2007 Lexus IS 350
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You are currently reading a thread in /o/ - Auto
Just upgraded to one of these from a 2001 Civic. Really enjoying it so far, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss driving manual at times. What things do I have to look forward to in its ownership? Make me feel good about my purchase :-P
After two days, this is my assessment:
THE GOOD
>Clean, attractive exterior styling
>Cabin is a nice place to be
>Decent visibility by modern standards
>Pretty damn quick
THE BAD
>Automatic only :-(
>Limited headroom (I'm only 5'10")
>Exhaust note is nothing to write home about
>Anxiety from actually caring what happens to my car now
>>14838840
>What things do I have to look forward to in its ownership?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtvxRLLzU_I
>>14838893
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj3XJnrM-J4
>>14838840
>Dat Lexus service center
Should be treated like a boss. At Honda dealerships you're forced to interact with some pregnant 19 year-old receptionist with an attitude problem.
>>14838840
>implying /o/ knows anything about Lexus
>>14838840
Ayyyy another ISfag. Pic related is mine.
>>14839036
This. Lexus service is top notch.
>>14838840
You did well anon. Not the greatest car, or even Lexus, but it's very solid all around for a DD if you like that size vehicle. It's fun, practical, and reliable.
>>14838893
What the hell was that guy in the Vette doing? Should've won, plus he didn't even pass the Z till late. Must have just been a shitty launch.
>>14839828
Oooh, nice. The interiors on those newer ones are awesome. Also see you got that AWD!
Speaking of which, should my 2007 be alright in the winter with traction control and "snow" button? This is my first RWD car.
>>14839828
>Lexus service is top notch.
If I wear one of my golf hats, will they think I'm someone important? Lol
>>14840029
I sued to drive an IS before I got my current GS. The awd & traction control are good to have in winter but the most important thing is the tires- either top tier A/S tires or preferably good winter tires.
>>14838840
>not buying a Lexus LS
>>14839036
Lexus service is by far the best dealership I've ever been to. I always feel like they're actually glad to have me there and I always leave with a smile. 10/10
>>14840222
Complimentary car wash every time, and my dealer has a grill going from late morning through early afternoon, so free burgers, grilled chicken & other grill stuff. I actually don't mind gong there.
>>14840222
In a situation where they'd need to keep my ride overnight, what kind of loaner cars do they typically provide?
>>14840268
I miss BMW loaner cars. I used to bring in my old E34 on Friday afternoon for service(can't pick it up till Monday!), and they'd give me a brand new X3 or X5 for the weekend.
>>14840290
Do they give you a choice, or is it just random?
>>14840268
My wife has been driving Lexus forever, all RX models. She has had ES, IS and RX loaners.
>>14840310
My dealer service reps ask what loaner you want out of what's available.
>>14840310
They had a pool of dedicated loaners, I got my pick of what was available. If the loaners were all checked out already, they'd rent me a nicer car from the Enterprise up the street.
>>14840290
>Friday afternoon for service(can't pick it up till Monday!)
Lol. You can do this on purpose to try out the new models? Awesome.
>>14840216
I'm only really familiar with IS and RX. Haven't checked out the others.
That being said, I'm enjoying my IS.
>>14840222
This. I only go to buy parts but it's still a nice experience. The dealer in Cerritos has fancy little sandwiches with toothpicks in them and Lexus water bottles for the customers
>>14838840
Actually totalled tf out of one of these. Got a good insurance check but I'm under 18 so now it's just retarded prices. Loved it. Pros >immense power (NA wise) >legendary reliability
Cons >premium gas but you're probably not too poor if you own one of these.
I'm actually driving an Audi a4 now I love it.
>>14840860
>but you're probably not too poor if you own one of these
I bought it with roughly 72k miles, so it didn't really break the bank. Got a pretty good deal.
I have yet to fill up the tank for the first time.
>>14840870
Never forget it's a glorified Jetta
>>14840883
Yea I got one for $10k actually haha so good deals on Lexus.
>>14840888
>tfw been driving for 10 years and still suck at backing into spaces
thinking about getting one in the 75000mi (120,000km) range
do they go far with basic maintenance?
>>14840897
I almost bought one with high miles, but this one randomly popped up on Cars.com one morning. Drove down to that dealer like a savage and snatched it up. Apparently two other dudes were already working out financing, but I beat them to it :-)
Feels good.
>>14840870
>now I love it
Wait till you'll face some maintenance bills. God may help you if you are not from yuropoor or can't wrench on it.
What model is yours. I've got myself a totally simple 2.0 na, no tarbo, no quattro bullshit
>What can go wrong
>waterpump cracks, whole front has to be removed to change it
I'm not touching any vag car in the future. The newer ones are even worse.
>>14840888
Nigga please....it's a glorified passat.
>>14840912
I think these 3.5L engines are pretty proven and reliable. Are new IS 350's still using the same engine?
>>14840912
Yes
>>14840899
Even with a back up cam :^)
>>14840928
Same shite famiglia
>>14840928
If it's anything like the C5 A6, the front can be removed in about 15 minutes. Remove three bolts on each side in front of the wheel well, clip off the headlight washer hoses and that's pretty much it
It seems intimidating when you're reading the instructions but it is stupid simple
>>14840944
what about the 250
>>14841010
Reliable I think, but not particularly quick. Still a nice car. Especially if you need AWD.
>>14841010
Not fast enough for the price IMHO but very smooth. Ideal for a new driver. 350 is much faster though.
>>14841020
I figure 200 hp RWD with nice leather interior trumps a slightly newer corolla or civic, in terms of driving pleasure
>>14841037
Oh, yeah. It's a nice car for sure. Some people just complain about the power. I'd test drive it and see what you think.
>>14840944
>Are new IS 350's still using the same engine?
I would assume so since power hasn't changed
>>14841010
>>14841037
One thing to consider is that you can't turn off traction control on 2006 models. If you care about this, go for '07 or newer.
>>14839960
Yeah but the Lexus 0-60 is underrated. Advertised as 5.5, but I've seen people on YouTube running anywhere from 4.7 to 5.
>>14841101
This. Traction control is particularly intrusive on 2nd gen IS and saps power. If you want max performance, go for 2007 and up where you can turn it off.
>>14838840
>07 IS
Has your dashboard melted yet?
>>14842816
This.
Also get matched aftermarket pads and rotors, Lexus ones are soft and wear out quickly. Don't only get one, its either both OEM or both MATCHED aftermarket. Get harder tires or you'll be replacing them every 15k, Lexus likes its soft tires and the IS already wears the fuck out of them to begin with. Remember the front and back are different sizes. GET A DASH MAT.
>>14843013
>>14843033
>GET A DASH MAT
Serious? What is that bullshit...
>>14843153
Who cares. Just use a sun visor when parked for long periods of time. Problem solved.
>>14843153
You don't know?
The IS dashboards melt like fucking butter. Hope you live up north.
>>14838893
How is this possible? The ECU is totally locked in the second gen IS, so you can't make serious power out of the stock engine. So engine swap?
>>14840268
at lexus santa monica service center, they provide:
>15/16 RX
>14/15/15 Fsport (only 3 of them)/16/16 turbo IS
>14/15/16 ES and ES Hybrids
>15/16 NX
>14/15 CT
i recommend the 16 RX if you're going for the most up-to-date.
if you want to save gas to avoid the gas fee, request an ES hybrid (not sure if we have 16 ES Hybrid models)
alternatively, you can ask to be dropped off and picked up from a destination via shuttle
there is a $5 per gallon fee if you don't return the loaner with the same amount of gas you left with. I'm not sure how long you can keep the loaner though, so you're better off asking your service advisor or the cashiers. the valets that greet you will ask for a yellow slip and will check for damage on the car, gas and miles returned with.
no one really wants a CT loaner so if you ask for one it's prob gonna be dirty since all of them just sit in the back.
on certain fridays of every month, there is customer appreciation day. there is free food, drinks, shoe shining and pedicure service.
every day, cookies are baked and really really good. theres soda in a fridge under the coffee dispensing machine.
>>14843233
The Vette should have one, but IS 350 is perfectly capable of beating 350Z. I've seen numerous videos of Z's getting spanked.
>>14843249
>one
*won
>>14843153
>>14843229
>>14843201
IS models with melting dashboards are due for a replacement dash recall.
HS have recalls having to due with a gas hose or some shit.
16 RX models have a knee airbag replacer recall
IS and GS of the same year as the ones that have melted dashboards also have recalls that i can't remember
certain older RX have a recall as well
if you have received any notice in the mail, a call or email from a dealer or have a melting dashboard of a car listed above, check your service center because these are free services (mostly).
if you happen to be going to the lexus santa monica service center and you're taking it in for a recall service, feel free to take it in with a near empty gas tank because your car will be filled up with chevron 91 gas complimentary to the service.
>>14843378
Since I just bought my 2007 IS, will I be getting the recall notice in the mail?
>>14843398
could take a while (some customers get it months later).
its best to just go to your service center so they can search the vin of your IS and give you your options or, even better, use this site
http://www.toyota.com/recall
>>14843474
Yeah I'll just make sure to use a sun visor in the meantime.
>>14843378
>IS and GS of the same year
Nigga I see melted to fuck dashes on IS '01 to '09
>>14843398
Dont count on getting that recall done any time soon. It's been a issue FOREVER, and we only JUST NOW started receiving dashboards.
>>14843634
Well, good to know. I'll be taking preventative measures. Mine currently looks fine at 72k miles.
>>14841010
There is nothing to recommend the 250 over the 350.... even fuel economy is the same. I suppose the insurance on a 250 might be lower...
>>14845190
>Mine currently looks fine at 72k miles.
...and the previous owner drove it in Austin, TX. It gets hot as FUCK down there.
>>14845202
Mostly, yes. Only thing I can really think of is if he lives in an area where he needs AWD. IS 350 didn't offer that until later on.
>>14840888
>Jetta
>drives an altezza with a souped up afterthought thrown into engine bay
Lexus service is top notch.
You can look forward to an engine tear down to replace pistons and rings if it hasn't been done already.
>>14845266
Same guy here.
Seriously how has nobody mentioned the piston ring bulletin yet? Oil consumption and misfire/check engine light on cold start.
IS350 gets pistons and rings to correct the issue, IS250 gets rings only. It's only first couple year models of the car. By 2008 or 2009 I believe, they corrected the problem in production.
>>14845302
Just talked with my friend who's a tech at Lexus. The issue extended deep into 2008. Lexus extended the warranty for the problem. Check service history, if it hasn't been done yet, get rid of it. That's his advice.
>>14845302
I do have the Carfax, so I could check now if I wasn't so lazy... But is it likely the previous owner already delt with this? (72k miles)
200 killer wasps
>>14843233
>What is standalone ECU
>>14840888
>>14840965
Dat yours? Jelly as fuck. Pre or post 2010 suspension update? How is it to daily?
>>14843634
Oops, you're right. I put year instead of make.
>>14843634
>we only JUST NOW started receiving dashboards
You mean Lexus is getting IS dashboards which can withstand more heat? Would this be a free recall, or have to pay for it?
>>14845236
Mad my 5 liter Lexus sporty shitbox blows the S line out of the water?
>>14845547
Yeah it's a 12 so its factory suspension is Bilstein. It's pretty good so far
>>14845433
I'm not sure if that would show up on the carfax. Best luck is to call a lexus dealer and have them check the lexus service database, which they'll do for free.
If they were meticulously maintained, it could have made it that far without the issue presenting itself. Lexus tech friend said it's only a matter of time, pistons had a design flaw and will carbon up eventually.
Make no mistake, I'm not bullshitting you. It's a bad problem. Call Lexus and get some more information. If it's been done, great, no worries. If not, you'd better look into getting it covered somehow or get rid of the car.
>>14845962
I think my next big service is at 90k mil. Should I just wait till then, or have them check it out immediately?
This is what sucks about the internet. One guy tells me it's a super reliable car, while another tells me the engine is gonna blow up.
>>14846054
250s blow
350s go
I want to buy a 2002-2005 Lexus. What should I go for?
IS300 is what I want currently but what about ES and LS classes?
>>14847270
An IS300 is going to cost the most out of that generation of Lexuses. They're great cars, but finding an unmolested or a manual IS300 takes a some time. They suffer from ricer/2jz tax worse than S2ks, but not as bad as an RSX. Really good cars, though.
If you want a 2jz Lexus you could look around for a GS300. They usually run cheaper than IS300s. You could get a V8 GS400/430 for the price of an IS300.
Otherwise, LS are always a good choice for a comfy cruiser. Super reliable and super comfy.
The ES series uses the same platform as the Toyota Avalon. They're reliable and comfy, but still FWD.
>>14847426
Thanks for the input anon.
>>14838840
Here you go
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/611266-2is-faq-frequently-asked-questions-and-diy-thread.html
your "new" car is coming up on 10 years old. sucks when you look at it that way.
>>14848829
Okay... What's the point of your comment?
>>14848829
And why did you put "new' in quotes as if I ever claimed it was a brand new car?
>>14848829
Tbh I like the older gen better. We have a new 3IS 250 and if we didn't order the new model 3 then I would have gone for the turbo 3IS. But in terms of "IS350" the second gen was much quicker.
>>14840251
That grill sounds pretty cool. My lexus dealership has a batista that will make you any drink you want. Pretty much a better version of starbucks.
>>14847270
I own an 06 ES330. I love it. It's super comfortable and the interior looks great if you get tan with no nav and perforated leather. Cooled seats are the shit. The LS is a great choice as well. I went with the ES because a 1 owner 80k mile one with all the service completed at the lexus dealership became availabe. Really you can't go wrong with an ES or LS. I would recommend getting an 04+ LS and an 05+ ES for the facelift. Don't get an 07+ ES because the interior is dogshit.
>>14845998
Check it NOW. That way you can make your decision to keep the car or not. I'm a technician for Infiniti, and part of a large auto group. I frequently chit chat and talk with the Lexus techs at our lexus store across the street (where my friend is at).
I'm not some random person who had a bad experience with a lexus once. I have information from Lexus techs who have done shit tons of piston jobs on them. Do sone research about the piston issue, it's pretty serious.
Video on piston issue. There are threads everywhere about it.
https://youtu.be/sK2C0itdIDI
>>14849385
Any idea how much the fix is? And does it fix it for good?
>>14849462
It does fix it for good. Its roughly 30 hours of labor, plus parts. I think lexus bills at $150/hour. Parts will be a grand bare minimum. So you're looking at $5500 minimum right there.
Don't freak out, check the service history first and go from there. If it ls been done, put it out of your mind. Youre fine. If it hasn't, see if your car is still covered for the issue if it happens. It won't be authorized unless they have misfire data, so it must be acting up to get new pistons.
Now, if you're out of coverage and it hasn't been done...sell it while it's still running good. Hate to tell you that, but it's better to know now.
>>14849591
Damn. I planned to keep the car for at least 3-4 years. Seems to be running fine now, so I guess I'll just start budgeting for the fix in case it pops up. Best case scenario, it lasts the four years and I can dump it on someone else.
Just FYI, I don't put many miles on my cars. My commute is pretty much nonexistent.
is it a bad idea to get an is350 with 100k+ miles
>>14850092
>toyota with 100k miles
>an issue
>>14849790
From what I've read you can do a top engine clean to clean up the carbon to aleviate the symptoms temporarily if it does pop up. I'm not sure how true that is. It will carbon back up eventually though.
>>14840899
>get a proper grandpa buick
>try to park it several times
>shitty every time
>back up once
>perfect
>>14850092
It should be fine. Just look for obvious signs of abuse and check service history etc.
I'm sure there are people who have their IS over 200,000 miles.
>>14852775
>I'm sure there are people who have their IS over 200,000 miles.
Guy who brought up the dash issue here. There are. A lot of them.
It wont last quite as long as the rest of the lineup will, (IS is generally the shoddiest of the bunch, started out as an even LOWER level model than the ES before they made it a cheap go-kart for rich people to buy their kids, subsequently almost every one i see has been trashed and has a busted windshield) but we're still talking about a Toyota vehicle here. I've seen IS of every generation with insane mileage, as well as some crazy low mileages.
>'94 SC 300, MANUAL, 45k miles just last week in pristine fucking condition
>'98 LS, 20 THOUSAND FUCKING MILES
>'03 IS, 50k
The one thing I love most about Lexus is you can find so many of them that belonged to an old as dirt fucker who never drives it, if you work at a dealership or look hard enough.
why are so many people buying lexus all of the sudden
they are way overpriced for the comfort and performance they give you
>>14854878
Performance, maybe. Comfort, hell fucking no.
Also there's the fact that they're about as reliable as old fucking faithful.
>>14854856
>cheap go-kart for rich people to buy their kids, subsequently almost every one i see has been trashed and has a busted windshield
Yeah... Because of this, I would definitely try to find one with only one previous owner if possible. Mine had two before me, but it seems to be alright so far.
>>14854901
the is 350 starts at
40,870 dollery doos
after tax your looking at 45k for a car that is medeocre in every way
seriously you could buy an NSX
or a 1999 corvette, a 2006 mercedes e55 amg, and a 1989 supercharged foxbody mustang
why on earth would you agree to pay so much money
>>14854878
>>14854901
I really like my IS. Quick and comfortable. Not sure what the issue is.
What should people be buying? Not trying to be a dick, just genuinely curious...
>>14854919
>NSX
>Corvette
>Mustang
These are all very different cars from what Lexus offers. Maybe that's just not what some people are looking for.
>>14854913
>Mine had two before me, but it seems to be alright so far.
That's the flip side. Maintenance is pretty simple on these and when something goes wrong the car will practically tell you itself, so it's kind of hard for someone who gives even a semblance of a fuck to FUBAR one.
Almost every IS 300 owner I've met that wasn't a spoiled rich kid loved their IS and babied the fuck out of it. I've had owners tell me they're not even upgrading when theirs finally goes, they're going back and getting another 300.
Generally my complaints about used IS are that they've all been smashed into things and the interior is trashed. If those aren't present you're usually good, just keep an eye on your tires and rotors, on the IS they really dont last long, since Lexus gave them soft rotors and pads. Staggered tires on most years means that on top of chewing through the generally soft tires you cant even rotate them. If you swap for aftermarket go all the way and get matched rotors and pads. Aftermarket pads + stock rotors is a no-no on any year IS. Get harder tires. You'll give up a little bit in ride quality but save on new tires.
>>14854919
you can get a second gen is350 under 20k with low miles
>>14854965
Yeah. Mine was $15k with pretty low miles.
>>14854919
>after tax your looking at 45k for a car that is medeocre in every way
have you even looked at the IS you're talking about? the new model is fucking baller
>seriously you could buy an NSX
>NSX
>$158,000
What the fuck are you smoking
>>14855012
>new model is fucking baller
It is. Only bummer is it's slightly slower than 2nd gen.
>What the fuck are you smoking
Not sure, but I think he was talking used NSX.
>>14855052
>he was talking used NSX.
Thats kinda my point, why the fuck would you ever compare the price of a new car to what you could buy used
For the price of that used NSX you could get an IS300 and bring that 2JZ up to full glory, with thousands left to do what the fuck ever, maybe even get yourself a second used Lexus.
>>14855123
Yeah yeah, I get you. I bought a used 350.
Inherited an 07 ES350.
It's a chill DD, but super comfy, heated/cooled seats, etc.
Body starting to show signs of age, minor hints of rust under front lip of the hood, paint chips, etc.
Added some blue-azz illegal DRLs and 8000K HIDs for some rice flavor :^)
