THE Lexus IS series has been is right at the top of the reliability charts ever since it came out, even with starship mileage under the wheels.
And if you want to stand out from the crowd in the junior executive car park, with a car that has stood the test of time, this would be a good choice.
They are also among the hardest cars for thieves to break into or steal, defeating the wiliest experts in tests.
Until 2005 there were 2.0 and 3.0-litre six cylinder petrols with about 150 and 200bhp, but since then there have been 2.5-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel models, with 200 and 175bhp.
The later 220d diesel is the one to go for if you do high mileage and performs well, with 0-60 in 8.6 seconds.
But the 2.5 petrol sounds beautiful and is as smooth as silk right through its rev range.
They are both sumptuously quiet and very refined, but have a slightly unsettled ride at lower speeds.
Interior
The 220 is sporting in nature with a lovely interior, great looking instruments and most have superb leather seats with electric adjustment.
Big wheels and low profile tyres can add to the noise on some surfaces, the driving position is superb and the level of equipment top notch.
FAST FACTS
Lexus IS220d
Price: Pay about £7,600 from a dealer for an ’06 06-reg 220d, or £16,300 for a ’10 10-reg SE
Mechanical: 175bhp, 2,231cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 9.0 seconds
Combined mpg: 44
Insurance group: 28
CO2 emissions: 168g/km
Main rival: Audi A4