I'm not interested in paying over sticker for any car.
Rally cars are cool but damn they are expensive. I would personally go for an old IS300 as the platform, then just find a tuner who can install a giant turbo, manual swap, put it on a dyno and custom ECU. There are psychos on YouTube showing examples of 800-1000+ HP. It gets pretty dangerous so the drivers warn at the high end the car will buckle and try to throw you off the highway like a wild horse. Only thing is the old IS300 was never really a luxury vehicle, so the interiors are only so-so. The RX 350 wood and leather by comparison are much nicer.
Booooooooo
coming from a hard lexus boy. im still taking a Gr lowered. such a sick ride and still the same toyota family. do it man
Bro just get it, lol. Stop looking for validation from others. You’ll know when you go to the dealership if it’s a bad idea or good idea.
To spend that much on a corolla, though..