Just in case someone at Lexus might be reading this board -
The power charger located in the center console is in a bad position. Plugging in a charger requires it to be vertical and this makes the cover lid uncloseable.
Possible solutions: - redesign so the plugged-in charger can be on the horizontal plane so as not to interfer with the center console closing. - or (easiest solution) locate or commission a phone charger with a 90 degree bend or other shape that allows the center console to be closed when charging your cell phone. Give one with each IS purchased.
(A second location allows charging your cell phone through the cigarette lighter connection but then wires and charger are visible, etc.)
Cheers
P.S. Also, if it is not already there, the top tray in the center console should be notched (for a wire pass-thru) so the charging cell phone can lay in the top tray (with the charger/power connection in the deeper pocket below the tray).
P.S.S. Please take the liberty of copying Acura's "Diamond White Pearl" color, or something very similar, into the Lexus color choices. I think it is the best white I have seen/owned.
Thought I preferred the metallic until I saw that the pieces on the middle console were metal-colored plastic. Then it seemed that it would look cheap with everything that color. I admit to not having seen the full trim (i.e., the sport package), though.
IMHO, a nice wood option would be the black birds eye maple (Lexus, are you listening? ). Then it's not this big red slab in the middle of the car.
The Radio Shack Model: 270-1525 2-Outlet 12VDC Car Power Adapter, Catalog #: 270-1525, is $7.99 and described here on their website.
Though not shown in the image there, the head pivots 90º, which allows the armrest to close. And it gives you two power outlets, one for an iPod and one for a cell phone.
Participated in the Taste Of Lexus event today. Lexus did a good job with a slick presentation. Good food, very informative and gifts when exiting was a nice touch. Now to the test drives...
Drove the IS250, IS250 awd, IS350 and the GS430.
IS250/IS350 design: I felt the seats were ok, but I would not describe them as very comfortable. Definately no leg room for the rear seats, which would not be a problem since I'm single and rarely have passengers. Display looked better in the darkened tent area than it did in the daytime. Hate the parking brake location in the foot well. The design overall was subdued. The styling just does not win me over.
Based on my limited time with the IS250's I would say the suspension is responsive (not sure if sport tuned). Unfortunately the 2.5 V6 is a big disapointment. It doesnt feel powerful at the start and somewhat labored at mid to upper speeds. It doesnt provide the driver with the kind of engine sound that evokes satisfaction or communicate a willingness to the driver to push it. I do not like this engine at all.
The 3.5 V6 in the IS350 was a joy. Plenty of power throughout its range. Not sure if sport tuned but I thought it handled well. If you are interested in an IS and can afford it go with the IS350.
Quick take on the GS430: I really liked this car, engine was powerful and sounded wonderful. Seats were very comfortable. Not sure if I would be willing to pay 50K but I liked it better than the IS350.
Just came back from the test drive. I got to drive the IS250, GS430, LS430, SC430, RX330, and RX400h, along with the BMW 530i and the MB E500. *whew* Unlike sevenseas' experience with the IS250, I thought it had decent power in the midrange, but maybe a bit soft off the line. I thought it handled very well through the course and I was even able to trigger the VSC/TC through a sharp turn (or at least something was beeping while I was skidding through the turn). In retrospect I should've driven the IS350 first because the line for that kept getting longer in the afternoon. Oh wells. It was a Lexus event, but I think my favorite was the E500 -- it had continuous and linear power through the rev range, cornered very flat. After driving the E500, it made some of the others seem a little pedestrian.
Anywho, my impression on the IS250 was that it was a bit cramped, as others have mentioned (i'm 6' 1"). On the other hand, I do kind of like the cozy cockpit feeling when I'm driving. I guess it's a matter of preference -- I fit in the front seat fine, but maybe it's not the most versatile car out there. I did like the interior and exterior designs a lot, but I just couldn't help but wish it'd be about $32K with the navigation system.
So if you compare a 2005 GS 300 (used, 1 year old) to a IS 250 RWD, how would you rate? 1. Power 2. Ride 3. Handling 4. Quietness 5. Luxury 6. Room 7. Others you might think important to compare
Well, the LS430 or the SC430 can cost even more than the E500, but that doesn't meant anything. Just thought the MB had a great balance of handling and straightline performance of the cars that I got to try out.
I was just saying that as a reference to the topic at hand, I too would rather have a E500. And I still agree that I would take the Benz over the other Lexi....As long as it was under warranty and they gave out loaners.
I just test drove the car and it's really nice. I am also looking into other cars such as the 330i or 330xi, g35 coupe and the 3.2 A4 (which has a great promotion. Does anyone know other promotions running with the other cars I listed above?) When I saw the base price for the 350IS at 35k it really stuck into my head but when I got quoted at a dealership they told me monthly payments around $700-730 but it comes with everything. That is way too much and out of my range but is it true that all 350IS must come with all options, or can you choose like any other companies different options. The guy told me you must get everything or go with the 250IS and side options.
It's just a auxilary jack, so you can plug in anything with a mini jack. I think the placement of the jack is a bit awkward considering you can't control the iPod or any other player through any of the car's buttons. Oh well, at least it offers a jack as standard, unlike some of the other cars out there.
hah didn't mean to spark a E500 vs. IS discussion there. Just was saying it felt pretty darn good through the tracks.
I don't know if it's just the positive experience with the whole driving event or what, but after putting the IS250 through its paces and even sliding out through one of the turns, it got me much more psyched about the IS. I'll definitely have to look at it a lot closer when it comes time to buy next year.
This car would of been even more unbelievable if "only" it had a voice recognition system that was as good as Acura's. The Acura's VR also controls the climate and audio settings etc, where the Lexus is a Navi only voice recognition system.
David, it is just an input jack so to control the ipod, you still have to use the controls on the ipod itself...it would have been real nice if you could skip songs etc from the steering wheel.
where the Lexus is a Navi only voice recognition system.
That's not true. The bluetooth phone uses voice recognition both for dialing by voice tag and by speaking the telephone number. In addition, you can change audio modes and turn the climate on and off with the voice recognition. There could be more, but these are the only ones that I have figured out so far.
When I drove the IS250 auto, I wasn't as comfortable using the paddle shifters as I was just flicking the regular shifter up and down. However, this method did take my hand off the wheel while taking some turns. I'm sure an owner could get quickly comfortable using the paddle shifters as time passes.
The MAZDASPEED6 sure looks good. It's just as fast, but has the AWD factor that might make it more practical. Not to mention the interior is much more roomier. I would have to get the Lexus the Edge on styling and creature features however. I'm just glad the auto-industry keeps improving, which makes a choice that much harder.
Why would this be a biased time? Granted the manufacturers test and retest their cars so that they can squeeze out every tenths and hundredths of a second off the acceleration times, but somewhere along the line, someone from Toyota got the time they posted. These numbers should be a comparative figure anyway, as even a minor change in weather or road condition could alter such stats.
Yeah, I agree the Mazdaspeed6 is a pretty tempting choice for 30 grand. I'm sure the IS and the 6 are better at very different things than the other so they won't be cross-shopped too much. Yes, both of them are advertised as sport sedans, but if someone wants a car that has rock solid reliability and possibly a better highway cruiser (I would think the 6 would be a bit stiffer in terms of the ride) with luxury features, Lexus would be it. If speed, standard awd, and more room is desired, the 6 would be good. It sure is great being able to talk about so many great cars in these forums.
While the MazdaSpeed6 is a good package, I find that comparing it to the IS350 even in performance only shows what a jump Lexus has made with the 300 to the 350. You have to remember that the current IS350 HP numbers are under the new SAE procedure J1349 spec, and under the old when first being projected at somewhere around 325HP. I believe the 0-60 and 1/4 times as posted have to be pretty damn close to accurate or even an underestimation. The car is a 3,527Ib car with rear wheel 8.5" tires (255) to grab the road with. To give a frame of reference, look at the 3,512Ib G35 coupe or sedan's 0-60 / 1/4 specs. Then check the G35s HP/Torq numbers that are still under the old SAE spec. So far I'd say based on the numbers on all sides, I don't see how anyone can be surprised about the performance specs on the IS350.
I'd say there's even more to exploit with more experience with this new car due to its VDIM restriction etc, which also affects the results of SAE testing. I'd have to say though getting 306HP 277Torq under the new standard is pretty impressive considering that even Mitsu's EVO Subaru's WRX are still under the old, tentative about broadcasting of an HP drop. I would consider the later two cars more the Mazda6 competitors or benchmarks. I really don't see a comparison with inline 4cyl turbo cars that still weigh 3,500Ibs(MzdaSp6) and get worse gas mileage (19/25) than a more powerful 11.8:1 full time compression/naturally aspirated V6 ULEV II EPA 21/28 mpg. If anything I would compare it to the AWD Lexus IS250 to show where they fell way too short than they needed. I would say the MazdaSpd6 is between an IS250AWD and EVO or WRX IMHO. Since I come from the performance background already, I consider the performance when looking for a car. But also coming from the performance background, I have a “been there done dat factor”, and require the quality/sophistication in engineering and luxury without the gimmics. I just don’t see the performance in the IS350 lacking other than a manual. And even with the 6 speed auto and F1 style paddle shifters, it isn’t too shabby either. If Lexus had only come out with the IS250, I would say I'd probebly be still having hard time deciding between the Acura TL and Infinity G35 boards.
Really !!!!!.....Can you adjust the climate control with a specific fan speed and Temperature ????. Also can you say a command like "CD, play disc 4, track 8" ???? If so, then the car would be Acura like which would be really sweet. I had a TL and you could do lots of stuff with the Voice Recognition System.
I don't know. There is a menu of all the commands that is accessible from the touch-screen, but I haven't spent any time on any commands beyond those I mentioned previously.
Ok Thanx. Once you do learn them, feel free to post em' Really, How good is that Mark Levison Surround Sound ????
Would the car be realistic for a wife and 2 kids, in car seats ??? How much room would there be for a guy of my stature of 6'0 250 lbs. or is it too small ?
The Mark Levinson sound system is a thing of wonder and you'd be amazed if you ever get your hands (ears, if you will) on it. If you live in southern California, it's a pain-in-the-[non-permissible content removed] trying to found one, though.
As far as keeping the wood trim on the sports package (i.e. sport-tuned supsension), it isn't possible. You'll have to stick with the metallic trim if you want the sports package (which is just as pleasant, in my opinion).
For your size, you might feel a little (give or take) cramped if you were to sit behind yourself. Otherwise, your family will fit comfortably just fine (though, not generously).
And for the hybrid performance iteration (IS 450h), it'll be available in the 2007 MY as the premium model.
I've been following nearly every industry article written on the IS and I have yet to see any mention, let alone confirmation, of a hybrid version. This is pure speculation. An IS 450 (non-hybrid) has been mentioned as a possibility in the press but never by Lexus.
The only line additions that seem on the horizon are a coupe and convertible as former GM Denny Clements mentioned them specifically in a speech about a year ago, although there has been no official announcement or confirmation. Most regional Lexus reps seem to say a convertible will happen for sure within the next 1-1/2 years.
We can only speculate, but I'm hoping it achieves the same performance difference people feel between 250 and the 350, while reaping Toyota Echo-like fuel economy.
So we're about a month into the Lexus IS launch. In that time i have yet to see any on the roads. I'm pretty convinced now that I will go with the coupe/convertible anyway, but I'm just curious if Lexus is even meeting their sales targets. If they are not hopefully that means prices can be haggled in 06. But anyway, Anyone see these IS's frequently, and does anyone have anymore info on the convert/coupe?
Lexus is meeting their sales targets, at least for now. I believe they wanted to sell 40,000 in the first year (I'm not positive on the number). In only two weeks in October they sold 2,563 versus 556 in October 2004.
From what I can tell at my local dealer, if they have NAV they are sold before they hit the ground. There are a few sitting around at the dealer without NAV.
I haven't seen any around me (california bay area) though i have heard my friend say they saw 1. It seems lexus is just not currently making that many? GS's seem sparse too. RX are a dime a dozen and so are ES's.. It will probably be another month or two before I think I will see one on the road.
Depends on where you live. If you have only half of a walmart in the biggest town near by (within 3 hours driving distance), it might just take a while before you see one.
The reason there are not many out there is because the dealers don't have many and they only have the basics. The options package cars, i.e., sports package and luxury packages are not being made yet according to my dealers. I gave a deposit and told them what I wanted a month ago. I'm working with two different dealers. One called me on Sat. and said he checked the production schedule and it doesn't show that they are being sent through November 30th. He is going to keep checking. I put a deposit down on Oct 15th and my dealer told me I was #3 with deposits for IS350 and there were #22 down for IS250 so I shouldn't have to wait long....I keep debating whether to get the Nav/Bluetooth Option. I want Bluetooth badly but don't care about Nav. and they say you have to get them together. I'm waiting on the Sports Package car as I had an IS300 and loved it and thought what made it unique was the aluminum pedals. I want the memory seats too...so I'm waiting..and getting impatient.
They are definitely making lux and sport package cars already, since I have one! But allocations to different regions vary a lot - so they just might not be shipping any to your area, which is why your dealer doesn't see any. But, the factory is definitely producing them!
Really. That is very interesting. I was being told they aren't even on the production schedule in Japan. However on the Lexus Japan site I have seen the interior of the sports package Lexus. Which package did you get and are you happy with it? What color car? Do you mind telling me what area you live in? I'm waiting in the Southeast Region (Florida). Thanks for any info you can provide. I did go for a test drive in the IS350 and it was great.
I got a silver (or "tungsten pearl", if you will) IS 350 with black leather, sport package, nav, park assist, headlamp washers, and preferred accessory package. I am 150% happy with the car. I can't wait to take it out tonight to drive my gf to the mall. And when was the last time you heard a guy say that.
I live in NYC. To find out which options are available in your area, go to lexus.com, click on "Build Your IS", type in your zip code, and look at what packages come up. I typed in zip 33130 for Miami and none of the "package" vehicles come up, so I think your dealer is right that there are none in your area. However they are wrong that none are being produced. Type in zip code 10013 if you want to see pricing with packages.
I got my IS250 AWD for two weeks. It's a very very nice car except that the front wheels get dirty very quickly. I have to clean them almost every day otherwise they look BLACK! Is there any thing wrong with my car or something pretty normal?
Comments
The power charger located in the center console is in a bad position. Plugging in a charger requires it to be vertical and this makes the cover lid uncloseable.
Possible solutions:
- redesign so the plugged-in charger can be on the horizontal plane so as not to interfer with the center console closing.
- or (easiest solution) locate or commission a phone charger with a 90 degree bend or other shape that allows the center console to be closed when charging your cell phone. Give one with each IS purchased.
(A second location allows charging your cell phone through the cigarette lighter connection but then wires and charger are visible, etc.)
Cheers
P.S. Also, if it is not already there, the top tray in the center console should be notched (for a wire pass-thru) so the charging cell phone can lay in the top tray (with the charger/power connection in the deeper pocket below the tray).
P.S.S. Please take the liberty of copying Acura's "Diamond White Pearl" color, or something very similar, into the Lexus color choices. I think it is the best white I have seen/owned.
Another small issue, at least for me: The tutorial disk for the nav system is 4th gen, not 5th.
Or do you have to get the package with Bluetooth to get the charger? Otherwise, makes no sense?
jC
IMHO, a nice wood option would be the black birds eye maple (Lexus, are you listening?
jC
Though not shown in the image there, the head pivots 90º, which allows the armrest to close. And it gives you two power outlets, one for an iPod and one for a cell phone.
Any impressions from IS 250 AWD owners would be appreciated.
Drove the IS250, IS250 awd, IS350 and the GS430.
IS250/IS350 design: I felt the seats were ok, but I would not describe them as very comfortable. Definately no leg room for the rear seats, which would not be a problem since I'm single and rarely have passengers. Display looked better in the darkened tent area than it did in the daytime. Hate the parking brake location in the foot well. The design overall was subdued. The styling just does not win me over.
Based on my limited time with the IS250's I would say the suspension is responsive (not sure if sport tuned). Unfortunately the 2.5 V6 is a big disapointment. It doesnt feel powerful at the start and somewhat labored at mid to upper speeds. It doesnt provide the driver with the kind of engine sound that evokes satisfaction or communicate a willingness to the driver to push it. I do not like this engine at all.
The 3.5 V6 in the IS350 was a joy. Plenty of power throughout its range. Not sure if sport tuned but I thought it handled well. If you are interested in an IS and can afford it go with the IS350.
Quick take on the GS430: I really liked this car, engine was powerful and sounded wonderful. Seats were very comfortable. Not sure if I would be willing to pay 50K but I liked it better than the IS350.
I think I resent your entire post, minus the IS 350 part. But wait, that's the only part with any sort of - what's the word -
...praise?
Duuuhh...what positive comment did it add this forum?
I thought the comments were informative.
Anywho, my impression on the IS250 was that it was a bit cramped, as others have mentioned (i'm 6' 1"). On the other hand, I do kind of like the cozy cockpit feeling when I'm driving. I guess it's a matter of preference -- I fit in the front seat fine, but maybe it's not the most versatile car out there. I did like the interior and exterior designs a lot, but I just couldn't help but wish it'd be about $32K with the navigation system.
1. Power
2. Ride
3. Handling
4. Quietness
5. Luxury
6. Room
7. Others you might think important to compare
Thanks,
Quality over brand.
And to quan, overstated - not informative.
hah didn't mean to spark a E500 vs. IS discussion there. Just was saying it felt pretty darn good through the tracks.
I don't know if it's just the positive experience with the whole driving event or what, but after putting the IS250 through its paces and even sliding out through one of the turns, it got me much more psyched about the IS. I'll definitely have to look at it a lot closer when it comes time to buy next year.
Like I said, it's very minor.
That's not true. The bluetooth phone uses voice recognition both for dialing by voice tag and by speaking the telephone number. In addition, you can change audio modes and turn the climate on and off with the voice recognition. There could be more, but these are the only ones that I have figured out so far.
I'd say there's even more to exploit with more experience with this new car due to its VDIM restriction etc, which also affects the results of SAE testing. I'd have to say though getting 306HP 277Torq under the new standard is pretty impressive considering that even Mitsu's EVO Subaru's WRX are still under the old, tentative about broadcasting of an HP drop. I would consider the later two cars more the Mazda6 competitors or benchmarks. I really don't see a comparison with inline 4cyl turbo cars that still weigh 3,500Ibs(MzdaSp6) and get worse gas mileage (19/25) than a more powerful 11.8:1 full time compression/naturally aspirated V6 ULEV II EPA 21/28 mpg. If anything I would compare it to the AWD Lexus IS250 to show where they fell way too short than they needed. I would say the MazdaSpd6 is between an IS250AWD and EVO or WRX IMHO. Since I come from the performance background already, I consider the performance when looking for a car. But also coming from the performance background, I have a “been there done dat factor”, and require the quality/sophistication in engineering and luxury without the gimmics. I just don’t see the performance in the IS350 lacking other than a manual. And even with the 6 speed auto and F1 style paddle shifters, it isn’t too shabby either. If Lexus had only come out with the IS250, I would say I'd probebly be still having hard time deciding between the Acura TL and Infinity G35 boards.
Also how much does a fully loaded every option IS 350 cost ???? Any rumors of when the Hybrid is coming ????
Thanx-->Rocky
Would the car be realistic for a wife and 2 kids, in car seats ??? How much room would there be for a guy of my stature of 6'0 250 lbs. or is it too small ?
As far as keeping the wood trim on the sports package (i.e. sport-tuned supsension), it isn't possible. You'll have to stick with the metallic trim if you want the sports package (which is just as pleasant, in my opinion).
For your size, you might feel a little (give or take) cramped if you were to sit behind yourself. Otherwise, your family will fit comfortably just fine (though, not generously).
And for the hybrid performance iteration (IS 450h), it'll be available in the 2007 MY as the premium model.
The only line additions that seem on the horizon are a coupe and convertible as former GM Denny Clements mentioned them specifically in a speech about a year ago, although there has been no official announcement or confirmation. Most regional Lexus reps seem to say a convertible will happen for sure within the next 1-1/2 years.
If they are not hopefully that means prices can be haggled in 06. But anyway, Anyone see these IS's frequently, and does anyone have anymore info on the convert/coupe?
From what I can tell at my local dealer, if they have NAV they are sold before they hit the ground. There are a few sitting around at the dealer without NAV.
Unless it was a GS.
But saw it from the front and it went by the other way so I saw its tail too.
I live in NYC. To find out which options are available in your area, go to lexus.com, click on "Build Your IS", type in your zip code, and look at what packages come up. I typed in zip 33130 for Miami and none of the "package" vehicles come up, so I think your dealer is right that there are none in your area. However they are wrong that none are being produced. Type in zip code 10013 if you want to see pricing with packages.
Thanks for help