Help....which color should I get?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Help....which color should I get?
Hey everyone! I'm looking to purchase a new 2008 IS350 in the next few weeks or so. I know all the options that I plan on getting but I just cannot decide which color to get. I'm currently considering Matador Red with Black interior and Obsidian with either Black or Cashmere interior. What's everyone here opinions? Is the Cashmere hard to keep clean? Also I know this is kind of a whole other topic but the one that I have configured online is about $46,205 MSRP what can I expect to get it for here in Arizona? Thanks everyone that replies. I have already learned tons by just being an observer here!!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Utah
I have smoky granite with cashmere interior and I really like it. I haven't had a problem so far keeping the cashmere clean, but I've only had the car for a few months. Also, keep in mind that the cashmere interiors now have black carpet, which hides dirt and stains better than the lighter carpet. If you haven't seen smoky granite yet in person, it's worth considering. I like the obsidian color but I picked smoky granite because it's a little different than most black cars on the road. It also looks really cool in bright sunlight.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 374
Likes: 0
From: KY
Welcome, chicagofan!
I have the Matador Red Metallic with cashmere interior. I don't feel that it gets too dirty inside because (a) I have only had it 2 weeks and (2) the carpets on the 2008 are now black, even with the cashmere interior, because of complaints that the cashmere carpet showed too much dirt. The contrast is teriffic. I cannot image a nicer color than the red, which really pops. If I did not get red, I'd get one of the blacks. I believe obsidian does not have a clear coat, and really shows scratches. The smoky granite is a better choice. A full clear bra will help keep any scratches away. It's best to see each color in person, then load it up the way you want. I never imagined $46K MSRP on this car. You must be putting on Nav and dynamic cruise, about the only major options I skipped.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: PA
Mine is Matador Red Mica / Black and I wish I went for a GFM / Black combo instead. The red looks really good under perfect lighting conditions other than that it looks maroon under shade 
Last edited by kattanh3; Feb 17, 2008 at 01:53 AM. Reason: corrected the color name
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,102
Likes: 8
From: Hill Country, TX
Other than the obvious conclusion that darker colors are harder to keep clean outside, and lighter interiors show more dirt and wear than black interiors we really can't tell you which one to buy. Usually one has a preference for darker or lighter colors. It really just depends how **** you are in keeping your car clean and swirl free. Me, I'm not a maintenance fanatic and I don't want to spend hours keeping a dark car clean, so I went with a light color with a black interior. Easy to keep clean. But it is your choice.
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,273
Likes: 350
From: Canada
This car looks the best in Matador Red, especially in person - paint is gorgeous.
While black is very nice too, I personally think it's overrated - & I have seen better black paints than the Obsidian ...
While black is very nice too, I personally think it's overrated - & I have seen better black paints than the Obsidian ...
Driver
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
I am in the same boat
except I am going to have to order the car I want because the dealer by my house hasn't ever had a fully loaded 350
So I have all the options maxed out on the build it thing online
now for color
glacier frost
starfire pearl
or white
except I am going to have to order the car I want because the dealer by my house hasn't ever had a fully loaded 350
So I have all the options maxed out on the build it thing online
now for color
glacier frost
starfire pearl
or white
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Wow, thanks for all the replies so quickly! I know ultimately it is what I like the best but it's always nice to get some opinions. I was at the dealership to test drive one today and originally I was set on the Smokey Granite but after seeing it in person I wasn't too impressed. The Matador Red really stuck out along with Obsidian. The Obsidian looks fantastic when clean but here in Az it is always dusty and that is what I worry about. Plus Obsidian will show every little nick and scratch. How is the Matador Red for showing nicks and scratches? The Breakwater Blue really stood out at me, but I don't think it is a color that I would be happy with in the long run.....it's tuff choosing the color! I've never had anything else besides silver vehicles and now I'm having such a hard time choosing a different color!!!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 20
From: 80808
For me, my car has to look eligent, classy, prestigious and most of all stand-out from all others. Black or Tungsten would do it best, but then Black is hard to keep clean and shows scratches/ swirl marks too easily so Tungsten for me.