exilio

Okay, so this is only day one for me, but here is a background on cars I have owned:

Civic's (2)
Accord Coupe
SC430
S4 (previous model)
M3 (E46)
Tacoma
Murano
S2000
325i (E46)

The IS250 is an amazing car and even more amazing value.

Loves:
* Gauges - simply beautiful and clear; gotta love that inner tach ring that lights up
* Center console buttons - large, clear, easily accessed
* Seats - Sporty, yet not overly so. Comfy, yet firm in all the right places (and ventilation in 100+ is very nice)
* Transmission (to me, i expect a good upshift, but a good downshift often times eludes the best of cars. However the IS does a fantastic job of anticipating the shift and getting you the power you want for either engine breaking or coming out of a corner.)
* Lights, lights, lights - A vast array of helpful lights inside and outside
* Armrest - I know this may seem insignificant to most, but the Germans can never seem to get this right. For instance, in my 325i (which I love BTW) the center armrest must be raised to access the rear cupholder; thus robbing the driver of an armrest. Not so with the IS. Just slide back the armrest and insert the cup.
* This is no knock on the IS350, but I love the gas mileage of the 250 - less horsepower, but big savings at the pump and even better for a road trip - very nice

Nits:
* Side view mirror seems distorted; or is this a flaw in my IS?
* Should be some visual cue that cruise control is indeed engaged (it shows it is on, but not necessarily engaged)
* The plastic used to cover the temperature numbers and radio information needs to be rethought. They reflect far too much light, thus making them difficult to read.
* Placement of dead pedal and e-brake needs to be rethought. As it stands right now, your foot goes behind the e-brake. On the SC430, the e-brake is in its own space and in no way interferes with your left foot.

Overall, I truly feel this car is a hidden gem. A great value and a no-compromise entry into the lux market.

inecstaz

You know what.... I thought the EXACT same thing when I first drove my IS250 off the lot on the way home. It kind of seemed like when I looked at them I had weird vision. But that went away really fast... and its seems fine now. I'm sure you'll adjust and it'll be fine.

silversx

yeah i feel the same about the sideview mirrors.. when i first got the car it was very strange.. i thought there was water on the mirrors... oh well.. there must be some reason with that distortion

lirandy

iTrader: (2)

When you get used to the side mirrors, they look kinda cool tho~~

gshb

its strange, but for as much flak the IS gets for its huge side mirrors, they are very functional. i can see the entire lane on both sides. in contrast, the E90 side mirrors are too small! you cant see the entire car on your sides...

imaputz

iTrader: (2)

so you finally got it exilio! congrats!

exilio

Hey thanks. Yeah, it turned out they were just inept, not scammers.

imaputz

iTrader: (2)

awesome man! got it in time for NorCal 2nd GEN IS meet! click my signature for more info!