2006 Lexus IS250 SE-L from UK and Ireland - Comments

No problems since delivery.

This is the second generation Lexus IS, which I'll be using for the next 6 months. So far the car has been fine although the key-less entry system worries me - If someone finds the card, they could walk around until they see a Lexus and the interior lights will come on indicating which car to drive away in!

The engine is one of the quietest I've ever encountered. As a former BMW driver, I actually prefer an engine with character.

There are many nice touches, for instance the white interior lighting. The touchscreen navigation can be tricky to use, but it is easier than some that I've used in the past.

The tiptronic/ steering wheel gear change is rubbish. I used it twice, but never again.

Rear cabin space is adequate and the stereo system is awesome.

Lots of looks from people curious to know what it is.

In summary, it is a great car, but not the sort of thing I would spend my own money on.

Try using the paddles a few more times. Once you get the hang of them they are fantastic.

Keyless entry is brilliant.

The point about finding the keys and stealing the car because of the automatic lights is ludicrous.

For the key-less entry to trigger the puddle lamps on the mirrors, you must be within 1 - 2 feet of the car.

Don't you think anyone finding a key and wanting to steal a car (what are the chances?) would find it easier to press the unlock button and see the hazard lights flash. This works from a much greater distance, and surprisingly, not only on Lexus cars.

I have found a way to improve the fuel efficiency on my IS 250 auto. Basically if you switch to "S" (sport) mode on your transmission, the car automatically selects 4th gear as highest. If you flappy paddle (or tiptronic) up to 6 as soon as you start the car, the car will always select the highest gear possible if you leave it in 6. I have saved around 15% on fuel consumtion driving this way, and there's more than enough power when you do actually put foot. Do not leave the car in straight "drive" mode as this consumes more fuel as it tries to adjust to your driving style.

There are problems with car wheels as I need to drive on unpaved road sometime. There are lots of scratches already for a new car in 2006. And it is costly to repair or to change them. Any good suggestions? Otherwise it is a lovely car! I really enjoyed it.

To answer the question about wheel surface scratches on non paved roads:

There are a few products available that are spray on protection for wheels. It is a clear coat type "paint" in a can. However this will not save your wheels from curb rash, but protects against chemicals, and liquids as well as added protection against rock chips. But a more detailed description would help diagnose a better solution. Meaning, what exactly is it that is scratching the wheels?

The paddle gear change is very good much better than most systems. I'm also very imoressed with the fuel economy which is fantastic for a 2.5 petrol auto. Not quick, but smooth and refined. Feels like it will last 500.000 miles.

I test drove the IS250 and loved it. The paddle shift is brilliant and so easy to use. I've since ordered a new IS250 SE-L Auto Multimedia.

I purchased a fully loaded IS250 SL as new in 2007. Excellent car and I would certainly buy another.

There have been a few niggles (lid on cup holder in the centre console broke, alloy wheels blistered etc) but all were fixed, without a quibble, by Lexus. The after sales service is second to none.

As for drive quality, I have to say that to date, and having done 65 000 miles in the car, it is still a pleasure to drive. The engine is responsive, the ABS is phenomenal, the auto-box more than handles my driving (so well that I rarely use the paddle shift) and it sticks to the road like glue (and trust me I have pushed it hard).

The only niggles I have are the thickness of the paint on the bonnet (it does tend to chip easy, but this could also be down to the bonnet's profile) and the speed / accuracy of the sat nav. Other than that I can't recommend this car highly enough.

Although Lexus, next time, can I have all four rubber mats and not just the three I got this time?