Migrating from Lexus to Toyota

[Joe43]

Sadly migrating from a Lexus IS300h to Toyota Corolla estate.

Enjoyed every minute of the IS300h but needed more boot space and larger opening, clincher was not being able to put 2 large suitcases in the boot. I was in no rush and selected a handful of cars to test;  Rav4  Corolla  Kia Optima Kia Proceed and Hyundai i30 all estates. Narrowed down to 2 the Rav4 & Corolla.

Not a fan of SUV's but have to say the Rav4 is a surprisingly good drive but ultimately Corolla Estate or "Sports Touring" came out top. 

I will really miss the looks of the IS300h, the comfortable seats with cooling air, the sheer fact it was a Lexus with all round touches of luxury and ultra relaxed driving experience, could move when needed too.

Nothing would put me off buying another but currently Lexus are pushing towards a full SUV offering and as mentioned I'm not a fan.

My IS300h gave me first ever profit, bought for £13500 part-exing for £14750 but all cars are silly prices now and I'm fully aware the Corolla estate has a premium price which will hurt when things slip back to normal.

This site has been invaluable to me as a first time Lexus owner and I will keep having a nosey now and then, keep up the good work everyone.

 

[Inazone]

Do report back as would be interested in the differences between the two. 

[Randomizer]

The change will be a rough one. Corolla is plasticy, loud and feels so much cheaper than IS. It's not a bad car but there isn't any luxury to be found anywhere.

[MartinH]

An interesting swap that I too (as a former Toyota owner) have contemplated. Keep us up to date please

[Elvis17]

Good luck with it.nice work on the exchange.  I have same conundrum and went with a vw tiguan as 2nd car (R-line) collect tomorrow but will likely need to sacrifice  the is300h longer term , hard to let go. 

[route66]

The Corolla has a newer gen hybrid setup which is much nicer than the older setup in the IS300H. Not faster, but better, much better. It suffers none of the significant transmission lag that frustrates any attempt at spirited driving in the IS.

The rest of the car isn't bad either. These have come on a long way since even the last gen Auris which was a huge yawn in every respect. They have latest gen infotainment, are very economical and even drive well on the Toyota/Lexus TNGA-C platform. This is very stiff so you don't get the the baggy feel of older Toyotas.

Even the interior is a big step up from older Toyotas and I don't think you'll feel too badly done by. As you've found, it also a lot bigger than the IS.

The Lexus is obviously a car from a few classes up and looks much better than the Corolla. Having said that, I don't think you should be too devastated with your "downgrade"!

All the above from my own experience of regularly driving a new Corolla, a 2014 Prius Plus and my own 2014 IS300H. Others' views may differ 😉

I'd also love to hear how you get on.

[Joe43]

Right, firstly I had an Auris 1.8 hybrid estate for 3 years prior to the Lexus so will include that in my comparisons.

Auris was slow struggling at times on inclines and not great for overtaking, you had to work it hard for any results. The ride was ok but still felt like a small car. 3 years motoring and it needed nothing but servicing and a new set of tyres. Overall MPG 59.

Lexus was a transformation with plenty of power and appealing looks. I had the Advance model with lots of toys and really comfortable leather seats. It's the one and only car I was proud of and received lots of positive comments. Ride was always on the firm side and you knew it was a heavy well built car. Parking on an incline made it a challenge to open the heavy doors at times, I'm not getting any younger. Overall mpg 48.

Corolla, early days and first impressions are very positive. It feels bang up to date, looks sharp in gleaming red paintwork, drives well and gives me all the space I need. I've quickly found a good seating position and instantly feel at home.

Basic Icon model with no satnav, wing mirrors you fold manually and fewer electric toys. I'm old school and don't mind that one bit. Been told it's easy to setup google maps from my mobile with bang up to date maps unlike my Lexus.

It's a lively car, feels much lighter and more nimble than the Lexus and has so much more power than the Auris. Deliberately stayed in Eco mode on a local incline with no trouble, one that I had to work hard in the Auris. Technology advancements, this has lithium hybrid batteries,  have really transformed a dull 1.8 hybrid to one that gives me total confidence. 

The ride is a big improvement over both the Auris and Lexus, as mentioned the Auris felt like a small car and Lexus was on the firm side but this Corolla has a big car ride and is so much smoother. 

Have noticed the Corolla is much quicker to drive in electric only mode and even on the motorway travelling in traffic at a steady 65, very impressive.

So far I'm totally happy with my choice.

[Joe43]

Just to complete the posting here it is in the flesh.

Still no regrets and very impressed with mpg so far just over 65.