Should I Make The Leap?!

[CrazyAMonkey]

Hello all!

I am going to come clean straight away - I am not a Lexus owner - yet. I have always loved the IS200, the older boxier version looked immense and i always wanted one B)

I took a look at my local garage the other day and came across a 2007 IS200D with 38k on the clock. The car is lovely, the interior is immaculate but the exterior has the usual bonnet stone chips and and a scuff on the back left arch. I took her out for a test drive and was very impressed, it is extremely comfy though a little slower then i expected (I remember the power was cut to make it more efficient). I am not sure quite what i was expecting but I am not sure if i should buy her. This post probably sounds like a very incoherent ramble but i have mixed feelings. Buying a car is a special time and we all want a special car, will it be special?!

I keep getting my sensible head on and trying to talk myself out of it and the wife just tells me to get what i want. I need some advice and or enthusiasm from people with the knowledge!

Any questions i should be asking the dealer, anything i should be looking out for on the car itself?

Any advice would be gratefully received,

Thanks for persevering with my rant :D

[eddieblock]

if you are looking at a 2007 is200 then something is amiss because I'm pretty sure they stopped making them in 2005 and there wasn't a diesel version.

[javadude]

He said IS200D but that's a 2011 model so I'm guessing that he meant IS220D.

Ask if the fifth injector has been replaced under warranty. Also check the alloys - they can suffer from corrosion on all Lexus models. If they are you might be able to get some new ones out of the dealer or at least a reduction in price.

[CrazyAMonkey]

IS220D - thats right! Sorry i was getting my models mixed up... I will definitely ask about the injector, the alloys looked mint when i took a look round yesterday. It was dark though so i am going back today for a more illuminated look :P

I hate spending money!

A tight Scotsman

[Tango]

IS220D - thats right! Sorry i was getting my models mixed up... I will definitely ask about the injector, the alloys looked mint when i took a look round yesterday. It was dark though so i am going back today for a more illuminated look :P

I hate spending money!

A tight Scotsman

For goodness sake get a petrol! The 220D is terrible by comparison in all sorts of ways, and the small (very) difference in mpg just isn't worth it.

[CrazyAMonkey]

I am not disagreeing Mr Tango as i have no experience with Lexus before :shutit:

The quoted figures however show roughly a 25% increase in MPG, are these figures inaccurate?

Thanks for the replies, the more information i have the better my final decision!

[Steve ( West Mids )]

If in doubt with what Tango says, look at the "tank" and "all-time" mpg figures on the computer memory. Salesman should show you. The IS250 petrol automatic does give 32 - 35 mpg on combined and doesn't struggle at 70 mph like the diesel.

[CrazyAMonkey]

I certainly wasn't disputing Mr Tango, just trying to get some real world figures from current owners :D

Does the petrol manual give similar returns? I can't personally abide automatic cars!

The diesel struggles at 70? Is this just in 6th (the gear you should sit in i would imagine) that you are referring to?

I have read about this problem, the gearbox doesn't seem to be setup correctly for the UK, is this accurate?

I have realised i have been getting my figures mixed up and was expecting 55MPG but thats on the 200D not the 220D.

The 220D is quoted at 45MPG, is this unobtainable even without the 5th injector problems?

Thanks so much for the replies! Would be better to chat to an owner over a pint, unfortunately i don't know anyone

with a Lexus.

Cheers!

[shazy]

i bought one wish i'd read a thread on here is220d problems or something and maybe wouldnt have bought it.

ill see if i can find the thread. lucky to get over 33mpg.

[CrazyAMonkey]

Its mad, some people claim great returns whilst others claim really poor ones. Its by no means a fast car so why the heck is the consumption so bad!!

Cheers for letting me know Shazy! Unfortunately i have already payed my deposit, will soon be a legitimate member of the forums ;)

[CrazyAMonkey]

Well i have taken delivery of my girl, a beautiful IS220D in black I am absolutely loving it so far, build quality is the best i have bought up to now. I even have my MPG up to 42, i hope it doesn't go too far below that! Only bug bear i have found is servicing costs, i suppose that's the penance for having a lovely motor...

Does everyone use Lexus dealers or are there reputable 2nd party garages around?

Also do you all have a servicing every 10k? This seems like over engineering to me!

Thanks all.