Well, I can understand the thinking the IS300 became underwhelming in a hurry. I loved it when it came out, though could not deal with its fatal flaws (no folding seat in the sedan, no MTX in the hatch). I will also agree the interior quickly became declasse for the money.
However, I find it a little hard to justify the Stratus as a replacement. I understand the changing of priorities, and not being able to have it all, but even with the V6, I disliked the car intensely. You couldn't have paid me to take it. However, if you like it... that's what matters.
I think a Mazda6 i would have been a better choice. With the premium package and MTX, the car lists right at $20K, and has all the normal comfort and convenience equipment. I also know there are some attractive lease/finance deals on non-sport package models.
