IS250 or 523i?

Kalel

Need to get a car in the next week and have about 8k (maybe 9) to spend.
Looking at IS250's (auto) and 523's (auto). So which would you go for ?
Any other suggestions welcome but would like to keep the engine size around the 2.5l mark and would prefer petrol as I do shag all mileage.
On a side note was looking at an IS250 in Cork and a Motor check showed it as
a CAT B write off in the UK in 2006, 2 months later it was registered in Ireland.
So thank you motorcheck.ie.

Kalel

Gumbo

I'm a BMW fan. But out of those two is pick the IS for something different. Plus the inside is nicer.

Anan1

You'd get an E90 325i for that, which would attract me more.

Idbatterim

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=82729 ununsual one here, its a manual, but maybe worth a look...

delthedriver

Lexus IS 250 would be a refreshing change from a BMW.

Which level does the IS 250 compete with BMW 3 or 5 ?

Is the IS a tarted up Avensis ?

It is really down to personal preference:)

Each of the aforementioned vehicles are fine motors.

Anan1

The Lexus is very different in character from the BMW - have you driven both?

Kalel

I am edging towards the IS250 myself mainly as it is a bit different and hope to grab a drive in one this weekend, have driven a few 5 series but not the 523.
I do like the BMW's and have had an E39 528 before which was a lovely car to drive, its just that every second car on the road these days seems to be a 520D.
An IS250 with the Multimedia Pack would be nice but goddam us Irish only seem to buy base model cars.. drives me crazy..
And what the hell is it with people who put ads up selling cars with no description whatsoever and a stupid blurry pic where you can barely make out the colour.

bazz26

Leftfield suggestion - Jaguar S-Type:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Jaguar/S-Type/2.5-LUXURY/37213863309565330/

MetzgerMeister

Idbatterim wrote: »

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=82729 ununsual one here, its a manual, but maybe worth a look...

That is a nice one but he says it needs a respray. I'd be interested to know why it needs a respray as it looks fine in the pics although you can only see one side and no close-ups.

EDIT: just saw that it was painted badly with cheap paint as part of a repair.

bazz26

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

That is a nice one but he says it needs a respray. I'd be interested to know why it needs a respray as it looks fine in the pics although you can only see one side and no close-ups.

I think it some crash repair work done on it and poor paint repair.

Tea 1000

I'd probably go with the IS250. They're nice to drive and are very reliable.
The E39 you had was a lot nicer to drive than the E60, which I find a little disappointing compared to the E39.
5-series are all over the place too!
To another poster, the IS is a competitor to the 3-series. And no, it isn't a tarted up Avensis.

Kalel

I do like Jags..Had an X-Type before but I always said that if I ever get another one it has to have the touch screen. Those 2 LCD panels always annoyed me. Nice car otherwise though and its the sort of car i would normally go for (ie not too many of them around)

MetzgerMeister

Tea 1000 wrote: »

I'd probably go with the IS250. They're nice to drive and are very reliable.
The E39 you had was a lot nicer to drive than the E60, which I find a little disappointing compared to the E39.
5-series are all over the place too!
To another poster, the IS is a competitor to the 3-series. And no, it isn't a tarted up Avensis.

Exactly, and the LS is 5 series and GS is 7 series

Eoin

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Exactly, and the LS is 5 series and GS is 7 series

Is it not the other way around?

MetzgerMeister

Eoin wrote: »

Is it not the other way around?

Yes it is, I was trying to think of it and type at the same time

Tea 1000

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Exactly, and the LS is 5 series and GS is 7 series

Eoin wrote: »

Is it not the other way around?

It is indeed. GS300 and GS450h are 5 series competitors with a 3 litre and 3.5 hybrid respectively.
LS460 and LS600h are the 7-series competitors.

delthedriver

Tea 1000 wrote: »

It is indeed. GS300 and GS450h are 5 series competitors with a 3 litre and 3.5 hybrid respectively.
LS460 and LS600h are the 7-series competitors.

So the IS is the 3 Series Competitor.

Another alternative , Mercedes E Class?

ofcork

C class would be the direct opposition.

delthedriver

ofcork wrote: »

C class would be the direct opposition.

Correct.

bazz26

BMW 530i:

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/BMW/5-Series/....JANUARY-PRICES/37013793477053890/

zweton

cracking looking car.

Old diesel

bazz26 wrote: »

Leftfield suggestion - Jaguar S-Type:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Jaguar/S-Type/2.5-LUXURY/37213863309565330/

That is one stunning looking car - and to my mind is far more appealing then the IS 250 and the 523i (or any E60).

Id feel I was getting value for my 2.5 litre tax with one of those Jags far more then the others.

Colour combination (exterior and interior) is lovely I think.

Youd get excited about driving that every morning - not sure the IS or E60 5 series would press the same buttons tbh

Old diesel

Following on from my last post - I know that some will say Jags aren't as reliable as Lexus etc - and that's a fair point.

Thing is though - id take the risk on the Jag before id even consider sitting into the other 2.

kerten

IS is a reliable silent comfortable crusier with many toys when you find a loaded one.

5 series would offer more road feedback and driving fun than IS.

delthedriver

Old diesel wrote: »

That is one stunning looking car - and to my mind is far more appealing then the IS 250 and the 523i (or any E60).

Id feel I was getting value for my 2.5 litre tax with one of those Jags far more then the others.

Colour combination (exterior and interior) is lovely I think.

Youd get excited about driving that every morning - not sure the IS or E60 5 series would press the same buttons tbh

Completely different animal!:D

It is a JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG !:pac:

colm_mcm

My S type was the cheapest car I've ever owned, they aren't as sharp or well engineered as a 5 series but they're infinitely more impressive to others, probably down to rarity.
Mine never went wrong either (only had it a year but did fair miles) had strangers come up to me and ask what its like etc.

skyhighflyer

There's a couple of IS250s on sale (yes, even in Ireland) with the multimedia pack which includes nav, phone and, most importantly, the Marc Levinson sound system which is the best system you're likely to hear on any car this side of 100k. Try to find one of those with paddle shift 6 speed auto and leather and you have a very underrated car IMO that's likely to be bulletproof in reliability terms. S Types are nice and all but for me I'd have to be over 50 to own one.

delthedriver

skyhighflyer wrote: »

There's a couple of IS250s on sale (yes, even in Ireland) with the multimedia pack which includes nav, phone and, most importantly, the Marc Levinson sound system which is the best system you're likely to hear on any car this side of 100k. Try to find one of those with paddle shift 6 speed auto and leather and you have a very underrated car IMO that's likely to be bulletproof in reliability terms. S Types are nice and all but for me I'd have to be over 50 to own one.

Is 250 with above spec would be hard to beat.

The only one which could come within a roar, would of course be the JAAAAAAaaaG!:)

kerten

skyhighflyer wrote: »

There's a couple of IS250s on sale (yes, even in Ireland) with the multimedia pack which includes nav, phone and, most importantly, the Marc Levinson sound system which is the best system you're likely to hear on any car this side of 100k. Try to find one of those with paddle shift 6 speed auto and leather and you have a very underrated car IMO that's likely to be bulletproof in reliability terms. S Types are nice and all but for me I'd have to be over 50 to own one.

+1

I have one with spec above and it is hard to change it for better spec

sky forgot to add cooled/heated seats, factory fitted adaptive hid headlights on top of that.

S-type and 5 series are level up with more space in back and boot though.

Old diesel

colm_mcm wrote: »

My S type was the cheapest car I've ever owned, they aren't as sharp or well engineered as a 5 series but they're infinitely more impressive to others, probably down to rarity.
Mine never went wrong either (only had it a year but did fair miles) had strangers come up to me and ask what its like etc.

What year was yours.

The facelifted model after about 02 is supposed to be a significant improvement in driving terms - and from what I hear are supposed to be very nice to drive.

Oafley Jones

Have a 250 myself and love it. It's rare to find one with a poor spec, most are like my own executive spec. Heated/vented leather memory seats. Tilt away steering wheel, tilting door mirrors for reverse, electric sun blind, great sounds system, front and rear parking sensors etc etc. There's a few on sale with the multimedia at the moment as well. Also, it a phenomenally reliable car. Which is what sold me. It's a good enough drive as well. Thirsty though. Boot space is poor, rear seats don't fold down and they are prone to rattles around the centre console particularly the drivers side heating vent. Rear legroom is poor as well. Highly recommended op.

delthedriver

Most of the IS models I have seen are poverty spec, driven by Medical Reps who stretched their budget to get away from the Passat , A4.

High spec model is a must. Reliability, well, bullet proof of course.:)

kerten

delthedriver wrote: »

Most of the IS models I have seen are poverty spec, driven by Medical Reps who stretched their budget to get away from the Passat , A4.

High spec model is a must. Reliability, well, bullet proof of course.:)

Agreed. I noticed many IS250s with cloth seats and manual gearboxes for sale.

Its base spec is more generous than its competitors though.

Good things about IS:
- Sharp enough steering(similar to e46, best I had so far was P11 primera)
- Suspension setup is balanced well for comfort and body roll
- Short turning radius for size of the car
- No rattles at all at 82k miles(depends on car though)
- Toys again
- Noise insulation(see below this as a bad thing as well)
- Reliable


Bad things so far me being picky:

- Overisolation from everything. It is great when you need comfort.(90% of time) But when you start to push the car, it doesn't give thrill of e46 I had before. This is probably due to high level of refinement and no engine/exhaust note at all.

- Brakes feels underengineered for the car. They work fine but it feels like it needs better brakes. And I changed all pads/discs and tyres so this should be design issue.

- Driver seat is not low enough even at lowest and I am not very tall.

- As mentioned before it is hard carry 5 people and their stuff with strangely shaped small boot. I couldn't even fit two midsize luggages to boot.

Oafley Jones

delthedriver wrote: »

Most of the IS models I have seen are poverty spec, driven by Medical Reps who stretched their budget to get away from the Passat , A4.

High spec model is a must. Reliability, well, bullet prooftoo well course.:)

250 or 220d though? I think I've seen one diesel with a decent spec. Funny you should mention medical reps because there seems to be an abundance of them every time I walk through Cork University Hospital. All the 300h seem to be horribly specc'd so far. I can see myself having to head to England to pick one up in a year or two time.

Kalel

There isn't many Multimedia Spec Auto's on the Market at the moment.. Before anyone points out the lovely looking one in Cork read the second part of my opening post. If I go for the Lexus I might have to settle for an Executive Model with the electric Heated/Cooled Seats etc. The Multimedia Pack really does add to the interior though.
There's no doubting the on the road feel with the 523 and I do like them its just there seems to be too many 5 series on the road at the moment.. still not writing them off though.
The 530i that was posted earlier, I have been going back looking at those pics over the last week trying to convince myself
to go to 3.0l but when I do that I also start to look at GS300's.
And now after looking at the S-Type posted I have started looking at them now too.
So now I'm going to have a very busy weekend test driving cars.
Hopefully the Cheque from my insurance company will be delivered early next week so should be buying by the end of the week.
If anyone see's any other Petrol Auto's that they like please post away. Fuel Consumption doesn't bother me as I don't do much mileage (only 8K KM a year)
Thanks for all the replies so far.

Kalel

Padraig Mor

Kalel wrote: »

There isn't many Multimedia Spec Auto's on the Market at the moment.. Before anyone points out the lovely looking one in Cork read the second part of my opening post. If I go for the Lexus I might have to settle for an Executive Model with the electric Heated/Cooled Seats etc. The Multimedia Pack really does add to the interior though.
There's no doubting the on the road feel with the 523 and I do like them its just there seems to be too many 5 series on the road at the moment.. still not writing them off though.
The 530i that was posted earlier, I have been going back looking at those pics over the last week trying to convince myself
to go to 3.0l but when I do that I also start to look at GS300's.
And now after looking at the S-Type posted I have started looking at them now too.
So now I'm going to have a very busy weekend test driving cars.
Hopefully the Cheque from my insurance company will be delivered early next week so should be buying by the end of the week.
If anyone see's any other Petrol Auto's that they like please post away. Fuel Consumption doesn't bother me as I don't do much mileage (only 8K KM a year)
Thanks for all the replies so far.

Kalel

If you're considering an IS250, I see very little reason not to upgrade to a GS300 (I have one). Almost identical fuel economy, but significantly faster and more power. And a much enhanced spec. Only downside is an extra €400 tax per year, but that's not much in the overall scheme of things.

And if you're considering the GS300, why not think about the GS450H....

Oafley Jones

Padraig Mor wrote: »

If you're considering an IS250, I see very little reasoning t to upgrade to a (I have one). Almost identical fuel economy, but significantly faster and more power. And a much enhanced spec. Only downside is an extra €400 tax per year, but that's not much in the overall scheme of things.

And if you're considering the GS300, why not think about the GS450H....

I was just about to mention the 450H.

Kalel

Damn you.. Thats what the voices in my head have been telling me.... The voice of my missus shouts louder though.
Couldn't do the tax for the 450H even though I would love to. Might be able to get away with the 3.0 but never the 3.5.
If I could stretch to the 3.5 the Merc CLS 350 would have to be got.

Oafley Jones

Kalel wrote: »

Damn you.. Thats what the voices in my head have been telling me.... The voice of my missus shouts louder though.
Couldn't do the tax for the 450H even though I would love to. Might be able to get away with the 3.0 but never the 3.5.
If I could stretch to the 3.5 the Merc CLS 350 would have to be got.

Aren't they cheaper than anything else you've considered?

Kalel

I've been looking at the GS300's for a while but was trying to be sensible (though that actually never works)... Its the Multimedia spec
on the IS250 that turned me towards them.
I'm liking the Lexus (both the 250 and 300) because they are ultra reliable and there is a much less change down the road of
having a 2-3 grand pay out to have something fixed or replaced.
Right thats it.. I have made an executive decision . Going to test drive both the IS250 and GS300 this weekend and see which
I like best. If the 300 is a lot better I'll stretch to the 3.0l.
Missus won't be too happy but I can get her something nice for Christmas to make her forget about it.

Old diesel

Since someone mentioned GS 450h - would love to hear any thoughts on those - especially from anyone whose also owned or driven an LS 430.

Are they a big step back from the LS 430 in terms of comfort and overall driving????.

Sorry for tread hijack - but all thoughts greatly appreciated.

Oafley Jones

Never driven one myself, but I've never came across anyone who loved how they felt on the road. Hugely powerful, but completely lacking in feel.

Oafley Jones

That's the old model btw. New one is apparently improved and the cabin is a massive jump from anything that Lexus did before. First time I sat in one made me think how ****e my own car is - and it ain't.

Old diesel

Oafley Jones wrote: »

That's the old model btw. New one is apparently improved and the cabin is a massive jump from anything that Lexus did before. First time I sat in one made me think how ****e my own car is - and it ain't.

Its how my brother has the LS 430 - the GS 450h - current or previous models - are big potential options when time comes to replace it.

He does like the look of the new model GS 450 h - so the potential/likely option is to keep driving the LS 430 for another while yet.

The upgrade cost even to an 08/09 GS 450h - would still buy a lot of tax on the LS 430 :eek: unless they start getting cheaper.

A pre 08 GS 450h looks very pointless coming from the LS 430 as they are both on the same tax band.

Padraig Mor

Kalel wrote: »

I've been looking at the GS300's for a while but was trying to be sensible (though that actually never works)... Its the Multimedia spec
on the IS250 that turned me towards them.
I'm liking the Lexus (both the 250 and 300) because they are ultra reliable and there is a much less change down the road of
having a 2-3 grand pay out to have something fixed or replaced.
Right thats it.. I have made an executive decision . Going to test drive both the IS250 and GS300 this weekend and see which
I like best. If the 300 is a lot better I'll stretch to the 3.0l.
Missus won't be too happy but I can get her something nice for Christmas to make her forget about it.

Many of the GS300s have a spec similar to Multimedia as standard. Works like this:

GS300 Executive (SE in UK) (base spec): has bluetooth (I think) but no nav. 10 speaker sound system (really good). Easily spotted as they only have 2 round buttons on the left side of the screen (like this car). Also have 17 inch 10 spoke alloys.

GS300 Sport (SE-L in UK): has added nav, Mark Levinson audio (14 speakers IIRC?) and voice control. Indicated by 4 round buttons at left of screen. Also 18 inch alloys. Many will also have radar guided cruise control and pre crash safety system (car brakes if collision imminent) - indicated by a little tab / button hanging down from the right centre spoke on the steering wheel (like this car).

There are a few Executive models with the nav and voice control, but not the ML sound (I have one of these).

Wooden steering wheel and gear knob was an (expensive) option on all models.

Nav is 2D, not 3D (I prefer this anyway). Screen resolution on my 2005 car is quite low. They increased the resolution at some stage - I can't say for certain when, but I think it was 2006 - but this may have just been for the 450H.

Bluetooth is phone only - no streaming music!

Old diesel

Back on topic - the Jag still looks the most appealing of these cars if your going to be paying 2.5 tax.

Unless you go GS 300 - which is a very interesting option - and possibly a more sensible one compared to the Jag even at 400 euro extra tax.

Lexus reliability counts for an awful lot, still not a hope id have an IS 250 over the Jaguar S type though lol.

With the 5 series you might as well be driving a 520d (as the OP themselves alludes to).

Actually id be more inclined to consider a Volvo S60 or V70 D5 ahead of the IS 250 or the 523.

GS 300 is probably the car to have though if you don't mind the extra tax.

And yes I realise the OP wants a petrol - but still find the 2.4 5 cylinder Volvo diesel more appealing then the IS 250 or 523.

But that's because I don't overly like the Mk 2 IS or the E60 5 series.

bazz26

Kalel wrote: »

Damn you.. Thats what the voices in my head have been telling me.... The voice of my missus shouts louder though.
Couldn't do the tax for the 450H even though I would love to. Might be able to get away with the 3.0 but never the 3.5.
If I could stretch to the 3.5 the Merc CLS 350 would have to be got.

3.0 litre or 6 litre costs the same to tax. 3.0 litre is the ceiling for motor tax on the old engine size based system.

Oafley Jones

bazz26 wrote: »

3.0 litre or 6 litre costs the same to tax. 3.0 litre is the ceiling for motor tax on the old engine size based system.

Just checked the GS300 is 1400.

Kalel

bazz26 wrote: »

3.0 litre or 6 litre costs the same to tax. 3.0 litre is the ceiling for motor tax on the old engine size based system.

nope 3.5L is the ceiling.. which would be €1809

Tea 1000

Old diesel wrote: »

Back on topic - the Jag still looks the most appealing of these cars if your going to be paying 2.5 tax.

Unless you go GS 300 - which is a very interesting option - and possibly a more sensible one compared to the Jag even at 400 euro extra tax.

Lexus reliability counts for an awful lot, still not a hope id have an IS 250 over the Jaguar S type though lol.

With the 5 series you might as well be driving a 520d (as the OP themselves alludes to).

Actually id be more inclined to consider a Volvo S60 or V70 D5 ahead of the IS 250 or the 523.

GS 300 is probably the car to have though if you don't mind the extra tax.

And yes I realise the OP wants a petrol - but still find the 2.4 5 cylinder Volvo diesel more appealing then the IS 250 or 523.

But that's because I don't overly like the Mk 2 IS or the E60 5 series.

I'd nearly be the opposite. If I got a Jag S-Type for free I'd consider giving it away. Always hated them. Looks like a jumped up Rover 75, which I also hate, despite the boards love for them.
The IS250 is a hell of a lot nicer to drive than the Volvo S60 or S80 even with the 2.4 diesel, although the Volvo's are nice cars, the newest S80 and S60 are nice.

bazz26 wrote: »

3.0 litre or 6 litre costs the same to tax. 3.0 litre is the ceiling for motor tax on the old engine size based system.

3001cc is the ceiling, most 3 litre cars are 2996 or something, making them the second highest. It's over €1,800 for over 3001cc, it's €1,495 for up to 3000cc. So there is a difference between the GS300 and GS450h to tax in the pre-CO2 system.

Tea 1000

Kalel wrote: »

nope 3.5L is the ceiling.. which would be €1809

Ye're both wrong!