The rear backup camera is part of the Nav package, not the Park Assist. [page 25 of the dealer education brochure]

 

Yeah thats what I thought. Cool, thanks.

 

Has anyone been able to get their hands on the pricing for the dealer installed options such as the HKS exhaust, body kit, etc? I just got a call saying my car will be delivered tomorrow but I want to price out everything

 

erh, somewhat loaded? How the heck is IS350 w/o PCS somewhat loaded? It already has more options than base GS300 plus faster engine plus VDIM...

 

Ah, I said "somewhat" exactly because of the lack of the expensive PCS/ACC option, as well as the moonroof which when I made that post I thought wasn't included as a standard equipment (my bad).

 

Exactly! Can't please everyone unfortunately.

More cheese for those whining?

 

Make mine cheddar cheese please Seriously though, there is not a single car IMHO out there that can please everyone. Not even an Enzo Ferrari. No car is perfect so it should be expected that the IS come up short for some people while pleasing the others. After all it is just a car made for the masses and not for the individual. Too me, every car is a compromise. It's just a matter of who is willing to compromise more than others on a specific car, or turn to another car that they have to compromise less.

 

Okay, got an explantion from my sales guy on the price discrepancy between ML+Nav (option code VN) versus Nav (NV) and ML (ML) separately.

NV option is just straight nav and backup camera - $2550 (pricey)
ML is availalble for order separately. However, it only includes a 6 disc CD changer WITHOUT DVD-Audio/DVD-Video/DTS/Dolby Digital playback - hence it is just the amp/speaker upgrade, double hence the sub $1K option price.

If you get the VN option - the system is upgraded to include a 6 disc DVD changer with DVD-A/V, DTS, and Dolby Digital playback ability and hence the ~$500 cost increase.

Now the only question remains - If you don't care about playing DVD-Audio discs or watching DVD movies in your car, will Lexus allow you to special order a car with NV and ML, as opposed to the more pricey VN option? Personally, I don't think I would ever do that, but I am seriously considering going the ML only route at this point to keep the car under 40K.

 

Thanks for that info. Makes sense.

On another note, is it possible to get just the Premium Luxury Package (Wood + heated/ventilated seats, estimated at $1000)?

IMO, the wood substantially increases the look of the interior. Without it, the interior looks like any other car, especially without the screen.

 

damn my DVD-audio addiction! thought i could save a bundle

 

That can't be true. I recalled watching the short video clip provided by Flipside909, that the ML system could play DVD movies such as Star Wars.

 

the Park Assist is different from the rear view camera.
The park assist shows you a diagram of the car in the navigation screen and shows how close you get to an object from the front left/right corners, and front. and the same in the back. You have to go to the park assist menu in the navi first. Atleast thats what its like in the new GS.

 

In the IS the park assist shows a little outline in the right top corner of the nav with lighted area's depending how close you are. No need to hit any menu buttons.

 

You have to initiate the PA. That's what the button on the steering wheel is for.

Lexus Intuitive Parking Assist (IS 350/IS 250 RWD & AWD)
• Uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles at the front, rear and
corners of the vehicle; informs driver of obstacle detection via the
multi-information display, the 7-inch multi-display or by sounding
a buzzer

 

That's why it could play the Return of the Jedi DVD in the video. It also had the logos on the stereo for DVD-A/V DTS, etc.