brel523

I have a 2006 IS 350(bought in July with Sport/Nav/ML/Spoiler) that I drive to work(35 miles each way, 70 miles total a day). Let's just say I LOVE getting in that car and going to work. It's smooth, comfy, and I love the power. I'm an offensive driver and the car flat out moves. No more cars cutting in front of me at the last moment like when I had the car before this one( '97 Saturn with 124hp). I know you won't be disappointed with the IS350. I have two kids (9 and 10 yrs old) that fit fine in the back. I've had 3 co-workers in the car when going to lunch. One guy in back(behind passenger) was 6'4" and said he was fine. The front passenger was a girl that was about 5'7", the girl behind me was 5'4". They all said it was not cramped, but wouldn't want to take a long trip with it(unless you had regular stops). The 6'4" guy couldn't sit behind me, as I'm 6'1" and have the set pushed back(not all the way back though). Anyway, long story short. I love driving my IS350 over 70 miles each day.

Just last night on way home in IS 350, I had my daughter(in front seat) and two of her friends(in back seat), all 11 years old(DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING :-) ) and heard this popping sound that you mention that sounded like little rocks hitting on left side of car almost where the A/C vent is on the left. We were on back roads and no cars infront so I doubt it was little rocks/debris. It almost sounded like one of the girls was taking her fingernails and popping them with another fingernail in back seat. It only happened for about 15 secs then stopped. I didn't hear it on the way into work, so that's good, but now I read this thread and think there may be something to it. I guess I just keep listening and try to figure it out if I hear it again.