Can I daily a IS 300 RWD F sport 2021

[Lexus1994a]

Hi guys! I am looking to purchase a new Lexus IS300 f Sport RWD 2021 model. With adaptive suspension. 2.0L Turbo doing 180KW.

My Main Question in a Bullet point:

• Is this car SAFE to use DAILY in rainy, windy, gravel conditions for someone who is new to RWD and coming from AWD Subarus?

After lot of research and minimal information I am looking for answers from real world drivers and would appreciate it before I purchase in few day!

About my main question...

I am from New Zealand, and we have pretty bad weather at times (primarily heavy rain in the current season and cold winters but no snow in my town) and wanted to know if I can safely daily this car. We have lots of windy narrow roads and sometimes gravel roads taking you to the adventurous place in New Zealand.

I have always been driving Subarus, such as the Legacy or WRX great AWD system and have been confident around the corners and while overtaking on the highway. I am a heavy-footed driver and love some spirited driving and taking some sharp corners. The new Subaru WRX Wagon 2022 model is all so an option.

This will be my first RWD car, as a daily I have had an unfortunate moment in a Nissan Silvia S13.


I have test-driven the Lexus, and it feels well grounded and did lose some traction when pushing it, but traction control always kicked on. 

I am now married and expecting kids down the road. I love Lexus's reliability and the way it drives overall. However, want to ensure I put my hard-earned money in the right place. Its either the IS or WRX or some boring SUV.

Unfortunately, there is no AWD in New Zealand. I am planning to buy in few day's time 😬

I look forward to your reply and suggestions! :)

[NemesisUK]

The car is perfectly safe and can be driven in all weather, the Japanese have pretty severe weather as well.! Just make sure you have suitable tyres for the conditions and terrain.

Perhaps some tuition for the driver, just to build confidence?

If it were me, I would go with an SUV (NX or RX) rather than a low slung saloon...

By the way your location in you profile is Berkshire, is there a Berkshire in New Zealand?

 

[Lexus1994a]

58 minutes ago, NemesisUK said:

The car is perfectly safe and can be driven in all weather, the Japanese have pretty severe weather as well.! Just make sure you have suitable tyres for the conditions and terrain.

Perhaps some tuition for the driver, just to build confidence?

If it were me, I would go with an SUV (NX or RX) rather than a low slung saloon...

By the way your location in you profile is Berkshire, is there a Berkshire in New Zealand?

 

Hi sorry I couldn’t find my state so choose something from the list.

 

Have you drove or has experience with the Rwd is300?

[NemesisUK]

6 minutes ago, Lexus1994a said:

Hi sorry I couldn’t find my state so choose something from the list.

Bottom of the list is Other / Non UK

[NemesisUK]

7 minutes ago, Lexus1994a said:

Have you drove or has experience with the Rwd is300?

Not the IS but have driven RWD cars for many years and specifically the RC300h the last 6yrs with no problems apart from it being quite low and I had to avoid flooded roads. Which is why I'd suggest an SUV style car in your situation. Ground clearance would be a concern with the IS but that doesn't mean it can't be driven daily in any weather just be aware there may be road conditions unsuitable for safe progress 

[ColinBarber]

2 hours ago, Lexus1994a said:

Have you drove or has experience with the Rwd is300?

We don't get the new IS in the UK 😞

You will be fine, just don't put your foot hard down in the wet in a corner until you get use to the vehicle. The traction control can only do so much.

[ganzoom]

13 hours ago, Lexus1994a said:

This will be my first RWD car, as a daily I have had an unfortunate moment in a Nissan Silvia S13.


I have test-driven the Lexus, and it feels well grounded and did lose some traction when pushing it, but traction control always kicked on. 

Our IS300H is my wifes, but I had a 350Z before and may have ended up pointing the wrong way on a round about when I took a S2000 out for a test drive in the wet in my yonger days :).

Unless Lexus have completely reprogrammed the 2021 IS300s TC system, the IS is most car of any kind I've driven. Despite been RWD, I think you will find even on snow/ice you will struggle to get it to donut due to the aggressive TC system. I've driven FWD car that are more unstable mid-corner during than our IS. You will be fine.