Snowbound

It is normal. In fact, it is something I have really come to love about the IS. The auto trans will almost read your mind & up*BLEEP*f/downshft when you want it to if you learn its shift points and feather the throttle. It took a little getting used to because I have never driven another car that downshifts as aggressively as the IS, but as others have pointed out, using engine braking reduces brake wear and keeps you in the best gear for quick acceleration. --SB

I think you may be on to something there. I found a place nearby that will clay & wax for $75 and buff for another $25. Similar prices for the interior so for $200 you can get everything possible done to it. If they use a synthetic sealant I can do it 2x a year & keep it looking nice for less money than what 8-10 hours of my time is worth to me. They have a website: Concord Auto Spa I have no experience with them, but I have to give them credit for taking the time to do a website. I figured... oh well it's a lesson learned. I won't use the bottles of stuff they gave me. On the plus side, if I ever rip or puncture the leather, they will repair it free. --SB

Yeah as far as I know it's complete... Lower air scoop, bumper, lower hood, fender flares, side mirrors... I don't think the headlights were done. I bought a bunch of other stuff from the sales manager like the service contract & leather/paint protection, so maybe I got a deal on the bra, but I probably got robbed somewhere else. They may be Lexus dealers, but they're still car dealers ;) --SB

Hi folks, I just got a new IS 250 AWD in Black Onyx. It looks spectacular, but I have never owned a black car before & I am nervous about protecting the finish. This car is a 15k mile commuter car on highways & country roads & New England winters, so it will see plenty of abuse. I bought the clear bra from the dealer so that should help, but I am looking for some suggestions on how to care for the car & keep it looking good. Now, I should say that I am lazy & I don't even really like to spend more than an hour or so washing or whatever. I read about claying & I doubt I would have the patience for that. But, I am also willing to accept that I won't have the best looking car in the world -- I just want it to look decent. I ordered some Optimum car wash stuff to clean it in the garage in the winter, but what else should I be doing? Zaino? Seems like a lot of work... I ordered the optimum spray wax too, but I can't see that lasting too long. What is a good durable finish? I bought the "ResistAll" stuff from the dealer too, but I suspect that was a waste... I think it's just a polymer sealant, but it does warranty the car against tree sap, acid rain, etc etc. Also it covers punctures & tears to the leather. Thanks for the input --SB

I have a new Black Onyx '06 IS 250 AWD. I bought an Autobahnd clear bra from the dealer for $495 installed which includes the front bumper & spoiler, the lower third or so of the hood, the area in front of the front wheel wells and the fronts of the side mirrors. I don't know the thickness of the kit they used. On the black you can definitely see the line on the hood & side of the car up close. It doesn't look horrible, but it's noticeable. My IS is a daily beater though & I drive in heavy traffic at highway speeds, so the clear bra is better than shredding the paint on the front of the car. --SB