Q1 - Is there a way to configure the power rear window shade to stay up all the time (unless retracted with the button)? Right now, when I put the car in reverse, it goes down...then back up once the car is put in Drive.

With a backup camera, mirrors and the ability to see through the thing, I don't really see a reason for it to be going up and down all the time. Just a matter of time until it wears out (probably just after the warranty expires).

Q2 - I'm considering only tinting the side windows since I use the rear shade routinely. That way, night time vision out the back isn't comprimised with tint...and the shade is used during the day. What do you think?

 

tint all the windows. or else it will look odd.

 

The shade will go down when you put the car in reverse no matter what. It's a safety feature so driver can have a clear view when backing up the car, along with the help of the backup camera (if the car is equipped with one).

 

Am I missing something...? Shade? Do all of the 350's have a shade because mine doesn't. Not sure Id even want one though anyway

 

its an option.

 

most of the cars in socal are ordered with the sunshade.

it's a stupid useless option, and only pads dealer profit, and will probably cause rattles in the future.

 

Heck...I like it. Use it all the time.

 

+1 on tint all the windows. I tinted mine and I don't have to use the rear sunshade.

 

I love the power shade in my car, I think it's a really thoughtful option that Lexus put in for the GS. Even though I have all of my windows tinted, I still use the shade everyday when I park the car at work because it helps to slow down the temp from rising within my car's interior. I know it's not gonna help much, but here in AZ, every little help you can get to keep the interior temp low is needed during the summer.

 

it doesn't look odd at all, shade up day, long night highway drives, shade down.

I didn't think I would like the shade but I love having the option of controlling the light.

 

If you decided to tint the windows, please tint it with the same percentage all the way around (Not light tint in front windows and dark tint in back windows.) Otherwise, it would make your toy look like a minivan.

 

I did a nice 35% all the way around.
I understand your concern about tinting the back.
It makes sense, why tint the back if you have the shade for sun, and you can see fine at nice with the shade down....? I get it. For practicality reasons don't tint the back if you are sensitive to being able to see 100% out the back at night....
If you want the car to look better, tint all the windows the same %.
I did and couldn't be happier.