Hold out for 08?
Hold out for 08?
So I've read the differences in the years and I've been searching for the 08 IS350 to no avail. They either have too many miles or I don't like the color (silver 
) but also 08's seem to be rare here in Washington. Do you think I should expand my search to 07's or just wait for an 08? Is the change how the steering feels a big factor? I haven't test drove an 07 so I don't know what people mean about the steering being a little heavier in the 08. I might just be desperate to get into an IS so if you guys can help me out with your guy's opinions that would be great thanks! 
) but also 08's seem to be rare here in Washington. Do you think I should expand my search to 07's or just wait for an 08? Is the change how the steering feels a big factor? I haven't test drove an 07 so I don't know what people mean about the steering being a little heavier in the 08. I might just be desperate to get into an IS so if you guys can help me out with your guy's opinions that would be great thanks!
I'm not sure what the differances are between 07 and 08 other than the wheel color but I have an 07 and I love it. I didn't want an 06 because I didn't want to have to do the pedal dance to turn off tc but 07+ was fair game.
Trending Topics
I have an 08 and absolutely love it. It is, by far, the best car I have own. But is also my first new care in the past 23 years LOL. Always bought used. I don't know anything about the steering difference between the 07 and the 08. I did installed a steering dampner along with the flat bottom steering wheel and love it. I say if your heart is set for an 08 then wait for the 08. Otherwise, you might not be fully satisfied.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Driver
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: FL
coin holder
scuff plate illumination changed from blue to white (improvement IMHO)
wheel color changed to liquid graphite (improvement as well)
front seatbacks changed for more rear legrooms
improved steering feel
Call it bias, but I still consider 08 the best year for the 2IS... I've found nearly everything they did visually since to ugly up the car... (the mirror turn signals, the lobster claw wheels, the tail changes, dropping AFS, cashmere->ecru, etc)
Functionally there's been all of 2 (to me worthwhile) improvements since 08 though:
Nav with features from this century added in 2010 models (realtime traffic, ipod interface, A2DP profile, etc)... I actually special ordered to avoid nav on my 08 because of how antiquated the system was before this change
Relocation of aux/power jack in center console to not require 90 degree bends to use (fixed with $5 in radio shack parts, but an improvement nevertheless)
Last edited by Kurtz; Jan 24, 2011 at 05:48 AM.
On the 06's you have to do a "dance" with the pedals to fully disable the traction control. With the 07+ you just have to hold down the button for about 10 seconds to disable it. Minor but if you like to have traction control off its a huge time/frustration saver.
There were several changes 07->08 actually
coin holder
scuff plate illumination changed from blue to white (improvement IMHO)
wheel color changed to liquid graphite (improvement as well)
front seatbacks changed for more rear legrooms
improved steering feel
Call it bias, but I still consider 08 the best year for the 2IS... I've found nearly everything they did visually since to ugly up the car... (the mirror turn signals, the lobster claw wheels, the tail changes, dropping AFS, cashmere->ecru, etc)
Functionally there's been all of 2 (to me worthwhile) improvements since 08 though:
Nav with features from this century added in 2010 models (realtime traffic, ipod interface, A2DP profile, etc)... I actually special ordered to avoid nav on my 08 because of how antiquated the system was before this change
Relocation of aux/power jack in center console to not require 90 degree bends to use (fixed with $5 in radio shack parts, but an improvement nevertheless)
coin holder
scuff plate illumination changed from blue to white (improvement IMHO)
wheel color changed to liquid graphite (improvement as well)
front seatbacks changed for more rear legrooms
improved steering feel
Call it bias, but I still consider 08 the best year for the 2IS... I've found nearly everything they did visually since to ugly up the car... (the mirror turn signals, the lobster claw wheels, the tail changes, dropping AFS, cashmere->ecru, etc)
Functionally there's been all of 2 (to me worthwhile) improvements since 08 though:
Nav with features from this century added in 2010 models (realtime traffic, ipod interface, A2DP profile, etc)... I actually special ordered to avoid nav on my 08 because of how antiquated the system was before this change
Relocation of aux/power jack in center console to not require 90 degree bends to use (fixed with $5 in radio shack parts, but an improvement nevertheless)
There were several changes 07->08 actually
coin holder
scuff plate illumination changed from blue to white (improvement IMHO)
wheel color changed to liquid graphite (improvement as well)
front seatbacks changed for more rear legrooms
improved steering feel
Call it bias, but I still consider 08 the best year for the 2IS... I've found nearly everything they did visually since to ugly up the car... (the mirror turn signals, the lobster claw wheels, the tail changes, dropping AFS, cashmere->ecru, etc)
Functionally there's been all of 2 (to me worthwhile) improvements since 08 though:
Nav with features from this century added in 2010 models (realtime traffic, ipod interface, A2DP profile, etc)... I actually special ordered to avoid nav on my 08 because of how antiquated the system was before this change
Relocation of aux/power jack in center console to not require 90 degree bends to use (fixed with $5 in radio shack parts, but an improvement nevertheless)
coin holder
scuff plate illumination changed from blue to white (improvement IMHO)
wheel color changed to liquid graphite (improvement as well)
front seatbacks changed for more rear legrooms
improved steering feel
Call it bias, but I still consider 08 the best year for the 2IS... I've found nearly everything they did visually since to ugly up the car... (the mirror turn signals, the lobster claw wheels, the tail changes, dropping AFS, cashmere->ecru, etc)
Functionally there's been all of 2 (to me worthwhile) improvements since 08 though:
Nav with features from this century added in 2010 models (realtime traffic, ipod interface, A2DP profile, etc)... I actually special ordered to avoid nav on my 08 because of how antiquated the system was before this change
Relocation of aux/power jack in center console to not require 90 degree bends to use (fixed with $5 in radio shack parts, but an improvement nevertheless)
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Tx
I was in the same boat as you--looking for an 08 with low miles but having a hard time finding just what we wanted (had to be black on black). I also found the 09 upgrades to be less visually attractive (especially the wheels). After one year of looking, I finally found the perfect 08--mint condition with only 4,399 miles. To me it was worth the wait, but then again I was in no hurry. I do wish the NAV had better ipod integration--thinking about a VAIStech solution of some sort. Good luck with your decision.