Spoke to Lexus the other day. Although they have no figures it is reckoned the new IS250 will be £24K - £25K.

They reckon it will have no adverse effect on current IS prices as the cars are totally different, i.e. there will be no 200 or 300 versions.

Good news I thought.

P.S. Its also supposed to be much better looking than in the photos

[quote name='gib' date='Mar 17 2005, 02:07 PM']P.S. Its also supposed to be much better looking than in the photos
[right][snapback]220898[/snapback][/right][/quote]

Really?

Not from what I saw at Geneva.....

But then Lexus would say that......

ha ha! what rubbish! The is200 values have been plummeting like a stone for months!

When i got out of mine last summer it had depreciated £7500 in 8 months (from new). I checked Glass' guide and the resale price was correct

The new one is very much the successor to the old IS and although some bits are totally different, like the rear lights, a large part of the car is evolutionary.

Looking at the car last week in Geneva i noticed the front wheel arches are very similar and the front profile of the car is similar too.

Those tricksters at lexus!

Also, the car only looks 10% better in the flesh - maybe a different colour and seeing the car in the right context, ie: the road and not on an angled, rotating pedestal thing would do it justice.

the IS values are and will plummet
not only is it because there is a new model coming out, it is also the fact that it is an old car now, there are far more newer cars too choose from, and a 6-7 year old design is no competition

the strange thing about the classic IS is that when i first saw one, i loved it and was determined to get one
when i saw the new IS, my first thoughts were how nice the GS are
maybe it will be a car that grows on people
who knows !!!

I take it you were not over impressed then Bazza?

I have been looking at the shots taken and im still not sure if i like it or not.

The front grille doesnt gel with the bonnet in the same way..........

Hmm..........I dunno, when i saw the first IS i just though (the same as you) MMMMMMmmmmm.......this one.......aarrrrrrrreeeeemmm.......

I really think it looks too much like the accord. Also the body as a whole looks kind of fatter making the wheels look smaller.

I think these new crash regs aimed at people who step out in front of cars are a real challenge of the engineers. The front of all new cars will start to get a more common look.

I think if you want to have some kind of radical front end to a new car the engine will have to be designed with this in mind ie some kind of wide angle V engine to give the clearance required between it and the bonnet.

Maybe big pillows strapped to the front of all new cars would help...............

Grill has to be the worst part of the car. I will probably invest in the new GS when the time comes.

Anyone explain the trend now for new cars to have what seems a low roof high door look.. The line that flows from the top of the front wing along the top of the doors to the base of the C post. Is this fashion or more regs to meet???????

the new is250 is supposed to be built to the same tolerances as the ls430. according to the manager at the lexus dealer it is fantastic build quality inside and out but especially inside.

this should win many customers over methinks

i just hope they dont change their policy and put up a long options list.

[quote name='chib1177' date='Mar 18 2005, 09:48 PM']the new is250 is supposed to be built to the same tolerances as the ls430.  according to the manager at the lexus dealer it is fantastic build quality inside and out but especially inside.

this should win many customers over methinks

i just hope they dont change their policy and put up a long options list.
[right][snapback]221312[/snapback][/right][/quote]

The Tolerance talked about refers mostly to the panel gaps or shut lines. Lex moved the standard up by a factor of ten with the LS430. While this improves fuel econemy because of better aerodynamics to be honest I'd be interested in anyone who can spot it by eye.

I agree that this moves up the build quality benchmark but to be honest what gains the consumer makes is questionable.

I support Lex for striving to acheive this standard but as a selling point to be honest I think its pub talk only......