is_in_red

I had that happen when I took the car out during a blizzard (Valentines Day 2007) to have some fun. I probably confused the system by activating the VSC too frequently. The lights you describe came on. After letting it sit for an hour it reset.

I don't understand the complaints about the AWD - I own both cars (A4 Avant Quattro and IS250 AWD) and they are both very stable on snow covered roads. I have Blizzaks on the Audi and Dunlop 3D Sport snows on the Lexus. The Lexus is more on the luxury end of Sport. The Audi will give you more engine and exhaust sound, plus the turbo growl. I prefer the seating position of the Audi, it's more upright. I have an earlier build of the IS250 and it has some interior rattles but they've probably been worked out of the '07 cars.

I find that dirt collects under those gaskets. The rocker panels are plastic though so rust shouldn't be a problem (hopefully).

If you think it's windshield related it might be addressed by this TSB: windshield ticking

That popping is loud - my wife and I drove from Albany to Rochester, NY and back over the holiday and it happened coming and going. It startled my wife the first couple of times because she thought it was a stone hitting the windshield. I thought it may have been the effect of the heater on the cool vents but it still happened after the car was warm and driven a hundred miles or so. I don't think it's related to the rattle TSB - that's more for the creaking that occurs at the dashboard mating surfaces (cowl side attachment points).

There's a Technical Service Bulletin out titled, "Instrument Panel Rattle." The TSB # is NV003-06. It's pretty involved and requires disassembly of the dashboard. tsbI've also discovered that the plastic trim piece that sits in the center (and top) of the dash rattles. This piece looks like a speaker grill but it's only there to cover a hole that probably has something to do with the factory assembly. The kick panels underneath the dash in the footwells tend to rattle too.

That's covered in the owner's manual. You can also find instruction on the operation of the door locks and a couple (but not all) of the other "preference" items you were asked about prior to delivery.

I'd say have at it. I've had my IS into the dealer for creaking/rattling: door panels; moonroof; dashboard; seats; The dealer service hasn't been good - in fact the service manager arranged to meet me and discuss the problems then failed to show up. Here's the response I received from Lexus after the last visit: Dear Mr. D[edited for privacy], Thank you for the opportunity to review your concern and with the moonroof on your 2006 IS 250, Vehicle Identification Number JTHCKxxxxxxxxx. N[edited for privacy] Lexus of L[edited for privacy] and I have reviewed your concern and we apologize that the dealer was unable to duplicate the creaking noise in the moonroof. Lexus respectfully declines to provide any further repairs related to this issue, because Lexus was unable to duplicate the issue. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and your concerns have been documented at headquarters. If you require further assistance, please respond to this e-mail, or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. Sincerely, [edited for privacy] [edited for privacy] Follow Specialist Lexus Customer Satisfaction That's some warranty.