Canride

Hi everyone! Thanks a lot for all your comments. I find them very helpful. I'm thinking of buying IS 250 and am trying to get as much info on it as I can. Just a few comments regarding the last few posts: I think you're very lucky in the UK to be able to test-drive a Lexus for 2 days. I'm about to schedule my test drive and all they can give me is... 15 min in Canada! Also, it's quite interesting for me to hear the "European" perspective. Originally, I was looking to buy BMW 328/335i, but after taking a closer look at the interior, I was hugely disappointed - it didn't look anything like a "luxury" car. Very basic interior! Then I started to look at the alternatives. Having been to Japan a few times and knowing firsthand about Japanese quality, the choice was easy - Lexus, Infinity, or Acura. Narrowed it down to Lexus. Now, the more I compare BMW to Lexus, the more I seem to like the latter. I still need to get more info on it before I make the final decision. Don't think it'll be a Bimmer though. Most likely one of the Japanese cars. Regarding the cabin size and visibility, I agree with Madpiano - it is quite restricted. I have noticed that the windshield in both BMW 3 and IS250 is quite small. I felt I was sitting in a cockpit. Perhaps that's the feel they are going for in these sport cars (in Canada IS250 is advertized as Sport Luxury Sedan). The seats in Lexus were much more comfortable than in BMW and I liked the interior lights. I'll have to go for a test drive next to see what else I like/dislike about it. Hopefully, there'll be more things to like!