Lexus IS 350 and IS 250

sosk

My salesperson told me to expect about 15,000 miles on the tires of the 250 (rwd, auto, "regular" tires - not run-flats or snow etc). Does anyone know anything about that?

stlcarguy

How has the winter experience been with the RWD IS' so far? Can anyone give me feedback? I live in St. Louis where it's not an issue a ton, but we can see our fair share of extreme winter weather on occasion. I want the RWD, so just wondering what to expect.

Thanks!

dmacneill

Your salesperson is correct. I just picked up my new IS250 RWD Friday. It has the regular 17" all-season tires, and there was a little sticker on the window stating the expected greater tire wear. The Treadwear Grade for the stock tires that I have (mine are Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires) is 160. This is pretty low and I expect them to wear out fairly quickly. When they do I'll buy better tires, probably from Tire Rack.

nyccarguy

Bridgestone Potenza RE92s may be classified as all season tires, but I can assure you they are not. They are the OEM tires on my 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH as well as Subaru Impreza WRXs. They handle OK on dry pavement, are awful in the rain, and dangerous in any type of snow. The treadwear isn't that bad though. I think 2 of my tires are still from the factory they've probaby got 40K miles on them (maybe more, I swap out snow tires in the winter).

dok1bill

I purchased the is 250awd and love it. Does anyone know when sirius will be available? Only other down side was the bluetooth would not work with my treo 650, bought the razor and it is perfect!!!

is250awd

XM radio is supposed to come out first, then Sirius in April for $490 dealer installed. However i know you can get it installed from a non-dealer shop for much less, which is the route I'm going to take.

You say bluetooth doesn't work with your Treo 650! NOOO!!! I have a Sprint 650 and was counting on it working fine. Did you have another carrier other than Sprint maybe? I don't want to buy another phone when the car I ordered comes in next week.

dok1bill

My treo was from verizon but i'm not sure it matters. I hope yours work. I'm going to hold out for the sirius radio. They quoted me $350.00.

digital_b

put the most recent firmware upgrade on it and it will work. you can go to clublexus.com and search bluetooth for more details. consult your manual for instructions on how to do this simple upgrade. SPRINT ONLY. I dont know about other providers but verizon SUCKS because they intentionally disable features on their phones.

stickboy

There seem to be massive differences in price quotes for satellite radio from these dealers. I asked Park Place Lexus in Grapevine and the quoted me between $750-$800.

timbo3

It makes a big difference what carrier you have. They determine what features and how they function on a phone, not the manufacturer.

lbaily

Apparently XM radio won't be reasonably priced at dealerships either. But I lucked out. My brother gave me a new XM2GO portable radio. It works in my house and in my two cars. In my IS, I plug it in to the auxiliary audio jack. I use the provided suction cup to stick the personal antenna to the moonroof. It's not pretty, but it works. In my other car, I use the cassette adapter since there is no auxiliary audio jack. The antenna solution is the same as in the IS. I may have XM installed in my IS at some point, but for now there is no need to do that.

petl

Here's a stupid question. The information is not on the American or Canadian web site (don't want to ask the salesperson). Can anyone tell me how much the IS AWD can tow? Not sure I want to use it for towing or if it should be used for towing. If someone has their owner's manual handy, the info would be greatly appreciated.

diablo1

Wow, that question was so stupid that it shut down this whole board for a week! haha, j/k. I think towing is not recommended in this car, so I doubt they put out an official towing capacity. If you need serious towing capability, you're probably better off with a different car.

is250awd

I know this may be different for different regions, but how long is the average wait for the is250 to come in?

I ordered mine on Jan 2 and am still waiting. No special items ordered, just NAV on an is250awd. Now dealer tells me it'll be April - over 3 months wait. I just wanted to see if anyone else had to wait this long?

dok1bill

There was absolutely no wait at all, in fact they had all the colors here in michigan.Where are you from? Might think about going elsewhere.

dmk720

How many scheduled maintenance services are at no charge?My dealer said that only one but on Yahoo I see two. http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/lexus_is250_awd_2006/18602/style_warranty.html%7D-

golffool

I usually perform my own oil changes and its time for the 10,000 oil change. How do I remove the oil maintenance required light from the screen on the mode indicator on the dash??

Thanks

diablo1

The manual says that you get two free ones, but one is just a 1,000 mile "checkup" for a road test and to change your personalized settings. I think most people skip this one. The "real" first free maintenance is 5,000 miles or 7,500 miles, which is a more elaborate service including oil change and some other stuff. After that, you have to pay. I've heard that Toyota dealers will do the exact same service for about 1/2 the price of a Lexus dealership, but I haven't tried it myself (haven't even gotten to 5,000 miles yet).

petl

I noticed that it got a little quiet after my post. After the post, went to the dealer, sat in the IS. Tried to like it (been trying since its availability). Just too small. Didn't even have to ask about the towing capacity. Time to move on. Maybe I can ask my wife about her towing capacity... just kidding dear (things may get a little too quiet).

cdnpinhead

Well, the cars may be small & lack a fold-down rear seat (for my bicycle), but at least the 350 can't be had with a manual. Many say the handling is pedestrian.

What's not to like?

frankf6

Wondering what the average price you paid for the AWD?

Also, does anyone know how the RWD is in snow becauase usually RWD aren't as good, but with the snow control feature i've read about, i dont know if works differently..almost the same as AWD w/ the feature on.

And also, when do the 2007 lexus cars come out because i was thinking possibly to get a 2006 on leftover, or if its the same price, just go for the 2007...thank you

suave_tequila

"i was thinking possibly to get a 2006 on leftover, or if its the same price, just go for the 2007...thank you"

Thats what I was thinking as well, the possibility of the 07' models will come out in the fall. And as for the price, well, I really doubt it, but I'm hoping they are. If you really think about it, the highest $ off MSRP, (SO FAR) is around $3000.00 and by then you can probably get an IS 2 thousand over invoice or somewhere around that park especially here in So Cal!

lexus_jn

hi folks, I'm going to get the IS350 in April and I'd like to know if anyone ever had any issue driving the IS350 in the snow because it's a RWD. Hopefully, your experience with the car this past winter will bring me some awareness for this hot rod. FYI.. I live in Chicago area

sailing216

I test drove the 350 and 250 awd in very slippery conditions, that light snow/slush mixture. I wasn't taking turns like it was dry, but I did some 0-60 runs seeing if the tail would kick out. The answer is no, the 350 had all the safety devices kicking on. The backend would just loose grip and very slightly kick out, probably an inch, and immediately traction control and the opposite tire would break bringing everything back in line. We just got rid of a VW with the same features and the Lexus seemed to happen faster with less possibility of a spin-out. I'm buying a 250 MT and will be driving it when it snows slightly. I will be investing in 2 sets of wheels, one with summer tires, and the standard 17" with all seasons or blizzaks. If there's a snow storm with a few inches forcasted, then I'll be due for a day off or take the SUV.

simonsays

I've seen RWD cars (330i, MB) stuck trying to climb a hill
on snow covered roads. I live in the NE, and definitely going
for AWD. On level pavement, RWD might be ok with snow tires.
AWD will help get you moving, even uphill. Thats my .02

iz4detail

Has anyone had the opportunity to test drive a IS350 with sport pkg and one without sport Pkg. Just curious to see if there was much difference in the ride (highways) and handling (curves, etc.). Additionally, any information out regarding the HKS Dual Exhaust System? Wondering if it will boost power and if it will be worth the extra $$$. Thanks.

toyotaf1fan

Can anyone tell me how many RPM the 250 is turning when driving at 60? Thanks

digital_b

yes there is a difference in the ride but its not a large difference. just enough to make someone who doesn't want a firm ride '8' but will accept a tolerable '6' ride on the sportiness scale.

wco81

Why no LED tail lights when there are Toyotas with them?

diablo1

It does have LED tail lights, it's just a panel LED rather than the small individual lights, so it doesn't have that crazy LED look. But it is LED for sure.

mlittle1

I am seriously considering buying the '06 IS 250. I often drive long distances (150 or more miles). I know that having adults in the back seat on such a drive would be out of the question, but how is this car for the driver and front passenger on such a ride? Any thoughts?

diablo1

Driver and passenger would be comfortable driving any distance. I have had two adult passengers in the back seat (one 5'7", one 5'11") for a 200 mile drive and they were perfectly happy. Maybe I keep my driver seat farther up than most people, but none of my passengers has ever complained about insufficient room in the back seat. I think it's actually pretty comfortable back there.

Get the car, you will love it.

chikoo

for a 2 year old? will that fit?

diablo1

It should be no problem, but bring the carseat with you to the dealership just to be sure.

bartalk3

IS350 owners: What kind of gas mileage are you getting??

Thanks.

ilcgwbt

Hello,

To the IS350 owners with the 18" wheels, how have
the tires been wearing?

I'm interested in experiences both good/bad.

Thanks!

neko608

Performance tires just aren't going to last as long as others, my dealer said to expect 18-20K out of them.

When you're shopping in this market, don't let the wear of the tires weigh your decision, it's all about how you feel behind the wheel.

z71bill

The IS sales brochure says this about tire wear.

Tire wear may be substantially less than 20,000 miles (17 inch) or 15,000 miles (18 inch).

When a manufacturer says that tire wear may be SUBSTANTIALLY less than 15,000 miles I would guess 10-12K is about what you will get.

They also say brake pad life may be less than 20K - rotors less than 50K.

kyfdx

This really isn't new.. The previous generation IS300 had the same caveat about tire wear, if you got the 17" performance tires..

It is true of any car that comes with performance rubber.. Most people have never driven on anything except all-seasons.

chiefrocker

I ordered a Silver IS 350 with black leather interior the options include:

Luxury Package +18" wheels
Preferred Accessory Package
Park assist
headlamp washers
Navigation System - no ML system

I ordered the car one week ago for a price of $40,355 + TTT. My out the door price is right about $42,600. I just want to know if this is a good deal. It is basically $2,000 above invoice.

Thanks,

Chris

diablo1

That is a good deal - MSRP was probably around $43-44k. Also you must live in a state with very low sales tax, since you paid only about 5.5% for tax, licensing, registration, and finance fees. In my state, sales tax alone is 8.375%.

z71bill

The thing about the 18 inch tires on the IS is - for now anyway - the selection of replacements is somewhat limited - It would not be that bad to only get 12K out of the first set - but then put on something that will go 25,000. Sure performance summer tires give you better handling - but most drivers don't use that extra 2% anyway - although I am sure many think they are as good as any Formula 1 driver - rev the engine squeal the tires -shift at 7,000 RPM - I must be good!

Not that I would put on some tire rated for 80,000 miles - but who wants to buy tires every year?

wale_bate1

"Not that I would put on some tire rated for 80,000 miles - but who wants to buy tires every year?"

Silly question... :P

12K. $862.39 per year. That's my tab. And loving it!

I would say that's pretty sage advice, Kentuck. My take is the average new IS pilot would be wasting capital on max perf rubber.

diablo1

I don't know, when I replaced my stock Dunlop Sport MAXX tires with all season ContiExtremeContacts, I could definitely feel a difference. It may only matter in terms of safety when you are driving at 9/10 or above, but you can still feel the difference in less demanding driving. You will feel it on a twisty road at highway speeds, or when taking off fast from a tollbooth, highway on-ramp, etc.

I'm not saying everyone needs high performance tires... I'm just saying an average driver will be able to tell a difference.

ilagwbt

Hello,

How many miles did you get out of your Dunlop Sport MAXX
tires before needing to replace them?

How are you finding the Continentals you replaced them
with?

Thanks!

diablo1

I replaced the Dunlops because I needed all-seasons, not because I wore them out. They only had about 1400 miles, and I sold them to someone else from a Lexus forum (not this one though).

The Contis are not as good for high-speed cornering, but that is expected. They are 1000x better for winter driving. The Dunlops are not meant for winter driving, and do not perform at all in temperatures below freezing. They are extremely dangerous for winter driving, and it says so right in their manual.

If you live somewhere where it gets cold, your two choices are 1) have two separate sets of wheels and tires, and change them out twice a year, or 2) compromise and get all-seasons. I chose 2, because it's cheaper and less hassle. But plenty of people do 1 too.

truckasaurus

Hi all,

I've had my IS350 for a week now. I really love it.
I have a couple of questions to those who own one.

When I get home from work I notice a burning oil kind of smell in the garage. I figured it was just the gloop left on the engine and exhaust after manufacture and shipping burning off. I would have thought it would have gone by now. Did anyone get this?

The other thing is I notice it takes 2 or 3 miles for the engine to warm up, even when the outside temp. is 75 degrees. My old BMW 325 used to warm up after about 1 mile, as does my wifes car. The temp. gauge does not settle right in the middle, but slightly towards cold, just a smidgen. Very un-Lexus. I'm wondering if the radiator thermostat is stuck open.
Before I take it back to the dealer I was interested to hear if anyone had noticed similar things.

Karen_S

A national newspaper is looking to interview consumers who have had to replace a car key, which ended up costing over $200 or $300. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Monday, April 2, 2006 containing your daytime contact information, the cost to replace your key along with the make and model your vehicle.

Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

asutecarbuyer

I purchased a White IS 350 with :
Sport Pkg Option
Dealer MSRP was apx. $39,919 plus Tax , license, which is apx. $5,000 Above Dealer Invoice.
Unfortunately , most consumers don't realize the Dealer has Other Dollar Incentives that are paid to them on Top of the normal Mark-up.
These include Factory to Dealer Incentives, Stair-Step Incentives and More !
I negotiated a price Reduction of $3,800 ! which still gave the Dealer about $1700. profit

maxidrive

It really depends on your state and dealership because Lexus allocates a certain number of cars to each dealership based on their sales. So, some dealerships get more, some get less. Since I got a good discount, I picked up a Tungsten Pearl IS 350 from the lot although I wasn't too thrilled about the black interior color. I prefer sterling for interior color.