Sapphire Cam

Interesting and surprising - my vehicle is 3.5 yrs old - never noticed that. I used manual mode via gear shift a fair bit actually - and never noticed any 'slackness' in the gear level. (Over the last 18 months or so Ive moved to using the paddles pretty much all the time).

Hearing the same things Rap03 - heard that the is350 will most likely come out here in late 2010, priced in the high 90's. It could be a way of helping with the current shape IS model run-out - this was what my dealer told me a while back, that Lexus Australia were expecting that the IS350 will eventually be 'specced' for Australasia to help run out the current shape in time for the all new IS (from my understanding due out mid 2012). Lexus stuffed up the runout of the old RX350 (the new RX was released when there were still 3 months worth of superceded-model RXs needing to be sold!) - probably needing to avoid the same mistake this time with the IS (when the time comes).

Stephen - I also drive a 2006 model - and had a similiar issue. It's amazing the difference in service from dealer to dealer. I mentioned this to my service manager, and right away he ordered a new speedometer cluster! Two weeks later it was installed in just 20 minutes and voila - the new speedo was right on! According to the service technician, the issue is apparently related to a little bit of friction in the plastic cog wheels behind the dials, that is resulting in the lower speed being displayed. The issue related to the squeak on the brakes when in reverse I also have - its a sliding caliper pin. It's not a safety or performance issue, just an quality (read 'annoyance') issue. This will be rectified by your dealer - don't worry about that. Don't want to "dob them in", but my dealer is Melb City Lexus - and their service has been 'second to none'. Pity your dealer isn't the same.

Yep - selecting the PWR mode will see gears held for a bit longer. The Lexus 'philosophy' is to find the highest gear as soon as it can, for economy and noise reasons. However, the IS has a 'sports undertone', unlike the Lexus 'saloons'. So switch into sport mode and drive "manually" via paddles or gear shift. I drive that way all the time around town and love it - can hold the gears so much longer, and given the very quick shiftdown (in relation to say an Audi or Merc with sports shift) its far more responsive.

The automatic is quite intuiative in the fact if its sensing braking being applied, but no noticeable drop in speed (ie. applying brakes on a steep decline), the auto will kick back a gear and sit in that lower gear until its realised that you are wanting to increase speed again. But you're right, its not quite the same and being able to 'flick down' to a lower gear on your own.

Ah yes - domdom - that's right. They have made the paddle shift levers work without having to select 'Sports' mode, and I understand that they have modified the gearing ratios in the auto a little bit to assist in acceleration (as common perception is the 05-08 auto is geared a little too 'tall')

My understanding is VDIM available as standard on ALL model variants - POST the 'facelift' (ie. Nov 2008). Only available on the 'SL' variant PRE the facelift.

In addition to the above.... changes you'd barely notice. Changes to the centre front air vents (a more flat, yet recessed appearance), VDIM on all model variants (as initially only available on Sports Luxury), some slight modifications to some of the buttons on the centre console (font, raised), 'credit card' style entry key for the SL variant and I reckon they may've even dropped the leather down a grade across the range. One of the most subtle model upgrades from any make I've ever heard of - I guess good for us who have the initial model (05-08)! Any other modifications Ive missed peoples?

Had a fuel injection service as an add-on to my 45k service. Made a big difference (I set up a post here somewhere about it). Was a $50 add-on. They disassemble parts of the fuel system for a chemical flush and physical clean. Made notable difference to acceleration and a moderate improvement to fuel economy. I only ensure I get 95 or 98 RON from the big distributors (Shell BP, Caltex, Mobil). Regardless, over time your fuel system will still clog up a little bit. The very nature of the IS250 injection system I understand is that it is a little more sensitive to the issue than say your average Falcon or Commodore. However, Im surprised they are suggesting this to you after 15k. Not required I wouldn't think. And that cost seems extravagant. Normally a Lexus fuel system service retails for about $110-120, but my dealer throws it in for an extra $50-60 on a service if you like. Incidentally my friend got his 2003 C-class serviced the other day.... $900 plus $104 for two wiper blades!!!

A result of unacceptable service from your Newcastle dealer by the sounds of things. I thought it was pretty stock standard for all autos to have a filter replacement at 80-90k, as a minimum an inspection. At least Chatswood has now sorted you out. As well - it is Lexus obligation to check all issues that the driver alerts the service department to prior to a service. I'm with Melb City Lexus - and on my experience their service dept is faultless. They have gone above and beyond at times, and done additional servicing/'fine tuning' even when I didnt ask. Its a pity your experience with Lexus has been tarnished by the Newcastle dealer. Lexus have to be careful if they are planning to significantly expand their dealer network over the next 5 years.

Excuse my ignorance here (if there is any) but when is the timing belt replacement due? I know for most German vehicles its around 100k. Both my 30k and 45k service were about $600, and I thought Lexus intentionally space service items between services to 'average' the price around that $600-700 mark. So this price is totally 'out of character' - UNLESS there was a major replacement item that you werent told about. But the receipt I get from my dealer after each service itemises every single thing done to the vehicle. My brake pads might be due soon, so I will be wary that Lexus dont go ahead and change them at the next service without asking me first, and charging me an arm and a leg for them.

Yes got a letter this afternoon. Potential for slide pin on brake caliper corroding over time. Not a critical issue but can lead to uneven brake wear over time I understand, and restrict steering assistance in particular low-speed circumstances (I wont be losing any sleep over it - although will drop it in one day soon) - and of course this is only IF there is a problem. Not sure what build dates are affected but my IS has a 04/06 build date.

Quite underwhelming really. A rather bland billboard (red on red) and the side profile is hardly head turning. The initial IS250 ads (shiny black vehicle on an angled front profile at night - see attached) has far more impact. How does this billboard differentiate it from the other convertibles out there on the market? Incidentially, I found it quite funny that I received an email from Lexus alerting me to the forthcoming preview of the is250C yesterday. Outside it was 7c, hailing and snow in the nearby hills (Melbourne). Good timing Lexus!! It will be interesting to see what demographic they 'pitch' this car at. The timing is not ideal - a launch in the winter months in Australia, an economic downturn and a current sales slump by Lexus.

Just print this off and give it to your dealer. Easy fix! Lexus_TSIB___Seat_Squeak.pdf

Gee - I have Lexus fitted sensors, and they have been perfect., so Im surprised at this blog entry. I do know that in absolutely torrential rain (not that we've seen anything like tat in Melbourne for past 10 years), anything to do with sonar/radar can go 'skew-whiff'. (like radar cruise control whic for safety reasons can shut down in extreme rain). But Ive never had any problem in any conditions (hot, cold, frost, fog, rain, dust).

Im pretty confident its nothing to do with the paint - and as alluded to here by Bluey, Im pretty sure its sap. Ive had those little spots from time to time, and they do disappear. My Meguair's Speed Detailer (Waterless Car Wash) works the best for things like that. Water and car wash detergent is a bit weak for any strong contaminants like bird droppings, insect, sap, etc.). Claying would probably do the trick too, although Ive always been reluctant to try claying, as I heard it can be detrimental to the clear coat. On extremely rare instances, industrial fallout can cause duco damage like that (caustic mist from refining processes and some metals such as silver nitrate and iron oxides), which if left on the duco for more than a few hours can react with the paint. This is EXTREMELY rare, although I do know of cases of where this occurred. I doubt if this is your problem, unless you had dozens of spots occur all at once and appeared corrosive - as I say, I reckon yours is sap. As for the brakes, its a known IS250 issue - just an inconvenience, nothing more. My Lexus dealer is frustrated with it, but unlike the US which issue replacement caliper and pad sets - there is no such remedy here in Oz.

If I can add my two cents worth in - a respray would drop the value of the car, particularly a recent prestige car and pose some questions for future buyers. Particuarly when the hard to reach spots (door jars, inside the bonnet etc.) will look a different colour (ie. silver) to the new pearl finish you're contemplating. Id go along with others here, and spend a good $400-500 on a professional paint restoration job. THEN if you're still not happy, consider a respray. But there are a few posts in this forum from other owners that have had been rapt at how their paintwork has come up after a good professional polish and detailing job. A friend of mine just bought a 4 yr old Merc C-class coupe, and spent just $250 on a detailing package, as the paint work was a bit dull. Now looks a completely different car - he is rapt.

DANSLEX - I had the same problem (04/2006 build). There is a little plastic lug in the back pillar somewhere that may become slightly misaligned over time and will go undetected, until in warm weather when it expands ever so slightly and rubs on the lining, causing a slight squeak when direct sun shines on it for some time. I mentioned this to my dealer last service, and yep, they knew right away what I meant, and how to fix it - which they did.

Im with pygothian - Im pretty confident that's only available for the US models.....like so many things....the remote tyre pressure gauges, auto dimming mirrors on the base model, 17inch wheels on the base model, the all-wheel drive option, and of course the IS350.

Rap03 - Good luck with VW. I won't go near them! Their notorious arrogance and condesending approach to its customers, not to mention their questionable reliability record and Mercedes-esque service costs have turned me off them completely. I bought a Golf for my wife a few years ago. I was turned off early on (even though I initially liked the vehicle), but she really wanted the Golf - so we went through a painful experience for a troublesome vehicle. Needless to say its sold now. Whilst we did, I looked at the Passat and took one for a drive. Not a patch on the IS with respect to build quality, finish, quality of materials, ride/suspension and handling. That's not to say it wasn't a bad vehicle - they are good value for money, are spacious and have an excellent transmission and a very good diesel donk, but they lack that all-round polish. Just a pity its a VW. When buying the IS, I seriously considered the A4 too, and found Audi's level of service very good - not pushy but polite, responsive and they gave me one for the day to drive on my own without a sales rep with me. I'd recommend Audi service, but not its parent company. I'm staggered to hear you're dissappointed in Lexus service standards. I've found Lexus' service second to none - clear daylight with anything Ive dealt with and having dealt with many manufacturers over the years from Holden and Ford, through to VW, Mazda and Merc. You'll see standard industry 'service' when you go to VW!! As I said, good luck with VW - and watch out for that options list too - its big and scary and likes to feed aggressively on your bank balance!!!

I would be guessing that the rain is intereferring with the sonar/radar on the cruise control. The sonar/radar waves would be bouncing/distorting off the rain, resulting in the cruise control getting 'mixed messages' and therefore shutting down for safety reasons, particularly at 110km/h.

Good to see everyone is on the money here.... about 3-5 psi above manufacturer recommendation is about spot on. Our instructors at the advanced driver training course I did at Sandown Park a few years ago kept stressing that that was what a tyre is designed to operate at, but all manufacturers drop the rating that much universally, so as to give their vehicle a slightly smoother ride (you'll find that the cars for test driving invariably will have even lower pressure!). So I run my Prestige at 38 F/41 R (instead of recomm. 35/38). Over the life of the tyre, an additional 3-5 psi should get you up to 10k more mileage, and you'll get a little bit better cornering (as there will be less flex/roll in the sidewall of the tyre). Its also a safer option, as a bit more pressure opens up the tread in the tyre and stiffens the sidewall

Akuma and Franky - the IS is actually holding its value as well as any car in its class. Its all relative - and its just the nature of the new and used car market over the past year, and the 2009 update to the IS hasnt helped that much. I did a bit of a check on-line (as Im planning to sell my 2006 IS later this year) and in this class, the IS is probably equal second-best with a comparable 3-series in terms of depreciation. The C-class just leads, the IS and comparable 3-series are joint second, the Alfa 159 is 3rd and the Audi A4 is fourth with the local luxury specced vehicles further behind. And by nature (in every model of every car), the gap between the base and optioned-up models always shrinks over time. That's why you'll see a greater % depreciation in the SL than the P, also in the fact that many of the features in a 2006 SL which were new technology in that class at the time, are now a bit more commonplace in other brands and therefore dont have the selling potential they once did.

Interesting...and shoots down my argument somewhat!! I have a red label that says "Premium Unleaded fuel only" - no E10 mention anywhere .....but that is on a 2006 model. Maybe the requirements have changed with later models??!

I'll add my five cents worth..... I wouldn't touch E10 for the IS250, unless in an emergency and you had no other option. I am under the impression that continual use of E10 could void components of your warranty relating to the powertrain. An occassional top up of E10, with some 95 or 98 still in the tank wouldn't do any harm, but continual use over time I think would. As an example, a friend with a new Accord Euro asked the same question of his dealer upon delivery of the vehicle a few months back, and yes Honda can void the warranty if continual use of <98RON fuel is evident. I can't comment on Lexus' policy. The E10 has been introduced by Shell, United and others primarily for use in older non-performance-orientated vehicles, with their typical target being Mum & Dad's in their knockabout "5 year old big Aussie 6". So in summary, I would strongly advise against it for the IS250 - however chat to your dealer to get confirmation, especially on the warranty. And I'm with you 'last 1' - I used to swap around from 95 to 98, but am just sticking to 98 now, and am noticing about a 8-9% improvement in efficiency around town, compared with a 6-7% price difference between 95 and 98 - worth it then!