if anyone has ever drove this, does it still have the same kind of feel as a stick shift? or do you ever feel like youve cheated in a race? im considering buying one and l need some opinions on it. also, how many stick shift models were made?

l have not drove an IS300, but l have drove the newer IS250 and IS350. They do not feel like a Manual. It is pushing a button and then an automatic shift, and that is what it feels like.
This from a driver of a TSX with a 6-speed manual.

The tip tronic shift is only really there for people who like to casually shift for the fun of it. It defiantly does not feel like a real stick. The computer will know if you are trying to shift too soon and sometimes will not let you. It will sometimes do this for downshifting as well(it does this to protect the transmission). l am not exactly sure how many stick is models were made but ive only seen them in the hatchback models and l really have not seen many of those either.

l have one. the e-shift (on the steering wheel, tiptronic is shifting +/- gears on the shifter) is not the most percise shifting technology out there. it doesnt really feel like a stick. you start in 5th gear and can NOT downshift to 1st. its handy when running in canyons and mountains, but in a drag races its pointless. if you want crispy/ percise shifts get a manual transmission and practice. there were quite a few manuals made (2002-2005) but they are a little harder to find.

l have driven it.

It does not have the same feel as the Manual and is not as fast since the Tiptronic transmission is much heavier than a Manual tranmission.

l do not think they keep a record on how many Manual IS300 cars were made.

But it is not hard to find a Stick Shift Lexus IS300.

Just to let you know, this car is RWD, meaning it is slipper in rain and impossible to drive in snow.