Steken

Hi all. Just thought I would add my comments to the list - perhaps I might add some balance?? This is my third Lexus, coming after 2 IS200's, the last being the LE. I got it the 220D mid January and was generally quite happy...but the vibrating mirror, and hard to figure gear ratios. Initially, like others have posted, I found the car very sluggish low down - actually described pulling out of a junction as being "chug-chug-vroom!". Sixth gear was unuseable below 80mph, and fuel economy was in low 30's. Economy isn't my real concern as company pay for fuel - in case you wonder, they penalise us for having petrol cars!! Having done about 1500 miles I took it into Lexus Bolton to replace some trim damaged before delivery, while it was there they said they would upgrade the ECU and said it may cure the turbo lag low down and smooth out the engine. I will add they offered to do this, I didn't ask! (Always been a v good dealership, recommended!) As a note they said they had only done this mod on one other car and didn't really know what the full effects of it were - they said they had only received this mod from Lexus mid-Feb. Having driving the car home I phoned the dealership to ask exactly what they had done to my car - it was fantastic! From a stand start it now pulls positively and smoothly....through all gears! 6th gear is now useable at 70mph, useable being mirror wobble is not too bad not to have vision! Fuel economy has increased by a little over 3mpg, last tank 37.3mpg - and we should bear in mind I have only done 1600 miles so the engine is still 'tight'. I know many more will disagree, but I am quite happy with this car following the ECU upgrade. If you haven't had this I would strongly advise you do so as I have never experienced such a change in a car before! I compared it to the dealer as feeling as if they had changed the gearbox! Finally, though I did say to the dealer that due to the massive difference this mod makes then surely they should recall all cars for the upgrade as a PR excercise.

Around town 330 miles, motorway runs push it up to around 420 @ ave 85mph. Always get better mpg when I pump tyres up to what they should be! I have also found that I get better mpg of super-unleaded, but have never done the sums to see if the price difference makes it worthwhile. Just for interest - I've had a 220d for the last 2 days on a test drive, and that only did 32.6mpg according to its s****y computer! Loadsa poke though!

Just been reading some other posts from people talking of waiting 6-9 months for a car. I spoke to Lexus Bolton last week about a new IS220d SE and they told me that lead time was about 6 weeks. Reason I'm worried is that I need to change my car in November and I haven't ordered it yet!!! Will get my order in Monday.....but am I too late already???

It does! I get around 330 off a tank for 'normal' use - but make a monthly run to Watford and back so it's all motorway and I get around 420miles from a tank! For me, the economy has always been the biggest let down of the car - but 6cyl, 6speed should we expect any better? I've always wondered what the 4cyl Altezza version would do.

So on the subject of recalls, where do you find info that a recall is issued? Just done a search of Lexus site for "recall" and found nothing? ...and does anyone know prices on new IS as I can't find that either! Ta! :mat:

Just got new Lexus owners mag - usual load of arty-farty rubbish, but does have some detail of the new IS220D. Engine: 2231cc Cyl: L4, 24V 174bhp @6400rpm 184ft/lb torque @ 3800rpm Other than that the article says very little... a few snippets that we already thought were correct... CD plays Mp3 +WMA Diesel only gets manual box. Petrol auto with flappy-paddle gimmick! Heated/Vented seats mentioned as 'option'? VDIM electrickery package. I think the new one looks like a step forward. Agree with comments on wood interior - reminds me of Arthur Dailey's Jag! Problem is that there is a lot of it - replacing with black plastic would spoil the car, has to be gun metal! Another thing, does the CD take multi disks and can I still play my old cassettes?? Will the diesel have the twin exhaust? Doubtful as being 4 cyl! Glad to see they are sticking with 6-speed man box though. BTW no mention of staggered launch of petrol/diesel in Lexus mag??? ..........wonderv if they will do it in Kodiak Sky? (That is a colour for any who wonder!)