Girlfriend just bought a lexus certified 2009 IS 250 with 25k miles but we were under the impression, from what the dealership salesman told us, that "there are no differences between the 2009 and 2010" and google searches dont turn up much at all.

Now we are finding out that we cannot play songs over bluetooth which was a feature she was looking fwd to and apparently the nav system is updated in 2010. My question is, besides getting its data from a hard drive instead of dvd, what is the difference with the nav systems? One thread I read a guy said the nav system on the 2010+ uses way newer technology and that the 2006 - 2009 uses tech from like the 90's.

Is the nav really that much different? Is it better on the 2010? Searching the forums and google presents me very very little info on this...its crazy.

Should we be concerned about this stuff? We are thinking of possibly taking it back during our 72 hour window and just waiting for a 2010.

thanks in advance for any info on this!

 

From the 2IS Buyer's Guide: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...e-threads.html

Differences Between Model Years:

06->07:
Shark fin added
Trunk/gas buttons relocated slightly and illuminated
X package offered for first time

07->08:
More rear legroom due to reshaped seatbacks
Improved steering feel
Default illuminated scuff color changed from blue to white
18" wheel color changed to liquid graphite
Coin holder added to dash
(this is the best looking year IMHO)
Cashmere carpet/mats changed to black for cashmere interior (this was a mid-year change, early 08s still got all cashmere)

08->09: First facelift year
Turn signals added to revised side mirrors
Changes to front/'rear bumpers/grill/tails
Some minor interior trim changes
Cashmere interior replaced with Ecru

09->10
Bluetooth now available without nav
Audio system upgraded with USB port and native ipod interface
XM now standard rather than an option
Nav system updated to 6th gen (realtime traffic and other improvements, HD based instead of DVD)
X package no longer offered
Mark Levinson WITHOUT Nav no longer offered

10->11: Second facelift year
Some more changes to front/rear of exterior
Headlights changed to LED strip DRLs
HIDs now standard on 350
Several options REMOVED from car- AFS, PCS, and pass. side memory
Sport package replaced with (IMHO) much inferior F-sport package

11->12:
Headlights changed a bit again (there's a thread on this)
That's the only change I'm aware of off hand

There are some differences in exterior colors offered between years too, you can see that here:
http://www.toyotareference.com/lexusis

Read more: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...#ixzz2FELr52CT

 

Great info...by native iPod interface do you mean where you can stream audio over Bluetooth and see it on the nav screen? That is the biggest feature we are missing

 

thanks....

 

if it is a big concern then you should return it for a 2010 but also check out the difference in pricing and determine if it's worth it just for that feature vs a low mileage 2009...so you will have to weigh the options...is this going to be a car thats driven 4 hours a day where you want to listen to a certain feature for periods or a car she's going to drive 10 mins to shop or grocery or work then home...I understand what your saying bec thats a nice feature to have...

 

I can do both...stream via Bluetooth or connect to the USB connector in the center armrest. This is with the 2012 model though. I can't speak for the availability on the 2010. The Bluetooth audio streaming actually appears to be of a pretty decent quality. I tried the audio streaming on a 2012 Passat loaner a couple weeks ago and it was absolutely atrocious.

 

06-09 is the 5th gen nav system, which was pretty crappy and didn't support any ipod options at all natively (you could add a kit)


2010+ is 6th gen, which has both native USB and Bluetooth A2DP streaming music support (as well as live traffic and other features from this century)

 

Add a vaistech ivic device to her car... Problem solved. Have dealer knock off $500 for lying to you. I've seen dealers do that in order to keep someone from returning car.

 

Best info I've read in awhile.