IS350 owners good and bad?
#34
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I picked up an 06 IS350 in July of this year (2009). Car had about 56k miles on it when I got it. I must say I LOVE this car. I had thoroughly researched and knew what to expect and the car has lived up to those expectations every step of the way. Be sure to read up on how the paddle shifting system works, its not a direct shift like most people would expect but a top gear limiter instead. Alot of people arent fans of the system but I personally love it. The advantages of an automatic but being able to drop gears on the highway when I want passing speed (5th lets you pass with ease, 4th lets you pass with authority), or just being able to lock it into 4th or 5th for city driving. (6th gear at 50 mph in the city feels awful to me, feels like i'm driving a 4 cylinder so I'd rather lock the car into 4th or 5th, probably why I only get 18 city 24 highway lol )
A few months ago when I got my car I made sure to get the Navi unit. Now that I've seen the FlyAudio unit I'd say go without Nav and put the aftermarket unit in. More features for cheaper. I would definitely be sure to get the Luxury or Sport package though. Without them the car just feels so basic and not like the Luxury car it is. (Heated seats should be a standard on any luxury car, not an option).
One thing to keep in mind is the services based on the mileage. Check that all services where done and be ready for the upcoming ones. Buying my car with 56k miles I planned ahead knowing I would have to pay the cost for the 60k service shortly after buying the car and 60k is one of the more major service intervals. (Thanks to ClubLexus for pointing out how much cheaper it is to simply go have the individual services done rather then going to Lexus and requesting the 60k service).
The only bad thing I can say about the car is that when a car feels this comfortable at high speeds its easy to get a ticket.The day after thanksgiving I happen to pull up on a cop in an unmarked car with a rear facing radar, I had started slowing down when I saw the big antennae on his trunk and was nearly down to the speed limit when I noticed the government tag, but he still clocked me doing 88 in a 70.
A few months ago when I got my car I made sure to get the Navi unit. Now that I've seen the FlyAudio unit I'd say go without Nav and put the aftermarket unit in. More features for cheaper. I would definitely be sure to get the Luxury or Sport package though. Without them the car just feels so basic and not like the Luxury car it is. (Heated seats should be a standard on any luxury car, not an option).
One thing to keep in mind is the services based on the mileage. Check that all services where done and be ready for the upcoming ones. Buying my car with 56k miles I planned ahead knowing I would have to pay the cost for the 60k service shortly after buying the car and 60k is one of the more major service intervals. (Thanks to ClubLexus for pointing out how much cheaper it is to simply go have the individual services done rather then going to Lexus and requesting the 60k service).
The only bad thing I can say about the car is that when a car feels this comfortable at high speeds its easy to get a ticket.The day after thanksgiving I happen to pull up on a cop in an unmarked car with a rear facing radar, I had started slowing down when I saw the big antennae on his trunk and was nearly down to the speed limit when I noticed the government tag, but he still clocked me doing 88 in a 70.
#35
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love everything about the car. just took a nice long road trip to h-town from austin. it handled 120 MPH+ like a champ on certain stretches of I-10. so god damned smooth and stable at that speed. I made it to houston in 2 hours 15 min. when it usually takes most "aggressive" drivers more like 2 hours 30 min. - 45 min. and most "grandma" drivers 3 hours +
I've had the car for half a year now and it's still a blast to get in it everyday, largely because I'm 21 and the vast vast majority of 21 year old college students around me drive used ford focuses and cars of that nature.
I've had the car for half a year now and it's still a blast to get in it everyday, largely because I'm 21 and the vast vast majority of 21 year old college students around me drive used ford focuses and cars of that nature.
#36
Lexus Fanatic
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My 2007 IS350 was purchased just over a year ago (CPO with 22K miles on it). It's my first Lexus after several brands including Mercedes, Jag, Porsche, Ford, Honda, Acura, Toyota, etc.
The power, luxury, quality and refinement is excellent. Handling was a touch soft so I upgraded to Eibach 350 springs (similar to F-Sports) and 19" wheels with Toyo T1R tires. Now the ride/handling combo is more to my taste.
The power, luxury, quality and refinement is excellent. Handling was a touch soft so I upgraded to Eibach 350 springs (similar to F-Sports) and 19" wheels with Toyo T1R tires. Now the ride/handling combo is more to my taste.
#37
Lexus Fanatic
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couple of things i hate about owning a modified is350:
1. ppl always trying to show me how fast their slow car goes.
2. ppl staring at me while driving side by side on the hwy's, very dangerous imo.
3. having to park so far away from stores in parking lots to avoid door dings.
4. Having to clean the car before i drive her.
5. Worrying about curbs (i can never use a drivethru for fastfood)
those are some of the things i hate about my car
1. ppl always trying to show me how fast their slow car goes.
2. ppl staring at me while driving side by side on the hwy's, very dangerous imo.
3. having to park so far away from stores in parking lots to avoid door dings.
4. Having to clean the car before i drive her.
5. Worrying about curbs (i can never use a drivethru for fastfood)
those are some of the things i hate about my car
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#38
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (-1)
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dude drive thrus are the worse !!!!! i dunno what the ppl at mcdicks and wendys here are thinking when they design the drive thru they make it have like 10 turns like a race course and its super tight somtimes i think they made it for mini coopers and smart cars only to go thru LOL
#40
Lead Lap
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I have an 08, which isn't a whole lot different than the 06-07 model.
IMHO the is350 is a very good car. The BMW has an edge in the handling department and road feel, stock for stock. I have the Fsport chassis bar and rear sway bar installed which helped a bit. I will be installing springs shortly as well....and get rid of the bridgestones er33 turanzas if you buy one with those tires, they really suck.
Looks wise, the is350 is a very nice looking car. I do like the looks of the bmw 3 series as well. About equal in my opinion. Much better looking cars than the the Infiniti G cars (except for the coupe).
Interior wise, the is350 seats are nice and soft and the dash layout is nice. Two things I would change....change the seats out for ISF seats and I would have liked the gauge trim to be more like the SC 430. BMW's interior is nice, but a bit plain for my taste, but still nice.
I was originally going to get the is250 with Manual transmission, but the car was slow and the tranny sucked (grinded in second gear) after test driving the is350, I decided this was the car to get. Losing the manual tranny experience is my only complaint, but if you like auto tranny cars, then you will love this car.
I was going to purchase a 328 with 6 speed manual, but after hearing from my 3 co-workers who have bmw's and the horror stories (BMW parts tend to breakdown right after the warranty period) I decided against it. I usually keep my cars for 10+ years.
Hope that helps.
IMHO the is350 is a very good car. The BMW has an edge in the handling department and road feel, stock for stock. I have the Fsport chassis bar and rear sway bar installed which helped a bit. I will be installing springs shortly as well....and get rid of the bridgestones er33 turanzas if you buy one with those tires, they really suck.
Looks wise, the is350 is a very nice looking car. I do like the looks of the bmw 3 series as well. About equal in my opinion. Much better looking cars than the the Infiniti G cars (except for the coupe).
Interior wise, the is350 seats are nice and soft and the dash layout is nice. Two things I would change....change the seats out for ISF seats and I would have liked the gauge trim to be more like the SC 430. BMW's interior is nice, but a bit plain for my taste, but still nice.
I was originally going to get the is250 with Manual transmission, but the car was slow and the tranny sucked (grinded in second gear) after test driving the is350, I decided this was the car to get. Losing the manual tranny experience is my only complaint, but if you like auto tranny cars, then you will love this car.
I was going to purchase a 328 with 6 speed manual, but after hearing from my 3 co-workers who have bmw's and the horror stories (BMW parts tend to breakdown right after the warranty period) I decided against it. I usually keep my cars for 10+ years.
Hope that helps.
#43
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
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Got my 06' IS350 back in April w/ 32k miles, now I am at 39XXX.
Problems?
-Check VSC, dealership told me my gas cap wasnt sealing right, so they gave me a new one. Free.
-Had the recalls dones, all free of course.
-Turned on engine and had it boggle down and turn off, didnt know what this was about and it hasnt happened again.
My nick-picks:
-Stock am/fm radio sucks azz, my subaru wrx was much better. I lose single everytime I hit a tunnel.
-Leather creases too easily.
-I hear random "cracking" noises from the center console.
-It drinks gas, but not too bad.
Other than those "3" things it drives very reliabaly. My friends and family compliment its ride and looks. Random people, including chicks dig it. I guess it the shiny waxed onyx black and the clean tint. lol.
Problems?
-Check VSC, dealership told me my gas cap wasnt sealing right, so they gave me a new one. Free.
-Had the recalls dones, all free of course.
-Turned on engine and had it boggle down and turn off, didnt know what this was about and it hasnt happened again.
My nick-picks:
-Stock am/fm radio sucks azz, my subaru wrx was much better. I lose single everytime I hit a tunnel.
-Leather creases too easily.
-I hear random "cracking" noises from the center console.
-It drinks gas, but not too bad.
Other than those "3" things it drives very reliabaly. My friends and family compliment its ride and looks. Random people, including chicks dig it. I guess it the shiny waxed onyx black and the clean tint. lol.
#44
Lexus Test Driver
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i heart my 07 is 350. here are my pros / cons about the car.
pros:
- best interior / exterior design
- fast and reliable
- nice soft leather
- good gas milage for a sports car
cons:
- higher chance of a traffic citation because the ride is so smooth
- always constantly wanting to add mods to car =)
- not an is-f
get the is350. you will not be disappointed!
pros:
- best interior / exterior design
- fast and reliable
- nice soft leather
- good gas milage for a sports car
cons:
- higher chance of a traffic citation because the ride is so smooth
- always constantly wanting to add mods to car =)
- not an is-f
get the is350. you will not be disappointed!
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