Dec 15, 2014, 04:08 PM
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Buyer's Guide to Used Lexus 2nd Gen IS Models (merged buying advise threads)
Sounds like I'll have to get used to it.. I like the way BMW does it where once you hit redline, it just shifts up.. But that's just me... I remember racing an IS350 with my 05 LS430 a few years ago - and it was the first time I'd went all-out and raced - and as soon as I hit redline, the car just bogged out and I looked ridiculous. 
Otherwise, enjoy the future purchase if you decide to pull the trigger.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,099
Likes: 118
From: Southeastern PA
If you are buying this car for the sport shift, you are making a mistake. The paddle/sport shift sucks. All it does is lock out the upper gears. So, for example, if you put the sport shift in "4" and do nothing else, you will be driving around as if you had a 4 speed automatic.
I only use it when it snows to lock out higher gears.
And, if you want ML--special order. There is no reason to immediately be disappointed with a car you just spent $40G on. Some dealers will tell you they won't discount a special order, but with a little more leg work, you will find a dealer that will discount the same as a car on the lot.
I only use it when it snows to lock out higher gears.
And, if you want ML--special order. There is no reason to immediately be disappointed with a car you just spent $40G on. Some dealers will tell you they won't discount a special order, but with a little more leg work, you will find a dealer that will discount the same as a car on the lot.
They're not shifters, they simply set an upper gear limit.
If you're racing, where you want to floor the gas and accelerate as quickly as possible, you'd just put the car in D.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Yeah, give it a try and see for yourself. If you're going to let the car stretch its legs a bit, though, its better to leave the upshifting to the auto. I'd like to say I have fair tolerance for some of the quirks of the car, but timing the upshifts manually isn't one of them.
Otherwise, enjoy the future purchase if you decide to pull the trigger.
Otherwise, enjoy the future purchase if you decide to pull the trigger.
If you are buying this car for the sport shift, you are making a mistake. The paddle/sport shift sucks. All it does is lock out the upper gears. So, for example, if you put the sport shift in "4" and do nothing else, you will be driving around as if you had a 4 speed automatic.
I only use it when it snows to lock out higher gears.
And, if you want ML--special order. There is no reason to immediately be disappointed with a car you just spent $40G on. Some dealers will tell you they won't discount a special order, but with a little more leg work, you will find a dealer that will discount the same as a car on the lot.
I only use it when it snows to lock out higher gears.
And, if you want ML--special order. There is no reason to immediately be disappointed with a car you just spent $40G on. Some dealers will tell you they won't discount a special order, but with a little more leg work, you will find a dealer that will discount the same as a car on the lot.
When I raced the IS350, I owned (and was driving at the time) an 05 LS430 - so I had no paddles... It was the first time I ever really pushed the LS so I had no idea what would happen if I left it in sequential mode and just floored it...
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: KS
the ML system also allows u to play DVDs. I thought the ML system is 7.1 set up not 5.1?
I have nav w/o the ML and i'm happy with it and I dont think its a FAIL. BUT, i would recommend to get a car with the ML set up if you are really particular about your music. As for me, the regular stock system works for me.
I have nav w/o the ML and i'm happy with it and I dont think its a FAIL. BUT, i would recommend to get a car with the ML set up if you are really particular about your music. As for me, the regular stock system works for me.
Don't have experience with the nonML has mine has it and the one I test drove does. I like my ML but the sound diference wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. The integration would be. My system works excellently with my iPhone (which isn't officially supported for music) and the touch screen sat and nav are one of the main reasons I went with this other than another BMW product (335i or MINI S).
As to the 5.1 versus 7.1. My convertible is 5.1, the sedans are 7.1. There's not room in my drop top for the other two speakers.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,998
Likes: 249
From: California
When I'm in manual mode and floor it, the rpm's race up as if I was in auto mode. However, this only happens if I really punch it. At partial throttle in manual mode, nothing really happens beyond what that "gear" is capable of doing (there's no kickdown).
For agressive passing or when you need speed asap, I find being in auto mode gets me the power fastest.
For agressive passing or when you need speed asap, I find being in auto mode gets me the power fastest.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 7
From: Windward, Oahu
paddles are for fun in the twisties and to downshift for 'rolling from...' races to get the car in the right gear then once you punch it you put it back to auto. Straight line races from a stop you leave the car in auto.
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Pole Position
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: ca
well the dealer will charge you more. the ipod kit is 246 from sewell and they have a 10% discount code. so with shipping you are looking at 230ish. and dealer will always rape you on labor.
Only thing I'm aware of that changes actual shift behavior is the ECT-Power/ECT-Snow/ECT-Normal switch... (and for a drag race ECT-Normal is the fastest mode... ECT-Power really only shows any benefit in part-throttle or on/off gas driving).
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Oh, and I bought the iPod integration kit from Bestbuy and installed it myself in about 30 minutes. It's probably not the best product out there, but it was cheap, and it does everything I need it to do, choose by playlist, album, artist, etc. Shows track names and artist names.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: VA
Thinking of selling Vette and getting IS350 - need advice
So guys I love my c5 corvette coupe but it's unreliable and in the shop several times a year. Thinking of getting a higher milage (70K plus) IS350 with all options. Can you educate me on what i stand to gain or lose? The guys on the vette site have no love for Lexus. I do happen to own a LS430 and love it. Main thing i am looking for is reliability and more practicality than my vette. Any wisdom or advice appreciated...
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: CA
I think the C5 are nice... You'll definitely have more reliability though with the IS. Maybe comfort also =] But it won't be as fast as the vette =[ ...
Good luck with your decision... keep the vette for weekend thing =]
Good luck with your decision... keep the vette for weekend thing =]
Toyoto are very realiable cars, even the expensive ones, aka Lexus. One of my family still have driving an old 150,000 miles GS without a problem.
Last edited by Initial_K; Jul 16, 2010 at 01:20 PM.