CTC Review: 2007 Lexus IS350

[CD_Editor]

Picture Gallery:  2007 Lexus IS350


Day 1:

Click Image to Enlarge

You know, I really enjoy this gig I've got going here, especially when I step out of something like the Acura RDX (which was a fantastic little CUV) and into something even more fantastic: the Lexus IS350.  More ...

[dorin]

Nice picture in front of the old Ottawa City Hall.

[airbalancer]

you lucky dog!

[Bullet Blue]

Sexy car. Can't wait to hear your impressions.

[Mr. Meow]

OMG what a car


.

[SY]

I still don't get it - even after reading numerous threads about it - price difference with US. MSRP for IS350 in US is $35,705, invoice is $31,420. Can somebody tell me how could the same car cost 50K CDN here?!

[mdxtasy]

I still don't get it - even after reading numerous threads about it - price difference with US. MSRP for IS350 in US is $35,705, invoice is $31,420. Can somebody tell me how could the same car cost 50K CDN here?!

Because that's what Lexus Canada priced it at.   

[ovr50]

I still don't get it - even after reading numerous threads about it - price difference with US. MSRP for IS350 in US is $35,705, invoice is $31,420. Can somebody tell me how could the same car cost 50K CDN here?!

There has been a ton of chit-chat about this topic of Cdn vs US pricing - use the search button and find it to read up on all the comments. This is a common newbie comment and no one seems to use the search button (maybe a sticky should be made of the topic?).

[lucid0703]

I envy you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tpl]

It is probably a great competitor to the 3 series for the 89% of people who would buy a slushbox. But not for me. Which is a shame 'cos I'd believe that it is a better car than a 330 in just about every way except the transmission.

I really wish VW would get on and licence the dsg to, at least, Acura,Toyota & M-B

[quadzilla]

I still don't get it - even after reading numerous threads about it - price difference with US. MSRP for IS350 in US is $35,705, invoice is $31,420. Can somebody tell me how could the same car cost 50K CDN here?!

You know if you just moved to the states you wouldn't have to complain anymore and we wouldn't have to listen to this for the millionth time.  It isn't just cars that the prices are affected by the different markets. 

Back the to IS350....What snow tires are on the car?  Sound like a good double review here.

I've never driven one of these but it would be at the top of my 50K car list.  Looking forward to how you find this car.

[lucky me]

Nice pictures in front of the National Gallery of Canada. Didn’t know we could bring a car up on the walkway for pictures. That’s a good idea. Since I’m lucky enough to own a IS350 with lux package I should do the same. Will be nice in the photos album.

[UmroAyyar]

Awesome car, Its very difficult for this car to be used as a daily driver for a family in IS250 AWD config. Backseat area is really tight, less than Acura TSX, BMW-3, Audi A4.

Brilliant car by appearance, performance, luxury.

[bmorton]

Watch out, the power from the 3.5 is addictive. I've driven the IS250 and enjoyed it, but found it a bit sluggish. Nothing there an extra 100 hp wouldn't fix.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Fantastic photo taking Wing. Really enjoying looking at a bunch of them, and the night shots were hot 
It's no wonder you're getting all these great vehicles.

IMO the IS is the best car in the segment, but only for the right person. It's high quality, fun, powerful, looks dynamite - I mean, such a great stance and short overhangs, bulletproof reliability, has the prestige badge and resale, great dealer service, etc. I love the touches of the instrument cluster, and the LED lights in various spots in the interior (I think) and the rear license plate - really catches my eye.

On the downside, it's just far too small inside. That alone will rule it out for many. Back seat is dinky, front headroom is lacking - so, for a shorter person it's fine, but over 6'1" and you may feel more than a little cramped/claustraphobic. I wish the IS 350 offered the manual and/or AWD. Additionally, the packaging of options is very annoying and expensive, but the total is still reasonable for the package you're getting. The interior is very slick, but there's small niggles like the display and colour of the clock, etc, but I'll find something to complain about with everything - overall, very, very well executed sports sedan.

Like others, wish I could take 'er for a rip for a week! 

[safristi]

James(BOND) Bergeron....shaken BUT not stirred by the big"L" YET!!!??? ..yessh sshe doessh take the premium schtuff rather quickly mr.MoneyBags  see "Q" aka Grant fer a SUPERSIZED expensive err expense account thissh week laddie......

[wing]

bahhaha good one saf.

Thanks SAM, I finally got my new lens (box inside that trunk) which allowed me to get some angles and such I could never get previously.  And I have another lens coming today!

There's something about those night shots I really like and the one shot of the start/stop button is hot.

[safristi]

Oooh STOP/START it again James.. ............home and don't spare the HORSES...... ....Lense be a Lady tonite......... ..Nice Pics ya can PUSH MY BUTTON anytime..how come NO coke came out...damn cheap soda machine.......that dig inna ribs from the fellow posters  has pushed ya into a new League..(.No Not BUSH...Harponi .... .)..a guy enuf and he produces the goods.....

[jww]

Nice pictures in front of the National Gallery of Canada. Didn’t know we could bring a car up on the walkway for pictures. That’s a good idea. Since I’m lucky enough to own a IS350 with lux package I should do the same. Will be nice in the photos album.

Not to be too picky, Lucky, but this is in front of what used to be Ottawa City Hall before the amalgamation and move to the O/C Regional Municipality building on Laurier Ave W.

Behind the streamer pyramid-under-glass is a long hall which was notorious for leaking after initially completed. Now occupied by the Crown for government offices (not sure which department). How do I know? I drive by the building every morning on the way into work on Ottawa's prettiest commute to downtown - Aviation Parkway/Sussex Drive.

Back-on-topic now:

I am in agreement with the issue around the transmission - Lexus got it all right and then some to make this a 3-series beater, until they dropped in the gear box. It would be a showstopper for me if the $$ wasn't already 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

There's something about those night shots I really like and the one shot of the start/stop button is hot.

Just commented on it