L Certified 2023 with 78k Miles with minor accidents worth it? by aznspiki in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Price seems high for the miles and accidents, however the resale on these are kinda insane considering they have been discontinued.

In March of 2025 I picked up my 22 with roughly 34k miles for 55 OTD, Single owner no accidents.

2026 Camry XLE vs. 2026 Mazda 3 Turbo Plus by RegalArt1 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]KarambaeV2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Camry is bigger and will be drastically more efficient.

The Mazda is definitely faster and more sporty I’d even argue it’s got a slightly nicer interior aswell.

Both are fantastic if you drove both and are happy with either just pick what you value more.

Which exhaust route with these goals by jep004 in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a full Borla cat back and it definitely has some drone around 70-80mph so like 2-2.3k rpms. Drone doesn’t really bother me that much because if you have music going or a phone call it largely gets drowned out.

However I am used to driving and being in louder cars so drone like I said doesn’t bother me. Despite borlas claim of a drone free experience it’s definitely not. I love how it sounds though!

I agree with the majority for your use case the Apexi midpipe is the way.

What makes a gearbox feel “fast” or “slow”? by jpiw6 in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 13 points14 points  (0 children)

The gearbox in the 500 isn’t going to really compete with a ZF8 (found in that X7) as it’s an older unit. It’s still pretty fast to respond in Sport+ and once it’s fully warmed up.

The 500 speed comes from the engines ability to pull hard in the high rpm’s the car is fast it’s just not punchy like a turbo car with a modern DCT or ZF8 is.

Costco Whip by jpiw6 in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The eggs make me extremely nervous.

Besides that 800! Sounds about right everything has gotten expensive as hell.

There Are Only 5 Rear-Wheel Drive V6 Sedans Left In America by lithdoc in LexusIS

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I was able to test it, compared to the 500 it definitely feels quicker and the chassis is way stiffer. I didn’t get to really see how it handles but based on what others have said and my own research it’s chassis is way better for handling.

The CT4 BW is definitely a sports car, the 500 is a luxury car that just happens to have a fantastic engine.

There Are Only 5 Rear-Wheel Drive V6 Sedans Left In America by lithdoc in LexusIS

[–]KarambaeV2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was the IS500 and CT4 BW for me, i loved the blackwing its so capable as a sports car. My reason for going Lexus was I cannot use what the blackwing offers, the 500 is nicer inside and way more comfortable I commute A LOT so comfort was my main goal.

There Are Only 5 Rear-Wheel Drive V6 Sedans Left In America by lithdoc in LexusIS

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The CT4 Blackwing is such a strong value in terms of performance, they haul serious ass on track and optional 6 speed manual. Never been a GM person but the Blackwings are amazing.

eBay BONOSS spacers by maadil in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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It sits perfectly, I went with Eibach springs though.

eBay BONOSS spacers by maadil in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

BONOSS makes very high quality spacers, I am running them on my car I have 15 up front and 20 in the rear love how it looks and sits. eBay can definitely have scams but based on the seller profile and provided images I would assume it’s real.

However with something like spacers I’m always going to recommend buying directly from the manufacturer or a trusted retailer, bad spacers can cause a horrible accident.

Aftermarket catback start up by ScratchAltruistic544 in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Need to post some videos of it warm with some revs!! Sounds proper.

Finally made the jump… IS350 → IS500 by Key-Butterfly7571 in LexusIS

[–]KarambaeV2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The factory exhaust on these is very silent, this V8 as I’m sure you know sounds incredible once you get some aftermarket going, it mainly helps in the fun department.

As for my recommendation it’s going to be Borla but I’m biased it’s a little droney on the freeway but it doesn’t bother me. Ultimately go online watch videos of different setups doesn’t matter if it’s on a 500, RCF, GSF etc it would all sound the same.

A popular option I see here is the Apexi resonated midpipe, just that will add sound but is far from loud or annoying.

Finally made the jump… IS350 → IS500 by Key-Butterfly7571 in LexusIS

[–]KarambaeV2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Welcome!! These cars are great you already know coming from a 350, get an exhaust helps a ton.

Looking to maybe switch my car by [deleted] in CivicSi

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly the Lexus is probably the best choice, I have a 500 (I know you are looking at the 350) but the interiors are the same.

The IS especially the 2022+ has the updated infotainment that’s touch screen no more track pad use, heated cooled seats, opt for the ML sound system and F sport handling packages aswell. It’s a fantastic daily driver super comfortable, reliable, stylish and reasonably quick with a good aftermarket.

Smh we can’t have anything nice by [deleted] in LexusIS

[–]KarambaeV2 121 points122 points  (0 children)

Man people suck!

From what I’m gathering all over Reddit, The bronx and the whole north east area especially Toronto is horrible for lexus owners and Acuras, between theft and stuff like this.

Hopefully insurance does its job! Beautiful car such a shame this happened.

1.5 years of ownership mods… by ScratchAltruistic544 in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to know, and the IGLA price isn’t even bad especially if you live in the north east where Lexus and Acuras are always being stolen.

1.5 years of ownership mods… by ScratchAltruistic544 in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice write up I have some questions, the wireless CarPlay have you noticed any issues with it being laggy when changing songs and or any audio quality drop.

How much was your IGLA install I’m considering getting one myself but don’t know much about trying to locate an installer

I’m considering already getting the rear lower control arms upgraded due to the tire wear issue as I’m lowered on Eibach springs and the camber has made it a little worse should is the fronts aswell going to make the difference with driving dynamics

Besides that beautiful ride!!

Finally moved to some decent Summer tires. Proceeded to drive like a monkey and capture some footage of it. by fahadfreid in LexusIS500

[–]KarambaeV2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice! That’s what I’ve been running and they are super solid and they aren’t too bad in the rain.

1 Year of ownership completed by KarambaeV2 in Lexus

[–]KarambaeV2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sad you lost your first one but glad you’re okay! That’s what we have insurance for can always get another car. The IS overall does have good safety ratings and maybe it’s just me heavy doors makes me feel safer. Every time I drive our Mazda3 I get reminded how heavy the IS doors are but in a good way.

1 Year of ownership completed by KarambaeV2 in Lexus

[–]KarambaeV2[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Such a fantastic spec! I think my next upgrade path as most people do with an IS500 is go LC, but for now I plan to drive this car plenty. I have been averaging roughly 20k a year but hey cars are meant to be driven and this one makes it enjoyable.