Rafiki

One final note is regarding your Tire Dealer. Try to select one that provides FREE Rotate and Balancing. Even if you pay a few dollars more for the tires, Having them rotated every 5K miles will keep them quiet and help them last longer. Thus saving $20 every 5K miles can add up pretty quickly!

I use NITTO INVO tires on my 2007 IS250. I have about 115,000 miles on the car and get around 45K miles on a set of these tires, so I'm ready to buy my 3rd set. I like a very quite ride, and my driving style is average (not to agressive). You can rotate these tires side to side so they maintain their quite ride characteristics. I see you are from FL, so the NITTO INVO tires would work well for you, as you can use a Summer Tire year round. Take a look at the post in the Tire Forum on the NITTO INVO tire on the IS250 for more information - http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/55687-nitto-invo-on-2007-is250-25k-mile-update/page__hl__%2Bis250+%2Bnitto

I feel the Side-to-Side rotation is a "must do" with the staggered fitment wheels. Otherwise the tire would have no rotation, and given the fairly agressive Front End toe-in specs on the IS250, the wear would quickly result in increased road noise. This was my original issue having the loud "Waa-Waa-Waa" tire noise after 10K miles. With the Side-to-Side rotation every 5K miles, this issue is eliminated! This is why it is important to choose a non-directional tire, so they can be rotated Side-to-Side. B)

My 2007 IS250 with 90,000 miles has averaged 30.4 MPG - I have NEVER reset the meter. I do mainly rural highway driving around 55 - 65 MPH. I do little city or in-town driving.

Yes, I purchased a new pair of front Nitto Invo tires back in December 2010. I like that these tires can be rotated (side to side) to keep them running quiet. They are a good handling tire for my basic driving style, and I feel confident in their abilities if I need to push them hard. For the cost and performance, I think they are a decent value. I just wish they were manufactured in the U.S.A.

Ask you dealer to look up TSIB L-SB-0090-09. It covers a somewhat similar issue that you describe - yet only with the XM Radio, FM still functions. I have this issue with my Lexus XM Radio, and the "cycling" of the ignition does reset the tuner. I am living with it at the moment as my car is out of warranty. L-SB-0090-09 XM Radio Fix.pdf

My 2007 IS250 came with a flooded Lead-Acid battery. It has six removable caps on the top where I can add distilled water as needed. This works fine for me. I check it once or twice a year, add a little water if needed, and give it a charge overnight. :) On most of my vehicles, the battery usually lasts around 6 or 7 years.

My 2007 IS250 was purchased in November 2006. The battery is still going strong. Maintain it properly by checking the fluid level and only adding distilled water and it should typically last 6+ years.

Yes, I install XM Radio module in my 2007 IS250. I took about 1.5 hours and was pretty straight forward. The unit installs in the trunk, right side under the interior cowling. You need to purchase the tuner module P/N 86180-0W030 and the install kit (wiring harness and mount) P/N 86100-0W220. I have attached the Lexus install Instructions if you need them. Purchase the XM radio kit as a Toyota part number versus a Lexus part number (same number)and it will save you some $$. My records show it cost around $250, yet this was in 2006 and prices change. Installation Inst XM Radio Tuner MY06.pdf

Take a look at a set of Nitto INVO tires. They are classified as a Summer Tire, yet if you live in a warmer climate they are worth your consideration. I have had a very good experience with mine on my IS250 RWD. Extremely Quiet vs. OEM tires. See posting in the Tire & Wheel Forum. Link to Post

UPDATE: Nitto Invo tires on my 2007 IS250 My Nitto Invo front tires now have ~52,000 miles on them, and the tread is looking like they will go another 5K miles. Wear indicators are 0.098 inches below tread on center grooves, yet the outside edges have somewhat less tread depth. They are still fairly quite and handle well. I do not push the handling when in wet weather, yet they seem very stable. In dry weather they are are good as ever. Time to start saving for a new set of Nitto Invo tires for the front of my Lexus IS250.

I replaced my OEM Bridgestones with a set of Nitto Invo tires. Mileage obtained is 40K+. See report in following link: Nitto Invo on IS250 Report B)

41K Mile Update on: Nitto Invo tires on my 2007 IS250. My right rear tire picked up a small finish nail very close to the sidewall. :( (Bummer) It created a slow leak, and since it was almost on the sidewall, patching from the inside would be in a high flex area, so the patch would not last that long. The rear tires had approximatly 41,000 miles on them and the tread wear indicator was pretty close to even with the remaining tread. So it was time to get a new set of rear tires. The new set of Nitto Invo tires for the rear set me back a total of $365 ($163 per tire + $9 M/B per tire + 6% Tax). My front tires are still looking good, with sufficient tread remaining. I estimate approximatly 10K miles remaining. I obviously like these tires, as I replaced the rears with a new set of Nitto Invo (255/40ZR18). They are very quiet, good handling and have good tread life for high performance tires. When the front tires wear out, I will also replace them with a new set of Nitto Invos. :)

If you are looking for a really quiet tire that can be rotated side to side, then I recommend the "Nitto Invo" tire. See the thread in the Tire & Wheel Forum. :)

Update on: Nitto Invo tires on my 2007 IS250. Just rolled over 35K miles on these tires and I am still very pleased with their performance. The front & rear tires are still very quiet (which was my main criteria for purchasing these tires). I estimate that the front tires have about 10 - 15K miles left on them until the tread is level with the Wear Indicators. The rear tires show a bit more wear. I estimate only 10K mikes left on them until the tread is level with the Wear Indicators. Handling is still good, yet as I originally indicated, I am a basic driver with nothing too aggressive. Bottom Line: Tires still quiet, good handling. When these wear out I will be buying another set.