webjeff

Hi guys, I have a weird question. My 2007 IS 350 has this small annoying noise that is happening when I drive. Nothing mechanical. Here's a stock picture of the inside: http://www.roadfly.com/new-cars/wp-content/uploads/gallery/2006-lexus-is-350/lexus-is-350-interior.jpg If you look at the two buttons on the left side of the image, around there, where the two plastic pieces meet that are part of the dash (black on top + beige on bottom), I believe the sound is plastic squeeking from one of those or both or where they meet. The noise happens when I drive, but I can apply pressure using my hand to either top/bottom piece and the plastic squeeking sound stops. My car is a 2007, so it's getting older, but has anyone experienced this? Is there anything I can do to easily fix it? I would guess the plastic is loose and rubbing or something like that, but I don't know :( It has nothing to do with the car's function, it's just slightly annoying. Thanks, Jeff.

In the North?! I live in IL.. that's north! We do go through some crappy winters, but as long as the roads are plowed, my snow tires are perfectly fine.

Hello, I'm a proud owner of a 2007 IS 350. I bought it new and am still driving today! However, I've been having some concerns about my car's life. She's got 78k miles now and while my drive to work is short nowadays, I wanted to know how much I could expect to get out of the car? I probably drive about 9k miles a year now, if that much. I keep my car in EXCELLENT condition, garage + regular maintnence from the dealership along with waxing, cleaning, etc. The car still looks brand new (or close to it, if I wash it). A few paint chips on the front hood if I look close enough. I don't have the money I had when I bought the car, thanks to a mortgage and kids! So, I can't afford a new one, but I would certainly look for a newer/used one when the time comes. Frankly, I want that time to come much later than now. Do people think I can get 150k miles on this thing? How much longer do cars last? Thanks, Jeff.

I contacted them and they said it probably would not fit due to clearance on an IS 350 (probably similar to 250). However, once I get my snow tires put on, I'll check for myself. They also directed me to their sister site http://www.snobootz.com/ Which offers a unique product that requires a little less clearance. That one looked pretty good too. Any other ideas on these? Thanks Jeff.

It's that time of the year again! This will be my 3rd year driving in Winter with my IS 350. Last 2 years was so-so. Basically if the roads are plowed and I'm using my winter tires, I am ok for the most part. There were a couple times I had to use my driving skills to make sure I didn't get stuck or drive too fast. It can be done. I came across these http://www.flextrax.com "GoClaws" as they call them. It seems like a better alternative than chains (which I never used). They look a lot less noticeable too. I am wondering... 1) What your guys thoughts are on this product. 2) Would this help with my Winter tires or would it hurt the benefits of my Winter tires? 3) Has anyone used these on a lexus is before? Let me know if you need any other info. Thanks! Jeff.

Aha, a black car attracting bugs. What detailing products do you use? Your not alone. I thought I was the only one! It's damn annoying, my car is also black. Jeff.

I'd like to see a pic too, that sounds interesting! Jeff.

Are you smashing the accelerator when you see a green light? LOL. It does take a bit getting use to, my friends are always laughing about that too. I'm not sure thats a bad thing though, but I don't drive in the city... so I could definately see where that could be an issue. Jeff.

I have heard of companies starting popping up with ways to convert gas engines into a semi-hybrid car by using water pumps, etc. Has anyone had any success with these? Will any of these systems void any warrenties and is any of these systems promoted by Lexus? (I doubt it since they are pretty new). Jeff.

Hmmm, now see, I'm the exact opposite. I like that they are the same. If fact, I wish the ISF looked just like the 250 and 350 also. Just because then they have to wonder which one you have.......and it's up to you if want to let them know.....or not. ;) I just give em a ride and let em guess :) On that same note, I can hardly tell between BMW's too, I usually look at the back for the tag. Hey, I noticed the 250 shaked a bit when I sitting stopped, is that normal? Maybe they just gave me a bum 250. Jeff.

It came back looking brand spanking new! I don't get why people give em a bad name. Plus, I can't wash the thing for anything, I tried and tried and I leave streaks all over and I feel like I'm not doing a good job. If I can't even wash the damn thing, how am I going to expect to buf & wax it?? I've NEVER done these things before. Plus, All other places that wash and wax have mixed reviews when checking online... so I figured I'd give em a shot, came out good... whats the prob? Jeff.

I JUST had my 15k mile service last friday. It cost me $300.99 (exactly) and I got the 15k mile service + buff & wax and some detail (they cleaned the inside too). So, I would say its a bit high unless there doing other stuff included. Jeff.

Says everything I need to know about you pal. I think the joke is on you if that's what you think. The 250 is a fine car for most things and most people I'm sure. It's a damn good looking car and if you can't afford the 350, Get the 250! I'm just saying, I wanted a fast luxury car and I got one. When I drove the 250, I was glad I picked the 350 because I don't think the 250 suits me. The IS-F is insane. The charger doesn't have the luxury like the Lexus has, come on! I'm sure you could get a real fast car, but who cares if its not a Beamer, Lexus or Mercedes!

250 or 350, they are sexy! It's funny too, cause when I test drove the 250 and 350 it didn't seem too different... then again, I guess I didn't test drive them very much or very well :) I drive about 1250 miles a month, more than average... thats one reason I wanted a luxury car! Makes the drive much more tolerable. Jeff.

I completely understand... I was just amazed that it was that much of a difference, I was expecting some, not that much though. Like you said 2 seconds, doesn't sound like that much.... it is. Jeff.

I own a IS 350 and I just had my 15k mile service. They gave me an IS 250 loaner (first time I drove a 250). In my oppinion its way under powered. From off the line acceleration was really weak. I expected some slowness, but the engine just seemed not able to handle what I wanted to do. I have to admit, I'm a little biased here, but for anyone deciding between them.... the 350 supplies me with ample power to drive how I want and fast enough for me. It just feels right. The 250 felt like it was struggling to get up to the speed limit from off-the-line. Just my 2 cents... if its worth anything to anyone. Jeff

When I turn I can hear the seat creaking a little. Is there a way to fix this? Can this just be tightning the seat somewhere? Should I tell the dealership next time I bring it in? Thanks Jeff.

Thanks for your support guys, I hope others can read this and get a better understanding about the IS350 and snow issues. My snow tires are still going strong. Keep in mind, I drive carefully and I put it in snow mode and still tap on the pedal for the least amout of accelleration. So far, I have had a GREAT EXPERIENCE driving my IS 350 in the snow. With Snow tires, my car feels safe, stops like a normal car and keeps traction even in snow. Winter's not over yet and I know we have had a bit of a heat wave in january (Monday it was in the 60's!!) ... but I know more snow will fall again, but I have tried it several times in bad snow stores and so far so good. On the dry days I keep the car driving slower than I would normally with my high performance tires so I don't wear the tire out. I read that you should not drive too fast with the snow tires. I love my IS 350 (Best car between luxury and speed hands down). I don't plan on selling it unless I didn't feel safe in it, but so far so good. Lets see how the rest of winter goes. Jeff.

OK, We just had a decent amount of snow. 4-8 inches and I had to drive an hour distance. This was my first test of the new snow tires on my IS 350 the Nokian Hakkas. It was GREAT! On the side streets where it was the worst I was able to slowly stop at stop signs and accelerate slowly (using snow mode). With driving cautiously I was able to drive normally without any traction loss at all!!! I did, however, when I tried to lost traction when on turns I would accelerate faster to see how the car would handle fish tails and did so nicely. I was able to get on the road and see others having more issues than me (EVEN WITH FRONT WHEEL DRIVE!). I was passing people (not like an idiot), but I was able to go a bit faster than some and could keep up with the flow of traffic which was my main concern. On the highways the roads are always better, but more dangerous cause of speeds, I stayed in the middle lane and kept my slower speed but I was able to get into the faster lane and drive a bit faster when I wanted without the worry of loss of traction. So far, I am very pleased with my IS 350 in the snow. I will keep everyone up to date as the days progress incase others are interested in an IS 350 and are worried about the snow. Feel free to ask me any questions. Thanks Jeff.

Just curious, What are the differences between the 08 IS 350 and the 07 IS 350? The body looks similar (if not the same). The interior looks similar, but the dash looks a tad different, not sure. I think the HP is the same too. Jeff.

*UPDATE* I got the snow tires installed. $2500 poorer, I hope they work :). I have the Nokians Hakkas, I hope they turn out good. I have seen good reviews and Lexus said for my car, they are the best (but who knows). I will keep you up to date with this information as a lot of people have similar issues and I have to drive a long distance to work daily. I hope I can keep this car as this is the BEST car EVER :) By the way, what are studs? Do you think I need them? Jeff.

MegaFossil, Are you saying your IS350 with snow tires is useless? Or are you saying your IS 350 is useless without Snow tires? Jeff. I was saying that it was useless with the standard summer performance tires. There was only about one inch of snow and I couldn't even get beyond the bottom of my driveway. Mega, Yea, you are in the same boat I am. There was an inch or two on the ground and my IS 350 was sliding like crazy, and got stuck in my slightly raised driveway. Soo sad, I'm getting tires tommorrow and it's suppose to snow this weekend, so I'll let you know what happens. Jeff.

MegaFossil, Are you saying your IS350 with snow tires is useless? Or are you saying your IS 350 is useless without Snow tires? Jeff.

Thanks Gaugster! It makes me feel better when you say I will be able to stop better than most cars!! :) lol. I will certainly drive carefuly as I always do and I am very mindful of people in front and behind me. Sometimes people *BLEEP* me off by driving way too close even when its snowing, I try and move over and let them by if need be. I will get these Snow Tires tommorrow and keep you guys up to date with my progress, hopefully I will be driving to work next week in the snow! Jeff.

I wonder if anything should or can be added to my up and coming winter tires like this? Is it even neccesary? Also, Thanks again for everyone's who's chimed in. I'm still curious from anyone who actually drives an IS 350 in the snow with winter tires, what they think. Thanks Jeff.