Thinking of getting a Lexus 220d...

[Cootehall]

I'm looking for comfortable, stylish, reliable transport that offers reasonable MPG for my commute of around 20k p.a. and so considering a 220d. Anyone hold a view - good/bad/rubbish? Model? MPG? Service costs? Comfort? Where to buy?

I have a budget in mind of £10k which I'd hope gets me into 2006 model. That was a facelift year I think? In fact, how do I recognise a facelift over the previous?

Any views appreciated.

[douglasr]

Chap at work has one (replaced a BMW). He hates it because he finds it a boring drive. Personally like the looks and my sister's old model has been completely reliable since day 1 with excellent service from her dealer (service and warranty claim for new alloys due to corrosion).

[Cootehall]

My family car is a 335d so not expecting that kind of experience but agree the looks and all round style is attractive on the IS.

The obvious choice would be 320d but I fancy a change.

[ScoobieWRX]

My partner has a 2008 IS220D. It's a lovely looking super comfortable car to drive with a very good quality Harmon Kardon audio system and super quiet engine even when on full chat. Handles very neutrally/firmly and does between 40-45mpg. It never upsets anyone on the road and people don't have a problem letting you out of junctions, motorway lanes etc... etc... Excellent!!

Only niggles are.....

Turbo lag so you have got to keep it around 1500rpm, certainly when pulling out of junctions while still slowly on the move, and you need to use the torque low down to pull quickly out of junctions without any drama very slightly slipping the clutch.
Notchy gearbox
MPG doesn't come good until the engine has done at least 10K miles
Over eager traction control

All that said, when you get it out on the motorway on a long commute is when it comes into it's own....and it goes like the clappers!! Even on B-Roads you can move along at a fair old rate as it handles so well. It's happiest when tootling along at 90/100mph taking advantage of the very long 6th gear, with excellent mpg's even at those speeds and plenty of torque for overtaking swiftly and safely, you've got to use the gears around town though.

All in all....nice alternative to BMW/VW/Audi products. Nicer looking too IMHO

[Cootehall]

Thanks Scoobie, all sounds encouraging. I've been told of a few known problems 5th injector? ECU Remap required? Gears? Not sure if you know about these but i'd assume they relate to earlier models and not your '08.

I'll be looking at a 2006 model as I've capped my budget at £10K so should be nicely run in.

[ScoobieWRX]

We've not endured any 5th injector problems yet, remaqps or otherwise so fingers crossed.
Good luck on finding a nice one

[off_again]

I had one for a temporary car while my RX was getting some work done to it.

I found the stereo and satnav superb. Seats and driving position was good too. However, I found the engine lacking in the 170BHP it is supposed to have and it had MASSIVE turbo lag. Its the penalty you pay, but even the chaps at Lexus admitted that it wasn't really a very
'Lexus-ish' car.

Its good and compared to other fleet fodder its a good car. However, I have to say that its not a great comparison to the class leaders. But if you want something different, its Japanese and unlikely to go wrong and if it does the dealers will look after you - so probably not a bad place to put your money!