It's already happening and it will affect anyone getting a 350!



I helped a friend buy a IS350 and dealers are only getting about 1-2 per month now.

I'm guessing this ties in with the new model coming next year because I remember the same thing happened with the GS4 right before they changed to 3rd generation.

She wanted a black fully loaded with navi and ML. She ended up getting a Granite with navi, ML and X package as well. I'm really starting to like the wheels on the package.



...oh..and I could not stop laughing at what Lexus of Glendale is putting on their cars. You're supposed to get unlimited free car washes and one free detail a year, but it comes right off. Here's a picture before it was removed. Sorry it's blurry but I couldn't hold still I was laughing so hard:

 

This wouldn't be the 2IS forum if I didn't include a full body shot:

 

WHAT, they cant change it i just got mine!

 

WOW!! i had the dealer take off there paper plate b4 i left the lot...they don't pay me too advertise.

 

Lexus has always been on a minimum 5 year "cycle' and since the IS has been this way since 2006........next year in '09 the new 2010 is right on track.

But we don't know yet how much they will change so I wouldn't worry about it just yet.

 

hahah i saw that emblem on one of the IS in the showroom when i was in on thursday... i was thinking wth!

 

There's no way Lexus would bring out a new IS only 4 years after this one's launch. You are looking at 2011 earliest.

 

the same thing happened to me when I bought my IS350 1 month ago. they said due to the new IS-F they want people to purchase that instead of the IS350 so they stop making the 350. Dealers in the bay area only have 1-2 350 and like 100 250. lol seriously.

 

Talk about specific marketing (LOL). As for the stupid dealer advertising, that sticker came off my car as soon s I got home. Usually a little heat form a good old hair dryer will be sufficient.

 

The prior GS platform lasted 8 yrs and the prior IS/Altezza platform lasted 7 yrs worldwide. I'm guessing that the current IS/GS platform will last 7-8 yrs now that it's a combined platform.

 

Didn't the 2IS launch in mid '05?

Also, there's some tiny tidbits of info and spy pics floating around already. I also asked my sales guy and he said he heard rumors it might even debut as early as winter/early spring in '08-'09, but I never trust the dealer for info so we'll see. Time will tell. lol

 

hahahaha....I've seen it before but didn't think much of it.

But today, my friend said "Get that crap off my car" and I could not stop laughing.

I wonder how much they spend on those when that money could be better used elsewhere.

 

I think it has to do with overall product mix. Lexus was always selling 4 or 5 times IS250's vs. IS350's, but I think the size and price of the IS250 is proving to be far more popular than the extra power of the IS350. The two look identical with the same interior so most people just buy the cheaper version just to get into the Lexus nameplate. Most of the IS250's I see are driven by young women so that must be their strong market at the present time. I believe Lexus determined that the IS350 just wasn't different enough to warrant the extra price, and the market reinforced this. With the IS-F on the upper end the IS350 is kind of a 'tweener now. I think the relative scarcity of the IS350 bodes well for the long term market value of this model. Time will tell.

 

maybe they are bumping it up due to oil prices

 

Maybe only the 4 doors because a 350 coupe is said to be coming out on Edmunds and in a post here that mentioned Lexus is applying for a license in Canada for sales a 1S 250 and 350 coupe.
Maybe a new design is coming out with the coupe.
I'm trying to hold out for the new IS design before jumping into a 350.I hope a new model comes out but I've read here that will happen in '12.
I can't wait till then.

As far as the IS-F,I think the IS-F won't be a big seller.

http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is350/2009/review.html