Derekosb

The basis of these "Parking Charge Notices" the parking companies issue is the Law of Contract. As long as they have provided sufficient signage (and that is an important point) then, by parking your car, you are deemed to have read and understood the "terms & conditions" and if you breach the terms (usually by overstaying any free time or by not buying a ticket) you are "liable" for the charge issued.

The reason not many end up in court is the level of proof required on the management companies to establish they had sufficient signage and that the offender did indeed "breach" the terms of the "contract".

There is often a legitimate reason car parks have these "management companies" and it is usually to ensure that the owners of the car park are able to provide car parking facilities to their customers (or tenants, which is my experience) rather than their car park being filled all day with either local staff or park and ride commuters looking for all day free parking.

Not all companies manage purely on the basis of "revenue". As this is, as noted above, difficult to collect, many Landlords or owners pay a management fee as well.

Parking control is a necessary evil I'm afraid, however, as with many things, it can attract "shady" operators who will merely look to maximise their revenue. That is rarely what the owner of the car park wants (particularly in a retail environment) where all they want is to provide spaces for their customers to use, not people to abandon their cars all day.

Parking always seems to evoke strong emotional reactions, particularly when it is hard to find a space.

Derek

So, this invitation popped through my door.

So I thought, yes, good opportunity to see the car "in the flesh" and make a decent judgement, even if I would obviously not get to actually drive one.

Confirmed my attendance and then found out there was going to be a Hog Roast there as well so that was dinner covered too....

So, when I arrived just after 7:00, I was greeted and shown where to park and wandered in. The Hog Roast was outside with cooked meat available at a table inside. There were two cars under covers:

And they drove a third one in between them after a short speech from the dealer staff.

Interestingly, they were all 300h models (none of them F-Sports though)so I expect they don't expect to sell many 250's in the UK.

This silver car was very well equipped with ML stereo and sports alloys.

The black car was beautiful, with a light leather interior. Slightly lower spec and different wheels but I did not find out which each model was.

This was the car that was driven in and the colour looked fantastic in the flesh.

As this was driven in the keys were in it so the "toys" could be powered up.

So, what were my impressions of both the new car and the new dealership? (Lexus Glasgow have just relocated to the old Saab dealers site at West Street).

I really like the new car and will be keen to see how well it sells. I don't imagine it will be much of a threat to BMW and Audi sales but it really does offer an alternative to what are really quite mainstream models these days. Lexus now offers some exclusivity (particularly in the UK market) and I think should continue to do well in private and small business sales.

The quality of the car was fantastic and a huge leap forward from the 2nd Generation. I would love one and would choose one over a 3 series, C Class or A4 without hesitation. As I am not a huge fan of the German marques that may not be a big stretch, but it I really like how it looks. I suppose I really need to drive one to be 100%.

With regard to the Lexus Glasgow dealership I would say they put on a basic evening with a some food, (Hog Roast and Cup Cakes, an odd mix) with some champagne and wine plus softs) with a pianist playing an electric organ at the back of the showroom.

The showroom is smart, the building feels modern but no real "Wow" factor.

The staff were all very friendly and there was absolutely no pressure.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable evening which has certainly whetted my appetite to now drive one of the new IS models.

Derek

Found a Which test as well:

They are just links to You Tube videos but they might not work on a phone?

Derek

Here's the video Ian was referring to.

And another:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm_taXo8pmg

Derek

This is descending a little.

The Lexus LS is a quite natural competitor of the S Class Mercedes, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series at the lower end (i.e. "Real World") end of the model ranges but only available in petrol or the very expensive Hybrid. It is never going to be anything but a niche model in the UK.

Prices (new) start at £71,995 but leasing costs are prohibitively high, as are running costs for business.

The S Class starts at £61,435 (although no-one will actually pay that) but more importantly can be leased for less than £500 a month, as can Jaguar's excellent XJ and the other German's. Note however that these are all diesel models as this is the UK.

In the USA the market is totally different as Diesel is irrelevant and not sold.

Base model Merc is the 4.6 Litre V8 S550 costing around $90,000

The base model Lexus LS460 costs $72,585 so the roles are reversed. The S Class is quite commonplace in the UK, certainly compared to an LS. In the USA it will be different and sales figures for May 13 show a quite close number sold (only around 200 apart) although this appears to being a result of deals on the old S Class as a run out model. Sales were up 16% in May and 19% overall in 2013 to date (Source).

Lexus sales were reported as being up as well. The Merc S Class was Number 86 in volume sales, the Lexus LS number 90.

Anyway, the point of my post was that we should be comparing apples with apples.

A diesel S320 CDi in the UK is going to outsell a petrol LS460. Which is the better car is purely down to personal taste. What I will say is that in the UK they are definitely competitors for private sales, less so in the business market.

Derek

I should say mine is not a Sport, just a base model (with Leather) but running on 16's.

I was averaging 42 but I've recently had a fuel system flush and the EGR cleaned and this is my current read out.

I have a 30 mile each way daily commute (mostly Motorway and fast dual carriageway) and have had the car for just over 2 months now. Was getting just over 500 miles a tank initially which has now increased to about 550.

Considering all I have read on here I am quite happy and hope it continues. I'm no slouch either.....

Derek

Can't say I've ever been a fan of black alloys myself but everyone has their own taste.

HTH

Derek

There are numerous IS220's breaking on eBay. Just drop the seller a message to ask for a price for a rear reflector. Likely be a bit cheaper than the main dealer price for a new one.

HTH

Derek

I've checked a PDF brochure (on this club site - thanks Glyn) for the facelift IS and the colour is shown as Brechin Slate (8R6) for the UK using the same paint code. Looks like the Breakwater Blue is indeed an American market name.

HTH

Derek

I was wondering if that was the American market name as most of the info I found was from US sources. The paint code did match though.

Derek

Nice. I think this is a pretty rare color. I've seen very few.

Thanks, I really liked the colour and made a change from Black or Silver.

Brechin slate ....maybe?

I wasn't sure of the name so checked my paint code (8R6) which is apparently Breakwater Blue Metallic which makes my location choice somewhat suitable.

Interior is Cashmere leather (FE04)

Derek

As a new member I thought I would start a gallery thread for my is220d.

Had the car for three weeks now and just got my plate on it so took it down to the beach near where I work for some nicer shots than I got when I picked the car up.

I'll add to the gallery as my ownership progresses and if I make any changes to the car.

Derek

I just watched the Cubking video on Youtube. OMG!!

YDsBhTDzhmY

Thanks again Derek!

I saw this one listed on the Bay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEXUS-F-2008-2009-2010-GRILLE-w-o-PRE-COLLISION-/190579152843

which looks like it will fit, I have contacted a local main dealer in Ipswich and passed on the part number and I am pleasantly suprised that he can get one in on monday morning for £93 inc VAT!

I have no idea why Lexus Norwich quoted me £643 !!! it just goes to show that main dealers employ some right wazzaks!!!

Ipswich did not want a deposit, and are happy that I will not buy if it does not fit!

Watch this space, I will take some pics and let you all know if it will indeed fit or not as the case may be!

Well that's a pretty decent result. Do let us know how you get on and remember to post some pictures once you have had it fitted. :)

Derek

There is a USA based seller on eBay with them for $89.99 (£58.72 according to eBay).

Listing is HERE

I've been watching the listing so I know where to get it when I can finally sneak it past my wife......

HTH

Derek

Thanks Derek, will this grille fit a 2010 model? apparantly there are 3 versions by year change!

Sorry Mark, listing says only for 2006/7/8 so I would assume it won't fit the 2010. You could perhaps email the seller as he may have a suitable one for the 2010 model year.

HTH

Derek

There is a USA based seller on eBay with them for $89.99 (£58.72 according to eBay).

Listing is HERE

I've been watching the listing so I know where to get it when I can finally sneak it past my wife......

HTH

Derek

My new mats were delivered today and I am pleased to say they fit perfectly. :D

It really does make a difference to the interior although already I fear they will require regular cleaning (well particularly the driver's one) to remain looking their best. :(

Still, an absolute bargain compared to the dealer price but I would have been less than impressed had I paid £96.45 for them!!

Derek

Just remember there are different mats for Auto/Manual cars

Hmm, looking at the picture on the ones I have bought I think I might have been caught out by that then. AT is written on the bag and he listed them as is250 mats.

How big a difference is there? I'll see once I receive them I suppose.

Derek

Thanks for posting this. I had seen this listing on eBay HERE and wondered if that was a good price as being a newbie did not know the dealer price. i checked today and was quoted £96.45.

I bought a set from the eBay seller..........

Derek

(p.s. still 2 sets left as I post this )

Thanks for the welcome guys. :)

I'll get some photos up shortly once the weather improves and the car is clean

Derek

Greetings all.

I am now the proud owner of a 2006 IS220d having collected the car from a dealer in Barnsley and enjoying a drive home to Glasgow in comfort.

Light metallic blue (don't know the Lexus paint colours as yet) with a beige leather interior. Only done 40,000 so hopefully I'll get plenty of service out of it.

Any other members in Scotland or even Glasgow?

Derek