Is250 Or 200 - Which One?

[deloco7]

Hello folks,

New member here and after some opinions please.

I currently have a 2007 IS220d. It's a great motor and we have had no reliability issues but it's time to change cars - probably for another Lexus.

Question is - Although the new IS200d has the same 2.2 engine it produces less BHP than my own car - 148 vs 175. In the real world, is this drop in power noticeable?

I am also tempted by the IS250 - is the 250 a noticeably better drive than the 200? I would be looking at a 2011/12 model of either car so there is quite a lot of options in that price bracket.

Finally - the 250/200 F-Sport - is it a much firmer ride than the standard 250/200?

Please bear in mind that the roads where I live are pretty bumpy overall. I like the look of the F-Sport but I dont want to sacrifice comfort for looks. Must be an age thing!!!:-)

Running costs are not too important to me as we don't really do a lot of mileage - 8k a year.

Any advice or opinions gratefully accepted.

Thanks in advance

Del

[F.A.]

I would highly recommend the IS250 AUTO SE-L or F Sport. I have had a number of F Sport's as courtesy cars and although I didn't find the suspension too firm, my SE-L was a bit more comfier as expected. I was in the same situation as you. I liked the looks of the F Sport, but wanted full leather and didn't want to loose the memory package (seats driver recognition, mirrors and steering column) that you would loose on the MY2011 F sport models. So I just added the F Sport front spoilers and the OEM rear spoiler as I preferred this over the F sport one. I made sure this was part of the deal when buying the car. I also had the SE-L wheels darkened and added IS-F black centre caps to finish off the look.

I would stay away from the diesel models as they are a completely different car to the IS250 Auto and arguably one Lexus should never have made.

[deloco7]

Hi F.A.,

Thanks for your reply and opinion.

I am inclined towards the 250 as well - whether its the Advance or F-Sport, I'm not too sure. I like the idea of an auto box (again, must be an age thing), but I have never tested one of the petrol models. The 220d that I have is really comfortable so I was unsure as to the lowered suspension on the F-Sport would be really noticeable. I work away for 6 months of the year so my wife does most of the driving and she really likes the Lexus and doesn't want to lose the reliability factor.

Thanks again

Del

[bluenose1940]

Hello deloco7. I had an IS220d for almost a year and, without doubt it was the best car I had ever owned, I never had any problems with it except for quite poor mpg during early ownership. This was corrected by the cleaning of the EGR Valve (see my thread entitled "Problems Headed off at the Pass" which explains everything). Following this excerise the mpg was first class, the acceleration of the car was superb, extremely comfortable, stunning looking car etc. etc. etc.

I now own the IS250 and I have to repeat, THIS IS NOW THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!! It really is so different to the diesel in many many ways, I just love driving the car, however short the distance. have a look at normski2's thread IS250SE-L MM on the way, here is the link http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=78648 You will see from this how much the car is rated, normski2 also had the 220d prior to the 250.

Go for the 250, you will not be disappointed.

[normski2]

Running costs are not too important to me as we don't really do a lot of mileage - 8k a year.

As you only do 8K per year it really is a no brainier for me.

It's the 250 every time. Low mileage does not bode well for Diesel engine. IMHO

You will adore driving the 250 auto.....period.

[deloco7]

Thanks Bluenose and Normski,

I read through the thread and it was very interesting, and certainly all things point to the 250 as the one to go for. Due to my location (Western Isles) my nearest dealers are Glasgow and Edinburgh. Both have a variety of 250 Advance and also 250 F-Sport

The 250 SEL seems harder to find. Is there much difference in specs - to me it seems that both models have everything I would want or need. Bear in mind that I have a basic 220d. Has the Advance replaced the SEL?

By the way Normski, the car looks stunning in that colour - bet it's a right ball ache to keep clean? Mine is Velvet Black and I swore I would not have another black car. The wife really wants a white car, and I must admit they do look better. I've never seen a Cadoxton Slate version in the flesh but from pics on Autotrader they also look really smart.

I may probably keep the 220d as a second car. Its only got 42k on the clock and I feel that the price I'm getting offered as a part exchange is too low - £5k from a Lexus dealer. I reckon it's worth keeping and just sticking on some winter tyres and carry on using it over the winter.

[normski2]

Arctic pearl is a stunning colour. I get many comments when I'm getting out of the car. I have not found it awkward to keep clean at all. Strangely, I was not contemplating a white car until I saw this one. I was pretty much set on argento ice ( silver) as my preferred colour. This one turned my head right round.

I've had both cadoxton slate and black on my previous Lexus cars. They are both fine colours. Honestly, I think the black was harder to maintain than this white one. Cadoxton slate showed the grime quite badly too. But, and it is a considered 'but', I have not been through a winter with this colour yet. That may change my opinion yet!!

The SEL MM has everything and is my choice right now. Not sure if the Advance has superceded the SEL, there will be others more knowledgeable than me on this subject.

You will also come across models described as SE, Si, SR, as well as SEL and SEL MM. Check the spec on each individual car you consider. Don't rely on the specs in places like Auto Trader they are generic downloaded versions and are not always correct. I think it would be around 2009 that the facelift or (series 2) version of the is250 came out.

If you weren't so far away I'd say come and have a drive in her!!!!!!!

Happy hunting. Any questions, just fire them up here it is a source of much experience and knowledge that all are happy to share. I'd been a lurker on this site since having my is200 years ago and I guess like many was content to stay in the shadows until I realised it would be best to actually 'take part'.

[F.A.]

No the Advance is not a replacement for the SE-L. The advance was brought out for the 2011MY as an end of line 'special edition' model to try and shift stock. It was based on the SE-i model with a few extras such as full map sat nav and reversing camera, at a more attractive new price. The 2012 MY advance also added 18" SE-L wheels and the HID lights with LED DRL'S. However it is still missing the following from the SE-L.

1. Memory package for driver seat, mirrors and steering column with driver recognition

2. Illuminate side Lexus kick plates

3. Wood veneer in centre console and doors

4 semi aniline leather seats which are both heated and cooled (you still get heated leather seats though)

5 electric rear blind

6 Dipping wing mirrors in reverse

7 Auto recycle mode climate control.

Im sure there are a few more features but that is all I can think of at the moment

[normski2]

There you go. I knew there would be knowledgeable answer out there.

Just to add to FA's list,

Not sure if the advance has

1. Front and rear parking sensors

2. Headlight washer

But I'm sure someone will know!

[darkoracle]

As an IS250 Advance owner myself I can certainly recommend the IS250 whatever 'flavour' you elect to go for.

When I was looking around for my IS, I wanted as much as I could get for the money.

It is interesting however that after driving it for a while now, some of those gadgets and toys seem less important.

I am the only driver so after I'd adjusted the electric powered seats to my satisfaction, I'm fairly sure that I will never touch the switches again. The Advance doesn't have seat position memory, but if it had, it would be a complete waste - as far as I my situation is concerned.

I surrpose what I'm trying to say is you need to consider what will really benefit you and your own driving style and don't get swayed by masses of bells and whistles that may never be rung or blown! Concentrate your cash where it will benefit you most.

Whatever you end up with, you will love your car - provided that it's a Lexus of course.

[normski2]

I wholeheartedly agree with that last comment.

Take your time and get what YOU want, based on your own research, experiences and needs.

[darkoracle]

There you go. I knew there would be knowledgeable answer out there.

Just to add to FA's list,

Not sure if the advance has

1. Front and rear parking sensors

2. Headlight washer

But I'm sure someone will know!

Front and rear parking sensors - Yes

Headlight washers - No

[F.A.]

The 2012MY Advance does come with headlight washers with the HID headlights. I understand where you are coming from with regards to the memory seats if you are the only driver. One feature I wouldn't want to live without though are the dipping wing mirrors when reverse is selected. This always gives you a clear view of the curb and only comes with the cars that feature the memory package unfortunately.

[deloco7]

Hi guys,

Just on for another night shift, opened the forum and see that I have more info than I could have found searching t'internet. Many thanks for the advice and heads up regarding specs etc.

It would certainly appear that the SE-L has all the toys - more than the Advance - and it's an older version. I think I will start hunting online to see what's available. As darkoracle said, some of the features are probably irrelevant but it's always nice to have them anyway. Have any of you had experience of the F-Sport? I know F.A. has had some as courtesy cars, but has anyone had one long term? Reason I ask is that they don't have leather interiors - I like leather but my wife rather's fabric and as she will be driving most of the time, I've learned that it's easier to keep her happy (as with all things in life :-)

[F.A.]

The F- Sports have leather side bolsters and alcantara middle inserts

[normski2]

If you have not come across alcantara before..a word of warning you may want to give thought to. I had it on my is200 sport. Initially it was lovely, and it not only feels nice and soft but it grips you quite well too. You don't slip on it all.

However, over time it can get a bit bobbly and looks a bit like cobweb strands have rolled up in the contact areas. You can get it off with care but effectively the surface is thinning and it does look a bit unsightly.

[F.A.]

If you have not come across alcantara before..a word of warning you may want to give thought to. I had it on my is200 sport. Initially it was lovely, and it not only feels nice and soft but it grips you quite well too. You don't slip on it all.

However, over time it can get a bit bobbly and looks a bit like cobweb strands have rolled up in the contact areas. You can get it off with care but effectively the surface is thinning and it does look a bit unsightly.

Very interesting. I never realised it would do that! Good info

[deloco7]

Cheers for the tips about alcantara. I did see that the F-Sports had that type of seats with the leather combined. I guess I'll go and check out what's available in Glasgow and Edinburgh and choose something then. Going 'down South' is not a very viable option unfortunately to view cars. The cost of hotel's and overnight stays makes Scotland and maybe the NE/NW England my preferred options.

Does anyone have anyone have any particular favourites when it comes to winter tyres? My current IS is terrible in the slightest covering of snow and although I personally have had no real issues, my wife has felt the car go on her a few times. She's a good driver and wasn't doing any kind of great speed but there was just zero grip. Now I used to love the snow with old MK2 escorts but it's not quite so funny with the Lexus.