eric618

Hey guys. My first post here...

I'm planning on replacing my G37 with an IS, and I found a great one fairly close to me. It's an IS350, with Nav, Luxury Package, and Mark Levinson. It's got 63,888 miles on it. It's super clean, inside and out. Clean Carfax with most service documented. There is one problem...

Nav screen doesn't work. it's on, but doesn't respond to touch prompts. I know it's a fairly common problem (especially in hot climates. I'm in Arizona). I am pretty mechanically inclined, and can replace the digitizer myself. Is this problem *definitely* a digitizer issue, or can the nav brain be dead. A few hundred bucks to repair is one thing. A few thousand is something totally different.

The car is listed at just under 19k. That is under KBB. Should I go ahead and pull the trigger, with the hopes I can fix the nav issue for cheap?

Also, ANY other known issues I should be aware of? I haven't seen anything documented. I know earlier Lexus' had transmission issues, but this one seems pretty solid, from what I've read. Any input you guys could provide would be VERY appreciated. THANKS in advance!!

smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

There is a massive thread regarding the navigation issue. You can find it here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...n-fix-diy.html

Some people are able to fix it with that DIY. But a lot of people weren't able to. They were able to fix the problem by purchasing a new screen. They run about $400 from some Chinese website.

If you bring this to the dealer to repair it would cost over $1500. So make sure you are able to repair this yourself before you purchase the car.

Another major problem is the airbag problem. Check this thread out:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ution-tsb.html

The solution posted in that thread was not able to fix my problem. Lexus had to tear down my whole dash and replace the whole harness and it cost about $2500-3000 to repair. Luckily I had my powertrain warranty when it happened and I didn't have to pay one cent.

BTW, why are you replacing your G37 with a IS350?

eric618

Thanks for your reply! The G37 is a lease, that's up in the next month. Truth be told, I really don't like the Infiniti at all. It replaced an '06 TL, and (IMO), the TL was a much, MUCH better car. What the Infiniti has is gobs of power for a mid-level luxury car. Not much else. The nav sucks (compared to the Acura), the voice commands are minimal by comparison also. The Infiniti interior is a shell of far too much cheap looking plastic. Also, despite being seven years older, the Acura seemed to be more technologically advanced... Except for the iPod integration. The Lexus and the Acura seem pretty neck and neck in that regard.

I'm torn on this specific IS. There's no way to know if I *am* able to repair it myself. I know I can swap out the digitizer. But if it's the nav head unit, the parts alone are going to be pricey. I wouldn't know what it is specifically, until I get it apart.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Since the screen works, minus the touch part AND the surrounding buttons appear to work still, it'll just simply be replacing the digitizer OR getting a new LCD with the digitizer already on it. Honestly, the hardest part of the NAV unit removal is getting the vents directly above it out WITHOUT damaging the dashboard. Replacing the screen just just a bunch of small screws and disconnecting a couple of ribbons.

eric618

Thanks for your input. I'm going to go check out the car again tomorrow AM and possibly buy it.

smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

Why not look for another IS350 without that problem? If I was looking for a used car, I wouldn't want to deal with something like that. Removing the head unit is not easy for first timer. The vents are a real pain in the ***. I broke a few clips on it.

eric618

That's where I'm at. The dealer won't budge on the price, so I'm not interested. If he would have moved, I probably would have strongly considered. I've done similar dash work on other cars, so I'm not too concerned about the task. I just refuse to pay their listing price considering the issue.

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

What was the listed price? Do you have any other available IS350s in your area?

eric618

$18,888. None others without a million miles, unfortunately.

srt1

Forget about it. Offer him your asking price. If he refuses it then give him your # and tell him to call you when he;s ready to negotiate.. He'll call back. Don't stress over just one specific IS. Keep looking on the net.

eric618

Thanks! What would you consider fair price? Keep in mind it's very clean, loaded with ML and Luxury Package, and under 65k.

jtsimaras

Seems pricey but I think I'm comparing to a deal that I got which was really low. I purchased an 07 with Sport package and some other goodies minus navigation in october with 27500 miles (43500ks) for 20,000 canadian ( 18,000 us) .

eric618

Damn, that sounds like a steal!

Miqueaseli

Check out the classifieds a pearl white with 100k miles for 12500 car looks really nice

eric618

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lexus-vehicles-classifieds/779097-fs-2006-lexus-is350-sport-package-12-500-a.html

That does look nice!