220D For 250?

[claytow]

Guys,

Hello, recently purchased a beautiful IS 220 D, one owner 24,000 miles (now 26) only to find out last week that my daily commute to work is going down from 10 miles each way to 3..

That doesn't sound any good to me for a modern diesel so im in a dilemma. Do I keep the 220D as its such a beauty and find another way to work? or do I play safe and go for the 250 petrol. I do love the car over the past few months Ive come to love it but I just cant make my mind up.

I know 250 is less fuel consumption but if im doing that few miles should I worry? Also because I have used all my savings to buy this I cant spend much more so my 2009 would have to go down to a 57-08 plate.

I have noticed the emissions dropped a bit at this point and tax is only £285 rather than £485 im taking it that there was a significant engine change at that point?

Any help would be appreciated to help me decide.. either that or I have to but a small town car.. heaven forbid! wanted a 450h but that's out of my range at the moment.

Thanks

[zoran]

Yes i think youre right to change to a petrol,it would mean nothing but trouble running the diesel just a few miles a day.

[johnatg]

Diesels aren't good for short journeys. But if you can give it a good thrash at least once a week you should be OK..Change to a 250 whenever you can afford!

The £285/£485 tax thing is due to auto vs manual. Manuals are £485 per annum, autos £285. You might find that surprising and it is - it's because the auto emissions are 214 g/km and the manual 231 g/km. Dunno why manuals should have so much higher emissions than autos - usually it's the other way round.

If you were to get a manual (don't!) registered before 23rd March 2006 it would have £285 tax - that's when the higher rates were brought in.

[claytow]

I am currently looking at one, not sure if this allowed but its here http://www.johnsonsofleigh.co.uk and its a pearl white one, looks nice. Would appreciate any comments.

[toffee_pie]

looks good, white can be a dog to keep clean, worth keeping in mind.

looks pricey enough for a 08 if you are doing a cash deal you should get a bit off that price.

I got a manual, its not too bad at all. I drove manuals all my life. You get used to them.

[agent_dess]

Go auto... I drove manuals for 14 years and it only took 1 month in the auto to make me think what I had been missing in the 14 years! Lol

[toffee_pie]

well, it depends in what you are driving, an auto in a run of the mill 4 door saloon will most likely be crap.

Lexus is250 is from what I have heard better in auto but its probably borderline in terms of cars which would definitely need an auto, in comparison with a LS range where no one would buy a manual.

Same for a Honda Legend, no one would drive that barge in a manual, it all depends on the car itself. Lexus did not crown themselves in glory with the mechanics of the manual box in the is250 but I am used to it now and don't actually see anything wrong with it, its certainly fast enough for me.

Any of the cars I drove up to now would not warrant an auto box, they were not worthy of one.

*Edit, Honda Accord 8th gen not meant to be anything special too in a Auto, Manual is what you should get on that.

[claytow]

Hi, I've been looking around and haven't found much too close to me, but can anyone tell me whats the 250 SR? where does it fit in the range, nothing says it has extra power, so it is just suspension setup and the spoilers and skirts? they look identical on the inside too maybe except the metal pedals.

Thanks

[toffee_pie]

SR = low spec

SE-L = Top Spec

Sport = Alcantara. seats?, HIDs but missing a few bits that are on the SE-L

Would avoid the SR, and would look for the Mark Levinson unit (14 speakers, 300Watts)

[Mouser]

If I might be so bold.... how about getting a bike? 3 miles is precious little, and a motorbike (or pedal if so inclined) would cost you very little, and avoid the hassle, while leaving you something larger for longer journeys. I know this isn't a biking forum, but that sounds like a fairly manageable compromise to me which would fulful what you're asking. Even if it's pouring with rain you can still take the car.

[claytow]

You can be as bold as you like and I have thought about it, I however an very into fitness, just not cycling and cant think of anything worse than getting changed at 6am in the morning to cycle in through the winter and then shower as over 3 miles I would have to push and then get changed etc.

But thanks for the thought/suggestion.. I like the warm leather of the heated seat and the purr of a V6 thanks.. take that instead :)