I put the FIGs bushings in about 4.5 months and almost 5000 miles ago.
They started squeaking a couple weeks ago on slow sharp forward turns, like after backing out of the driveway or a parking stall.
I greased them up really well during installation, so I am a bit disappointed in that. Not in the mood to pull them out and re-grease, so I've bought some penetrating silicone spray lubricant, and I'll hit them up with that, when I get some time (may not be for 3-4 weeks).

Thats a bit disappointing to hear. Was looking at figs for a hot minute. I recently had my lca bushings replaced with brand new oem 3is standard ones. It was covered under warranty, and it was a really significant difference in feel. Car felt more direct after the new bushings were installed. Its no 90 duro, but the amount of rubber degradation over the miles really spoke to me. I guess one could replace the bushings every 50k with oem 3is ones to retain ride quality and steering feel could be an option, but I dont know if itd be worth it.

Another option, if you read this forum, is to go with the OEM RCF bushings. Firmer than the IS ones, but still rubber.

93 replies in 4 days.... this is probably one of the most popular threads in a short time that I have seen on here.

I have the BFG G-Force tires on my 2IS 350 with IS-F LCA. I should (and did) get the RC-F bushings. As mentioned above, open road car, zero toe. More city miles, run a slight toe in and bump the pressures.

To answer your question; these tires are not quite but they don't make the car rattle (its at 86k mi) and running stagger. That said they have a death grip and can be pushed deep into the corners if you're into that kind of thing.

I like the tires and had I corrected the the front and rear pressures for my style I'm thinking they'd make 40k mi. As it is now I'll fall short by 10k as the centers are blown from rears and EDGES from the front. A pressure change early on could have avoided this.

I'm surprised no one mention how fat these cars are. Mine, a RWD and it tips the scales over the 4k lb mark. That said its sticks pretty well and accelerates (2013 2IS w tune) briskly for a fat sedan. Hardly fast but does a good hole shot on the unsuspecting. Having driven 3 different 3IS's I'll honestly keep my 2IS F-sport for its lack of wood grain and that bloody analog clock they shoved in the dash of the 3IS. I just can't get used to it and like the simplicity of the 2 inspite of it's antiquated electronics. For the driver, give me the real analog sweeping gauges.

Not biased but have 3 friends with BMW's and all have suffered some oil leaks, failed electric water pumps, alternators and other items. Most were in excess of $1000 to repair. Just sayin.... they are fun to drive tho and good tires really help them shine too!

I came to my IS 300 RWD from a BMW 328i. At this point there is no point of listing all the problems I had with that 5 year old car with only 60k miles because if you know, you know. I wanted a reliable car after my first venture to German engineering.

There are some things that are notably missing from the IS F Sport in the US market, such as memory seats and CarPlay. Lexus has no intention of keeping the IS or GS updated technology-wise for even the 2020 model year which really sucks because I wouldn’t want anything else in their lineup. The lower dash and lower door panels are cheap, but everything the driver touches and sees immediately feels high quality. NuLuxe is better than leather for me.

There are some features of this car that are the best I’ve ever had such as ventilated seats and overall seat comfort. I really appreciate the large digital speedometer.

Personally, I love the design inside and out! However, I think Nebula Grey is the only color the facelift IS looks normal in.

I honestly prefer the F Sport’s handling and stability over any other car I’ve owned. It doesn’t feel as heavy as it is to me and the refinement was shocking coming from my older cars. It feels well screwed together and well dampened while also being quite engaging.

The turbo 4 is “just enough” for me. I didn’t want the gas guzzling 350 so it is what it is. I’m used to it and after making it adapt to a sportier feel the first 1000 miles after an ECU reset, it downshifts when I want it to and doesn’t lag as much from a stop.

I have had a driver side B pillar rattle since it was new (resolves itself every time I try to get it fixed) and my HVAC system broke at about 9,000 miles. The HVAC repair rendered the A/C useless but would have been only $250 or so out of warranty. I have the lease to decide if this car is going to be reliable in every aspect, then I’ll either purchase the car or return it for something else. After about 10,000 miles of usage, I still love this car as much as when I first got it.

In the end, the IS isn’t perfect. However I think it is the best mixture of everything I want in a car and I think the next best option would have to be either an Acura SH-AWD or a Quattro Audi.

I purchased my 3IS as a "forever" car. 3 years later it has been a learning journey, but I do not regret the decision at all. Does the car have flaws? Sure does.
- Gas mileage is pre-historic.
- Some interior bits felt a bit cheap, ancient infotainment
- Just recently found out about the front tire wear issue
- Performance doesn't match up with competitors for the price point and no manual

But you also get the Pros
- Lexus Reliability. It's head and shoulders better than a comparable car from Mercedes and especially BMW. Audi has improved their cars, but it's no Lexus. This is so important cause aint no body got the time/money to take their car to the dealer all the time.
- The looks. Don't have to explain this to the good people on this forum.
- Naturally Aspirated Engine with good power. This really stands out today since everything is a turbo 4 cylinder. The induction growl of the 2gr-fe is like no other. You rev the engine out and it sings instead of falling on its face up top like turbo engines.
- Great handling for a car this heavy and RWD (biased). The suspension is not harsh but you can feel it loading up and turn like a boss.
- Full luxury features like ventilated/heated seat, heated steering wheel etc.

I got my car as a CPO and it's the best money I ever spend. The car is just fun and worry free.

Nice reply, and agreed!

This was very helpful. My girlfriend is suddenly in love with the 3IS and I'm thinking its mostly due to the looks. I happen to be in the not so fond of it camp. I agree, it is gorgeous on the outside but the inside just doesn't appeal to me, nor the fact that its missing quite a few luxury options.

Such as what options?

No need to feel embarrassed of regret having an 3IS. The parts and labor for the German cars are a lot more expensive and tend to break down pretty often as they age. And they’re definitely not as reliable as a Lexus. Yes the interior in a BMW, Mercedes, etc is better unless you get an f sport IS. Also an IS 300 isn’t as a quick as an IS 350 which is a lot faster than the XSE Camry V6. The German cars in terms of luxury are better, but you get the reliability in a Lexus. Also you can always mod your car if doesn’t feel as fast or sporty.

Previous car was IS250 F-sport and I totally regretting it but not because of any of the missing luxury items noted in this thread. I loved the car, ran great, no problems, looks great. etc. However the slow 250 is TOOO slow. Coming from G35, it was a big difference. I thought I wouldn't mind given that I don't really race anymore but I did regret at least not spending alittle more on the 350. Don't think I would have had any regrets if it was that.

The 3IS, although was intended by the manufacturer, isn't really a direct comparison to the likes of the BMW 3, MB C-Class, or the Audi A4s. Our cars are more middle ground. It isn't meant to be a track speedster and it isn't meant to be an uber luxury car. Forget what the bloggers say. They critic it based on what the manufacturer claims as a benchmark. Then, they set it against it's counterparts in different makers.

I, personally, have no regrets. I love the car for the styling. It's comfortable enough to tote around my wife and 2 boys without looking like I've settled and am complacent like a Camry/Accord/Optima.

As far as performance, most of us didn't buy the car for sheer speed and handling. Honestly, most people rarely fully exploit the handling and power of their "performance" vehicles in daily driving situations. Now if I tracked my car regularly, yes. I would be very remorseful I went with the 3IS.

Keep true to why you bought the car. Stop looking at it's short-comings. I've owned BMW m3, c55 Amg, Audi s4, and s2k. They all have their short comings. The least was the s2k after a lot of mods, but that is different.

I get in my car every day to and from work and I am glad I'm not in a family hauler.

I researched my purchase of the 2016 IS350 well before even my first visit to the dealer.
I needed all the standard luxury options hence I ordered the car with luxury package, it has memory seats, real leather, etc.
Can't complain, beautiful car and in terms of luxury compares well with my previous BMW purchases.
And love its engine power too, plenty enough for me, love its handling.
Zero regrets.

LMAO... LOVE this post. And yes, most of us know exactly who you are referring to.