LEXUS IS 220D SPORT

Ugly as hell with cream interior! I have a 58 plate IS 220 SE with black leather. Its very cosy inside compared to me old passat, the quality of finish inside is second to none i've seen so far, the materials used are top notch, everything just feels abit sturdier than usual. The engines are probably the least economical diesels on the planet, i struggle to get an average of 33mpg from a full tank with a mixture of city and motorway driving (considering the same exact trip in me passat would return 48mpg at least!). Its supposed to be around 180bhp but the gear ratio's do the engine no favours, its not the fastest beast off the lights by a long shot, but it will easily do 100mph+ in 3rd gear under 5000rpm considering its a 6 speed box its strange. On the motor ways its a nice ride for sure, cruising at 70 does seem effortless and when you've reached your destination you wont have ass ache ;). Apparently lexus are the most reliable car for 11 years running now according to "what car?" magazine.

You dont see many on the road which is nice, driving something abit different. I bet you see 100 3/5 series for every IS!

I wouldnt get a diesel though, no benefits in fuel economy what so ever and it still sounds like a tractor.
 
Considering we drive on the left hand side, indicators should be on the right. Meaning that you can change gear and indicate at the same time, much more convenient.
 
Yeh the diesel was a lot more noisier when I had it as a courtesy car while the petrol was in for a full service. The IS250 can feel underpowered...don't know why the IS350 isn't available here. Had about 3 or 4 recalls within the 5 years including fuel pipe and seat belt. Common faults include alloys bubbling in terms of its paint and a rattling sound behind dashboard which turns out to be a clip that works itself loose. Alloys replaced and clip replaced for free. Automatic can get confused if you floor it. Steering is well weighted and car doesn't understeer. Grips well. Journeys are very comfortable and quiet but not very involving.
 
my father had one from new a few years ago, was nearing 30k when specced up but seemed such a waste of money :(
 
ganesh said:
Considering we drive on the left hand side, indicators should be on the right. Meaning that you can change gear and indicate at the same time, much more convenient.
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and steer with your face?

why not just indicate first, then change gear..then it wouldn't matter what side the stalks are on?
 
denby said:
and steer with your face?

why not just indicate first, then change gear..then it wouldn't matter what side the stalks are on?
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Because it's sometimes convenient to be able to do both at the same time, it's not strictly necessary but it is nice to be able to.

Having indicators on the left is a compromise forced upon us for cost saving reasons by manufacturers that produce most of their cars for the right hand drive Market. It's been going on for so long that it's now considered the norm.

Besides, how do you change gear? By fully removing your hand from the steering wheel and then moving the stick?
If you just nudge it with your finger there's no reason why it should interfere with steering.
 
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denby said:
and steer with your face?

why not just indicate first, then change gear..then it wouldn't matter what side the stalks are on?
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No, it does make more sense when you get used to it.

When i first got my Teg i was forever putting the wipers on to indicate but once you got used to it, it made far more sense.

Going round a corner, change gear with your left hand and when you straighten up with your right hand it just naturally passes the indicator so you can cancel it
 
denby said:
and steer with your face?

why not just indicate first, then change gear..then it wouldn't matter what side the stalks are on?
Click to expand...

The only person I know to take their whole hand off the wheel to use the indicator is my gf and I think even she has got out of that habit now.

I've driven both (4 1/2 years with indicators on the right 7 years with them on the left) and much preferred having them on the right hand side.

Never had any issues with the indicator switch over but I did flash people with my washers a few times :o
 
markyp23 said:
They don't come at the same time ergo there is no need.
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It isn't a big deal hence why 90% of the cars on the road are fine to drive with the indicators on the left but lets say you are in a queue of traffic at the traffic lights, lights go green you approach a junction and go to indicate, if the indicators are on the right you can choose to do that whilst also grabbing second.

It is pretty much a non issue but if I was given the choice I'd have them on the right.

WRT the Lexus, are the dealers still superb? That would be a major factor in buying a car of this type :o
 
ganesh said:
Considering we drive on the left hand side, indicators should be on the right. Meaning that you can change gear and indicate at the same time, much more convenient.
Click to expand...

this is why Jap import cars are win. Indicators on the right = casual finger change when holding the wheel :D
 
The stalks are the correct way round - its just that every other car has them on the wrong way round. The home market in Japan drives on the same side as we do, which means the cars are designed first for RHD.

Whereas with pretty much every other brand, the reverse is the case. We've just got used to it, thats all.
 
Sukh said:
Anyone know what they drive like? I'm guessing they aren't too involving? RWD?
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Petrol's are ok, the diesel just has a fairly limp engine, but it's a nice place to be.

[TW]Fox;19270414 said:
The stalks are the correct way round - its just that every other car has them on the wrong way round. The home market in Japan drives on the same side as we do, which means the cars are designed first for RHD.

Whereas with pretty much every other brand, the reverse is the case. We've just got used to it, thats all.
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Beat me to it, don't BMW still leave the wipers the wrong way around on some UK spec cars?
 
lordrobs said:
WRT the Lexus, are the dealers still superb? That would be a major factor in buying a car of this type :o
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Servicing is pricy. Full service was £315 for me a month or so ago. Courtesy car is always available if you book in advance. During the warranty, always got something for free during a recall or service like £20 worth of petrol or champagne. Now I'm out of warranty, 50/50 whether I get something, more likely if I've spent some on tires or pads or something. Staff are friendly and ask if you want any refreshments. This is for Bolton and Liverpool branches.

Oh and for the member who asked, it is RWD. Take the bus to work during winter as it can't make it over the hilly roads out of town into the city. Every route to the city has a hill it can't negotiate when the snow/ice has set.
 
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