SecondHandSense:SALES OF ALL cars are pretty much determined by motor tax, which makes it tricky for those looking for a bigger second-hand diesel in particular.
Smaller diesels are not much use to those doing high mileage, yet annual motor tax rates go from €614 for a car of up to two litres to €935 a year for a car of up to 2.5 litres in engine capacity. Right in the middle of this range stands the Lexus IS 220 diesel which, while not extravagant by diesel standards, will still cost €823 a year to tax - and that's before the Budget.
So, is it worth it as a second-hand investment? Almost certainly, because depreciation has been relatively heavy and you can drive a hard cash bargain these days. The IS 220 D is not the most refined in the very refined Lexus range. The engine that is fitted to more rudimentary Toyota cars (the D-4D) is used in the Lexus and there is no automatic diesel version. The engine sounds a little coarse in the Lexus and the automatic gearbox would make the lives of a lot of high mileage drivers much less stressful. But Toyota has never been strong on diesel automatics in Europe.
The IS is the smallest car in the Lexus range and competes with BMW's 3 Series, Mercedes' C-Class and Audi's A4. It does so very well, not least in the area of extra equipment, which in its case is almost limitless. Items such as climate control, head and knee airbags, brake force distribution, cruise control and brake assist are all standard. But, like its competitors, it is cramped in the rear and even in the front for some tall drivers and passengers. The IS falls down against its competitors on boot space. The previous IS was smaller yet the feelings one has is that the newer car from 2006 is not much bigger at all.
The diesel runs well enough and gives good economy, and with 175 horse power on tap meets most requirements. It is very comfortable for a long journey and the experience is enhanced by a good interior finish.
A 2006 diesel of 37,000 km is on offer at one garage for €22,500. A 2007 diesel with 25,000 km is at another for €23,900. Odd prices like this are another indication of how much flux the market is in.
STAR RATING:6/10