Lexus IS Saloon (2005 - 2012) 250 SE-L 4d (Navigator) (2007/07) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It probably says that I don't have a big family and that I like a bit of luxury.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Passengers tend to offer unsolicited praise for the comfort ambience and ride quality.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, I have never had a moment's regret. But a warning - looking at therse reviews and visiting the Lexus owners site it is obvious that owners of the 220 manual diesel are not usually as satisified as those who run the 250 auto petrol.

What are you likely to buy next?

My next one will hopefully be a used Lexus GS 250 or perhaps an IS250 coupe/convertible.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£18,000

When did you buy the car?

April 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Could have haggled harder perhaps.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had been driving a similar one for a year when it was written-off in a multiple pile-up. I tried some comparable cars (eg BMW 320i) but none I liked as much and none were half as well specified.

What was the dealer like?

Lexus dealerships tend to be plush and welcoming and this one (Leicester) was no exception. It was my third experience purchasing from them and they always look after me.

What's it like to drive?

Lovely to drive, with a silky smooth six speed autobox. Don't buy the manual version - but you can use semi-auto mode if you want to. None of these cars have CVT transmissions by the way. Why do Parkers list them as such?

What's it like to park?

It is a fairly big car and high door shoulders make it hard to see the kerb, but the door mirrors tilt down as you engage reverse and the camera and sensors (fron and rear) make it quite easy to park. The camera guide lines show whether you will fit a given space.

Have you had any problems with the car?

A sticking rear brake calliper was detected during routine service and fixed under warranty. Two minor door rattles fixed on request. I jammed the centre storage bin (with house keys inside) with a loose CD case (own fault) and they removed and refitted this free of charge the next morning.

What's most practical about your car?

Not particularly practical in the people carrier or estate car sense but will carry four passengers or three in comfort and has decent power and boot space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Navigation/multimedia pack with reversing camera is a must-have and is part of the model spec so adds value for resale/insurance.