whats the lexus IS 220D like? or is there an alternative?
Discussion
just been given a new job that involves 60 miles a day commute, so the 328CI is going to have to be changed for a diesal, and something newer would be better.
my requirments:
BUDGET 10K
diesal
saloon
reliable/good build quality
ecconomical
heated leather
good stereo
xenons (although could prob live without)
satnav would be nice
and generally a nice interior with lots of toys
i thought i would be able to pick up a lovely fully loaded E90 320D within my budget, but every single one on autotrader and here seem to be base spec. im assuming this is because they are all company cars.
im not a fan of audi, im only 21 so i don't think any volvo, jag or merc suggestions will suit me.
so the only one ive found that i like and meets the requirement is the lexus is220D.
this does seem to fit the bill quite nicely, huge spec standard, reasonably priced, lovely interior. although im sure it won't be as fun to drive as the 3er.
something like this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2994612.htm
and advice on the lexus? reliability, what its like to drive/live with?
or anything else ive missed.
cheers
my requirments:
BUDGET 10K
diesal
saloon
reliable/good build quality
ecconomical
heated leather
good stereo
xenons (although could prob live without)
satnav would be nice
and generally a nice interior with lots of toys
i thought i would be able to pick up a lovely fully loaded E90 320D within my budget, but every single one on autotrader and here seem to be base spec. im assuming this is because they are all company cars.
im not a fan of audi, im only 21 so i don't think any volvo, jag or merc suggestions will suit me.
so the only one ive found that i like and meets the requirement is the lexus is220D.
this does seem to fit the bill quite nicely, huge spec standard, reasonably priced, lovely interior. although im sure it won't be as fun to drive as the 3er.
something like this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2994612.htm
and advice on the lexus? reliability, what its like to drive/live with?
or anything else ive missed.
cheers
Bear in mind that 60 miles per day still isn't really very much.
Assuming that:
Your 328 averages 25mpg and a diesel saloon might do 40mpg
Petrol costs £1.30/litre and diesel 1.33/litre
The difference in your fuel bill will only be £25/week. Is it worth changing your car for £100/month saving in fuel? My commute is 65 miles per day and none of my cars will break 30mpg.
Now, I'd rather not commute every day in my 12mpg v8 defender but the R32 does 23-25mpg, the Forester about the same and I'm quite happy with that.
Assuming that:
Your 328 averages 25mpg and a diesel saloon might do 40mpg
Petrol costs £1.30/litre and diesel 1.33/litre
The difference in your fuel bill will only be £25/week. Is it worth changing your car for £100/month saving in fuel? My commute is 65 miles per day and none of my cars will break 30mpg.
Now, I'd rather not commute every day in my 12mpg v8 defender but the R32 does 23-25mpg, the Forester about the same and I'm quite happy with that.
Hey mate, was in a similar situation as you.
I had my heart set on a 2006 IS220d SE-L in black, loved all the toys. But my mechanic mate said that the 220d is the worst engine Toyexus have made. Apparently huge issues with injectors and gearboxes. Also, I asked the GF and her mates, they all thought the Lexus was a bit too old man and golf clubish for me.
In the end I picked up a 55 plate E90 320d M Sport LeMans Blue, with leather (heated), no nav or xenons but with FBMWSH and 44,000miles for 10,600. That was over a year ago, so I’d imagine you could get a better deal these days.
I had my heart set on a 2006 IS220d SE-L in black, loved all the toys. But my mechanic mate said that the 220d is the worst engine Toyexus have made. Apparently huge issues with injectors and gearboxes. Also, I asked the GF and her mates, they all thought the Lexus was a bit too old man and golf clubish for me.
In the end I picked up a 55 plate E90 320d M Sport LeMans Blue, with leather (heated), no nav or xenons but with FBMWSH and 44,000miles for 10,600. That was over a year ago, so I’d imagine you could get a better deal these days.
I had a 220d as a company car in 2006 and there are a few issues that made it a pain, to name a few:
Fifth injector problem - can breakdown/go in to limp home mode. Most would have been fixed under warranty by now as the issue shows itself pretty early in the life of the car
Fuel consumption would not reach 40mpg, even on a run
Gearing, 6th couldn't be used below 80 as it was off turbo and juddering!
Sounded very rattly at idle
Plus points were it was pretty quick once you were moving (off the line was dire), very comfy and quiet, stereo was superb - even the basic model has a brace of speakers and a sub on the back shelf and i thought it looked nice. For a commute I loved it regardless of the above as it only broke down once, I had a fuel card so mpg wasn't a worry, and you learnt to live with the gearing.
Fifth injector problem - can breakdown/go in to limp home mode. Most would have been fixed under warranty by now as the issue shows itself pretty early in the life of the car
Fuel consumption would not reach 40mpg, even on a run
Gearing, 6th couldn't be used below 80 as it was off turbo and juddering!
Sounded very rattly at idle
Plus points were it was pretty quick once you were moving (off the line was dire), very comfy and quiet, stereo was superb - even the basic model has a brace of speakers and a sub on the back shelf and i thought it looked nice. For a commute I loved it regardless of the above as it only broke down once, I had a fuel card so mpg wasn't a worry, and you learnt to live with the gearing.
Pannywagon said:
I've driven them and never had that issue.
I had it for 60k miles and it was always an issue, and generally recognised.http://www.testdriven.co.uk/lexus-is250-and-is220d...
'To compound the issue, the 220d has been saddled with the most absurd gear ratios ever devised by man. Attempting a cruise in sixth gear at 70mph will have the engine barely ticking over at 1,500rpm; in fact, the engine is revving so low at legal motorway speeds as to be labouring quite audibly, and anything other than a completely flat motorway will require a change back down into fifth. Forget about using that famed turbo-diesel overtaking surge, as you’ll have to change down one or even two gears to achieve anything other than glacial acceleration. And don’t think the problem affects just the top end of the gearbox, either, as even fourth gear is unusable at urban speeds; a 40mph limit will see you stuck in third gear for quite some time.'
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