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Lexus IS 350 and IS 250

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  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    What are people talking about when they call the steering in the new IS "typical Lexus numb"?

    total isolation, no road feedback, vague steering response, slow steering response...of course that was just my experience. Others may mean something else. fwiw, only a miata has ever come close to how I felt a car's steering wheel should feel.
  • realthorrealthor Member Posts: 26
    I'd be glad to become an IS350 owner. I'm still waiting for the car with the options I want. Sport, Nav and ML. Only base w/ 18's are allocated for now in Houston.
  • e_dawge_dawg Member Posts: 2
    I have been looking at the IS 250 base model in the Houston area and the MSRP is around $ 32,600 (they have added 18 inch wheels, floor mats, cargo net, wheel locks, etc, to push up the price from the 31,700).

    Right now, how negotiable is this price? Can I get it for 32 flat? Lower? Or am I stuck paying sticker?

    All pricing info will be appreciated. Thanks :shades:
  • s4drivers4driver Member Posts: 8
    Lexus guy was full of crap, Audi offers both XM and Sirius as factory install and also use ashark fin antenna, and have for nearly 3 years.
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    "What do you mean?! I don't get a crotch vent on my Corolla, nor is it listed in standard features. Is this an option that you have to order from the factory?"

    Toyota use to manufacture all their vehicles with an adjustable crotch vent (loved it). To reduce production costs (I assume), they took them out with the introduction of new models. To my knowledge they have all disappeared. That's too bad.
  • gstoisgstois Member Posts: 65
    I could be wrong, but I believe that the dealer told me that their current XM installs (other models) were putting the antennas either in the dash or the luggage tray.
  • s4drivers4driver Member Posts: 8
    That is where it was supposed to be according to the dealer refering to the GS430 where I saw it on the trunklid. I wonder whether it was designed to go outside but they are sticking it inside after all the complaints. Also, if so, I wonder if the reception suffers because it isn't intended to go inside.
  • sczyzyksczyzyk Member Posts: 8
    Quick question to anyone. I live in northern Jersey and it seems like most dealers are only getting in 250s right now. Does anyone know when more 350's will be allocated to this area??
  • justconvincedjustconvinced Member Posts: 28
    This is from the Lexus site FAQ:

    Adding a DVD Navigation System
    Can a Navigation System be added by my Lexus Dealer if my car was not built with one?
    No. The Lexus Navigation System is only installed in Lexus vehicles by the factory. The Navigation System installed in Lexus vehicles at the factory is not available for purchase as an after-market dealer-installed option.
  • carnivore1carnivore1 Member Posts: 6
    What's your take on Breakwater Blue vs. Blue Onyx? I haven't seen any pictures of the Blue Onyx and you can't tell what it really looks like from the Lexus website. I ordered a 350 in Breakwater Blue, but am second guessing that decision. Anyone have any pictures in Blue Onyx?
  • digital_bdigital_b Member Posts: 129
    how so? my wife leased from the local hartford dealer [you know who it is]. is this a positive difference or negative?
  • digital_bdigital_b Member Posts: 129
    how does this car ride? when I was buying my 04 tl several owners had traded in s4's because of reliability issues.
  • digital_bdigital_b Member Posts: 129
    do you guys realize that you CAN put the antenna on the rear parcel shelf and it works fine? as well as myself, several others on clublexus.com have done this. your signal isnt going to be 100% strength but it does work and it works even with tinted windows and the rear sunscreen in front of it.
  • s4drivers4driver Member Posts: 8
    That's what I was worried about, Does the signal drop out more than normal if you tint the windows?
  • s4drivers4driver Member Posts: 8
    Sweet car, has a new tranny due to reverse lockout bearing failure, but my dealer treated me very well. Had new tranny flown from Germany, gave me a new A6 to drive, and gave me my car back within a week. No other problems, escept gas mileage about what you would expect, and a small tank to remind you of it.
  • digital_bdigital_b Member Posts: 129
    in a word, no.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    That's something keeping me off the IS train right now. I refuse to pay $35k for a car with a black box when our $21K(what we paid) 2004 Accord has a body colored node. That's downright silly. my next car WILL have XM radio though.

    Looking for a white, nearly every package, 6 speed IS250 with the silver leather. Factory XM.
  • rabidtigerrabidtiger Member Posts: 2
    If anyone is willing to drop $46+ on a fully loaded IS 350 it's on eBay. It's in the Matador Red

    By fully loaded:
    ML included.
    Sports Package
    NAV
    Pre Collision System
    18 in tires
    3000+ miles though

    Apparently it was used by the Corporate Lexus Office
    Do a search for Lexus IS 350. Space between IS and 350.
  • s4drivers4driver Member Posts: 8
    I agree completely, especially since I'll be paying around $44k for one with Premium Luxury Plus and NAV/ML
  • prigglypriggly Member Posts: 642
    But the size of the interior makes me really uncomfortable as to if I'm purchasing a car that was really meant for smaller individuals . . . all I really want is to be convinced that it is the car for me

    I really don't think this is the car for you. It's amazing how the debate rages on whether the size of the car is too small or is adequate. There is really nothing subjective here. The car is a sub-compact with a 34 cubic foot back seat, which is the smallest back seat in the field of eight (8) cars comparison-tested by C&D in their October issue. It is really difficult to believe claims by those taller or more portly folk or even those of average size that the back seat is comfortable or even adequate but if you can somehow shoehorn yourselves in and rationalize that you are in fact comfortable, more power to ya.

    This may well be a commendable car in some respects but it is a commendable car designed for little people. Think MiniMe.

    The Acura TL interior is almost what I would consider perfect, but car lacks in performance

    Exactly how does the car "lack in performance??" In the same C&D article referenced above, the TL in fact ranked first with 20 out of 20 points in the chassis performance category compared to the IS 350's 17 points while in the powertrain performance category it ranked second in a tie with three other vehicles with 17 out of 20 points while the IS 350 ranked first with 20 points. If you add the powertrain and chassis performance points together, the TL and the IS 350 tied for first place with a total of 37 points each! It is noteworthy that this total bettered the BMW's by 1 point. Of course, the BMW should have failed or been kicked out of the comparison altogether due to its faults and brake failure.

    The TL ranked second (tied with the G35) behind the IS 350 in acceleration 0-60 and quarter-mile times.

    But as regards comfort of both the front and rear seats, the TL was awarded first place with 14 out of 14 possible points compared to the IS 350's 11. No contest here.
  • mikegillermikegiller Member Posts: 602
    "It's amazing how the debate rages on whether the size of the car is too small or is adequate."

    Yes, you are right, it really is!

    "There is really nothing subjective here."

    Wrong! This is really all a matter of what we are comfortable with and I believe that some people might be in denial of whether they are obese or not. I repeat, I am 5'11", 195 lbs, size 13 shoes, and I fit perfectly fine in the backseat with somebody of equal size sitting in front.

    This car is either for people who:

    A) Don't need too much backseat space
    B) Are comfortable with the room as it is

    "The car is a sub-compact with a 34 cubic foot back seat, which is the smallest back seat in the field of eight (8) cars comparison-tested by C&D in their October issue."

    I test drove an 06' 325i and found the backseat room to be comparable to the IS.

    "It is really difficult to believe claims by those taller or more portly folk or even those of average size that the back seat is comfortable or even adequate but if you can somehow shoehorn yourselves in and rationalize that you are in fact comfortable, more power to ya."

    I have absolutely no reason to lie. I find the backseat comfortable even though I will have rare use for it. I don't feel like having friends make a mess of my future new car! I will be buying this car for myself.

    "This may well be a commendable car in some respects but it is a commendable car designed for little people. Think MiniMe."

    Not MiniMe, but think "Me". :)

    You do not need to be a midget to drive a car with a relatively small backseat. See, I agree with you that the backseat is not big, but it is not exactly small to the extents that you make it out to be. This whole issue is subjective, not objective. Comfort and size are all relative based on what you are used to. What is not relative or subjective is the actual measurements of the interior space. How can it be objective if I find it comfortable... ? :confuse:

    "Exactly how does the car "lack in performance??" In the same C&D article referenced above, the TL in fact ranked first with 20 out of 20 points in the chassis performance"

    Maybe the car lacks in performance in his opinion. Not everyone thinks the TL performs top-notch ya know.

    The BMW 325i lacked in performance in my opinion; too much body-roll.

    I am by no means trying to get people to agree with me. All I am doing is trying to stay away from all of these difinitives! Practically everything is subjective when buying cars besides the specs and the price.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    What did you drive, as far as the 325i? Was it a steptronic with premium package or something? Honestly, I feel the sport package is too soft (heck my performance package 330i is too soft) - I feel sick in my bro-in-law's sport pack 325i as it's too smooth for me. Just curious...
  • mikegillermikegiller Member Posts: 602
    It was a 325i auto with premium package. 16" wheels and 47,000 dollars too much for a 325i! I would rather get the G35x at that price. You can have way more fun with the G, albeit the interior is really weak. If anybody here hasn't really pushed the G35x to its limits, go ahead and do it; you will have a lot of fun. I was sort of left with the impression that it didn't pull hard enough out of corners though. hmmm
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Mike, I'm in total agreement with your assessment. I'd sooner buy a manual anything than go near a 325i automatic with only premium package.

    G35s are fun but watch out, they bite back.
  • cooneycooney Member Posts: 9
    carnivore1, here's the best pix I've seen of the new IS in blue onyx pearl:

    image

    I've got an IS350 in this color coming soon.
  • mikegillermikegiller Member Posts: 602
    Wow... Are you the one who wasn't sure if he should get blue onyx pearl? If you are, isn't it funny that you would question such a fine decision?
  • suave_tequilasuave_tequila Member Posts: 116
    Well I'm just wanting to hear more info on the convertible IS 350. If its a true, then I am curious on what it might look like and will it just have 4 seats. (which I am hoping for!) But if it doesnt look nice, I am considering in buying the Mercedes SLK AMG which I've seen the new 06' version and they are NICE LOOKING!! So if anyone has ANY INFO on the convertible IS I would like to hear from you thanks!!
  • prigglypriggly Member Posts: 642
    I believe that some people might be in denial of whether they are obese or not. I repeat, I am 5'11", 195 lbs, size 13 shoes, and I fit perfectly fine in the backseat with somebody of equal size sitting in front.

    This is an amazing statement. While I do not disbelieve you, I am quite unable to fit in the backseat with anything approaching a reasonable degree of comfort. And I am smaller than you at 5'11" and 175 lb. and have a shoe size of 11.5.

    I test drove an 06' 325i and found the backseat room to be comparable to the IS.

    The back seat of the 325i (2006 model) is in fact 20.5% bigger at 41 cubic feet than that of the IS at 34 cubic feet. As regards the front seat, the Lexus is 1 cubic foot bigger than the BMW but, of course, 4 cubic feet smaller than the TL which had the most commodious front seat of all the cars in the test. Again, these figures are totally objective, NOT subjective. Draw your own conclusions about which car is the most comfortable but C&D gave their nod to the TL for total front and back seat comfort.

    Maybe the car lacks in performance in his opinion. Not everyone thinks the TL performs top-notch ya know.

    Opinions are valid to the extent they are based on facts. The facts as they pertain to the TL include the previous acceleration times as stated, a braking distance of 170 ft. from 70-0 with a test average of 175 ft., a roadholding figure, 300-foot skidpad of 0.91 g (best in test) and a lane change speed of 62.5 mph, again the best in the test. Incidentally, both of these last two figures were substantially better than the IS 350 and even better than the BMW 330i with the Lexus being hamstrung, of course, by the obligatory electronic nanny. These objective measurements (NOT opinions) unequivocally indicate that the TL more than held its own against all other cars in the test. Lacking in performance? I don't think so and neither do the numbers.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    Count me in as the third person to hold off until XM comes from the factory and there is a fixed body-color antenna. I also plan on getting a 350 with Premium Luxury Plus and NAV/ML, but not until Lexus resolves this sat radio/antenna issue. My sister-in-law has a $22,000 Accord with a nice roof-mounted, body-color antenna which is what Lexus needs to do (using the same shark fin that is on the IS and GS in Japan). Again, XM has stated they will be factory-installed in Lexus starting in 2006. Here is the detailed release announcing the agreement with Toyota from December 2004:

    http://www.xmradio.com/newsroom/screen/pr_2004_12_07.html

    On a related note, XM put out a press release yesterday saying they will start factory-installing XM in Nissans/Infinitis beginning with 2008 models.
  • koshliveskoshlives Member Posts: 4
    Can anybody who has a 2006 IS in hand, verify the ML audio system and whether or not it can play Video's on screen as well as DVD-As?

    :confuse:
  • carnivore1carnivore1 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks cooney. The car looks great is Blue Onyx. I ordered one in Breakwater Blue, but I think I might change it to Blue Onyx.
  • mikegillermikegiller Member Posts: 602
    Ok guys. Things are going to start getting really bust really soon. I am going into lurking mode right now. I'll be back when I get my IS 350!

    Good talking to everyone!
  • alex7037alex7037 Member Posts: 15
    The more i look into this sedan, the less I am into it. I went to test drive a 250 AWD yesterday, and i would not be excited with it. I don't know if it was the lack of a manual, or the lack of a rush, but I honestly get more of a rush from my 5 speed Accord. Then again maybe since the engine/exhaust doesn't groan, I'm being decieved? Well now i HAVE to test drive the manual 250 to see if it's the manual that makes me dislike it, and then the 350 to see if it's the lack of power. The shift paddles were fun, but not as fun as i was hoping they would be. Maybe this will be resolved in my 350 test drive. And lastly, as for lack of room, i can understand since the headrest was inches from the roof in my optimal seating position, but at my height (5'8") i was comfortable. Jumped in the back seat, same deal. I'm coming from a compact sedan anyway, so the room is not a big deal for me. My gf who is not a big afficianado does like the IS, wasn't aware of Lex/Toyota ties joked that while the car was fun, it was like driving an expensive corolla with Leather. I may have to agree with her that while the car's reliability and styling is great, that test drive proved to me that it's not compelling without the NAV/HID. I'll wait for the Manual 250's, hopefully by then there will be word of the coupe/convert.
  • anijhawanijhaw Member Posts: 24
    I would really appreciate if someone can provide feedback on the quality of the manual transmission for the IS250. I absolutely love the IS250/IS350, but I really want a manual transmission. Unfortunately, I have not gotten a chance to drive the 250 with manual yet.

    I have a good deal being offered on an Acura TL with a manual transmission. While I believe the lexus is better in just about all categories, I feel like the TL is more fun to drive with its smooth shifting manual.

    Has anyone drive both? I would love to hear your opinions on which you prefer.

    Kind Regards,

    Akshay
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Check out the Acura TL vs 2006 Lexus IS 350 discussion. We can certainly add the IS 250 to the topic, just go there and ask and it will be done! :)
  • rotoryfanrotoryfan Member Posts: 111
    If I were so concerned with the space and comfort of backseat passengers, I would buy a minivan.

    -- Pop in a good DVD, give them a couple of those drinks with the little unbrellas...
  • andyrooandyroo Member Posts: 15
    I personally have not seen the metallic trim, but from the pictures I've seen, it doesn't look half bad and actually matches the colors of the interior of the IS. But, I've heard from people that it is just cheap plastic painted over to look like a metallic trim? Although the wood is kind of tacky, I personally think it makes the car look more luxurious, I'm pretty sure this topic has been discussed already, but I just want to hear people's opinions.. so for the people with the wooden trim, are you content with it? Also with the metallic trim people, is it truly cheap plastic, or is it worth it? :blush:
  • jjrobjjrob Member Posts: 7
    Can someone please post any articles or pictures as soon as news comes out about a potential IS350 manual or a coupe/convertible. I hope Lexus can make the coupe even sexier than the sedan as Infiniti did with its g35.
  • mdodgemdodge Member Posts: 3
    Per my two local Lexus dealers, there will be no manual transmission IS 250s available for sale until January at the earliest.
  • wale_bate1wale_bate1 Member Posts: 1,982
    It's aluminized plastic in the upholstered areas. Things like scuff plate are actual metal. And I'd rather have it than the birdseye maple. The maple is too busy, too fussy, and far too luxobarge for my tastes. But that's just me...
  • alex7037alex7037 Member Posts: 15
    Can someone please post any articles or pictures as soon as news comes out about a potential IS350 manual or a coupe/convertible. I hope Lexus can make the coupe even sexier than the sedan as Infiniti did with its g35.

    Amen, I say...AMEN to that. I'm lusting over the convertible, and i haven't even seen it yet. After driving the AWD 250, I conclude that the ride was not the slightest bit thrilling. As i said before, I can't tell if it's the lack of a Manual Transmission, or lack of power in it, or maybe even lack of grunt. But if i were to take a wild guess, i would say the manual tranny because I have more fun in my 5 speed accord. The paddle shifters didn't really have an authoritative feel to them. Maybe this is different in the 350. And as for the coupe/convert, hopefully they are sleeker/sexier than the sedan a la G35. Nonetheless, If i'm paying top dollar for a vehicle, i want to feel some sort of control (manual tranny), and if i have to settle for an auto/paddle, I at least want to not be bored with the styling right away (and mark my words, the styling of the IS sedan will appear bland soon). Coupe/Convertible me, please. Sux tho because I know they won't put the convertible out there until just before the New SC drops.

    P.s. what's the deal with the upcoming SC460? Will it be a hardtop convertible? Will Lexus even bother with a 250 convertible?
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    I plan on getting a 350 at some point within the next year and would only want the wood trim. My opinion is no matter how sporty the car is, it is still a Lexus and I feel wood trim (the real stuff) is one small detail that separates a premium vehicle from a lesser car. Plus, I just think the wood makes the interior much richer while the metallic trim is too "cold." Again, this is just my opinion. Some will agree and others will not.
  • diablo1diablo1 Member Posts: 55
    I'm going with the metallic trim. I like the sporty look rather than luxury, and I think the wood is too reddish in color - it doesn't really match the rest of the car. Plenty of other expensive/high quality cars are available without wood interior. Before the IS350 I was right on the edge of buying an S4, and the ones I saw had brushed aluminum or carbon fiber inside - very sharp looking. They also had a grayish/black wood, but it didn't look as good.

    Just an opinion - but that's what someone asked for a few messages ago!
  • wale_bate1wale_bate1 Member Posts: 1,982
    lenscap is right that some will pop wood and some metal, and that makes for a horse race!

    I'm in your camp on which one, though. I like a sportier look than birdseye in particular can impart to this kind of car, and I also think it's a much cleaner and frankly more sophisticated presentation, a la the S4. Just opinion.

    What I appreciate from Lexus is that the correct packages were trimmed differently. I want more sport, and the metal is the accent for the sport package; win/win. Bravo Lexus. Now, if they could just eschew the cheapo route and rather trim the sport in a brushed titanium laminate...
    :shades:
  • cdnpinheadcdnpinhead Member Posts: 5,618
    The IS350 manual is vapourware. If Toyota decided this afternoon that it was a good idea (which they won't, BTW), it'll be two years minimum before the vehicle is available. They're not going to, probably ever, so you should look elsewhere for a 3+ litre motor in a lux package with a manual. The choices are few.

    The sad fact is that manual transmissions in cars of this category are available at all only because they can be sold (in quantity) in Europe.

    That's where they tax displacement to a fare-thee-well. The 2.5 litre engine w/ a manual works -- the 3.5 doesn't.

    Dream on.
    '08 Acura TSX, '17 Subaru Forester
  • wale_bate1wale_bate1 Member Posts: 1,982
    And yet, interestingly enough, BMW bowed to pressure here in the States to provide an enthusiast's model with a manual, and said same is not offered that way in Europe. M5.

    Hmmmm...

    I go with prevailing sentiment that they have blown an image indicator, as well as incremental sales. Whether they care or not, who knows?
  • picard12picard12 Member Posts: 55
    :confuse: I am wondering if you guys test drive the car on highway and city streets. Does the IS 350 run smoothly over bumps, sewer grates, small pot holes? Does the engine noise intrude into cabin alot?
  • jjrobjjrob Member Posts: 7
    hmm... they did make the previous IS in manual no? Although this IS is pricier than the previous model, I would expect them to put in a manual with the overwhelming demand of the IS350 in manual. Regardless even if its two years any news or even better, a photo would be great.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    when like equipped cars were compared.
  • gstoisgstois Member Posts: 65
    It depends on what you're comparing it to. It is not as quiet nor as smooth as my 2001 GS. If you are that concerned I would procede with caution. It is still a Lexus, but I imagine that it is at the bottom of the scale in these two areas just based on its top of the scale performance.
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