vilm

Hi. I've read that some colours bring out the shape/form of the IS 250 more than others. I've seen a few, and I think that's probably true - the darker colours seem to show the shape better than, say, silver. On the other hand, black looks dirty very quickly. Everyone says you shouldn't buy a car because of its colour - and that's certainly true of the IS 250 - but, given it's not a cheap car, would it be madness to get the car resprayed to the colour of your choice (and would it be as good as new/affect its value, etc.). Also. How much would this be likely to cost?

And hidden in there is one the key reasons I'm buying a Lexus IS 250. I drove home to my folks the other day (a few hundred miles) - one BMW. Another BMW. Another BMW......etc. I have read that last year there were more BMW's sold than Ford Mondeos, which has resulted in exclusivity akin to an iPod. I saw one Lexus IS 250 during the entire journey, and it looked lovely. During the same journey, even though I was not exactly driving slowly (in the overtaking lane), I had several cars drive up my ar*e. Nearly every time I looked - a BMW. I am biased. I cannot bring myself to buy a BMW because I don't want to be assumed to be like many of the idiots I see driving them (usually in my rear-view mirror). I'm not saying every BMW driver is an idiot, but perhaps it's "driveability" brings out something in people which I don't want to be associated with. Since placing the order with the Lexus, anyone who has asked what car I am getting has reacted with "oooh!" when I tell them. I suspect I wouldn't have gotten the same response with the BMW.

Hi. Are there any long-legged members out there who can comment on the driver's leg room (and, thus, comfort) offered by the IS250 (AUTO). I have taken two test drives now and I love the car, but the second time (nearly one hour) I became a little concerned by the (lack of) space available to my left leg (the one which isn't doing much). I worry that this could become uncomfortable over long distances. Anyone had any problems with this? Is it just that I'm not used to driving cars with such a large centre console (is that the right phrase?) perhaps and, thus, I find my left leg pressing against this more than usual. Thanks.

That's great to hear, thanks. I'd prefer not to say exactly, but the car would be overlooked by a public park.

I am about to buy a nearly-new (55) IS250, but, as I walk to work, I will be leaving it outside the house nearly every day. Reading the board history, I am worried about mindless idiots keying the car (and doing other senseless things to it), something which never happened to my (very) old car. I have never owned a car of this prestige before. Is there anyone reading this who regularly leaves their car outside their house and _hasn't_ been keyed (etc.)? And, does your love for your car make up for the occasional idiot? (and the potential loss of no-claims). Thanks.

Hi. What Car? online valuations suggests that a 2005 (55) IS 250 SE-L should cost £20,045 from an "independent dealer". while Parkers suggest the same car (SE-L Manual(?)) should cost £24,305. (in fact, I am looking to buy an IS 250 SE-L AUTO with Multimedia, but can't do this comparison) Is the What Car? valuation hopelessly optimistic - I will be buying under the approved pre-owned scheme from a franchised dealer - or is there a real danger of me paying thousands more than I should/could? Thanks.

Hi. I am about to purchase a 2005 (55) IS250 AUTO with high mileage (20K+) under the approved pre-owned scheme. Is there anything I should be wary of (tyres, brakes) and how much would you expect the higher mileage to affect the car depreciation? Also, is the high mileage likely to indicate something other than just lots of motorway driving? This is my first car purchase for many years and my first nearly-new purchase, so I feel I am learning all the time. Thanks in advance for any advice.