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Scarlet Pimpernell

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Everything posted by Scarlet Pimpernell

  1. I had a good hard look at the 16" wheels and how they "fit" the car's svelt lines. Agree to some extent with the previous comments on there being too much metal, and did actually compare this to how the 3 series and Audi A4 look with their standard 162 wheels. They all look the same!! The rear arches are flared to allow for the monster truck wheels when everyone starts to mod the cars (manufacturers forward thinking...). This "flaring" can make the rear wheels look a little weedy, but whilst I am driving around I don't see them, if other Lexi drivers laugh at me, I know I have a more comfortable ride!! Oh, and the tyre's will cost me half as much, oh yes and I won't get too badly stuck in snow, oh yes and I won't be aquaplaining all over the outside lane for 95% of the year, oh yes and less road noise... Snow.....That's a good point - the Audi's ESP was useless in Icy conditions when you were starting from a standstill...I wonder if the Lexus TRC and VSC fair any better, especially 'cos it's rear wheel driven. I also cannot find anyone (including the dealers) who can tell me whether Mud Flaps will be available for the IS. Any one know? Mr Mole?
  2. I've dealt with Christian (new kid), but John Browne dealt with most of it. They are a fantastic dealership! I had dealt with John before when he worked elsewhere - they really know how to make you feel comfortable and valued. I know they want the sale, but as a comparison, walk into the Leicester Audi garage, and count how many hours it takes to get someone to even notice you're there...I swear I was invisible last week when I walked in... In the end we got the deal we wanted, or just about, and that golden guarantee clinched it!
  3. Steve, thanks - you are right and we did think about doing just that. We decided to wait for Leic Lexus to get their diesel IS in later in December rather than to drive the Avensis. We have been assured of one of the 1st testdrives. The bottom line is that the Merc C220CDI is very agricultural, the Audi A4 (which we have now - 1.9PDI130) is an old design, but a good'n and the new 2.0TDI is noisier than the 1.9. The Beemer is fab...so as long as the Toyota derived engine sits averagely well and comparable to the VAG unit we will still buy... I have driven 3 merc's - E220CDI, C220CDI and C270CDI and was very disappointed, yet no Motoring hack has ever commented on how rough and shameful that 2.2 Merc engine sounds...The 2.7 was not too bad, given it has 5 cylinders compared to the better balanced 4 pot on the 2.2! The Lexus is well insulated for noise inside, and all Lexus dealers who have driven the IS220d back to back with the competetion in Monaco say the engine compares well to the BMW and new 2.0TDI VAG units (who says they're biased.... ). So I'll trust them on this. I have been given the golden guarantee, which could mean one of two things...either they are are sure I'll love it, or they're sure I won't! Either way, I'll post as soon as I have driven it. PS - The Mole is right - apart from it's diesel engine, the BMW is the biggest imposter. It does not, in my view, ride that well when compared to the IS with 16" wheels. It handles well enough though. Once you stick the SE wheels on the IS (i.e. 245/17 rear and 225/17 front), it becomes a little "hard" and fidgety at lower speeds, and does humm more for more of the time...6.5-7/10 The standard IS rides exceptionally (in my view), slight taught, but not harsh and forgiving, and corners very well 8.5-9/10.
  4. This thread is becoming a real downer! I ordered my IS220d/non SE/with MM on Saturday for March del., but having heard that the engine is a "dog", I ensured that I will get my deposit back if the car/engine do not live up to my expectations. Leicester Lexus agreed. I test drove everything within the budget and class, and there is no question that the engine in the BMW 320d is a peach! However, it is the quality of the lexus brand that I am buying. Forget under the bonnet or the door handles...just look at the lack of lustre in the BMW paint - it's all "orange Peel", with no shine even in showroom lights, and the Merc was no better. Also, I have found that the basic spec IS drives much better than the SE with it's ultra low profiles, and leather seating whilst more comfortable, is really not worth £3000 (in my humble opinion). The interior/exterior fit and finish is poor on all except Audi and Lexus. Audi A4 is the closest in terms of quality... Now I just pray that the 2.2d engine is OK....else I'll be forced to buy another Audi, and with a new A4 out in 18 months, I may just have to wait for the 2007 model to be launched... I drove a manual IS250 SE and an auto IS250 (base), and for those that have not driven the auto, if you are still deciding, but it! For £1000 it's a phenomenal piece of engineering - smoothest this side of the new S Class!! It is disappointing that Lexus do not see themselves "competing" with these other marques. It's a serious cust focus flaw...It was a seriously good opportunity to get the basics right in a new model that will be here for 6 or more years - a "new" diesel engine, 3 more inches of leg room in the back, a bigger boot and quieter ride, longer servicing intervals... If these things had been sorted, this car would have trounced the lot of them...The thing is that outside of Japan/far east, Lexus really only make cars for the American market, we just happen to get them here as well... So whilst we rave about the quality, Joe and Josy Public will be worrying about where to put the kids, the buggy etc, and by use of head over heart and function over form WILL probably buy a german car... For me, I managed to convince the missus that Lexus was the best financial proposition, and whilst BMW were offering me a 320d Ex-Demo with every concievable gizmo (incl "Lemon" leather, TV function, e/Heated seats WITH MEMORY, Voice control etc etc etc etc) for £27.5k, I opted for the Lexus...so if that diesel is really naff, I'm in for it! At least I'll get my deposit back.... "Dear lord, thou art...."
  5. Drove a basic IS250 yesterday, with Cloth and 16" wheels - guess what? It drives better than the 17" wheeled motor!! Ride is exceptional and the road noise is 25% better (running 205/16 Bridgestones). Other than that it felt the same... Cloth quality is good, so hopefully it will last. For £3k and SE you get E/H/Leather seats, and granted that they are better bolstored, but it's a alot for that. Especially when you consider you'll use Heated/Cooled function twice a year! I too have a £25kish budget, and will see if I can strike a deal for the 220d with MM pauck (non SE). Drivethedeal are knocking £996, bringing it down to £24400, so it looks like really good value. the dealer has agreed to match the price...
  6. The SE's got the lot...the Satnav parking system is fantastic with linear (green) and and predicted (Yellow) vehice guides based on steering movements and position of car. It's the best I have ever seen. the other SE-L stuff makes the car very expensive. One thing that puzzles me is why they have 64 million way adjustable e/seats without a memory function...? For what 3 buttons and a small microchip cost...anyway off m' high horse! Go and drive an SE if you haven't - it is fantastic to drive. I will get my comparison tonight with the bee em...looking forward to that experience. Even though I rate Lexus above Bee Em's and Audi, I just want to be sure...will let you know asap.
  7. See my post on pricing and deals...you can save a wad!
  8. Thanks - at the end of the day, it does not matter whether it Lexus or not, the salesman treat you like :tsktsk: largely 'cos of targets etc...anyway, I might take up the offer if the Beemer 3 series is really naff! What puzzles me is that Lexus dealer I visited is part of the Sytner group, who have 10 (yes 10) Audi dealerships in group...and the originally pex price for my A4 was £1000 less (£8500..!). It's all too fluid... and surprising no different to what I would expect at any dealer! They have offered me free car wahses though! :D Incidentally, the 220d Sport is also heavily discounted and use it to bargain...you will be surprised! I want the SE largely 'cos the ride might suffer. It is taught already, and I dunno what 18 inchers will do.
  9. Guys - be wary!! I test drove the IS250SE Man Satnav on Sunday, and almost ordered the IS220d with Satnav and Met paint from a dealer. However, I have just noticed that "Drivethedeal" are knocking £1147 off the same spec car now that the prices are announced! The garage has offered to match the price :D ! Whilst I would not nor want to "duel" with Mr Mole (and I am sure he will have 1001 and reasons why you should steer away from On-Line deals, and he knows the trade, and how many of us mere mortals like duelling with sales men...?), you can read that your investment will depreciate heavily! So my avice is save up front what ever you can, or wait for the ex-Demo 220d's from April onwards - you could have enough for a holiday! Push the dealers! You are all intelligent people, do your homework! Incidentally, the dealer will not guarantee a Partex price for my car :duh: ...even though they state that the car MIGHT arrive January - all sounds wishy washy! I think they know it might not....however he has agreed to refund my deposit if we can't agree a price then....but it ties me to that dealer ! I thought Lexus were renowned for numero uno customero satisfaction....o!? Anyone else found this?
  10. Did anyone see the test of the Merc S-Class ACC/crash avoidance system on Top Gear? - PMSL. (If you didn't see it, it didn't avoid the crash ) ← Just don't use it in fog :P
  11. Halfords sell some good DIY stone chip and scratch restorers. The best one is the "lipstick" type made by Turtlewax. It's not paint, but more like thick "wax" so you can't mess up the paint AND you can buff it away if you want to. It does not set, but seems to last for ages. I have used it successfully on my wifes Clover Green (Dark Pearlescent bottle green) Honda Jazz. They sell it in all sorts of colours and I would recommend it. The "Chipsaway" chap will cost £ now, then £ again in 2 weeks, then £ again in 2 weeks, then £ again.....
  12. I have read up on ACC in the past...it is good in some scenarios, but believe me (spending most of my life in a traffic jam in the fast lane), in this country everyone always wants to jump in front of you in the outside lane, and if you set it to say 50 meters, it's like inviting every White Van-Man, Mondeo and Vectra into that space....Unless you have PCS, I believe it won't break hardenough, so you'll still throw the anchor out all of the time.... As far as ride is concerned, it is to taste...my Audi has a firmish ride, but is "sprung" and feels slightly wallowy, especially through bends and has a tendancy to pitch when breaking. The IS feels well planted to the tarmac and feels like it's on rails...around town you do feel it jitter slightly over pot holes, but it's not harsh (i.e. it does not detract from driving and hurt through the seats). When you take fast corners it is very stable, and is not bouncy at motorway speeds...or the one I drove wasn't! The road noise is a humming that you have to listen out for. However, this is only really 'cos it's so damn quiet inside. I saw a small oval painted metal thingamy in Mesa red - funnily it's the colour I want. It's nothing like the brochure. The closest I could compare it to is Peugeots Diablo red (in the showroom light). Most people are buying Black, slate, Blue or silver, and 3-4 years time will mean that the world will look Black, Blue, Silver to any alien visiting planet earth and landing in Blitey! It's just different, and I think it might look good....just thought...planet earth does look Black, blue and silvery from outer space.... :duh:
  13. Well, I finally test drove the car. Here are my findings (and these were my personal impression compared to what I have now - Audi A4 TDI 130SE Manual): Model - IS250 SE Manual with Sat Nav First Impressions - striking looking car, high waist line, muscular, well made Dealer - 2 visits made (Sat at 4.35 and Sunday for the drive). On Saturday, we felt that they wanted to close and wanted us out...in spite of me asking for the 220d pricing 4 times, no one would tell me, but they asked if I would like to take the car out and to arrange an appointment! They were courteous and did offer us a coffee...2/5! I felt as if I had just come out of a Ford dealer! On Sunday, the tables turned, and they could not be hospitable enough! 5/5! Jekyl and Hyde! The sales man, is new to Sytner Lexus and we were his first customer! I think they had made time, we stuck to the appointment, and showed we were keen. Space/Interior - Front excellent, fantastic seats, generally good quality materials throughout. The bum warmer (heated seat) was good... Quality compares well to the class leader (i.e. an Audi A4 which I currently have). Back - there is no question that this car is cramped for anyone taller then me (I am 5 Ft 7" only). Luckily we're all shorties in my family, so I could live with it. The transmission tunnel is wide and high...and the centre seat squab is high (just like the IS200 in my view). My wife purposefully sat there with child either side, as we occasionally need 5 seats...and whilst she is only (sorry dear) 5ft tall, her head was only inches away from the roof. The boot seemed OK, but not huge. Not ideal, and can't help thinking that Lexus have missed the opportunity... I scored it 3/5 for overall space, 4/5 for visibility (though the rear screen is short and wide....almost wide-screen/panoramic) BUT an overall 5/5 for front passenger comfort which is outstanding, and 3/5 if your not tool tall in the back. If you have tall people to ferry around on long hauls look elsewhere, this not for you! Driving/On the road - Extremely stable. The car has a phenomenal way of isoltaing you from the outside. It is "pointy", and will go where ever you point the wheel, which is small and sporty. Road noise is there all of the time, but not intrusive. Mind you, it runs 245/17's on the back...and profiles the width of your finger nails...The car feels rock solid and these press stories of steering too sensitive etc is in the eye's of the beholder....I though it was terrific, and the best small exec I have driven so far (only one yet to drive is the 3 series on Thursday). The ride is firm, but not "overly" as What Car make you believe. A Honda Jazz is far worse and what you might call "Overly" firm! My wife has one...The IS 250 does not actually feel fast. However, when you look at the speedo, you realise...I scored it 5/5. Technogimmeckry - even the SE has loads of stuff. Electric everything....though for what Memory function on seats will cost Lexus, it's only available on the SE-L and Sport. I can never understand why you get multi Elec seats....with no memory function...One or two are gimmicky in my view and you would have to live with it to understand whether you really need it rather than want it. Good example is push button start! The dials were great... The most fantastic techno thing was the rear camera. When engaging reverse you get a panoramic/HQ view. The red box is the danger zone, the Green the straight line, and the yellow box predicts where the car will go. The yellow lines move sideways depending on steering movement (even when stationary). I think it is by far the best reversing aid you can get...and has a wow factor! The Sat Nav was good, but I managed to fox it on a parallel road, where the error correction thought I was on a thoroughfare when I was actually 20 meters away in a lorry park (I thought they were supposed to be accurate to within 5 meters...). Anyway - it deserves a 5/5 overall. So my overall view? Well it's a 4/5 based on my knowledge and test drives to date. The only let down is the space... Other than that it is genuinely a fantastic car. As I will buy my next car with my own cash, I am doing the due diligence....making sure that it really is the best thing for me and the family... We immediately went to the BMW Sytner dealership in Leicester to see if we could get a "hot" view on the 320d comparison....and inspite of it only being their most popular model they ain't got one until next Thursday! They did not even have another SE saloon on site with standard seats that I could look at. How bizaare...when faced with hot competition they let their one and only (!) model go for 5 days to a member of staff! Surely they should be trying to grab all propective IS220d owners NOW????? Is that too logical I ask? If it was my chip shop....Anyway,I have booked a test drive for Thursday 5.00pm. We then went to the Audi place - it was like a grave yard! I bought my A4 new from them when they were Reg Vardy, and the cust stuff has dropped off the radar...no brochures, some vague comments about 17" alloys, free SE and rear sensors was mentioned for 2006...a quote was given to me on a bit of white note paper...not even a complement slip...no business card....too vague and wishy washy...I love Audi's, they are well made cars of high quality, but the dealer is just are not geared up to it...hence me now writing to Santa.... Summary - There is something "Switzerlandish" about the Lexus. My wife actually said that I looked as though I was in love... :D If you want to feel that you have just bought a designer diamond watch, and be treated like you matter, go and buy the Lexus right now. It's well worth it. I am in search for the 220d, and will see what they offer in terms of a deal to clinch the sale...like I say it is my money and they will have to fight for it...but the product is good.... Let me just repeat it - THIS "IS" IS AS GOOD AS MOLE SAYS....and STEVE SAYS.....AND KOSHIME SAYS>>>> :winky: "Dear Santa, I have been a good boy, ......."
  14. I guess it would depend on how many km's you do in a year............if you do over 20.000 kms then wouldnt the Diesel work out better value? Also look at servicing costs. ← Rip Off Britain - just look at the diesel costs....25% less than Petrol! :tsktsk: Then consider that 1 eur = <70p! :tsktsk: Mind you the car appears to be cheaper here....how novel! But the diesel 220d is almost listed the same as the 250 V6.... Anyway, I'm going Monday to have my first snoop around the showroom. I don't want a test drive in the 250SE, I am waiting for the Diesel...
  15. Are you gonna get the wheel repaired ? Feel for you on this - I hate having something so perfect be damaged. It seems to stare you in the face every time you get in the car. ← It's tragic! Some faiths believe that jealousy manifests itself in the form of a disfigurement...there must be so many of us who would love to get an IS250, so my view is to leave it there unless it really bothers you - remember - it could have been a lamp post, on that kerb/verge! Koshime - your reviews are great and I for one look forward to your diary each time I log in. Keep up the work... :winky: The pictures are great! Gotta book my test drive...once the mad rush is over... Anyone wanna buy and Audi A4, 1.9TDI 130, One owner (me)...46k FASH...I gotta get me an IS220d SE... B)
  16. I just feel sorry for the dude hanging out of the passenger window trying to take a shot of the moving front wheel... He was also trying to get as much video recorded as he could, some of the shots are so rushed...maybe he should have been at work that day....
  17. Dunno what Mr Mole would have to say about this, but is it now not worth waiting (!!!!!!) until 1st March 2006 for the '06 reg - afterall it's your cash, their mistake and your car ought to be worth a few hundred squids more when you decide to sell it on? I know the idea is you get into the car asap... I suppose any compensation based on their "guarantee" is not worth the paper..... Unless of course it's a company car....or a present..... :zee:
  18. So come on, you lucky new IS owners - I think we expect these pages to be full by Monday with your first impressions... Most of us mere and very poor mortals can only dream... :mat:
  19. Andrew - one question - compared to the C Class, how much smaller is the IS inside? I have an Audi A4 (2002/52) which I am thinking of trading in for the new IS (I would have bought the outgoing IS if it was lightly bigger and had better MPG in 2002)? I did testdrive the C Class and it is quite large inside, so it would be interesting to know how much smaller you foind the new IS. PS - one other point is that the old IS had a horrible hump in the centre of the rear seat, which made it uncomfortable for the occasional 5th passenger, which also put me off. Is this any better - does anyone know?
  20. As a newly joined member (and a prospective IS220d owner) I thought I would add my 2 penneth... I think that because the pricing is beginning to move the new car beyond the reach of many existing IS200 owners, the "used" price will remain high. Many ex-IS owners will wait for the new IS as a second hand car, which should mean that the new car will be in demand as a second hand car in the short/medium term. The point about the Diesel is a valid one. One thing I have just noticed on "drivethedeal.com" is that a new IS250 is already discounted by nearly £1000 - ooh and just to add - I am as surprised as anyone to see the scathing remarks by Whatcar?, when their sister company Autocar gives a thumbs up!!
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