Topic: Lexus IS350 20,000km Update

[rrocket]

I didn't realize until today that I've put 20,000kms on the IS350 already.  I've had it about 7 months.  So I thought I'd post up a little ownership update as others here have.  So what's it been like?  Quite good, actually.  It's a really easy car to live with day-to-day.  The seats are very comfy, the road manners excellent, and it's pretty decent on fuel.  It's required no maintenance save for oil (Amsoil 0W20 currently)  You can see my somewhat-diligent fuel log here:  I'm averaging about 9.7L/100kms, and my best is 7.8L/100km.  I'm generally not easy on the gas pedal, so it's even more impressive IMO  http://www.fuelly.com/driver/rrocket/is350

What I like:

--Everything wears very, very well.  Interior and exterior are holding up incredibly well, and most people are shocked to know I have 150,000+kms on it.
--Cooled Seats are great
--Stereo is very good.  13 speakers.  Plus you can optimize sound at the touch of a button for Driver, Front, Rear or All.
--The engine is darn near perfect.  Tons of power (well not compared to what I'm used to, but..)  I want a bit more, and hopefully a new set of headers that's on the market will put me at 300RWHP.  I'm in the 280s now.
--The keyless system is the best in the business IMO.  Once the keyfob is in your pocket, you never have to touch it for anything.  As you approach the car, the proximity sensor lights up the puddle lights.  You merely touch the door handle to unlock the car and press the starter button to go.  This is very, very convenient and the way all keyless systems should be.
--Massive brakes (334mm) with great stopping power.
--Great handling balance between luxury and sport.

What I don't like:

Hmmmm....not too much.

--Just got my recall notice to replace the valve springs.  No biggie IMO.  They included a $250 coupon for detailing, maintenance or items from the Lexus Collection.  And they also included a $1500 coupon off the purchase of our next Lexus...which Import Queen has already said she's using on the CT200H.
--I want more power. 
--I've had 2 rattles which I have to fix, but both were caused by removing panels.  The door skin was removed by window tinter which resulted in a rattle and I removed a kick panel to put in my throttle controller.  I've fixed the kick panel rattle, but have yet to do the door panel rattle.  I think if the interior of the IS wasn't so quiet, I wouldn't notice the door rattle.  It's pretty quiet.
--Clips that hold the engine beauty panels in place seem to break easily.  But I've had the panels off many times already, so I'm not sure if they were designed to last that long.  The dealership has given me free ones anytime I've asked for them.
--Had to replace keyfob battery, which wasn't available from anywhere except dealer.  CR1632 battery.  Cost was $3.75

That's about it really.  It's been a fun car that hasn't had any problems that put me out any real money.  Here's hoping for another easy 20,000kms!

[sailor723]

Sounds like it's treating you very well. (as is the local dealer)   Refresh my memory...what year is the car?

[Weexy]

Nice - the dealer is treating you well.  Did you buy from that dealer or privately?

[Julie]

Having sat in (and drag raced!) rrocket's car, I thought it was about 60K (I estimated based on its age) before he told me what the real mileage was. 

   was my reaction.

No rattles or squeaks; this is one solid car. 

Motor is a jewel.

[rrocket]

Nice - the dealer is treating you well.  Did you buy from that dealer or privately?

Dealer.  Car is a 2006.

[Weexy]

Having sat in (and drag raced!) rrocket's car, I thought it was about 60K (I estimated based on its age) before he told me what the real mileage was. 

   was my reaction.

No rattles or squeaks; this is one solid car. 

Motor is a jewel.

I would never have suspected you of such hooliganish behaviour Julie!   

[rrocket]

Having sat in (and drag raced!) rrocket's car, I thought it was about 60K (I estimated based on its age) before he told me what the real mileage was. 

   was my reaction.

No rattles or squeaks; this is one solid car. 

Motor is a jewel.

I would never have suspected you of such hooliganish behaviour Julie!   

I had to twist her arm a bit....but she got it done!!!  Even have pics to prove!!

[Weexy]

Nice - the dealer is treating you well.  Did you buy from that dealer or privately?

Dealer.  Car is a 2006.

Cool - i'd seriously consider a CPO IS350, especially considering your dealer treatment.  
  

[Weexy]

I had to twist her arm a bit....but she got it done!!!  Even have pics to prove!!


Ah, yes I recall that now... I had visions in my head of you going mano a mano (ok, mano a womano  ) with her in the BMW!

[vdk]

Don't you get bored at tracks Ron? I mean it always goes like this: Green - Mash throttle - Brake. Sounds like Toronto rush hour to me.

[rrocket]

Don't you get bored at tracks Ron? I mean it always goes like this: Green - Mash throttle - Brake. Sounds like Toronto rush hour to me.

It's NEVER boring to win!!     And I don't just go to race...I go to hang out with other car nuts, listen to some BIG engines, see some cool machinery.  And there are plenty of nuances and things you have to do to get the car to hook, time the lights, not break out of your bracket (if in that class).  If it was as easy as just mashing the throttle, I'd come home with the win paycheck every time.  And it's also not the only type of racing I do.  On a Friday night, it's merely the cheapest ($20).

Let me know anytime you want to go to the track and try for yourself.....

What about you...done a track day yet of any type on the bike?

[carcrazy]

Having sat in (and drag raced!) rrocket's car, I thought it was about 60K (I estimated based on its age) before he told me what the real mileage was. 

   was my reaction.

No rattles or squeaks; this is one solid car. 

Motor is a jewel.

I would never have suspected you of such hooliganish behaviour Julie!   

I had to twist her arm a bit....but she got it done!!!  Even have pics to prove!!

Twist her arm to drag-race your car? You wouldn't have to do that to me...

[vdk]

Don't you get bored at tracks Ron? I mean it always goes like this: Green - Mash throttle - Brake. Sounds like Toronto rush hour to me.

It's NEVER boring to win!!     And I don't just go to race...I go to hang out with other car nuts, listen to some BIG engines, see some cool machinery.  And there are plenty of nuances and things you have to do to get the car to hook, time the lights, not break out of your bracket (if in that class).  If it was as easy as just mashing the throttle, I'd come home with the win paycheck every time.  And it's also not the only type of racing I do.  On a Friday night, it's merely the cheapest ($20).

Let me know anytime you want to go to the track and try for yourself.....

What about you...done a track day yet of any type on the bike?

Maybe I'll take the 250 before I sell it. Should be fun.

[Flinter]

Thanks for passing along your thoughts on the IS350 so far.

I'm glad to hear that it is living up to the Lexus reputation for reliability, luxury, great customer service, and in the case of the IS350, power & sporty driving.

I've been a big fan of the IS for a while now and I did test drive the IS250 during my recent "what car" experience. I was really impressed with the IS250 it terms of value, standard features, interior and exterior styling and it handled quite nicely too. However, as you had warned me, I felt a little underwhelmed by the 2.5L engine (not much low end torque). I also found the clutch in the manual sample I drove to be a little vague and spongy in feel.

The IS350 with 300hp on tap certainly does not have the same issues at its' little brother. The fuel economy you are getting is very impressive. After our toasty summer, those cooled seats sound pretty sweet too.

Here's to hoping that the great ownership experience continues. 

[DockMan]

It is one classy but understated looking car in the flesh. It sounds great too.

[mmret]

In all my hypothetical car dreaming I keep coming back to a used IS350 as being nearly ideal. Good to hear you're liking yours.

[Turbo Bob]

In all my hypothetical car dreaming I keep coming back to a used IS350 as being nearly ideal. Good to hear you're liking yours.

I agree, if only they did a manual!

[Ontariodriver]

So it's as good as an Echo. 

[mmret]

In all my hypothetical car dreaming I keep coming back to a used IS350 as being nearly ideal. Good to hear you're liking yours.

I agree, if only they did a manual!

It needs radar guided cruise with traffic-creep mode IMO
Have different priorities