Xanadu350

Just wondering how many here bought say a 2006 or 2007 or 2008 2 gen IS and loved it so much that they replaced it with another 2 gen IS either 2011 or 2012.

I really like the led strip in the headlights on the 2011/12 and the added USB input in the center console in the 10+ models is a nice feature. I also like the touch screen interface of the nav/temp/phone etc..The design of the IS still looks fresh to me on the road, yes it retains much of it's looks from the 2006 model but to me it still looks great on the road and it stands apart from others. If 2012 is the last year build, it amost seems like they have perfected it leaving behind all the earlier recalls they had on prior years. Some have complained that it's too small inside but it makes it fun to drive and toss in the corners, very nimble on the road.

I know the 3rd gen IS will likely carry over the Nav from the GS with mouse button sorta looking similar to how BMW using a rotary ****. I'm not sure I will like that as much as the touch screen. I'm also sure it will grow in size and am afraid it won't be quite as fun to drive although that is just pure speculation on my part.

I'm almost tempted to get a 2012 instead of waiting for the 3rd gen, what are your thoughts? Has anyone liked it so much they just decided to buy another instead of waiting?

heyarms

iTrader: (5)

I know those probably aren't all your reasons, but I dont think headlights and USB constitute upgrade model year. I do, however agree that the IS still looks good on the road. I'd say just upgrade your headlights and get an adapter for the cig lighter, and surely anything else (except new gen NAV) you are envious of in new models you can upgrade to.

Now if it's a lease is up issue, then yes, get a new on

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

for the USB ipod interface you can do a Vais Tech ML + unless you dont have NAV, I added the side mirrors from the 09+, upgraded tails and im considering doing the head lights. Other than that I think the changes are really not the big for me to "trade up" considering getting the 3IS ISF if not i will be moving to the new 4GS Fsport

iRock

iTrader: (12)

I've had an 07 250, 09 250, now my current '11 350 f sport I upgraded because I was bored and really love the way the 2IS looks and all the reasons you posted.

Fizzboy7

Don't get caught up in the day. The 3GS will most certainly be a big upgrade over the 2GS. Be patient.

raptor22

had an 09 250 AWD, then traded in for '11 350 F-Sport because i couldn't resist. If I really like the 3IS, which i likely will, i'd seriously consider it as an additional car (if i end up keeping my 350) or replacement. Word is the 3IS won't be shown or released till early 2013 as a 2014 model, and considering that i'll probably wait till 2nd model year, (and definitely wait for the real coupe if there's one), it works out for me.

In your case, i think it depends on how long you keep your car. As said, the 3IS will most certainly be a big upgrade, so unless you end up hating how it looks, chances are you'll be tempted to upgrade. If you don't mind the possibility of trading in often like me, then get the '12. But if you tend to keep cars for long term like 5+ years, then just wait.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I has an '06 250 AWD and went though a couple cars since before getting my new leftover '10 7 months ago.Probably keep the '10 another year,maybe a year and a half.I don't keep cars long.
OP,I'd wait for the new generation '13 IS.No doubt it will be a much better IS.

Slash300zx

I did. Had an 08 and traded it in for an 11 but I didn't just traded for the year, my lease was almost up and I loved the F-sport when I saw it so I got an F-sport and went from a 250 to a 350... next upgrade hopefully will be to an IsF

Bichon

I'm sticking with my '06. I'm in the flat part of the depreciation curve now, with a car that looks as good and runs as well as it did the day I drove it off the dealer's lot in December 2005. The fact that my car still looks fresh and contemporary after six years is a good reason to keep it. Replacing it with a car that looks nearly the same but will lose thousands in depreciation in the first few years in order to get a few minor refinements just doesn't make sense to me.

RastaRacer

iTrader: (5)

I had a 2010 and traded for a 2011 bcuz I had to have those led headlights.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

same here, im pretty surprised how much value my 06 45k miles still has left. But theres no other car out there for 25k that can replace this.

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

i have a '11 IS250, always kicking myself not getting the 350 instead. i almost traded it in for a '12 IS350 F-Sport last week, but i just couldn't justify the additional payment for a new car which redesign is only months away.

stanjohn12

I just sat in the latest 4th gen GS today and tried fiddling with the new scroll joystick , I'm not impressed at all In fact I hated it , I really wish they don't include it in the 3rd Gen IS .

The interiors looked almost like a BMW except for the Bamboo wood which was ok to look at. In a lot of reviews people say that the new GS out handles even a Bimmer. I guess Lexus is taking the BMW route , I just do hope they didn't screw up in the reliability of the car.

It would be better to go for the 2nd year model of any new gen car until you hear about the long term ownership reports.