philthy

An update so far. The S80 is incredibly smooth. Fuel economy is slightly improved when using the geartronic manual option in order to take a higher gear earlier. Average around town has been a consistent high twenties to low thirties. On an A road run the other day I got an average of 44mpg. The tank is a biggy at 18.5 gallons so filling up is costly. One hassle is the rain sensative wipers, which have to be activated each time you start the engine if you want them to work. The stereo has front and rear equalisers giving an incredible sound. The boot has a divider that pulls up from the floor for those occasions when you have small items only that will slide to the back and be difficult to reach normally. I have normal tyres on 17" rims too with a skinny spare so no run flats. So far I am very very pleased.

The newer generation of phones are having compatability issues with hands free devices. I have had to buy a new kit for my V8 as it is only recognised by Bury systems. Rather embaressing when I've sent two replacement handsets back for failing to connect to my old device.

I disagree with that Tel. If my local dealership cannot deal with my problems fairly or correctly, then for me the car goes and it's the end of any business relationship between us. It doesn't matter what marque the car is, I would not travel to get my car looked at. I'm not a rep so I don't have the opportunity to drop my car in somewhere whilst I'm at a meeting either. I'm not saying that all Lexus dealers are bad either. In fact my dealer was probably fantastic for some people. But, they certainly weren't for me and I don't set ridiculously high standards that are impossible to attain. Add in the fact that Lexus GB didn't follow up my feedback, (if they did they haven't informed me), and it's understandable why I was so disenchanted. It really does feel like a huge weight has been lifted from me now that I no longer own a Lexus such was my experience.

Got rid of mine and went back to Volvo.

Deleted by Philthy. The forum edited post tended to indicate a different point of view IMO.

But why would I want to waste more money by travelling to another county? If I have a warranty issue I want to go and talk face to face with whoever handles my complaint. I'm not driving to Coventry, Derby, Oxford, Birmingham or wherever every week when Lexus fail to deliver. I base my car purchases on proximity of the delearship just in case I have problems that need personal visits. Sytner have convinced me they can't treat customers correctly so will never get my business again. As they are the BMW, Audi and Lexus dealers for the county, those marques won't get my business. SOme friends, (both retired), have just bought a used ISD. They tried Sytner's and found them to be as unaccomodating as I did. In the end they did travel to Lincoln to order their car, but will be having to have servicing and warranty work done locally. There was an issue with the battery holding charge, which Lincoln said would need a new battery. It was arranged for the new one to be supplied and fitted by Sytner as it was a warranty issue. Sytner fobbed them off when they arrived and deprived them of the car for 24hrs in order to charge the battery. An hour after collecting it broke down. Flat battery. They love the car incidently. Picked the S80 up today and handed over the keys to the ISD. It's like coming home after a nightmare journey. So quiet for a big diesel too, (far quieter than my IS was), and the luxurious comfort is to die for. So far on town journeys the onboard instantaneous is saying 32mpg. With stop starting it does drop drastically to mid to high 20s. On an A road motorway run the estimate is 45mpg. I haven't gone into manual change yet to see how it affects the figures. The kickdown certainly packs a punch. The stereo is fantastic especially with the ipod and with the EQ set up.

Edited

Edited

Let's make this clear again; space wasn't the only reason I am getting shot of the ISD. It is a major factor for me, but not the only factor. I was fully aware of how small it was, but we were trying to downsize. It's too much of a compromise for us now we have to regularly carry adult sized passengers in the rear and install car seats for kids. Carrying paddock stands, spare fairings, sprockets, tools, wets on wheels, slicks etc etc is impossible. I can do it in the S80. As Jamboo says, every manufacturer has dissatisfied customers. In Jamboo and myself, to name but two, you have two very dissatisfied Lexus customers. This is a forum for Lexus. It is quite right that we shout from the rooftops how bad our experience of the marque has been so that any prospective ISD owner can have access to all views. It would be distinctly unfair if a prospective buyer only had "My car is great" tales to help make the decision. If you want to shout about shoddy BMWs, Mercs, Audis etc etc, feel free to do it on their forums if you feel it redresses the balance for you, but you can't stop or prevent us from airing our views here. Our views are based on actual owenership and not speculation. Our experiences at the hands of the dealer involve the same dealership too. That really does say something. You can offer your own experience of Lexus ownership, but it doesn't mean that our experiences of the brand are false. I'm pretty happy that in an organisation of over 3,000 staff, word has got around how bad my experience of Lexus were, that no one is interested in buying the car even at the part ex price, which would save them around £2 - 2,500 off the forecourt price. IF they each tell one person, that's a lot of customers who won't give Lexus a second glance. A satisfied customer won't influence half that number. Lexus GB really should wake up.

Nah, it's because he's been fooled by all the hype.

Stop going around the houses, get it off your chest, tell us what you really think. Well here goes. I've driven the 220D as a courtesy car when my IS200LE was being serviced. I thought it was a typical diesel - awful, and was always delighted to get the far superior IS200 back. But, and it is a big but, the 220D is the rock bottom entry level of the Lexus chain and essentially for people who need to be seen to have a decent car but but don't want to pay for it; so what do they expect? Every marque has at least one car in that category and nearly all of them are the equivalent of steerage class on a luxury liner. Having said that, buyers are entitled to cars that do what they say on the tin, are reliable and don't have nagging faults that the dealers try to ignore. In the end though, the 220D may well not be a very good car, and as such will quietly fade away, and fed-up owners will do what they have always done - get shot and buy something better, grumbling every inch of the way! Nicely put.

Stop going around the houses, get it off your chest, tell us what you really think. I can't, I'm too excited about eh weekend when I pick up the new car.

Space isn't my only issue with the IS. The lack of split fold rear seats is a major issue for me. The fuel consumption is not as good as claimed. The 1st gear is terrible. 6th gear is a waste of time. Cabin noise is bad. I do not see the point in traveling any great distance to have a car serviced. Here's an analogy for you; An IS is like the woman you pick up on a night out after an argument wiht your girlfriend and with the beer goggles on. She looks pretty and wears the right clothes. She entices you with her charms. In the morning and when fully sobre, you realise she's actually got a few problems and nowhere near as good as the girl you ditched. She farts, she swears, she insults your friends and family and makes you hanker back to your old girlfriend. That's Lexus for you. :)

Both Audi and Volvo saloons come with folding rear seats and a useful feature it is too, or in my case essential. BMW offer it as a cost option on the 3 and 5 series. You can't get two full size suitcases in teh boot, my other halfs folks have just had to endure a journey to the airport with one case balanced across their knees when some friends took them in their IS220d. I had to buy a rood box to accomodate the spares for my track attivities. Just buying a mirror around 3ft 6" x 2ft meant my eldest daughter had to endure carrying on her cramped in the back. If a car is built properly you don't get squeeks and rattles. Never a problem in all my other Volvos.

Here! Here! If folk aren't happy then there are plenty of other marques out there. Forums, no matter what for (and I have been a member since 2003, but also a member on the Mini, TypeR and XBOX 360 forums) are all about negativity. I try not to read too many posts otherwise it would appear that my car is about to implode due to a creaking dash or dodgy stereo. Is there a maker that doesnt have faults in their cars? Just like the workplace, everyone is good at telling you when you've done something wrong, but never keen to give praise where its due. I read a new post the other day, some new member couldn't wait to tell everyone he had just purchased a new IS220d. He was then bombarded with posts about what was wrong with the car. Give him and everyone else a break please. I actually think it's right that owners put their thoughts and experiences across, both good and bad. It might save someone making similarly expensive mistakes. I've been quick to point out that my major issues are with space and dealership attitude. I've also commented that it is a great little car if it fits your bill. The diesel though has too many foibles for me and isn't a patch on the 250 auto.

Defo go for the IS250 auto over the 220d. It's a different car altogether. It still has the space issues of a modern compact exec though. Just more fun.

It's a good car if it does the right things for you. What I would say, and I don't know your background, is ask for a second extended test. Take it home and live with it. Try packing it for a holiday with the family if you have one and try fitting child seats in it. Try to imagine how the hell you fit any materiels for a DIY task in the boot space. Try fitting three of your mates in the rear. It will be infinitely better than your Vauxhall and it does respond to enthusiastic driving. Just be prepared for the little squeeks and rattles that develop and watch the head getting in and out in a hurry.

A 3 series has a bigger and more accessible load space than the IS as does the A4. You're right in my case that the wrong car was bought in the first place and you can't compare a S80 to an IS ordinarily. The point I make is I tried to downsize, but it just didn't work for me and anyone thinking of buying one should bear in mind the restrictions that are imposed on you space wise with any compact exec. WHere the S80 and 5 series do compete is on price. They may cost more in some aspects, but, as in my case, I paid around the same money I paid for my IS and got a whole lot more car for the money. I paid £17,500 for a base IS on a 56 plate in February. I've paid £18k for an SE spec 08 plate S80 now. That's a car that was only £23k new although it's clearly taken a huge hit in less than 12 months. That's a similar price to a new IS. dgman no offence taken. All cars are an acquired taste to the owner. But I would concur with you if we were talking about that SKoda estate thing. :D

Whilst that may have been true about the older generation of models, I don't think it can be labelled at more modern models. No doubt the freely available "extras" with all Japanese marques and not just Lexus, has made the big names up their game and offer more incentive to choose them. I also doubt the claim that Lexus leather is of a superior grade when complaints on here have been numerous about faults with it. The quality might be better in the more prestige Lexus models, but I don't think much attention to detail is lavished on the IS. Don't get me wrong, it's a good car. It just isn't as good as all the hype suggests. It's more a top of the range Toyota than a baby Lexus IMO. The first generation IS didn't do much for me, (each to their own), but it appears to have been marketed correctly as a fast rep mobile. The current IS is trying to be a compact luxury exec and it just doesn't do it. The IS250 is a better effort in that it leans more towards that fast rep mobile image. It's a great looking car and rear wheel drive making it a joy to drive in fast curves. But try sticking some suitcases in the boot and a couple of adult passengers in the rear seats. I hope you enjoy your IS as much as Jamboo enjoys his 5 series. Doesn't make either of you wrong in your choice if it meets your needs, just as the S80 meets mine. Some people hate Volvo, but I've never had a bad experience with them. Some people love Lexus because they've never had a bad experience. Jamboo and I have both had bad experiences at the hands of Lexus and could stand it no more. We're both right to walk away for our experience. If you're happy, your right to stay and continue enjoying the experience. Roll on Saturday when I collect the car!

I'm sorry but I didn't buy a car to drive up to 200 miles to get it serviced. That just isn't cost effective. I don't know where this myth comes from that Lexus are above every other brand out there. They simply aren't. You will always get badge loyalty and if that happens to be FSO because every car you've had from them was utterly reliable and you got treated like royalty by the staff each visit, then so be it. You might pay "through the nose" for a bavarian product compared to a Lexus, but what you're actually paying for is quality. No cheap plastics or hides on seats and switchgear borrowed from a Toyota. The Lexus product is great if it's your thing, but there are equally as good products from other manufacturers out there and some that do the job better for the buyer. Lexus works for you? Fantastic, I'm very pleased for you. For others it doesn't. The architect who drew up the plans for some building work for me has owned Lexus for years now. A GS and an RX. Even he has noticed the difference in attitude and moved on. Yes it is Sturgess Jamboo. I've known them for years and this will be my third car from them. The car is excellent in black sapphire with contrasting chrome with a mix of beige and black full leather with brushed aluminium inserts. Almost makes you want to sit in the back on a journey with the rear armrest fridge. :P

I know what you mean. You can't deny the fact that the Lexus range are largely the best looking cars on the market. There are alternatives to Lexus though and with split fold rear seats for the growing family. You just got to look. Have you considered an Audi A6? The S60R was never likely to hold it's money for several reasons. Volvos, although for me not ugly anymore, aren't exactly cutting edge sports in appearance. The S60R with that horrible blue colour and tan interior looked horrible. The S60 range is being discontinued too.

split seats...the golden nugget :winky: took my wife to see an IS250 yesterday as well as a GS300...mistake...her only requirements, must be able to get the back seats down and fit 5 suitcases of varying sizes in the boot..(3 growing kids)..thats what gets me about women all they think about is practicality she thinks the IS200 is a waste of space due to those very reasons..im afraid ive got some thinking to do :duh: I'd seriously recommend having a look at the Volvo range. The S80 is a great car although it is more expensive on insurance. Group 16. It's a different car class to the IS, but like you I need rear seat space and a large boot as well as the option to drop the back seats for bigger loads. It'll give a GS a run for it's money all day long and knock it for six on economy. The D5 engine is very quick and responsive. If you aren't bothered by economy there's also a mad V8 4WD the engine of which was designed in conjunction with Yamaha.

Here's what I got for my money: 2.4 diesel with 185ps and 400nm of torque. 17" rims, adaptive brake lights and ready alert braking, Bi-xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control and blind spot alerts. Talking on board computer, hi performance stereo with ipod integration, leather heated rear seats and heated ventilated front seats, 3 memory electric drivers seat that also sets the wing mirrors from memory, electric front passenger seat, dual climate, heart beat sensor, home and approach lighting, folding mirrors and autodim rearview mirror, 60/40 split/fold rear seats, geartronic box, heated headlamp wash, fogs front and rear and rain sensative wipers. Reversing camera is a cost option as is satnav and blue tooth.

The V50 R Design is certainly a nice looking thing and very frugal but with plenty of punch.

On the dealer subject; I think the one noticable difference is between PLCs and family owned businesses. A PLC, like my LEXUS, BMW and Audi franchise is in it solely for your money and they don't hide it. A family run business is also in it for the money but, they want your business back whether it's for a light bulb or to buy another car. They're still having you over but they do it with a smile. They rely on word of mouth and one dissatisfied customer can do them a lot of damage. Going back to my Volvo dealer was like coming home. They made me feel welcome and spent more time in general chat than trying to push this months urgent sale on me. To be honest things were getting so desperate to be rid of the IS that I even went to look at a Rav4. Toyota were chicking money at me to buy their product. £14,500 was the offer on the table for the IS against £19k for a new unregistered Rav4. They'd also chuck in three years of free servicing, a tow bar, 12 months VEL and free GAP insurance. Unfortunately I wanted some luxury and the Rav4 doesn't have any. Very economical with the same engine as the IS though and none of the 1st gear foibles.