Hey guys, I'm new and looking to join the great community here. I'm looking for a 06-08 IS350 and am just looking for a some info. I browsed the forum but didn't find what I was looking for.

What are the differences between the model years 06 to 08? I'm looking for any little changes. The more detail the better.

Besides the TSBs listed in the FAQ what should I look for or look out for when searching for a IS350?

Any tips on negotiating the prices? I'm not very good in this area. How much can I expect to haggle the price down? I'm not looking to spend more than 25k.

Thanks.

Btw, I'm coming form an S2000. Love the car but with a 45mile commute to work I need something more comfortable but still somewhat sporty.

 

I just got into an IS250 myself, so I don't know a lot about them! The differences from what the dealer told me were minimal...Just a few things here and there that a non IS owner would never notice, but I can't remember exactly what they were. My 08 IS250 had 24K miles and I got them talked down to $26K off $29, it was CPO. A mitsu dealer across the street had a 350 that I was also lookin at with 50K miles and wanted $27K for it. The day I bought my 250 they lowered the price on the 350 to $20K!! I'm assuming the 3yr/100K warranty I got goin CPO will be worth the extra I spent which was a main reason for that decision. I know I wasn't much help lol but good luck and hopefully ya find a good one!

 

Any info is good info. Thanks.

 

Are you trading in the S2K?
If you are, make sure you don't mention your trade in till you've negotiated on the price of the IS. Get to a price your comfortable with and is a good deal, and then mention you have a trade in and negotiate on the value of your trade in. Check out kelly blue book online to get a rough estimate of how much you should get for your S2K so you have a negotiating point there too.

Check the carfax of course, but keep in mind this won't tell you 100% of the story.

Ask for a Lexus vehicle service history as well, to see if the vehicle has been dealer maintained and what maintenance was done exactly

 

The 2006 doesn't have the fin on top.

 

I believe they added AFS lights on 2008 models (the headlights that follow the road when you're turning).

 

I think it's earlier than that because my 2007 has AFS. I think it was the 2006 models that had them. Depending on which country the car is, AFS does not necessarily come standard (ie. Canada).

 

What does the "fin" do? It doesn't seem like the 07s have much improvements over the 06s. Do both years have an audio jack in/aux in or ipod in?

 

The shark "fin" is basically where the antenna is now.

 

Prior to 2011All 2ISes in the US that have HIDs have AFS. They come together, you can't get one without the other. For 2011 the AFS feature is discontinued due to the new LED-strip headlights.

Note that on a 2006 you can't get HIDs without the sport or lux packages (ie if it has memory seats it has HIDs, if it doesn't have memory seats it doesn't have HIDs).

For 07+ you could get HIDs regardless of what else came on the car.


All models have at least an AUX-in... 2010 and newer models have an ipod/USB interface built in.

06-07 changes are:
Sharkfin for XM radio
true VSC/TC disable button
trunk/gas lights relocated and backlit


07-08 is a bit more substantial-
Improved steering feel
Reshaped front seatbacks for more rear legroom
Illuminated scuff plates changed from blue to white
18" wheels changed to liquid graphite
Coinholder added to dash
Mid-year change: cashmere floor mats changed to black

 

^ Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for.