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12Lexus IS (old)88.18%
While there were too few reports on its successor to be included, Lexus'Â’s first-generation IS is still keeping in touch with the top 10. ThereÂ’'s no denying it is one of the best made cars on the planet. Second place in the build quality rank and seventh for reliability are great results for whatÂ’'s now a sub-ÂŁ5,000 used model. But itÂ’'s not all good news: the IS has two drawbacks: limited practicality and high running costs. With no diesel, the six-cylinder petrol engine is proving costly to keep topped up.
Compact Executive
This is a sector in which image, style and quality are all key factors for success. LexusÂ’'s previous-generation IS has all three in abundance, and itÂ’s still the highest-rated model in its class. ThatÂ’'s an incredible achievement for what is now a used car, and one that leaves rival models from BMW and Audi frustrated in second and third place. WeÂ’re still waiting to see if the all-new IS can match the enduring appeal of its predecessor, but for now Lexus'Â’s reign at the forefront of the premium car market looks unfaltering. At least BMW can be satisfied with having two models in the top five, its previous-generation 3-Series only narrowly missing out on fourth place. While the saloon version was replaced in 2005, coupé and convertible models have ceased production only recently. MercedesÂ’ trusty C-Class claims a credible fourth-place finish, but the introduction of the all-new version later this year will undoubtedly see the three-pointed star challenging for even higher class honours once more.
Your Quotes
“The plus points are that it's smooth, reliable, looks great and is very comfortable. On the negative side, my IS is expensive to both run and maintain.”
Mr Matthew Soames - Suffolk“The best purchase I ever made.”
Georgi Judge - Kent“Drives well looks great. Bit of a gas guzzler, though.”
Mr Mark West - West Dunbartonshire“Quite thirsty for its size, but not expensive to run because it keeps its value quite well and has never needed repairs etc. A delight to drive (if not to reverse park).”
Michael Hirst - Leicester
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