I am looking to purchase a IS 350 and would like some advice from the experts. I am a major tech geek and want to get something with the nav/bluetooth option. I am considering model years 2008-2011. I am aware of the nav limitations of not being able to change destination (via dest button) while the vehicle is in motion. As I understand it, you have to use the voice commands to use the phone or navigation features. Here is what I have read randomly on the web:

2008-2009: DVD based navigation with crappy voice recognition
2010-2011: HDD based navigation with much better voice recognition but poor UI and high latency. Also adds XM traffic/weather and USB connection for phone

So a few questions:
1. Is this accurate in your experience?
2. Is there a model year I should target to minimize frustration?
3. How would you rate the bluetooth phone features..call quality (on both ends of the call), etc
4. Do the map upgrades include software changes that open up new features such as spoken streets, posted speed limits, etc
5. Any general advice on the car tech?

I am aware of the aftermarket options but want to stick with the Lexus system.

Thanks for the input!

 

Yup... well, how "crappy" the voice stuff is is subjective I guess... the GPS stuff certainly has a lot less features than even a $100 garmin though.

You've noted the difference already- I'd certainly get a 2010+ for nav purposes as it's a less antique system feature wise- it roughly catches up in 2010 to where Garmins were in say 2005-2006.

Only used it in loaners myself (otherwise I use the BT on my garmin) but this is one area I've generally heard position feedback.

Nope.

One upgrade (around 2008 I think) removed the need to hit the "I agree" button on bootup- and a 2007 update fixed a known bug... but mostly they're just map/POI updates... and at an annual cost you could buy an entire standalone GPS with.


If you've made up your mind you want the not-so-great Lexus system then no, no advice to offer other than get an extended warranty as touchscreen failures are more common than folks might like, and the repair for that one issue costs a fair bit more than the warranty.

Do a search and you'll find folks who sell such warranties a lot cheaper than your local dealer while still being genuine lexus warranties. (Jerry Johnson, Troy Dietrich, Toby Rivers would be the names to search on)

 

Your questions seem mainly focused on the nav/electronics of the car, which Kurtz addressed above. But for a more general overview of used 2IS and what to watch for when you actually start checking out cars, this may be helpful: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...e-threads.html

I would also second Kurtz's advice to look into purchasing an extended warranty. I agree that the Lexus nav isn't as good as a much cheaper Garmin, etc, but one thing to keep in mind is that cars without nav are becoming more and more difficult to sell and go for less than their nav-equipped counterparts. Might be something to consider as you're weighing nav vs. no nav.

 

the nav in my 2011 is much better than the 09 amd 07 I had. Not amazing but voice recognition is much better and it looks better visually. Get the 10 or 11 IS. GL

 

Thanks for all the input. It sounds like 2010+ is the way to go. I do like the LED's on the headlights of the 2011 models.

Calvin, thanks for the link. I actually had it book marked already