Had a test drive in a 220d se this weekend as i dont want to be paying stupid tax costs next year in my 200. Spoke to the guy about the possible fuel and gearing issues then went out in it.
He was honest about the fueling issues explaining that Lexus had found a problem on the older 220d's and that there had been a recall issue and the new ones were ok.
He was also honest about the gearing in terms on what its actually designed for and that 6th is crap under 80 as it was a design feature.
Compared to the 200 it seemed a bit sluggish unless revved it wasnt as smooth but it also seemed more relaxed more go and less show compared to the 200 in fact when I got back in the 200 it felt slower even though it was smoother and more usable.
One thing I was a bit upset about was the heavier clutch on the 220d but it could be cause it was newer and that it was a diesel but will be something I can get used to.
As for the car loads of toys etc I will be considering it or at least the se-l + mm
Have arranged to get one for a day so the missus can drive it too however tbh I was quite happy I went into it expecting it to be unusable and bad on fuel but the clock said 35mpg which was round town stuff and although the gearing was different it is a diesel and so I expected and such.
Just to cap off it is a nice car it can be driven wants you get used to it and it will of course be different to the petrol engine all in all I can away feeling good about it and looking forward to having one for a whole day.
Oh and one more thing IMO its the only lexus available for someone that wants to save money and keep a manual gear box as I cant stand auto's. If your like me and still want to be involved in the drive rather than just let it drive you but dont want to spend hundred on tax next year give it a go I looked at the a4 and it felt too much like a vw, I refuse to pay BMW prices for extras that are standard on the lexus and the c class just looks ugly.
Please whatever you do dont dismiss it cause of what people say on here there were some bad ones to start with yes however I think theyve ironed out the wrinkles and its becoming a very satisfactory car
