TimS9393

I just got a job with Toyota and I can get a great deal on a new IS that i can't pass up. I've never owned a vehicle less than 10 years old so even the most basic 250 would make me happy. I would however like a few options and originally had decided on a fully loaded 350 and now am trying to reduce price. I'm currently thinking 350 with Nav, X-package, Premium, and AFS Headlight package but am considering dropping the Premium and Headlight packages to save some money. Does anyone have an IS without the perforated/heated/cooled leather seats or with the factory headlights? Any comments on the factory level seats and lights? Are the seats still a good quality leather? Any regrets?

IRCRomeo

May I ask you what type of discount you get as an employee?

As far as your questions about HIDs, my personal opinion is that there is no reason to buy a luxury car, particularly the 350, and skimp on HID lights.

NovaIS350

I agree..HID's look so much better, it just says to oncoming traffic, "yes this is a luxury car/tuner/sports car." Once you drive with HID's in the rain or dark roads, you'll wonder how you ever drove before with halogen headlamps (candles).

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

get HIDs, worth it for 850, you dont really need that premium package, if you love to listen to music you should consider the mark levinson audio

SkydotCom

you'll regret not taking the extra options later on.

on the other hand, (no offense) if buying the IS350 would take away your social life (min your budget) than lexus is not for you. Try a camry!

ULTiMaX99

iTrader: (5)

you can always switch from the 350 and get a 250 with the same options. you'll lose 100 hp but save money and still have those ammenities.

Julez

Definitely don't skimp out on NAV or HIDS, you can get both for around 3,200 MSRP, but your employee discount should drop it to around 2,600. Now you have the option of choosing either the X-package(comes with 18" wheels) or Premium Package depending on whether or not you prefer the sport(X) or extra interior upgrades(leather, cool/heat, etc.). Or you can just add 18" for 700ish MSRP, but your heading into Sport or Lux w/ NAV terriority price wise. Looks like you will probably end up ordering a special order if you choose the X-package w/ NAV HID(not too sure). Or if you go w/ Prem/Nav/HID/18" they are the most popular allocations for the West Coast so getting your color combo will be easier but since your in TX, not too sure what they ship to dealers.

socalJD

Agree w/ Julez. Get the Nav, it will also include Bluetooth & the backup camera. If you do a fair amount of night driving, the HIDs are also a must, they self level and swivel in turns, which aftermarket units cannot. Premium pkg only adds perforated vented seats and wood trim - definitely can live w/out. X Pkg is tough, personally I like the sports suspension, aluminum pedals, lighted scuff plates, & new style rims, but these are things you *could* live w/out or add on later. If you can afford the pmts, I'd go for X Pkg . . .

TimS9393

I'm not sure if i'm allowed to say what my discount is, sorry. I agree that i'll eventually regret not getting the extra options, but I can trade in and upgrate every year without loosing much money at all (i might actually make money). 350 Nav/X/HID sounds good for now though.

Thanks for the help

socalJD

Let me take a stab at this for you, since you need to 'tow the Co line'.
I believe that Toyota employees are offered an incentive to lease new Toyota/Lexus vehicles every year. Leases can range from 1 to 3 yrs with a purchase option at lease end. The leases are very liberal to enable Toyota employees to enjoy driving new Toyotas. If I'm not mistaken, you need to put your order in by the 15th of the month, or wait another month - so you better make up your mind quickly . . .

Kepeli

A friend of the family works sales for Lexus, after a certain amount of time working there he gets $400 a month toward a car. I believe he said 400 could be a little lower or a little higher.

Julez

This man knows what he's talking about. Depending on where you are in the company, the lease amount increases, and even more than one lease are available(which there is no incentive), but you still get a good discount.

What is nice though, is these employee leases are available to any Toyota employee at a great discount. Think of the price you could get from a 10K year old IS 350 fully loaded.