The Mole

Different final drive ratio is only on the diesel sport - not the petrol.

All the accessories currently available for the new IS are shown in the back of the brochure -which I don't have to hand at the moment..... sorry.

3.5mm stereo jack plug, controlled via the CD mode on the dash unit. Don't have in ipod, but guess it will work from the steering wheel?

No, averagely means it is not the quickest or the slowest in its class, nor the most economical or most thirsty - somwhere in between. A good all ronder. Except for the refinement, smoothness and quietness, which is by far the best, and smoothness, quietness and refinement are Lexus' three core brand values.

IS220d is averagely quick and averagely economically - up there with the best. It is however, by far the smoothest, quietest and most refined, having driven them all back to back. Nothing comes close in terms of isolating the driver from noise and vibration through the seat and controls. It is excellent. Wait and see. Door handle rubber is just a nod to the quality of the rest of the car - I don't have a gasket fetish......

No I'm not a watch expert, but a good customer of mine is. His business is collecting, repairing and dealing in fine watches, and has done so for over 35 years. BMW make superb 'drivers' cars, no question. My gripe is that most journalists weight their opinion and 'final score' far too heavily on how the car handles on the limit, or how easy it is to correct a slide etc, and don't look at the bigger picture of what the car is like overall. Maybe I am looking at it too closely, but my background makes it impossible for me not to look at it as an engineered product overall, and that I'm affraid is where it destroys the competition. Nobody has said it has the biggest back seat, or is fastest to 60 or whaterver, but as a quality product, it wins hands down. From an engineering and quality point of view, I could bore you all to tears showing you details that unless they are pointed out to you, you'd never notice, and never fully appreciate how good it really is. I won't mention under the bonnet again, as even a blind man would see the difference, but to give you one other example, and trust me there are hundreds, next time you look at a lexus IS250, look at where the door handle meets the door. They use the absolute smallest, thinnest and most discreet neoprene seal that can barely be seen. Compare it to the one on the 3 series - a big floppy rubber seal, 10 times as thick and nowhere near as precise to make up the difference in engineering tollerences... Now I totally understand that this will have no impact on your ownership of the car, in real terms it offers no advantage, but it just means that the car is better quality, has had more effort put into the detail, and so on. Maybe I am in the minority, maybe people don't care about quality and precision, and that brand, image and opposite lock power slides are more important that quality and detail? I give up. To those who see the difference - enjoy. Maybe the careful selection of model and engine line up has helped make the TMC the wealthiest car company in the world? It certainly wasn't through building poor cars. How are sales going? Best month in history. Can't get enough cars.

Nothing like a prosthetic beige spare wheel to motivate a speedy puncture repair. At least it wasn't a blow out at speed!

And the BMW wins again....... YAWN. Bit like a TAG watch, millions spent on branding and advertising, loads of people want or own one, pay over the odds for them and don't care that the mechanism inside is actually mediocre at best....... Still, nout queer as folk!

Whilst the difference won't be huge, you will see more of your money back on the multi media that the 'L' upgrade.

A combination of reversing lights and or street lighting along with a very sensitive camera gives a most useable, if slightly grainy picture.

Paint chips more easily because it is made from enviromentally friendly materials. Cars used to resist chipping in the 'olden days' because it was caellulose based. Nohing to do with Lexus, jus the paint that governments force manufacturers to use.

The fact that the 4car report only gives the new IS 3.5 stars for comfort and equipment for a car that is by far the best equipped, and has the most cocooningly beautiful ride and interior just beggars belief. So, what you're saying is that if we strip most of the equipment out and charge you extra for it, then make the cabin noiser, and install some rock hard german seats and cheaper plastics then you might give it 4 stars like the rest? The temptation to loose it here and let rip with some choice words is almost too great to resist, but resist I will. Buyers -please, PLEASE, make your own minds up see the blatant incompetency and unqualified tripe written in these comics for what it is! I think I'll go into journalism...... "The food served in that new restaurant that is getting raves is horrible..... because I say so..... so don't eat there - trust me, my taste buds know better......" Same thing

Sportcross was in response to customers lobbying for a sporty estate....... and nobody bought it. I guess they'll trust their researchers next time..... And there endeth the 2nd response. :winky:

Oh, boy....... Cool it Moley, cool it....... deep breaths, deep breaths...... V6 is smoother, gives more cabin space, allows a lower hood line and gives more oppertunity to optimise weight distribution. Alloy because it is lighter and easier to manage vibration. Saracen, you are pretty much on the money as far as market positioning is concerned with the new IS250. However..... Firstly, there is no diesel auto option (yet) because if you look at the whole Toyota range globally, apart from a USA 28 tonne truck, they do not have a diesel auto with as much torque as the new diesel engine. Without getting too technical, a gearbox breaks through two main factors, high torque and power pulse fatigue. Yes they could bolt on the auto box from the petrol, but it wouldn't last long enough. A simple strengthening job wouldn't do the trick either for even more boring reasons (pm me if you want an engineering explanation or care enough...) Basically they would need to design, develope and test a completely new gearbox from scratch at a cost you couldn't imagine. At the moment, the IS only really sells in the UK throughout Europe, so initially potential sales figures are calculated on the UK market, and given the diesel projected volume, and then the predicted auto content of that based on rivals auto / manual diesel sales, we are only talking a few thousand units, and that simply doesn't justify the investment. When the new IS starts to grow in volume elsewhere in Europe, and the diesel takes off in earnest, then that is the time to look at it, and that is what they will do. Like it or not, that is the reason, take it or leave it, it won't change. Now, as for them dropping a clanger on the 4 cylinder diesel, all I can say is wait until you drive it. Take a look at all the negative and sceptical comments earlier in this thread - everyone had a mostly negative view on the new IS and its prcing, yet as soon as people saw and drove it, it got raves. It will be the same with the diesel. Having driven it for three days, trust me it is an absolute gem. Who cares how many cylinders it has if it is so smooth and quiet that you can hardly hear it, and certainly cannot 'feel' it? Knocks even the best 6 cyl units for six. TRUST ME. Wait to drive it and then judge for yourself, but don't spit out the soup without tasting if first.... Sorry to get all defensive, but it really is exceptional, and it hurts a little when people doubt what they haven't tried. Finally, as for loosing the plot, in a world where most car manufacturers are loosing billions per year, GM are almost bankrupt, Ford would be if it wasn't for the F-150 pickup, Chrysler had to merge with Merc due to the A Class re-engineering disaster and now they are in trouble, Toyota are the only car company in profit at the moment and are woth circa 85 Billion..... don't ever doubt that they know what they are doing.

Figures are close enough. Problem is that Lexus really don't have any market share in the rest of Europe, it's not just the UK market, it is Europe in general that will boost volumes to sufficient levels. So tell all your friends and relatives in Germany, France and Spain how good the new Lexus IS250 is and we'll see what happens. And before you all reach for your keyboards, it has nothing to do with LHD or RHD. M

Could be an AWD V8.........? They'll only do it if it makes sound commercial sense. You need to sell many cars to make it worth producing a model, and no, it's not just a case of putting the steering wheel on the right for the UK market. My guess (and what would I know) is that if the new model sells in sufficient quantities, somthing will happen.

As there are 3 "value" changes through the year, it really isn't worth waiting for. Jan is a very busy month for us. Also, keep in mind that your current car will de-value at least as much, if not more than the difference a 55 or 06 plate will make in 3 years if you decide to wait. Just a thought. Busy day for Moley tomorrow.....

Reasons cars depreciate..... 1) New model due later in year makes some owners sell early to avoid loss, market begins to flood and prices fall a little. 2) New model news causes lack of confidence in the current model so used car buyers want a deal. 3) New model makes dealerships who employ "order takers" rather than salesman start to discount and distress sell the last of the current stock causing similar drops right through the used market. 4) Arrival of the new car means that from the launch date, the network becomes flooded with part exchanges overnight, again causing prices to drop. 5) Finally, when the 1st privately owned new models hit the used car scene after about 12 months, old model prices fall a little further. We are just coming up to part four...... On a slightly different note, and I really don't want to offend anyone here, but unless Mr Parker is willing to send you a cheque in the post and come and collect your car, his guide is best left amongst the comics at Sainsbury's where it came from. Same goes for all the other "guides"... and yes, Glasses too! I feel sorry for car buyers, the media do a really good job of confusing and making the whole car buying experience far more complicated than it needs to be. Yes information is power, and yes there is lots of valuable info out there to help inexperienced buyers avoid traps and pitfalls - that stuff is great, but all the car values in the mags and guides that people buy really isn't worth the paper it is written on. I wish I'd thought of Parkers guide, then it would be called "Mole's Guide" and I'd be rich instead. A used car, retail or part exchange, is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. Simple as that. If we have six similar cars for sale and none of them sell, they are too expensive, if we lower the price until they start to sell, that is what they are worth at that particular time, the guides are meaningless. Same for your part exchange. Parkers comic may say that your car is worth £4k, but if we phone 5 of our most reliable underwriters with an accurate description of your car, and the underwrites all say it is worth between £2800 and £3200, that is what it is worth. Problem is, most people buy a car every two to three years on average and shell out a few quid to buy a price guide. Who cares if it isn't accurate, no ones is going to take it back for a refund? Moral of the story, well, I'm not sure there is one other than don't take too much notice of "guides".

Yes, Lexus has first class training, often in exotic locations. The idea is that they treat you to that extra bit of luxuary, really look after you, make you feel wanted and special, you come back and tell all your friends and feel really enthusiastic about the brand........ ..... and it makes you realise what value can be placed on luxuary, refinement, looking after people, going the exta mile and that excellent service is worth paying that little extra for..... ..... and pass it on to your customers...... clever eh? And yes, it is one of the perks of the job, as is a new IS250 every 3 months (although we pay the full co car tax) However, ther are many pitfalls to the retail motor trade, not to mention the long hours, weekends, late nights, unstable income and the pressure and stress that brings (like other jobs I know...). If it was easy, everyone would do it - Like I've often said, walk a mile in my shoes? As for a high performance version in the UK..... watch this space, but don't bet too highly on a 350.....? :shutit:

Even though I am biased, I'll try and be as objective as I can. I have driven the new IS250 for the last few days, not on test drives, but in day to day life. Quality is outstanding and has moved the goal posts substantially. Refinement and quietness are equally way ahead of the game. Audio system is better than I have ever heard, on anything. Price and spec are again, way ahead on the competition. Form AND function has taken equal precedent, things like the way the instrument cluster lights up on start up, the LED interior lights and the way the speedo and rev counter glow orange when revs or speed are high etc are really classy touches. I find the seats especially comfy, with excellent adjustability. Styling is personal - I find it very muscular. Whilst paying for fuel the other night, the car looked very big and chunky head on. It has real desirability about it. Engine is super sweet and almost silent at lower load levels. It has a sweet crisp growl if worked hard. Whilst it is not overly powerful, it is more than quick enough - almost deceptively quick due to its smoothness. Best auto gearbox I have driven - ratios are perfect and changes seemless. Steering is light, but not overly so, and quite sensitive mid lock giving a very sure footed and directional feel. The suspension and damping gives a firm ride that inspires confidence to push but manages to smooth out lumps and bumps remarkably well with no harshness whatsoever. I haven't pushed the car hard, but fast A-road bends can be taken confidently with a great feelng of control and stability. Down sides, well knowing what I do about the desicions and compromises Lexus take, and the reasons why, on issues such as folding rear seats etc, I can't really find much to point the finger at. The only thing I will mention is that my first impressions were that rear passenger space looked cramped, but having lived with the car for a few days, the rear seat is actually much more accomadating that it looks - the real issue isn't head or leg room, but access to the rear seat. The bucket nature of the very comfortable rear seat means that the sides of the cushion do protrude into the door opening area a little, and the area of sill that your foot passes over is a little small, but once in, the rear is very comfortable. My friend is 6'4" tall and said that he had ample head and leg room. My overall impression is that Lexus have rasied the bar considerably in terms of quality, refinement, engineering and technology in this class of car. It may not be the fastest to 60, or have the biggest boot etc, but that wasn't Lexus' aim, they just bid fabulously high quality cars. It feels so special.

It will start as long as the key is within the body shell perimeter.

SE-L Auto , Multi Media. Not mine remember, company car, but hey?

Trip computer does the lot.

Worth the wait..... Sorry to rub it in, but I have a IS250 in my drive right now..... Oooo, your gonna love it! :) M

Lexus ordered all the launch cars long ago and tried to guess what the most popular colours and specs would be. Anyone who is getting their car this year will be getting one of Lexus' launch batch of cars. As the cars come over on several boat loads, some boats will arrive a few weeks sooner than others. The guy who ordered a grey one with multi media and a sunroof for instance may have ordered his car back in June, but a car to match that spec is on boat number four that arrives mid December. Or... the guy that ordered Messa red with grey leather for example, his spec of car could be on boat number one and could get his car on November 19th, despit ordering his car last week. It is all down to what you have ordered and when it will arrive. Lexus don't allocate more cars to 'preferred dealers'. All dealers will be allocated a number of cars to match the size of their customer catchment area and their historic sales numbers. It is all done quite fairly. If a Lexus dealer has sold all of their allocation, Lexus will try their best to find that dealer an extra car or two to keep customers happy. And out of interest, why on earth would anyone want to find me? Look for Mole hills! :D