hey FoP
i went through the same as you three months ago... but i got so lucky and walked into the IS350 that i wanted... mine is 07 in black sapphire with luxury package with 18" with additional option:
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System
- Intuitive Parking Assist
- Headlamp washers
- Preferred Accessory Package (includes Cargo net, Trunk mat and Wheel locks)
- Rear spoiler
- Floor mats, all-weather
basically, it's fully loaded minus Mark Levinson.. i think the msrp was 44,500 and i got it for $39,500.. so i got a decent deal. but IS350s are not that popular here in Boston area (NE) because it's rear wheel drive and so... i think that's why i got it pretty much at invoice price. out in cali, like people say, i doubt it'll be that low. you may get lucky though.. but seems like you can't even find the 350 you want in stock
good luck!