Well, I've had the IS over 2 years now, and I love it. But every now and again I get a call from the dealer I bought it from seeing if I'm ready to upgrade. As always, loving it and being skintish, I say no.
This time, the call was "High we are having an open day and as a VIP customer we wondered if you fancied coming down, meet Reg Rix, and see what we can do for you, with £500 cash, cashback if you buy". Me, "Sorry, can't consider upgrading, got made redundant in June, so all cash is earmarked" Them, "Well, we can maybe arrange a straight swap for something more economical and you still get £500 cashback". Me: "OK, I'll come in Saturday".
So I arrives at the appointed time, they give mine a look over, come back and say "Good luck, we have 3 cars you could straight swap for today, let us show you, and you can test drive".
They got me a 206, a Clio of similar age in rust brown, and a W plare Toyota Avensis petrol.
Said no immediatly to the 206 and Clio. Had a test in the Avensis, and it did drive OK, but loads of clunks/creaks from rear at slow speed. Went well on the motorway. So Lexus 101k Avensis 150k Lexus Alloys Avensis steels Lexus half learher Avensis cloth Lexus Auto headlamps Avensis manual Lexus electric seats Avensis manual Lexus auto fold mirrors Avensis no, and one mirror held on with Gaffer tape.
I now I admit, it did feel gruntier, but not as smooth as the IS. Certainly not as quiet. Got back to the lot, said, no thanks. Them: "what about £700, it will keep you going until you are working again and then get something nice off us" me: "no" Them: "What about £1k and a weeks insurance so you can swap over". Me: "Nope, it needs taxing, the MOT is a month longer so no real extra, it will cost to swap insurance, it doesn't drive as nice, it is older, and slightly rougher and higher mileage, sorry nope, I know the Lexus is solid, you shouldn't sold me such solid car".
They looked gutted, wonder when the last time the Grand in Hand was that failed.
Thing is, They probably got a nice sale taking the Avensis in, but would only get a couple of hundred for the Avensis at the Auctions at the auctions less any fees, but a couple of grand for the Lexus on the lot.