Do base IS350's exist?
 

I walked out of my local Lexus dealership very disappointed today. Apparently, the IS I want does not exist.

I want a base IS350 with the Levinson sound system (and maybe the 18" wheels) - no navigation, no back up camera, no special headlights, no other useless crap I'll never use. According to this dealer, Lexus ships only fully loaded IS350s to the northeast.

I gave the salesman the opportunity to explain to me exactly why the option packages on these cars are worth another $7,000+. Even he couldn't justify the price. All he could say is: "It's a Lexus so they come through loaded."

I was told the only way I could get the options I want is to special order the car and wait three months. I don't mind waiting, but they then told me I would have to pay MSRP if I special ordered the car!

Were they serious!? Is there any truth to this at all???

The Acuras are starting to look a whole lot better...

Pretty much you won't find a 350 with no options and a Mark Levinson without a special order.

Then go buy the acura you wanted.

I don't have a problem with a special order, but do they really expect to get MSRP for a special order car?

Dealers only order what they think sell well. I don't think there's a large demographic that wants base model IS350s. Your best bet is to special order and wait 3 months or buy a different car. The next price bracket down will be Acuras and the new G37. You can buy German cars with barely any options, but most likely you'll have to special order those as well. The wait is only 2 months on a BMW vs 4 on a Lexus.

Hey, what do you know? The dealer is right for once.

Base IS' are as rare as a hen's teeth. That configuration has to be special ordered.

JavyLSU, our newbie mod around here, waited a couple of months to get a base IS.

But if I were you, I'd pony up a bit more money to get the Premium Package.

The amenities that package brings to the IS will make it feel more like a Lexus.

Most people are not aware, but an Acura is not in the same league as a Lexus. Sure, there are similar priced vehicles that perform equally (if not better) than Lexus', that's not the point though. You can purchase plenty of high performers at a lower cost than a Lexus.

The new IS350 really is a awesome car with standards and options that do cost more than many cars you would assume are its direct competitors. You are more on par to compare the IS to the BMW. If you get a well equipped BMW 335 you are going to be spending the same (if not more) money.

Wow! Times have changed. Your request is so unreasonable; how do you expect Lexus and other companies to make any money off of you!

Seriously though, when the IS 2/350 first came out you could special order them that way. That or get the IS 350 base w/out all the bells and whistles. Now everyone bundles, everyone including Acura. It's just that Acura doesn't give you DVD, this, that and the other, it's base or everything whether you want it or not.

Rant over; choose whatever you want, but don't let any small obsticles deter you from getting an outstanding car whether it be IS/Acura/BMW...you could always buy base and get a better aftermarket stereo installed, or find a wrecked IS w/ML and have it installed.

Best of luck bro

Your dealer is right. In the Northeast region, which encompasses Maine to Virginia, IS350s only come in one configuration with no options. The configuration is the luxury package, 18-inch wheels, navigation system, and park assist. Mark Levinson audio is not available in the Northeast. I hear it is available on the Midwestern cars though. Also the color choices are limited to basically black, grey, silver, or white. A 2007 IS350 in the Northeast shouldn't go for more than high-30s. The idea of the Lexus web site showing all the colors and options is a complete joke and waste of time as far as I'm concerned as the cars just don't exist with many options or colors. The only choice you have with these cars is to take their color and configuration or don't buy one. The last resort of course is to special order a car which takes 3-4 months, maybe a little longer, depending on who you buy it from.

But what are those amenities and why do they cost so much? The car already has a leather interior and appears to be well equipped. I have absolutely no use whatsoever for a Nav system. I do think the ML system is worth another $900, and I would even consider springing for the 18" wheels.

Did JavyLSU have to pay MSRP for his base IS?

You are right. The salesman also said he's never even seen an IS model with the Levinson sound system. I forgot to mention that.

I suppose the only option for me is a special order or another brand.

But do a really have to pay MSRP if I special order a Lexus, or did this particular dealer just not want to be bothered?

well for 2007, the HID lights are not an option---they're included on all ISs. in terms of 'base,' the closest you'll get is the premium package, which really doesn't cost that much. and as far as the stereo, you should try listening to the standard system. it's very good... i think nav and ML are the 2 options that really shoot up the price...

You can always negotiate the price prior to the Special Order.

Just find a reputable dealer, be firm with what you want to pay, and make the deal. They do the same type of paperwork that they would do for a car out on the lot. They just have to find/order that base IS350...

Check out the Lexus website for a list of features with each package...it also gives the package price. You can also order a brochure if that helps. Seems as though you haven't really researched the IS350 :egads: the interior is pretty well equipped...but the addtional packages and options can make it even more so.

I saw three IS350's on a TX dealers lot last Sunday. They had almost no options other than 18" wheels, and HID's. But you have an almost ZERO chance of getting one with an ML system unless you special order.

You answered your own question.....the dealer doesn't want to be bothered in special ordering a car like the one you want. If you back out he is stuck with a car almost no one else wants. Have you tried negotiating with him? You have to get a dialogue going. Perhaps he senses you are not serious. If he won't deal go to another dealer. You shouldn't have to pay MSRP on a special order.

I sense you are price constrained and a base level IS is a stretch for you. Personally, a box stock IS would be a bit boring. The options make it a lot more functional and enjoyable.