bob mushroom

well, it has been a difficult descision and one that came down to fun vs toys, drive vs comfort, smile vs frown!! After my 2 identical trips in each car oof 250 miles mixing hilld and motorway twists and turns and country track roads ther e is a winner. BMW 320D MSPORT!! Now before you flame me I appreciate all the comments on this forum and it has certainly helped me to understand the nigggles so I can look at them objectively. overall the BMW just brought more of a smile to my face while driving. the lexus was refined (though not as refined as i hoped) and is attractive as being different (not german) great toys (DVD in traffic - priceless) and comfort (greta seats) but I felt less involved in the drive. It is a good car and cannot believe I am in a position that i can turn down the lexus. i do feel that in 3 years time when the well documented "issues" have been ironed out i will be looking at the lexus again. Thanks for all your comments and posts and I hope to pass you all with an envious smile knowing the comfort and soundsystem you will have while I am in my faceless boring BMW. Bob

I have next week to finally make my my mind - having both cars again for 24 hours and got a 250 round trip planned for both! Will let you know of the descision.

Thsnk you for your replies. I tappears from what I read that you have the same opinions that I have. the BMW has lousy customer service but a great drive and MPG I have to agree that Customer service is no something that overly concerns me as I hope that i will not need but yes you want to be respected (I already will not use 2 dealers in my areas due to their disrespect for a test drive.) The lexus is a comfortable ride and has all I want toys wise but the MPG is a concern as I must have it for 3 years. I know in 1 breath I wan the drive of the BMW , the MPG of the BMW but the luxury of the Lexus and the prestige/difference of the Lexus. Does anyone have any info as to whether the Lexus is Euro V compliant as the brochures do not confirm. Also what will the effect be in October (taken from another topic)

Thank you all for your thoughts. I would look at a 250 as first choice but the tax and contribution make it an unattractive option. I have just done back to back test drives with the BMW 320D , my exis merc C180 auto petrol and the lexus 220D. at the risk of turning this into a "fuel fix" thread. 11 mile run from middle of estate - windy road - motorway - to steep hill - extreme windy hill to town driving up one final hill 30mph due to speed cameras. The above is my route and felt it would be a good run to test comfort, drive and economy. So the findings My Merc petrol. (51k)Avg Speed 34 AVG MPG 28.2 BMW (4.3k) Avg Speed 32 AVG MPG 35.9 Lexus (2.9k) Avg Speed 30 Avg MPG 29.9 Now I know the 2.2 engine and weight of the car would be against the lexus but I expected it to be further from the mercedes than it was. Ride - very comfortable in the lexus though a little more roll in the windy roads than expected. BMW, not a family cruiser on 18" runflats bumo bump but very planted and certainly more fun throwing in the corners. Overall I like the Lexus as an overall package and the family man in me says cruiser (though will I ever cruise in 6th!) though with the extra premium to pay in the petrol and the loss of MPG I cannot help but feel that as both the BMW and Lexus will cost me the same overall in contribution (though lexus with a lot more kit) the running of the lexus will be astronomical in fuel compared. On another note why do lexus do a flat black only? Like the black but worried it could look quite flat if I dont wax too much, silver every other IS2xx seems to be this colour do not really like anyother than Cadoxton Slate Thanks for reading and fel free to support/flame

Hello all, i am looking to replace my Company Car (mercedes C Class) and have the Lexus 220D SE-L on my shortlist against a BMW 320d M Sport and an Audi A4 2.0 TDI S-line. now i know this being a lexus forum bias will exist but thought you can convince me to keep the lexus in no 1 spot. Why do i need convincing? MPG and Gearing!! the car i have had on test averaged a MPG of 38.4 over 100 miles of mixed driving 30% motorway. having read all the posts i realise there is no quick fix but over a tank I reckon that there is about 100 miles difference betweem the lexus and the germans. the lexus is cheaper for my monthly contributions and has all the toys and comfort that are big plus's. i enjoyed the ride and felt comfortable in the car. but there is a niggle in the back of my mind that says .... will i have made the right choice that will make me fell good for the next 3 years. Also the wobbly rear view mirror - does this affect the anti dazzle mirror? i have had the SE for a 24 hour drive and it wobbled like crazy. Is it possible to copy the navigation disk and add Speed Camera's as POI's (probably on the forum but cannot find in my quick search) Thanks for taking the time to look through my post and hope you can help me make my decision. Of course if i decide on the lexus then the next post will be what colour and interior!!! (Cadoxton & Black leather?) Cheers Bob