TRANSMISSION

7 Signs of Transmission Troubles

August 8, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Transmission replacement can damage your budget.

Car trouble can cost you dearly, especially if you ignore problems or put off repairs. Your car’s transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels. When it fails, you might face thousands of dollars in repair costs, an expense you could have avoided by identifying and responding to problems quickly.

1. Check Engine Light

A lit check engine light can suggest any number of problems, including a loose gas gap. It can also serve as the first signal from your car’s computer that something is wrong with the transmission. Use your onboard diagnostics tool to determine the problem. If you do not have this tool, then take your car to your mechanic for an evaluation.

See: Forbes: What That Dreaded Check Engine Repair Will Cost You

2. Slippage and Shifting

automatic transmission Your car’s transmission should shift effortlessly, moving from gear to gear smoothly. Transmission problems are apparent when you first place your car in drive or in reverse and hesitation is present. A low fluid level might be the cause or the transmission belt may need adjustment or replacement.

3. Lack of Engagement

You turn your ignition, the engine roars to life, and you begin to shift your car into gear. That shifting may require great effort or it may not happen at all. For a manual transmission, a clutch may have worn out. For an automatic transmission, the problem may be as simple as not having enough fluid or it could point to a much more serious matter. Check the transmission fluid first, replenish or replace as needed, then try engaging your transmission again. If the problem persists, see a mechanic.

4. Clunking, Whining, and Chattering

Odd noises that seem to be coming from your transmission such as clunking, whining and chattering point to potentially serious problems. Such noises may or may not occur in conjunction with slippage and shifting problems, and could point to other problems such as with your differential or CV joints. Have your mechanic identify the source of the problem and fix it immediately.

See: CarsDirect.com: 4 Most Common Transmission Problems

5. Burning Odor

Your transmission fluid should be clear and smell clean with virtually no odor detected. Traditionally, transmission fluids were always red or pink, but today’s car manufacturers may use fluids that are green, blue or yellow. An important trouble indicator is a burning odor, one sign that your transmission may be overheating. Usually, dirty or insufficient fluid is the reason for the burning smell, a problem often resolved by changing the transmission fluid.

6. Rock and Roll

Transmission problems may become apparent when operating your vehicle at highway speeds. Rocking, rolling and shaking may occur suddenly, indicating pending transmission failure. It might also point to other problems such as with the engine or suspension system. Take your car to a mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

7. Fluid Leak

At any time you notice fluid dripping from underneath your car, you should examine where it is coming from. Quite often, it is water from your air conditioner’s condenser, thus the liquid will be clear. In cases where the liquid has a color, you need to rule out engine oil, power steering, and then brake fluid first. This is easier to do if the fluid on the ground matches the color of your transmission fluid, enabling you to correctly identify the problem.

See: CarTalk: Service Your Car

Reference Your Owner’s Manual

Check your car’s service manual for prescribed transmission maintenance intervals. Just as motor oil greases your engine, transmission fluid lubricates your transmission. Change both the fluid and the filter when servicing your transmission.

Photo attribution — “Automatic Transmission” by Vestman is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Refreshed Nissan Altima Poised to Move Up

November 12, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

Updated Jan. 14, 2016 to reflect IIHS crashworthiness results.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima SL grade (photo copyright Christopher Brewer).

These certainly are heady days for Nissan, Japan’s second largest car manufacturer. The automaker is poised to overtake Honda in the US, the lone major market where its smaller competitor maintains a sales advantage.

To take Nissan to the next level, the manufacturer has been updating its product line at a stepped up pace by introducing such models as a new Murano crossover SUV in 2015 and the next generation Maxima sedan in 2016.

Mid Product Cycle Update

Just two years after replacing its most popular model, the midsize Altima sedan, Nissan has rolled out a substantial update, one that arrives ahead of schedule. Indeed, as far as product cycles go, this one achieves two important things:

1), It moves the customary fourth year mid product cycle update forward by one year. This effort keeps the Altima fresh as a new Chevrolet Malibu arrives on the market and as competing manufacturers make less substantial changes year after year, and

2), The update keeps the Nissan Altima on a trajectory to overtake the Honda Accord as the second best-selling midsize model in America. Through the first 10 months of 2015, Altima sales are up 1.0 percent, while the Accord’s sales are down by 3.1 percent. Although it doesn’t seem likely that Altima will close the current 11,500 unit gap between the two models before the year’s end, an updated model may do that in 2016. If so, only the Toyota Camry would remain in front of the Altima.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima SL grade (photo copyright Christopher Brewer).

New for 2016: Altima SR Edition

Nissan entertained journalists in Michigan last week and another group in California this week to familiarize them with the refreshed model. I spent several hours driving a pair of models around the Michigan countryside — SL and SR editions, the latter bringing in the most significant changes to the model line.

And those changes go beyond the typical nip/tuck common to such updates. Notably, the 2016 Altima brings in exterior changes to align the sedan with the brand’s “energetic flow” design language, including the v-motion grille seen on other products such as the Rogue, Murano, and Pathfinder SUVs as well as on the Maxima sedan.

Other exterior refinements include LED projector headlamps, signature daytime running lights, changes to the front and rear fascia, a sculpted bumper, and both hood and front fender changes. The changes have helped in the coefficient of drag category as the new model measures 0.26 Cd, due largely to changes to the front and rear fascia, the windshield, and the inclusion of active grille shutters.

Nissan Altima SR

Nissan Altima SR grade (photo copyright Nissan).

Interior Design Changes

Inside, the Altima gains what Nissan describes as an “information-centric” interior with a change to the layout of the center console. Specifically, Nissan applied its “gliding wing” design to the horizontal console and added a higher-end look with silver and satin black accents.

All editions except for the base grade are equipped with a 5-inch color display. It doubles as a rear view monitor and also integrates with NissanConnect telematics to its Mobile Apps system. A USB port with iPod connectivity is included, and new for 2016 is Siri Eyes Free Voice Recognition — allowing for hands-free voice connection to Siri commands.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima interior (photo copyright Nissan).

Refined Transmission Introduced

The 2016 Altima continues with the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder and optional 3.5-liter, V-6 engines as before and pairs these with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Say “CVT” to some people and they’ll quickly head for the door. Such transmissions dispense with gears and use a pulley to move through an infinite number of gear ratios. While CVTs offer improved fuel economy and performance, the noise and feel contributed by such transmissions is simply unacceptable to some.

For 2016, Nissan rectified its nagging CVT issue, essentially eliminating the long stretch feel such transmissions give during wide open throttle. Step on the accelerator and the engine revs push up, but then pull back just when the stretching sensation usually appears.

Its a more natural feel and one that most CVTs don’t offer. Nissan engineered this feature in with the product update and also reduced the cabin noise by using new engine mounts and by adding noise mitigation materials such as an acoustic glass windshield and a high density mass barrier. That’s the area covering the floor pan and firewall, an important part in winning the NVH or noise, vibration, and harshness battle.

Another benefit of the powertrain improvement is a corresponding increase in fuel economy. The 2016 edition now makes a segment-leading 39 mpg, up one mpg over last year. Importantly, as Nissan has made refinements to the car over the past decade, performance has increased slightly from 175 horsepower to 182 horsepower, while fuel economy has surged dramatically, up from 29 mpg 10 years earlier.

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima interior (photo copyright Nissan).

Nissan Altima SR Grade

For 2016, the all-new SR edition brings in a number of chassis upgrades that lead to better overall performance.

To wit, the sedan receives its first-ever 18-inch wheel tire package on a 2.5 model. The uniquely styled wheels are shod within Dunlop tires, but they aren’t of the low rolling resistance variety — Nissan wanted to ensure excellent handling, something they’ve achieved with its latest Altima model.

The SR edition also brings in new shocks, springs and stabilizer bars, including much stiffer front and rear stabilizer bars. Nissan says that the Altima benefits from more lateral grip and improved vehicle response. The SR’s chassis has been optimized — I detected none of the torque steer such models typically present.

By the way, if you like the special blue finish seen in one of the pictures here, it is exclusive to the SR grade (edition). Nissan calls it Storm Blue and I think you might like it.

Keeping You Safe

Nissan also presented information about its latest safety technologies. Known as “safety shield technologies,” sensors detect the traffic in front of the car and maintain an even space between the vehicles. If you get too close, light braking is applied, warning beeps are emitted, and a notice appears on the dashboard. Nissan’s predictive forward collision can detect a possible collision up to two cars ahead. The system also includes rear cross traffic alert.

The changes to the Nissan Altima also mean it has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top award — Top Safety Pick+. That’s the highest recognition given by the IIHS for safety.

See Also — 2019 Nissan Altima Adds All-Wheel Drive

8 Reasons to Avoid a Particular Used Car

August 12, 2015 by admin 4 Comments

You are in the market for a car and a used one at that. Shop around carefully and you just may find a deal that suits you. Then again, if you are not careful when evaluating your options, you could be taken for the kind of a ride you do not want: notably, getting stuck with a problem-plagued vehicle. When considering a particular vehicle, avoid those that miss the mark due to any of the following eight reasons.

1. A problematic vehicle history. What do you know about the vehicle’s history? Have you obtained a vehicle history report, such as one from CARFAX? (Disclaimer: this correspondent is a former contributor to CARFAX). A CARFAX or similar comprehensive report should spell out the owner’s name, the service work reported, accident information and other details. Certainly, such a report will not tell you everything about the car, but a report that lists a glaring problem such as being hit on the side in an accident is a car that should be avoided. In other words, you may be dealing with a car with a bent frame. (Here is an excellent article that details the limits and sometimes the pitfalls with vehicle history reports — Limitations and Problems with Carfax or any Vehicle History Report).

2. Coolant system trouble. A well-maintained car will have clean coolant. A car that has been neglected will show signs of debris in the fluid, something that the average buyer might miss. Ask your mechanic to check the car to determine if the fluid has been changed regularly.

3. Engine oil or transmission fluid discoloration. New oil is amber in color, while older oil can be black, but still effective. However, most people are not able to determine if the oil is actually bad, something a skilled technician such as your mechanic can substantiate. As for the transmission fluid, if it smells burnt or looks dark brown, you may soon be faced with an expensive transmission repair if you go ahead and buy the car without taking it to your mechanic for inspection.

4. Most performance models. The more power a vehicle has under the hood, the more likely the owner pushed the car to its limits. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with a performance model per se, such vehicles are typically prone to wearing out faster. For example, suspension parts may take a beating, the engine and transmission may have shorter lifespans, and other parts related to vehicle performance may wear out faster.

5. Visible signs of wear and tear. Foggy headlights, worn tires, cracked rims, faded paint and ripped seats are signs that a car has been through it all. Likely, the visible wear and tear issues demonstrate that the owner has not kept up with overall maintenance, suggesting that this particular used car will offer a greater share of reliability woes.

6. Accident damage. We looked at this concern in the first point, but there are additional details that should be mentioned. First, if the car was in an accident, how severe was that accident? Second, was the car in more than one accident? Third, are there signs of corrosion present? Fourth, is the paint texture uneven or are the various panels poorly fitted? If you are still not sure about the car’s condition, then take the vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.

Lexus RC 7. The current owner is a smoker. You might be a smoker yourself or have nothing against people who smoke. But, if you are in the market for a car, smoke is one odor you may find impossible to remove from a vehicle. Moreover, ashes may burn holes in the seats or in the carpeting. Furthermore, smoke will permeate the fabric, settle inside the dashboard and simply pollute the cabin.

8. The model has a reputation for problems. Most cars built in the new millennium are far more reliable than those that preceded them. Yet, there are certain models that have performed poorly in crash tests, have gone through multiple recalls, or simply are outclassed in their segment. If you buy a particular model with a reputation for problems, your repair costs may come in much higher than a similar vehicle with a superior track record.

Used Car Considerations

Most car shoppers do not possess the expertise to buy a used vehicle without having someone else with them to also scrutinize the car. For a pricier used car, it is always a sound policy to pay your mechanic to give the car a good looking over. If the owner refuses to allow a mechanic review, then you should move on to the next car.

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Quiet Diesel: 2015 Audi A3 Sedan TDI

January 14, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

A diesel for Audi’s smallest range.

Audi A3 TDI

A quiet diesel powers this A3 sedan.

With gas prices falling below $2 per gallon in most states it can be difficult to argue for the benefit of purchasing any fuel-efficient car, including diesels. Besides, diesel prices remain about 75 cents higher than gasoline and may still keep some people from even considering these models.

Myopia is not just a condition of the eye. It is also a malady that we consumers must contest when making purchase decisions. When it comes to fuel prices, short sightedness can lull us into thinking that temporary gains will lead to a permanent advantage. Consequently, such purchase decisions are often deeply regretted once the stage has been rearranged. In this case when elevated fuel prices return, they will do so with a budget-busting vengeance.

Audi A3 TDI

Select This: Gasoline or Diesel

In the Audi A3 Sedan you have a choice of turbo gasoline or diesel engines. Auto Trends reviewed the gasoline-powered A3 2.0T in September 2014, finding that the “second generation A3 meets an important price point.” With a starting price of $32,600 ($43,295 well equipped), the turbodiesel edition brings an attainable and highly-efficient entry-level model to the luxury segment.

Certainly, 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway for a combined 36 mpg are numbers most of us can only dream about. In the Audi A3 TDI, a numeric nirvana has been attained.

The Audi ethos is not much different from other luxury manufacturers. Indeed, the A3 as well as the A4 provide an ideal gateway to the brand. Once you have been sufficiently wooed, Audi has entire lines of sedans, coupes and utility vehicles to maintain your allegiance. Granted, there are styling differences between entry and high-end models such as the A8, but the overarching theme endures.

Audi A3 TDI

Power to the Front Wheels

My test model was a front-wheel drive A3, the very first FWD Audi I have driven. Every vehicle sent to me hitherto was all-wheel drive. And Quattro all-wheel drive at that. For most buyers it does not matter if power is sent to the front wheels, to the rear wheels or to all four wheels — there are other considerations that matter more to them, such as, style, fuel efficiency and price.

Although BMW and Mercedes-Benz have fleets that are rear-wheel drive biased with available all-wheel drive, Audi’s design approach is standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive pushed as the preference. But in the A3 TDI you have no such choice: front-wheel drive is the singular offering. And if you are looking for the previously offered hatchback model you will be disappointed to discover that only the sedan is available with this model year. Reportedly, a hatchback will be added in 2016.

There is no need for me to rehash the exterior styling and the cabin amenities for the A3 covered in my earlier review. Without doubt the most important issues here are the engine, transmission and front-wheel drive, what combine to make the forenamed model the fuel efficient beast that it is.

Surely, the A3 TDI lives up to its fuel efficiency billing. After one week of driving, I estimated my mileage came in just under 40 mpg. That high number was reached through extensive, almost exclusive highway and back road driving where posted speed limits ranged from 45 to 70 mph. To that end activating cruise control for long stretches helped matters too.

Audi A3 TDI

Clean and Efficient Diesel

Kudos to the Volkswagen Group for making a turbo diesel that is not only clean and efficient, but relatively quiet. Its clatter has been hushed through a variety of engineering upgrades, including shortening the injection lines with fuel delivered in pulses, what no longer relies on solenoid or mechanical actuation. Under hood sound baffles and improved cabin insulation help muzzle noise, but it just may be the delicious Bang & Olufsen sound system that does the best job of noise cancellation, especially if you are prone as I am to turn it up to savor every wondrous note.

To that end you will get the premium sound system by choosing the Prestige edition, an $8,450 upgrade that also brings in 18-inch spoke-design wheels shod within all-season tires, heated seats, a navigation system and a parking system with a rear view monitor and other enhancements. Other upgrades included an $800 sport package featuring S Line trim with sport front seats, drive select controls, sport suspension and a three-spoke sport steering wheel.

The Audi A3 TDI’s engine is activated by pushing the start/stop button. It isn’t an immediate start either, especially on cold mornings. Simply press the brake, push the button, wait two or three seconds, and the engine will come to life. When the ambient temperature is lower, the heating up process is slightly longer. It is at idle when engine clatter is more discernible; you might also take in a whiff of diesel that generally is not noticeable while driving.

Audi A3 TDI

2015 Audi A3 Sedan TDI

View manufacturer details and pricing

A3 TDI Performance Amplification

Turbo power makes all the difference for diesel engines, what have notoriously make them laggards from the start, but offer desirable boost once you are moving. A slight turbo lag is felt, but it quickly dissipates. The A3’s proportionate weight is most definitely a factor, what helps power this sedan with confidence.

There were times when I forget I was behind the wheel of a front-wheel drive car. No, not entirely. Torque steer surfaces on occasion, but it is largely of little consequence. Credit Audi’s engineers with fusing the right combination of electronic-assisted steering, suspension dampening and Continental tires with keeping this sedan planted, even while cornering. Specifically, steering is precise and handling is responsive — there is no ambiguity present as you navigate the bends. And as for brake fade, that’s not an issue either.

The Audi engineering stratagem pairs turbocharged engines with dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Operate the gearbox in manual mode and you will achieve a measure of control, but it isn’t the same as with a manual. Whispers of a manual gearbox with the upcoming hatchback have been regularly repeated. if those rumors prove true, then your dream powertrain combination may come to pass. Granted, it may be offered with the 2.0T only, if at all.

Audi A3 TDI

Competition From Mercedes-Benz

This sedan has much to offer, provided that your priorities are based on Audi’s styling, quality and fuel efficiency attributes. That Mercedes-Benz now has the entry-level GLA-Class provides additional evidence that the segment is a growing one. If you can do without Quattro all-wheel drive, then the TDI may be a logical step in that direction.
Audi A3 TDI

2015 Audi A3 Sedan TDI

Sticker price from $32,600
Price as tested: from $43,295
Front-wheel drive
Seats 5 occupants
2.0-liter 16-valve inline-four cylinder turbo diesel engine
150 horsepower @ 3,500 to 4,000 rpm
235 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,750 to 3,000 rpm
3.19 inches bore by 3.76 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 16:2-to-1
6-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 103.8 inches
Length: 197 inches
Width: 75.4 inches
Height: 55.7 inches
Passenger volume: NR
Storage volume: 12.3 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 31 mpg city, 43 mpg highway
Diesel fuel
Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,341 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+ (2014)
Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 12 years/Unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Gyor, Hungary

Coupe or Convertible: Lexus IS 350 C F Sport

January 2, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Up and down fun with a Lexus IS350 C.

2015 Lexus IS C

Is it a coupe or a convertible? Well, both if you choose the Lexus IS C.

Lexus has three entry-level lines to attract customers to the brand. Its ES 350 is a large, front-wheel drive sedan. The CT 200h is a compact hybrid hatchback and the IS represents a family of vehicles that target BMW’s vaunted 3/4 Series.

Lexus’ unique approach to the luxury market explains why it routinely competes with BMW and Mercedes-Benz for sales leadership in the United States. For 2014, Lexus finished in third place, yet it has won the top position several times as well. The rear-wheel drive IS is a strong competitor, offering a family of vehicles for your consideration. The Lexus IS 350 C F Sport is one such model — a hard-top convertible that doubles as a coupe — and was a recent Auto Trends weekly driver.

Lexus IS 350 C

We Are Family

Before we examine the model at hand, you should know that the IS line is fragmented, but not in an objectionable way. The IS 250 and IS 350 sedans, including F Sport editions, were all new for 2014. The sedans had not been updated in eight years and received a much needed transformation. The C or coupe models were introduced in 2009, but still have the same design. New models are likely on the way, although they won’t appear before 2016.

I have driven both the previous and most recent versions of the sedan and now have the coupe under my belt. Both lines are powered by V-6 engines, the lesser one displacing at 2.5 liters (IS 250) and the larger engine at 3.5 liters (IS 350). A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the model line.

Both engines are naturally aspirated and produce 204 horsepower in the IS 250 and 306 horsepower in the IS 350. I must state emphatically that the base engine is comparably feeble and will disappoint anyone who places value on performance. Auto Trends has learned that a turbocharged four-cylinder engine is being readied to replace the base engine and that motor cannot come soon enough.

The larger V-6, however, is a different animal. Whereas the smaller engine is akin to a pussy cat, the bigger engine is a mountain lion. Both models offer available F Sport packages that up both the luxury and handling quotient. Nonetheless, the F Sport line should not be confused with F Performance, what represents the potent power offered in the delicious RC F coupe.

Lexus IS C

The Stealth Convertible

One of the fun things about the IS C is that at first glance it fools the masses that it is a hard-top convertible. That is certainly not apparent from the front and only when you run your eyes from the leading edge of the roof to the trunk do you see the cut outs whereby the roof folds itself section by section into the trunk. Similarly, the now defunct Chrysler 200 Convertible also offered a hard-top design; admittedly this Lexus is a superior vehicle.

Given its older design, the coupe does not have the now popular hourglass fascia and angular lines of the sedans. It still provides a sporty design and a fetching one at that. In the F Sport you get a few styling embellishments that set it apart from the standard models. A special F Sport grille, lip spoiler and aerodynamically enhanced body elements underscore this model’s already athletic posture.

Lexus IS C

Inside, you have a 2+2 seating formation and the rear seats are not entirely off limits. Long trips for adults will not be especially comfortable, however if you are cruising the boulevard on a summer evening with the top down, you will see and be seen in style.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, yet there are no seat extenders present. Aluminum pedals, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel column and analog tachometer and speedometer displays are on board. A digital driver’s information center is located between the analog displays; cruise and audio controls are found on the steering wheel.

The center stack display is colorful, but modest, and switches located below that operate same. Both the steering wheel and the transmission shifter are wrapped in leather, the latter of metal construction and matching the center cover. Lift the sliding arm rest and a small-scale storage compartment is at hand. Other storage areas include: the glove box, in-door pockets and the seat back pockets. Two cup holders are found up front and two are located in back. Both sets are found between the seats.

2015 Lexus IS C

View manufacturer details and pricing

Lexus IS C

Easy Does It

Dropping the top on this coupe takes a bit of preparation. Here, you are dealing with a three-section aluminum roof, one that folds neatly into the trunk. You need to ensure that your trunk is clear first and that is best accomplished by raising the trunk, pulling an extendable “tarp” into place and locking same.

Only when sensors detect “all clear” will the roof begin its fun-to-watch descent. Simply push the appropriate switch, hold your finger in place and count the seconds for the roof to disappear and the trunk to return to its normal position. Lexus says it takes 20 seconds to complete the fold-down process and it finishes that work as promised. The switch controls everything — no final connection of the roof’s leading edge to the top of the windshield from you. When everything is in place, the instrument panel will confirm same.

Notably, the cabin is whisper quiet with the convertible top in place. It parallels the noise level found in other coupes, making for quite an engineering accomplishment that Lexus’ designers and engineers should be proud of.

2015 Lexus IS C

On the Road

Behind the wheel is where the fun begins. But, with one important qualification: this model deserves a manual transmission. You can get one with the BMW 4 Series, the Cadillac ATS Coupe and in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, yet for some reason Lexus discontinued the manual transmission a few years back. That is a sinful omission for driving enthusiasts and likely has cost Lexus some sales.

Without benefit of a manual, you do have paddle shifters at the ready. In most cars I find them pointless — a half-baked scheme that neither satisfies the desire for engaged driving nor delivers much substance. In the IS C you do benefit from a sport-tuned suspension with all its inherent stiffness included.

Off the line acceleration is about average, nevertheless the IS C does transition to highway speed quickly. Handling and braking is satisfactory — if the vehicle feels heavy it is: weighing just under two tons. Still, it tackles every twist and turn of the road without wandering and not once did I find myself fighting the steering wheel for control.

Hopefully, Lexus will shave about 500 pounds off the next generation model and offer a manual gearbox. One week removed from driving the Cadillac ATS Coupe and I can tell you that Lexus has much work to do. Kudos on the convertible top, however the interior needs updating and the overall experience could be improved.

Lexus IS C

2015 Lexus IS 350 C F Sport

Sticker price from $49,790
Price as tested: from $55,610
Seats 4 occupants
3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 gasoline engine
306 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
277 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 rpm
3.70 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 11.8-to-1
6-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 107.5 inches
Length: 182.5 inches
Width: 80.5 inches
Height: 70.9 inches
Passenger volume: 87.9 cubic feet
Storage volume: 10.8 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
Premium grade gasoline required
Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,872 pounds
IIHS safety rating: NR
Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 6 years
Vehicle assembly: Miyata, Japan