kenne74

Ok i have a small dilemia. I'm looking to purchase a IS350 sport package with Nav in the NE for $41,500 basically $1500 off MSRP. Or i can get an IS350 luxury package with Nav and ML (west coast) for $42,000 $2000 off MSRP but i will have to pay shipping cost $800.

So my question is do i really need the ML package if i mainly just listen to sat radio? I have ML package in my 400h with sat and we all know the music is compressed, so the sound quality suffers a bit. My wife listened to the radio with and without the ML and she noticed a difference ( i haven't had time to try them both) which concerns me because she hardly noticed things like that. I doubt i need the ML package but just thought i would get some thoughts from others. Also do those prices sound legit?

Thanks,

Ken

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Prices sound good.

As for the ML situation, I suggest you get it if it will end up only $300 more. You get better sound quality, not just for radio, but for when you get CDs and play DVDs.

Good luck with your purchase. Keep us informed!

nois3504me

on a regular radio that is FM and AM, I dont think you will. But on SAT radio i think the quality is equivalent to CD so yes you should be able to tell the difference in sound quality.

Lem144

The price difference he has is $1300, not $300.

I listened to both ML and non-ML back to back and you can definitely tell the difference especially with bass. In the ML, bass is clear from the subwoofer, coming from the back while in the non-ML the bass is muffled and was most prominent from the front sides. I ordered ML.

You also need to decide if you want Sport or Luxury package. I drove the sport 350 and the ride is harsh. That may be a bigger deal than ML or non ML to you, since you say you really dont care for ML.

yellowssm

ML is a must for me. Plus I rather have a Lux than a sport.

Langdell

In audio, every link in the chain is going to have some effect on sound quality. All other things being equal, better quality in one part of the chain will mean better sound. As applied to this situation, this principle means that satellite radio played through an ML system (i.e., through the ML preamp, amp, and speakers) is going to sound better than satellite radio played through the stock system.

Whether the price difference is worth it to you depends on your own preferences.

antics22

Don't forget! The ML is the only way to go if you ever plan on watching DVD's now or in the future using the factory unit... With its in-dash 6-disc changer, you can put a mix of CD's and DVD's into the same slot and it will know and read the media accordingly... Well worth it in my opinion as some have had buyers remorse for not getting the ML...

kenne74

I wanna thank everyone for their advice. After searching thru the boards i have decided to get the ML on my car. I turned down the $41,500 today and will be searching for other dealers that might offer a better or similar price. Think i might try Steveson Lexus in Colorado and Lexus of Portland as well.


Thanks again. Time to start dealer shopping........


Ken

ecr527

I had the same dilemna when I was buying my IS. I figured I'd better get the ML rather than save a few bucks then regret the fact that I didn't get it later on. I'm planning on getting XM for my car in the near future, so it's good to hear that ML actually makes a difference in sound quality of XM. I have an aftermarket set up in my other car and XM still sounds flat.

kenne74

Well i finally ordered my car last night. Bought a black/black Lux, Nav/ML 18" with rear spoiler for 40,273 out the door. Still have to pay shipping but i feel i got a good deal. Almost purchased the sport but the dealer was taking forever to get back to me 40k out the door. I figured both cars are roughly the same and if i feel the need to upgrade the suspension i will. Still trying to get the dealer to sell me the sirius kit for cost.


Should have my car in 2 weeks. Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Congratulations!

Do the Nav hack as soon as you get it. You'll benefit more out of the DVD player and all the Nav/audio controls. It's worth it!