Due to an oversight yesterday I ended up in a brand-new 220d when I took my car in for it's 20k. Service.
IMHO the Deisel is a completely different product to the 250 AUTO & is aimed @ the Fleet Market where the majority of Drivers will be urged to drive conservatively in-line with Company Image etc.
H/w my road test------
1.The clutch has to be buried in the carpet to Start.
2.The gear change is a tad agricultural.
3.1st. gear is too short,6th. is too long whilst 2/3/4/5 offer superb acceleration.
4.Ride/Handling "heavier" than my Auto despite my 18" combo.
5.Build Quality ------ superb.
6.SEL-spec missed.
7.Thraped---34.5 mpg.
8.Driven gently----- 44mpg, both based on the On-board Computer.
9.Mirror suffered from v.v. slight vibration.
10.Conclusion----really a different car aimed @ a different Market as every other Lexus derivative falls into the Creamy Smooth Point & Squirt Category!
Whilst awaiting my car's valet, a C 180d Merc driver spoke to me saying although he loved getting 50mpg he really missed Lexus Quality & could not wait to return to the Marque provided he got something for his 8k. of Xtras that the Sales guy had just told him were really worth very little .
Relatively, then, Lexus VFM is stonking compared to the German Cars & deliver Bullet- proof reliability too.
Tel

I am so lucky I haven't driven the 250 yet and I hope I will never do

But this reminds me to times, when I had the Citroen C5 3.0 V6 and my boss had the same but 2,2 HDI and it was significant difference between those two cars (both in same equipment level).

When I read this forum and comparations between 250 and 220d I always force myself to think: no, IS220d is not that bad, it is just not good as the 250 ;-)

Tel - it's the only reason why I'm still suffering a rattly interior. Believe me - if it wasn't for the VFM, I would have jacked it in by now!

Mine has acquired 3 new annoying rattles:

Passenger seat when no one sits on it
Rear parcel shelf (!)
Front drivers footwell when labouring

And add the existing ones:

Dash - still rattles like crazy when the car is cold. From 2 distinct places! It has stopped dropping...there ism a clear 2-4 mm indentation that can be seen on the pillars where the dash originally was. WTF!
Centre console and especially around the Satnav screen - creaky to say the least, hot, warm or cold. Really disappointing!
Sudden "crack" when driving along - sounds like a large boulder flying into the windscreen. Never been so loud before, but the other day I pulled into a service station to check the windscreen - thinking a large stone hit it. It did it on the way home too...

So when people say superb build quality, I really do have to question it! Certainly on mine....

I know everyone will be saying "stop whinging - take it in..." but it's had 5 warranty visits already for all of these problems. When will it end? When I change cars!

question is, is the squeky interior reliability thing?

No, but build quality is patchy. Mine has never broken down at all...

Jamboo, I'm buying a Euromillions ticket at Lunch and if it comes in I'll treat us both to a LS600h (or would you prefer an S class!!)

I wouldnt buy LS600h

Trust me ,Jamboo you can never ever be accused of whinging as it is clear your car has imperfect build issues that ,to date,evade full resolution & frustrate the hell out of you & zap your confidence.
What I do not understand is your Technicians have Noise Detection Kit @ their disposal that measures both frequency,intensity &,there-by relative location so that demonstration persay is not mandatory & they are very aware that interior fastnings that "cannot be silenced" MUST be replaced by new in case of the dash & parcel shelf whereas the seat is so basic I offer no comment.
As stated previously,if I can help you any further I will.
Tel

Tel, buddy - you are as ever very supportive - my sincerest thanks!

I have been so busy of late and not been able to get the car in. It's due for it's 2nd service in 2 March and I will wait until then, and hopefully the problems will be fully consistent then.

I am petrified of the dealership taking the dash apart again. A part of me just wants to live with it now. The dealership have been very good to me and I have confidence in their efforts, but I'm gonna accept it was is of them things...

I still recommend Lexus to anyone who asks - the brand has so much going for it. But I do tell them what to watch out for - I have to remember that they are my friends