Hey everyone, welcome to another Show-Off Sunday! Today, we’re diving into a personal journey with a 2007 Lexus IS350, owned and customized by Martin, the face behind Marty Motoring. If you’re into cars with a blend of luxury, performance, and reliability, this review is going to resonate with you. Let’s see why this Lexus is more than just a ride—it’s a story of passion, persistence, and precision.
A Love for Lexus: How It All Began
Martin has been the proud owner of this 2007 Lexus IS350 for about two years, and during this time, he’s poured his heart into modifying it. From custom wheels to suspension tweaks, Martin has transformed this car into something truly unique, and he’s been documenting every step on his channel. His passion for the brand shines through every detail, and today, he gets to share his car with us—thanks to Scotty Kilmer’s Show-Off Sunday!
Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has been known for its top-tier craftsmanship and bulletproof reliability since its inception in the late 1980s. By the time the Lexus IS 300 hit North America in 2000, it brought with it the iconic 2JZ engine, a naturally aspirated version of what powered the legendary Toyota Supra. Fast forward to 2006, and Lexus gave us the IS 250 and IS 350 models, marking the next generation of luxury sports sedans. And that’s where Martin’s 2007 IS350 comes into play.
Performance and Power: The Heart of the Lexus IS350
The IS350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces an impressive 306 horsepower. While it may not seem like a lot by today’s standards, this car can go from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds—plenty fast for a daily driver. Martin’s IS350 is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and although Lexus didn’t offer a manual option for the IS350, the car’s paddle shifters add a touch of sportiness when you’re in the mood for more control.
One of the standout features of the 2GR-FSE V6 engine is its engineering. With a compression ratio of 11.8:1, a timing chain (instead of a belt), and direct and port injection, the IS350’s engine is a masterpiece of durability and efficiency. No wonder Scotty loves Toyota’s V6 engines!
In terms of handling, Martin has lowered the car by 1.5 inches with H&R Springs, which has improved its cornering abilities even more. The car was already a solid performer straight from the factory, but these minor modifications have made it even sharper on twisty backroads. Martin might modestly say that the car isn’t crazy fast, but for a luxury sedan, it delivers plenty of punch and precision.
The Joy of Modifications: Making the Lexus IS350 His Own
When Martin first bought the car, it already had some mileage—166,000 miles, to be exact. But if there’s one thing we know about Toyota and Lexus, it’s that they are built to last. Despite the high mileage, Martin has only had to replace a few things, like the alternator and battery, while most of his work has been upgrades.
One of the first things Martin tackled was the headlights. The original HID headlights had yellowed from age, and no amount of cleaning would restore them. So, he swapped them out for VIP Moto’s aftermarket headlights, giving the car a fresher, cleaner look. He also replaced the front bumper due to rock chips and installed an ISF-style mesh grille, adding a sporty edge to the car’s overall aesthetic.
Other mods include a hard-pipe intake and a factory F-Sport filter, which help the engine breathe better. The 18-inch wheels are staggered for rear-wheel drive, and while Martin kept the original dimensions, he opted for wider tires in the front and rear for better grip. The slotted rotors and ceramic brake pads offer improved braking performance, ensuring that the IS350 stops as well as it goes.
Luxurious Interior with a Sporty Edge
The 2007 Lexus IS350 may be over 15 years old, but its interior still holds up well today. From the factory, it came with heated and ventilated seats, a Mark Levinson audio system with 14 speakers, and a navigation system. Though the nav system is a bit outdated (Martin humorously mentions it’s stuck in 2007), it’s still functional for older maps.
Martin has added a few personal touches to the interior as well, like an F-Sport carbon fiber shift knob, which complements the rest of the leather and carbon fiber accents. And let’s not forget the paddle shifters, which Martin admits work quite well. He’s driven plenty of manual cars in the past, but even he doesn’t mind the automatic transmission in the IS350.
However, the car isn’t without its quirks. The back seats? Martin jokes that this four-door sedan is more like a “two-seater” because of the limited legroom in the rear. At 6’1”, it’s clear that Martin isn’t squeezing back there anytime soon! Despite this, the car’s luxurious features, such as memory seats, a rear sunshade, and a push-to-start button, add a touch of convenience and class.
Reliability: A Lexus Legacy
Martin has high hopes for his IS350, aiming to hit 200,000 miles without a hitch. And with Lexus’s reputation for reliability, that goal seems well within reach. He’s already switched to Mobil 1 full synthetic high-mileage oil, which has kept the engine running smoothly. Though Lexus claims the transmission fluid is “lifetime,” Martin, like many car enthusiasts, knows better—he plans on doing a transmission drain and fill soon to keep everything in tip-top shape.
The Verdict: A True Balance of Luxury and Performance
So, what makes Martin’s Lexus IS350 special? It’s not just the blend of performance and luxury, but also the passion and care he’s poured into it. From custom mods to routine maintenance, this car is a reflection of its owner’s dedication.
The IS350 might not be the fastest or the flashiest car on the road, but with its V6 engine, solid handling, and Toyota’s legendary reliability, it’s hard to find a better balance of luxury and performance at this price point.
For anyone looking for a reliable, fun, and relatively affordable luxury sports sedan, the Lexus IS350 is a great choice. And if you want to follow along with Martin’s journey and learn more about his mods and maintenance tips, be sure to check out his channel, Marty Motoring.