So I'm on my 3rd Lexus. Had a 2006 IS 250, a 2008 IS 350 and for some reason I decided the IS was too small for me as I'm 6'4. I'm now in a 2006 GS 300 and I like it, but I don't love it. I've had all kinds of issues including the infamous AC leak in the interior which caused me to have the interior gutted. Anyhow, I'd driving a loaded 2011 IS 250 and WOW- I'm in love again! The technology seems to have come such a long way. If I wanted to go pre-owned, how far back does the cool new stuff extend such as LED accent headlights, bluetooth stereo, etc.?

 

I think the LED accent headlights are new for 2011 and the Bluetooth has been there since 2006 as on option.

 

Damn them for introducing those cool new lights; now I'll have to spring for a 2011.

 

6'4" too tall? I'm 6'8" and have no problem driving my IS daily.

 

Bluetooth audio starts from 09+ I think, because my 07 doesn't have it.

 

You switch cars quite often. I don't think the technology has changed much. The question should be, which options are you willing to pay for? My 06 has Bluetooth, HID, headlight washer, rear shade as well as ventilated seats.

 

Led started in '11. Bluetooth audio was not in my '09 so maybe started in '10?

 

Bluetooth phone connection has been available since '06. Ipod integration with bluetooth was '09 or '10 update. LED, as stated, is '11 only however they eliminated the AFS option because of it. AFAIK, that's about it for "cool new stuff" since your '08. It certainly hasn't gotten any larger. I'm 6' and no where near having the seat all the way back.

 

Some of the significant changes that the IS has gotten since your last 2008:

LED DRL's added for 2011 on HID headlights, dropped AFS in favour of the LED DRL.
Bluetooth Handsfree system only comes with navigation on 06-09 models, standard on all 2010+ models.
USB Audio connection, and Bluetooth Audio connection added on 2010+ models.
Folding rear headrests were added in 2009.
Clock changed from red plastic lens to black plastic lens (resulting in display changing from white'ish looking to green looking) in 2009.
VDIM was made standard on all 2009 models.
The sunroof controls changed from the dial-type to the push-button type (I prefer this, people used to other European cars may not) in 2009.
Illumination added to the mirror switch in 2009.
Pushing the +/- switches on the steering wheel puts the car in "S" mode without having to move the shifter over, since 2009.
The power windows got variable speed control in 2009, so as the window reaches the end of it's travel it now slows down before it hits the end.
The navigation system changed to a HDD-based Gen 6 system for 2010.
For 2011 you can get the IS350 with AWD.
Pre-collision system discontinued for 2011.
If you get the memory seats, it's only for the driver's seat for 2011, 06-10 have it for both front seats.
HID's are standard on the IS350 starting in 2011 (Halogen are still standard on base model IS250's).
Black-metallic rings added around the gauges on the 2011 cluster. Looks awesome in my opinion.

Jeff

 

you def wanna get the 11s! and damn you guys are hella tall lol

 

the LEDs are available only on the 11' and bluetooth im positive was in 10' plus only.

 

This is great! I love the summary of progress from the launch till current. You are great!

 

get an 2011 is250/350 with the f-sport package, best bang for yur buck.

 

you can get blackberry gateway music player and connect it to your aux input and stream bluetooth music with it. There was a thread somewhere on CL. I have it in my 06 IS350 and it sounds really good with Mark Levinson option.

 

I wonder how many times it should be mentioned - Bluetooth has been available since 06 but as an option!!!