I got my ISD 220D SE m/m last a week ago today and though I would have my tuppeneth on this forum. I don't normally contribute to these, I'm move of a voyeur than a particpiator :winky:
I've got to say that the theme on this site is generally one of negativity towards the 220D and most of that negative comment appears to be perpetuated by the same couple of people. I assume that they've had a bad Lexus experience and they're using this media to have a sideswipe...
Anyway, climbing down off my soapbox... :D
I know nothing of note about cars, other than how to drive one and how to top up the oil etc, so my views are the opinion of an ordinary bloke, one with no particular axe to grind like so many others on here (you know who you are!) and one who has had owned other cars in the same class(!?) as the 220D.
So...
The Good
Sexy. IMHO far sexier than the A4 and the 3 series. (Unless you are buying top end of course)
Gadgetry to die for. Okay the m/m as an extra is costly, but the same from Audi or BMW would cost the same as a three bed semi in a northern mill town! That Mark Levinson sound system - WOW! Heated seats, retractable mirrors, MP3 player integration.
Seats. Never sat in anything that comfortable before.
Price. A similar spec'd BM or Audi would have set me back 7 or 8 grand more.
Refinement. Everything (well, almost everything) about the inside is first class, the dash (feel & looks), display lights, positioning of everything.
The Bad
Economy - I just did 140 motorway miles - crusing at 80 ish - 35.2 mpg. That aint good is it? Though I'm told by others that say they know more than me that this will improve with time.
Clock display. Shocking. Absolutely shocking in fact. Was it pinched from a 1981 Corolla?
The Indifferent
Boot space. My golfing partners won't be happy at my not taking turns to drive - there's no way I'm getting more than two sets of clubs in there.
Rear space. Again, unhappy golfing partners me thinks. Still, okay for my two small kids!
So all in all, I've got to say I'm pleased, it's very early days I know - but so far so good. Here's to hoping it remains that way!