Sapphire Cam

Turbo4 - you're right. They charge that because they can. The stock-standard 3-series - the off the shelf 320i is a vastly inferior product to the is250, the A4 and C-class, yet the badge keeps people buying it and sucking people in. (It sucked me in - to the dealership at least for a test drive a couple of years back - but that's where it quickly ended). In particular the majority of 4-cyl 320i's on the road are in fact executive fleet or lease vehicles, which 'inflate' the actual ownership figures of a standard 3-series. You just have to look at our car park here at work (all the execs are issued with the stock standard 320i) - Ive had 3 of them come up and chat about the is250 with me at the coffee machine and wish theyd got one instead, but Lexus are never popular with executive fleets for some reason - maybe they're not into volume discounts!) I've also looked at and driven the new A4 (so what!? - I have no idea what all the hype is about - unless its the infinite options list perhaps, the choppy ride and FWD dynamics, or the turbo lag in the 1.8T), Audi in my opinion are a very overpriced product, and the C-class which is a lovely vehicle, but again not until you fork out 10k extra for stuff that should be standard on a vehicle like that (like 'real leather' for Gods sake!). Three and half years on, the is250 is still the best value all-round package on the market. Sorry if Im sounding like a salesman - I dont mean to be!

LDC - exactly the same issue for me (04/2006 IS250). I noticed it (I have an irritatingly sensitive ear! - my wife never heard it), and actually I highlighted it to the dealer at last service. Just some little cogs slightly out of alignment behind the display. I keep an eye out for TSBs, but havent seen one for this - I wouldnt worry - its a dead easy procedure for the Lexus Techys to do. You may also notice that your speedometer is probably a bit out - if you speedo is making those sounds, that also means that your speedo is out by about 6-8% (this is what the dealer told me - see an earlier post somewhere I believe). Its a 30-40min simple changeover. (old cluster comes out, new cluster goes in). Got this done for me about 9 months ago - no noise since. Buzz in the steering column - just turn your steering wheel half a rotation or so, so as to expose the grey/black coloured 'Phillips-head' screws (the face of the screws face towards the driver). Get a screwdriver and tighten up any slack in them (if any) - that may solve your column buzz.

Use of 91RON = Only in emergency of course, but would expect it would get you through fine (particularly on the open road), provided its only for a few hundred kms max and that you're not revving it. I think use of 91RON in city traffic would be risky (but you wouldnt anyhow?!) as the extra octane is needed most in acceleration. 95 or 98? = I usually run mine on 95RON, with every 3rd or 4th tank as 98RON. Economy and performance all good. But since the recent drop in petrol prices, I've now put 98RON every fill. Around town I'm getting about 0.4-0.6L/100km better economy with the 98 over the 95. "Oils Aint Oils" = To Naz: well something to that effect! YES you're not wrong re. Caltex. I did some environmental auditing for Gilbarco a few years back (they are the guys that service/calibrate all the bowsers Australia wide) and they said without hesitation that Caltex refine the best fuel in Australia and make the best product. I find their 95RON is as good as some refiners' 98RON products. I've also done a bit of work for the Shell Geelong refinery, and know for a fact that their 91RON fuel actually at times drops below 91RON (this should not a problem for IS owners, but some trivia for you all). Their 98 fuel (V-Power) is fine though. Reckon I've had a problem with their 95RON product at times though (poor economy)

Two things I believe, both related to rubber! Tyres (of course). You'll find the Bridgestone Turanzas a little quieter than the Potenzas. These are Lexus-endorsed for the IS, although the Potenza is preferred. The Turanza are of slightly less performance (I think the sidewalls arent as rigid as the Potenzas) resulting in a little more roll during cornering, but last an extra 10k kms (give or take) and are a little quieter. Of course as your tyres get older, they'll gradually become noisier. The next issue are the door seals (and boot/bonnet seals for that matter). Do not underestimate the importance of these for noise attenuation. Make sure you and the passengers aren't slamming the doors regularly (no need because in a sense the doors in the IS are desgined to be self-closing once there is any momentum behind them), because over time this will decrease the effectiveness of the seal, particularly the fatter, more spongey seals used by Lexus. It doesnt hurt just to get a damp cloth every few months and clean the seals from dust etc. Even better, every 6 months or so, soften them up with an Armorall-type cleaner, or even a tyre rejuvenator-type product. Also most tarmac contractors are now using cheaper, coarser grade aggregate on country roads and highways now to reduce costs. I know in Victoria (a close friend of mine works for Vic Roads), it was a conscious policy change five or so years ago in the tender evaluation process. They'll only use the smoother surfaces now in residential areas to reduce noise. Brand new sections of the Hume, the Princes and Goulburn Valley freeways are appauling in the road noise generated due to the coarse surface - but here Im off the topic a bit.....

Agree with Chappy - there is too much of a step up, from the 2.5L (at $56-79k) to the 5.0L ($129k)- there should be a 90-100k variant available in the IS range, and surely that is where the is350 steps in. I understand the is350 can't come to Australia due to emissions standards/regulations. I still think that is a lame excuse by Lexus Oz - because when I was in LA late last year, there were is350's everywhere, and I believe Californian emissions standards are far more stringent than Australia's (in fact you could argue they are some of the world's most stringent). If, as the sales executive explained to me, that Lexus is now less concerned about sales volume for the IS range, then bring the damn 350 down under and price it at 95!! Chappy, (well done - I love the 2-dr 335 too) at least Lexus can feel comfortable that the is250's aren't being traded in for the stock standard 320/323, which in my eyes are 'Exhibit A' in illustrating how someone would buy a car purely based on the badge. They are such a disappointment (after having a play around with one a few weeks back).

Hello all, I was in my Lexus dealership on the weekend to have a look at the IS-F and the IS250 update. A sales exec was telling me that the is250 will rise by $4,000 from Jan 1 2009, and the new RX when it arrives next year will increase by about 8k. These are relatively new announcements made by Lexus, in response to changes in the overall automotive market. Apparently it is a brand/model protection measure - to keep Lexus at the upper end of the market and in a sense making the same profit from selling less vehicles?! I thought all manufacturers want as many of their cars on the road as possible! One positive is the benefit this will have on the value of second hand is250s in the years ahead. Secondly Lexus have apparently bought plans forward for the re-release of the is250 to late 2010, not 2012 - as initially proposed. Another bit of news the dealer gave me was that whilst the Sports variant is currently dead in the latest is250 range, it may be re-released as per the 'Sports Concept' or 'IS-F lite' as shown at the Sydney Motor Show, around the same time as the is250-C in mid 2009. Has anyone else heard / read this news? - As I said, it is relatively new news, as I was surprised that the sales executive disclosed this to me without having read anything.

Agree with ldc and chappy - unfair to compare the 250 with the 335. I think give Lexus 5 years and they'll be serving it right up to BMW on the road. The IS series is really just start to play with the big boys now - and the Germans have a 20 year head start! The 335 is all class (probably the best looking Beemer too - dont like the tired and busy basic 3-series styling), but unfair to put it in the same class as the 250. Word out there is that the IS range is due for a total re-release in 2012, which Lexus are going all-out to stop the Germans in their tracks and I believe will include a 2 door souped-up coupe with the 3.5V6 in it. Whether it comes Down Under remains to be seen.

ldc - tend to agree. Think the BMW range is looking very dated, and I sat in a new 3-series the other day, and it felt like Id stepped back in time to 1998! The M3 has been refined over and over again which is why it has a slightly better ride than the IS-F. From the various reviews Ive read, Lexus just need to fine-tune the ride and perhaps find an extra 10kW from somewhere and it'll put the M3 vIS-F debate to bed.

Top Gear has always been anti-Lexus and very paraochial towards anything European - especially when it's put up against anything Asian. This clip shows how they'd rigged the comparsion a little bit, getting the professional driver in the M3 whilst the presenter (Jeremy) is in the IS-F. And they fail to mention that whilst BMW have been doing this type of vehicle for decades, this is Lexus' first crack at it! And using schoolboy logic at times to downplay the Lexus. The Top Gear boys in their language and behaviour illustrate that the IS-F does give the Germans something to think about. Will be interesting who the benchmark will be in 5 years time??! Incidentally, the IS-F gets a glowing review on their web-site.

No seat heating/cooling in the X?? I thought the X had heating only? The fertility issue is a very very very long bow indeed. Our bits n bobs down there get far hotter during a gym workout or run or in jeans on a warm day, than sitting on a warmed leather seat. I think if you were driving 8 hrs a day every day with the heaters on, then there might be some merit in the claim - other than that, wouldnt' give it another mention. One positive, without the seat coolers, there should more footroom in the back (as the deep front seats are due to the colling ventilation fans). And as a Prestige owner, Id love to grab myself an X, (a great value for money package) but unfort. couldn't justify the change-over cost, given my vehicle is only 2 years old and in 'as new' condition.

Agree with the above. A few of the 'niggles' come from the late 05's and 2006 builds. From early '07 onwards, Lexus had rectified the niggles with some engineering modifications. So with your late '08 model you wont have any issues. It's arguably (well even statistically according to JD Powers) the most reliable sedan on the road today. Without being a wowser, really think twice regarding non-factory modifications with respect to your warranty and insurance - check with your dealer beforehand. The Lexus warranty is to be cherished in this industry (given the stories you hear from Hyundai and Ford through to BMW and Mercedes) - it would be tragic to void it. If you dont have any park-assist (sensors or camera), I STRONGLY advise you to get reverse sensors fitted as minimum. Your Lexus dealer can install the factory-issue ones in a couple of hours for about $500.

Dazk - As I stated above, Lexus Australia seem to be the ones who are being difficult on this issue - much to the owners and dealers frustration. We're all not sure as to why?

C'mon guys - did anyone read my earlier post? Ive investigated this issue significantly, including calling Lexus Australia, speaking with my dealer several times and even emailing Lexus USA. My dealer did their own investigation. My earlier post explains that it is a catalytic convertor issue, that Lexus USA are rectifying through the installation of new exhaust assemblies. Lexus Australia will not do this - much to the dealers' frustrations.

I have a light / beige interior and do the following... CARPETS - Weak mix of wool mix and warm water (as required) HARD PLASTICS - Weak mix of hand soap and warm water (as required) LEATHER - Meguiars Gold Class leather conditioner, with applicator pad (every 3 months) CENTRE CONSOLE AND OTHERS - DRY cloth only - no liquids. Avoid Armorall or similiar at all costs - it may result in cloudy streaks/spots on any perspex surfaces DASH - Silicon sealant sprayed lightly onto clean cloth and rub. Dont spray directly onto dash. As the dash is a rubberised material, the silicon (like your tyre cleaner) spray works well to shine up the dash and keep clean.

Not bad - must admit that Im not a huge fan of the orange in the rear taillight assembly. A clear (like the IS-f) (or this red) wouldve been much nicer. Has anyone seen the 2009 update? do they still have the orange lens? Not sold on the smoked version though, would only work I think in dark coloured vehicles.

Jomster - sounds like an issue unique to your car. I have authentic sensors installed by the dealer and have worked perfectly all the time in any conditions. Im assuming your sensors are Lexus genuine parts. The problem you describe are typical of the cheaper over-the-counter DIY sensor kits. So yep, get your dealer to sort it all out.

Go into your nearest dealer and drive one! They arent slow at all - they are 0/100km/h in mid 8 secs. Admittedly, it is a very heavy car for its size (you feel the solidity when you drive one) and the auto is geared a little tall (will be changed in the 2009 update apparently) - so you need to rev it a little bit to get it going (it may feel sluggish as it has doesnt have a touchy accelerator, but its not). Took me a few months to get used to it, but now Ive learnt how to drive it now. Agreed - reversing assistance is a must. I just have the sensors which do a good job. When Ive had a loan car (during services), Ive had one with a camera, but found it a bit unnerving to watch it rather than my mirrors, and listening to the 'beeps'. Incidentally I believe Lexus has a driveaway deal on the is250 for the next few weeks (I think they are paying all on-road costs) - so have a chat to them about that. I test drove just about everything under the sun from Alfa to Audi to BM to VW to Mazda to Honda - nothing came close!!

Agree OzBoy, although not first hand, but through consistent comments made to me and on forums about the Brighton dealership not being up to the same standards as the other Victorian dealers.

To Melbbq - Im staggered at that driveaway price of $71k for a Prestige with Enhancement pack. After some haggling, I thought you could do it for 58k plus on-roads on top of that. In the end I got an ex.exec driven Prestige with roof (no enhancement pack) with 12,000kms through a Lexus dealer here in Melb with genuine reverse sensors installed as a sweetener for 52k driveaway. To let you know, I work as a professional for a multi-national resources company - (but purchased privately, no leasing or remuneration package thing) - and as snobby as it sounds, where you work does help a little in getting a better price. It helped me because Im in my early 30s (apparently look late 20s!! :) ) and therefore they weren't that interested in me initially, until I told them where I worked, and then they were all over me, and willing to 'do a deal'. Its worth building a rapport with a particular individual first - it helps with Lexus (Audi and BMW didn't give a stuff about me to be honest!) I know that MelbCity and Blackburn (if you're in Vic) currently have quite a few ex.demos/exec driven in stock for high-50s driveaway. Incidentally, there is a post on this forum somewhere that has a link to the cosmetic changes to the 2009 update. Slightly different tail lights as well, but overall quite minor - I dont think there are any changes to the interior. New IS250 expected in 2011 or 2012 now, as they want to release a convertible IS (another post here) in 2010. Good luck - as I said, I looked and drove EVERYTHING in the 45-60k price range and just so glad I bought my IS. Its worth that little extra saving if needed.

CASE CLOSED - The issue is related to the catalytic convertor assembly in 2005, 2006 and some early 2007 IS250s only. All vehicles will give some sulphur smell (H2S), but in these vehicles (such as mine) it is excessive. If the cabin is sealed (no sunroof or windows open) you will barely notice it, but if they are open, and 10-30secs following a hard acceleration, the H2S smell is very strong. A Technical Service Information Bulletin was raised (EG017-06) by Lexus USA, and I have spoken to my dealer about it a couple of times (as have other customers apparently), but Lexus Australia are not doing anything about it (ie. they wont), and dealers are frustrated that 'Head Office' wont help out. A new pipe and exhaust assembly (I even have the replacement part number (17410-31710)) is required, but Lexus Australia currently do not accept this as a legitimate warranty repair, yet their largest market by far, the USA has since August 1, 2006 - work that out! Other issues mentioned by owners on this post here - Im assuming just relate to general operation of the car, and I wouldnt get too concerned about it. Vehicles with a twin exahust system (dont ask me why?!) tend to have stronger, more noticeable H2S emissions.

Melbbq - Good luck with it all. OPTIONS - I have a 2006 is250 Prestige with no Enhancement Pack. Have had a loan car with an enhancement pack, and would love to have it in my car, but cant quite see the extra $7k value in it (4k is more realistic I think). The 'standard' sound system in the Prestige is a 13 speaker Pioneer 190w which is simply brilliant. The ML 14-spkr set up in the enhancement pack is better, but not a lot better. If you dont get the enhancement pack (with rear-view camera), ask your dealer to "throw in" reverse sensors. I did and was the best decision I made - have saved me a few times from bumping into low poles, and they are a handy parking guide when in a tight space. TRIP COMPUTER - For memory, you scroll through the trip computer to tell you... Average Fuel Consumption (resettable by user); Tank Average Cons (since you last filled up), Gear Position (handy when you are in manual/sports mode), Outside Temp oC, Distance to Empty, and a bar graph giving you an approximate instantaneous consumption use. NEGOTIATION - Right now you are probably in a good position to haggle a few little extras. Sales are down across the industry, the IS250 sales have dropped a little also (due to the inferior, but highly advertised and hyped new releases of the option-riddled C-class and A4), and there is a minor cosmetic update of the IS250 due out in 2009. You could try for tinting, reverse sensors and perhaps the bluetooth pack for the base Prestige as 'sweeteners'. THE CAR - Before I bought my IS, I drove the 159, A4, Passat, 320i, C-class, and many others. In my opinion, based on what other cars offer, the IS250 gives you 85k of car for 60k. Highly, highly recommended. DEALERS - If you happen to be in Victoria, MelbCity and Blackburn are both excellent dealerships. Brighton gets mixed reviews for some reason. If you work full-time for a company listed in the ASX200, ask about their corporate packages and pricing. You might get free servicing for the life of the warranty! Good luck.

On behalf of myself (and Im sure I speak for all of us on the is250 fourm community) my sincere condolences to you as well. I really dont know what to say - just hang in there and be strong mate. It was a very nice and classy touch from Perth Lexus - in your time of absolute loss. (Many companies could learn a thing or two from that!) Again, all my sympathies 'Pygothian' - Cam.

I think there is an earlier post on this issue.....Nothng you can do about it. Its typical of cars with higher performance pads. You see it with all the Euro makes (BM, Merc, Audi etc.) Not saying its a good thing - its bloody annoying. Ive tried all sorts of things, including those expensive spray on cleaners etc. The best solution for me is do a dry clean once a week (just wipe off with an old rag or paper towel, and wear gloves!).

Someone here was talking about micro-fibre cloths still scratching the surface. True - if you dont regularly wash them. Make sure you wash the microfibre cloth (just as if it were an ordinary laundry item) every few wipes. They may still look clean and feel clean after use, but over time they can become like 'emery paper' by trapping those miniture particles and finely scratch the surface.

Have my own water tank so every few weeks I give it a proper wash n wax (with a clean terry towelling cloth only) and then a chamois. But in the meantime, if its a bit dusty, I use the waterless spray (Meguiars) which is excellent, particularly for dark duco. It takes a bit longer to do, but worthwhile. Also handy to quickly get rid of those evils - bird crap and tree sap and insect gunk. No point using the waterless spray though if the car is dirty with actual dirt and grit. Good ol' water is the only thing for that!