[jlazo]

I was just wondering if anyone has a Lexus IS300 sportcross. Looking for some user opinions. I currently have a GS300 that I will be replacing soon, the added room in the sportcross is attractive. Thanks!

[Justler]

I personally like the regular 4 door IS300 better than the sportcross... seems like everyone is trying to recreate the VW GTI .

[jlazo]

I saw a sportcross at the LA Auto show a few weeks ago, it was slightly lowered and had a nice bike rack on it. I am a musician and the extra room in SC would be nice. THe trunk is tiny in the 4 door.

[PerryinCA]

Hey jlazo,

I haven't driven the sportcross, and like Justler like the standard IS. So much in fact that I plan on buying one in the spring, and keeping my '84 toyota 4x4 as the gear-truck. That is unless I can talk one of my band-mates into buying a bus.

The sportcrosses are nice though, and would provide more room. There's only one way to find out if you'll like it. Go do some test driving.

-Perry

P.S. - What 'cha play? Preferred style/instrument?

[jlazo]

I am a solo pianist, I make weekend money playing weddings, receptions, occasional funerals, etc. It is amazes me at how much equipment I have just for one little pianist. Keyboards, mixer, rackmounted amp, eq, speakers, and on and on. I have been filling my 95 blazer with it all, but, it won't make it much longer. Great american build you know.

What about you?

Are you getting a manual? Color? I drove an automatic last year and it was a blast! Only problem is that there is not a dealer close to me right now.

[PerryinCA]

I am planning on going with the blue, in manual of course. They are just car in every way. Looks, comfort, power, MPG. They are all there.

Piano? Ahhh, so you must be one of those real musicians. I have heard about you guys, all into music "theory" and whatnot. I'm a hack guitar/bass/drum player that wishes he would have stuck to playing piano when his parents got him those two lessons as a 9 year old.

Actually I play in a 4 piece band, 2 guitar, one bass, percussionist. I mostly just play rythm and lead vocals....although I jam some solo's on some surf tunes we play. Right now we play bars and clubs in the bay and the Sacramento area. Style....i can't really say. A blend of reggae, ska, punk, surf, rockabilly, and some more bluesy oriented stuff. Over the summer we had a trumpet player that played with us, but he is off to school now at BYU.

Its amazing how much gear you tend to drag along, and we don't even really take our PA anywhere. Still saving money from shows to buy a decent rack mount mixer, amps, and then work on the louspeaker situation. Most of the places we play have sound guys and all that, so at this point its not too nescessary....with the party exception, and for that our little 4 6 channel powered mixer gets the job done.

-Perry

[jlazo]

I lug around

alesis qs8 board
Roland VS840GX digital recorder/ mixer
Numark 30 band e.q.
Phillips CD-recorder
QSC amp
Peavey monitor, 2 10" speakers and stands
Stands and mics, and a suitcase of wires.

Just like the tank, another expensive, addicting hobby!