internetman

I have the Nav with the Bluetooth. One of the benefits of the factory navigation that I don't think has been mentioned here is the rear view camera, which I think is a valuable safety feature. I have kids who tend to play or leave toys/bikes right behind our cars in the blind spot. About the Bluetooth, the sound quality is very good (as good as you'll get from a cell phone.) No matter the audio source (CD, XM, or Aux in), the car will cut the volume to alert you to incoming calls. When I first used my phone with the car, I had a problem with feedback from the speaker to the microphone. So I turned down the volume for phone calls through the speaker and I no longer have any feedback issues.

That seems to describe the same sound I have been experiencing. It's not loud at all but it is a sort of distant pulsating sound and I notice it the most when coasting (like on a freeway offramp.) At first I thought the noise was coming from the tires, but I've found that it occurs only when I have the Auto air on. I thought the problem might be unique to my car but I drove two other IS's: a 250 AWD and a 350 at the dealer and I noticed the sound in those cars as well. I think that some people just don't notice the sound. The sales guy rode in the car with me and he never could hear the sound I was talking about.

I haven't found anybody who knows for sure why some interiors have cashmere carpet and some have black carpet. My Lexus dealer said that it was a change Lexus made for 2008. But, I've heard from others who have a 2008 IS and cashmere carpets. Also, on the Lexus website in the interior photo gallery, there is a cashmere interior with cashmere carpet. But, the interior 360 view has a cashmere interior with black carpet. So, if anyone knows what determines the carpet color, I'm curious to know.

Mine finally arrived yesterday! 2008 IS 350 Smoky Granite, Cashmere interior, Navigation and Mark Levinson. I really like the new cashmere interior with the dark carpet. I had a blast taking a leisurely drive through the canyons. With the twisty canyon roads and the beautiful fall colors I felt like I was in a car commercial.

Unless you'll be driving in snow, the summer tires will be fine. If you'll be swapping snow/summer tires, you may want to consider getting another set of wheels and have the winter tires mounted on those. Some tire places offer a winter wheel/tire combo and store the wheels that are not in use.