That compromise the IS300 requires is absolute stupidity, and I won't deal with it. It would cost almost nothing to offer a manual in the hatchback (everything is already there). I like the 6 better because of it has personality. I never got a name to the IS300. The 6 was dubbed "Brad" as soon as I drove one. When I buy one, that will be his name. I found, like the SVT, the 6 is closest to exactly what I want. The IS had a little more of making me fit it, even if Lexus got an infusion of brains. On price, they aren't talking here... you pay list or very close.
Maybe I'm on some good drug. Just wish I knew about it.
I wanted an RX-7 convertible since I saw articles when I was in middle/high school. The GenII has always been my favorite due to its more touring character and it's gorgeous high-80's styling. Buying Rex was a dream come to reality for me. I do fit in a 1st gen, having sat in one at the RX-7 Revolution in Indianapolis this past spring (www.rx7club.com), but I need to recline the seat a bit under the convertible roof. Rex will be going into storage as soon as I get an oil change and clean him up good.
By the way, your RX looks great... I need to get mine done up, but just haven't had time
I understand the idea of going pure practical for a car. I made that mistake before buying the SVT. It was a 1994 Nissan Sentra that I was glad got wrecked in a hail storm, because it gave me a legitimate excuse to get rid of it. I owned it 13 months and bought the SVT. After insurance settlement and trade in, the cost was about $1600. 166,000 miles later (168,000 total), and I still love Ross dearly.
I didn't hate the Sentra, but I wouldn't buy a car as mere transportation again.
I have driven the Stratus, and I hated it. Not being able to see out was enough to drive me crazy (the roof starts too low in front), and it was utterly numb. I felt like the seats were transdermally injecting novocaine in my whole body. It was like the car was actively trying to separate you from the driving experience. The seats also did not fit me at all, and lacking a manual transmission is a crime.
