Ruudfood

:tsktsk: Stop trying to change my mind you lot! :D :P

Thanks for the advice JFB2. There are probably more factors in my decision-making criteria than I've mentioned here. Owning a (very old) Clio Sport means that I'm pretty used to a harsh ride and would probably not expect the IS Sport models to be any worse. Of course, I expect to make a few compromises and in an ideal world I'd go for the 250 auto as everyone has recommended but there would be no point if I couldn't afford the petrol! :)

The IS220D is not a bad car, but if you are used to petrol cars you will quickly become aware that in terms of refined drive, despite enormous advances, the diesel is 20 years behind petrol engines and the IS220D has only 4 cylinders - this is the penalty you have to pay for economy. The best of the breed remains the IS250 auto, but superb though it is, the diesel is sadly a bit cheaper to run. I am used to a petrol car. I have a ClioSport and it is quick. Even the IS250 that I drove wouldn't be able to keep up with it. I expect to compromise some of that performance with either the petrol or the diesel. But if I am going to compromise I'd rather not forego both the performance AND the economy. I'd also rather not have to give up the simple little "luxuries" like auto headlights and wipers! :D Thanks for your advice fjcfarrar.

Thanks for the advice dazed. I wasn't aware of the improved economy of the 250 auto. Having said that, and looked at the figures, after sleeping on it I think that the diesel is my best bet. Now all I need to find is a Sport variant with multimedia...that's in my price range! :eerrrmm:

Hi All I'm not yet a Lexus owner but hope to be soon. I've been looking at the market and reading this forum to gauge the opinions of those that actually own and live with the IS on a day-to-day basis. And I've got some good information so far. But I'm confused :duh: by the choices I have to make. On the one hand, the IS220 has strange gear ratios and suffers from turbo lag, unless you go for the Sport, but the fuel economy is good. On the other, the IS250 is more refined (particularly the auto) but has poorer fuel economy. So I was looking for a 220 Sport but came across an affordable, low mileage 250 Sport and I don't think I've read too many opinions of the 250 Sport. Is it any good? Are there any problems with it? Is the fuel economy poor? Is the ride harder than a standard IS? Is the road tax expensive? As you can guess, running costs are an important consideration for me, but so is refinement and the piece of mind of buying an approved used car from Lexus (rather than an independent dealer). But my current car is dying on it's feet and I need a new one FAST so may just take the plunge on the 250 Sport I've seen. What are your expert opinions folks?