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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