Not if he has concerns about fuel economy!
Can of worms indeed...but it is an owners club, so everything goes!!
If he is after a company car (?), or low emmissions, then the Lexus makes sense. Especially if the Euro5 thingamee means that he would be much better off from later this year?...he would need to verify that with the TAX office.
If on the other hand it's a personal/private car purchase, then it's not so clear!!
Put it this way, I have had a long hard look at the new C Class, and I have to say I thought it was superb on the road, bigger inside than an IS and almost VAG standards of fit and finish. It's expensive but I think on balance it's worth it (assuming it is reliable and the dealers pull the finger out). It's supposed to be the most "tested" Merc ever, and I've got to say, I thought it showed...I've considered chopping my 220d in for one, but I'm not sure about the dealers, who seem pretty naff, and now resting on the laurels of this new model (when will they learn)...
You need Auto (not many buy a Manual Merc...), COMAND, and Parktronic, all in all about £4k on any list price (Elegance comes with artificial leather which is not a bad imitation, and you dn't need to specify leather), and I reckon in the next 2-4 years it is bound to hold it's value better than the Lexus which will have been around for 2 years in November already.
If it has to be a privately purchased Lexus IS, then for sure - IS250 SE or SE/L but really an AUTO.
Hope that helps...
PS - if he can wait, he really should wait until the New A4 is launched....
I agree with Jamboo
I to looked at the new C class (a lovely car) 99% sure I would buy.........BUT
decided to go for IS250 SE/MM....why... because to get the same equipment
in a Mercedes C class would have cost a lot more money
PS: dealer phoned this morning and possibly picking it up this evening( I do hope so..... it's my birthday today )