Official New 2006 Is Topic

[andy_hants]

Another road test now on-line from What Car, somewhat mixed with poor scores for ride quality, road noise and visiblity. Still looking forward to making my own mind up however when my local dealer has one available for a test drive.

www.whatcar.co.uk

[koshime]

i think rear window visibility will prob be poor, and space will be a slightly cramped affair for the 6 footer anglo saxons *grin* no wonder we need rear parking sensors.....

[autobeach]

Bit worried about the What Car review (3/5). Generally, What Car prefers 'softer' set-up cars compared to Autocar/ Evo, so disappointing to hear the refinement and ride comments. And to think I was considering the Sport with 18" wheels!

Anyway, I'm going to test drive the IS on Sat, and I'll check out the BMW 325se for a comparison - although I have zero interest in buying the Beemer. Another thing, the 325 is forecast to retain only 48% after 3 years - is this likely for the IS250, I for one thought the 6 cylinder 3 series were good for residuals.

[koshime]

as far as i know the beemers get 46-48% residual 3 years, Merc, at 49% , lexus at 51-52% not sure how the new entreess fit in

[The Mole]

as far as i know the beemers get 46-48% residual 3 years, Merc, at 49% , lexus at 51-52% not sure how the new entreess fit in

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One thing to bear in mind when considering residuals is the options.

They are calculated using the base price of the car, not including options.

A case study:-

BMW xyz model £23,000 new base price. £3500 optional equipment, £26,500 total

3 years and 36k miles later this car is now valued at £11,500.

All the guides and figuers quoted will report a 50% residual, not the actual 43% the real customer gets.

As Lexus have very few if any options, their owners don't suffer as much of this hidden depreciation.

The only options that add any value to a used car are auto, metallic, leather and sat nav, and even then we are talking hundreds, not thousands of pounds.

All your fancy seats, turbo phone, chrome plated steering wheel and super fury stereo make a car easier to sell, but not more valuable.

[Steve ( West Mids )]

So what about the £2700 sound / sat nav option on the new IS, or the £1000 auto option on the new, or the whatever £ option on the sunroof, and the £2k one for crash prevention thingy. Looks like over £6k to me :(

Don't these follow the same rules? Or is the IS treated like a special car?

[The Mole]

So what about the £2700 sound / sat nav option on the new IS, or the £1000 auto option on the new, or the whatever £ option on the sunroof, and the £2k one for crash prevention thingy. Looks like over £6k to me :(

Don't these follow the same rules? Or is the IS treated like a special car?

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You'll see some of the auto and sat nav back as I said, but not the roof or pre crash.

Very few people have opted for the roof or pre crash though.

My point is that to get to the basic SE spec in the Lexus involves lots of extras with the Germans, so no matter what spec you choose, you'll alway be ahead with the Lexus.

[koshime]

My question is, if the IS220D becomes a fleet marketed car, and the IS250 affordable only to a handful of private motorist, surely lexus are potentially alienating a large supply of Lexus dedicated drivers, who were not able to afford the IS300 and IS250s, and who previously wre able to afford a decent speced IS200 less than 20K. Not to mention the potential large drop in residuals if the above event were to occur

[Scarlet Pimpernell]

My question is, if the IS220D becomes a fleet marketed car, and the IS250 affordable only to a handful of private motorist, surely lexus are potentially alienating a large supply of Lexus dedicated drivers, who were not able to afford the IS300 and IS250s, and who previously wre able to afford a decent speced IS200 less than 20K. Not to mention the potential large drop in residuals if the above event were to occur

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As a newly joined member (and a prospective IS220d owner) I thought I would add my 2 penneth... I think that because the pricing is beginning to move the new car beyond the reach of many existing IS200 owners, the "used" price will remain high. Many ex-IS owners will wait for the new IS as a second hand car, which should mean that the new car will be in demand as a second hand car in the short/medium term.

The point about the Diesel is a valid one. One thing I have just noticed on "drivethedeal.com" is that a new IS250 is already discounted by nearly £1000 - ooh and just to add - I am as surprised as anyone to see the scathing remarks by Whatcar?, when their sister company Autocar gives a thumbs up!!

[The Mole]

Drive the car yourself and make up your own mind.

Most motoring hacks are just J.Clarkson wanna be's trying to make a name for themselves.

It's your money, not theirs - judge for yourself.

Car is sensational.

[koshime]

I'm sure the ride would be of lexus build. Just hope the residuals dont go on a shinkansen plummet from 29k to 20k in a year...seeing as the Extras. dont get counted...from the base price...

[Petrol_Head]

Positive review from the guys at fifth gear;

http://fifthgear.five.tv/jsp/5gmain.jsp?ln...&go.x=20&go.y=2

[Bocabar]

Take a look at these three videos from the European website

http://www.lexus.com/assets/magazine/current/index.html

They really show off the IS range in its true colours, the IS 350 does a mind blowing 5.5secs to 60mph.

Cant wait to get my 250 at the end of the month.

[saracen]

Good spot dude, March can't come quick enough!

[koshime]

nice spot. Cant wait till next week!

[autobeach]

autocar.co.uk has 1st drive of IS220d.

Some contradictions compared to IS250, shows individual comparisons I suppose.

I'll let you guess how it compares to 320d.

[Diapason]

I didn't take it for a test drive, but I was passing a Lexus dealer on Tuesday night so had a "sit-in". That was a big mistake. Simply put, I don't have 55,000 Euro so temptation like this can only lead to dissatisfaction

Si

[Drummerboy]

Si,

Was it Carroll & Kinsella on the Rock Rd?

Was passing there a week or so ago and thought I saw a minging green IS in the window..........

Called into Murphy & Gunn Rathgar the other day to look at one but they are in the middle of renovations so none on display..........

I wont buy new but might be tempted by an ex demo or ex lease IS220d come Sept / Oct 06

[Diapason]

Strangely enough, it was my intention to go to the Rock Road, but I was in Ballsbridge and noticed that they had the new IS on a pedestal outside the Lexus showroom opposite the RDS. I wandered in on the off-chance I'd get to see one, and they were quite happy to let me have a sit in.

Actually they would have arranged a test drive if I was biting, but as it stands I actually don't *want* to drive it. Unfortunately, the "Lexus specialist" had left early (I was there at about 5:55 so understandable) but the girl I was talking to was very friendly and more than happy to let me ooh and aah over the car. And ooh and aah I did: it was the 250 SE auto, black with beige leather interior and looked and felt the business. Interior and exterior just oozed quality.

If you're passing, it's worth popping in to see it, I'd say.

Si

[Salcombe]

Collect my IS250 on Saturday at 10.00am. It is a SE, Mesa Red, Black Leather, Auto with Sat Nav. Have been Lexus customer for the last 11 years and this will be my 5th lexus (2 GS300 and 2 IS200 Sports).

Test drove the IS250 last week and can confirm it is a totally different car than my current IS 200 Sport and can understand the £3/4000 price increase.

My only slight moan is that the memory function on the seats which was listed as inclusive on the original indicative pricing literature is only on the SEL package but its no big deal.

Looking forward to Saturday.

[nicnac]

Got a invite today from Mahony Kilbarrick ,for a look/drive etc.

I am also afraid if I get a drive I might want one but the Irish prices are prohibitive with the 30% vehicle Registration tax which adds €15,000 to the UK price.

I work in Dundalk so maybe Ill move to the North.... just across the border and save the VRT.

[koshime]

where are you picking it up on saturday. I'm collecting it aroudn 11am leicester

[Bocabar]

Collect my IS250 on Saturday at 10.00am. It is a SE, Mesa Red, Black Leather, Auto with Sat Nav. Have been Lexus customer for the last 11 years and this will be my 5th lexus (2 GS300 and 2 IS200 Sports).

Test drove the IS250 last week and can confirm it is a totally different car than my current IS 200 Sport and can understand the £3/4000 price increase.

My only slight moan is that the memory function on the seats which was listed as inclusive on the original indicative pricing literature is only on the SEL package but its no big deal.

Looking forward to Saturday.

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Hi

I also live in your area, as you are a lexus owner of some years who would you recommend in our area for good service etc. out of Manchester, Stockport, or Bolton, or someone else perhaps?

I've never had a Lexus before, and I bought my new one on the internet.

so any suggestion would be helpful.

Thanks

[padam19]

Just posted: 4Car Lexus IS220d preview

<<<Adams>>>

[Salcombe]

where are you picking it up on saturday. I'm collecting it aroudn 11am leicester

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Lexus Stockport. Paid my £500 deposit in October last year so its been a long wait

but I think it will be worth it.

Enjoy your day tomorrow.