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Mesa Red has never been the most popular of colours within the ISF world, it was the lowest selling colour when they were up for sale with only 6 or 7 sold in the UK (I think!?) Well today is the only day of the year that it will be sunny up here in Scotland so here's of few pictures of what Mesa Red is supposed to look like! I can imagine most of you will of only seen a Mesa Red ISF in the shade/clouds, I promise they're not maroon!

well, I've been driving since 1967 ( was age 17 then ......... or was it 18 in 1968 I wonder ) and these past 16 years driving my Ls 400s has been quite a magical journey. Over 50 years I have driven very many cars, from top to bottom in stature and cost ( mainly through my car sales business quite a few years ago now ) and I would say that absolutely none of them have or could have given me the satisfaction in ownership and all round comfort of my Ls 400 experiences. Some have come close in comfort stakes, Bentley, old Rovers, Jaguars, big big Mercedes but they all come with big big recurring bills too. These old style Ls' are quite frankly second to none. Malc

But the RCF is a sexy ‘coop’!

I think I have to go a step further and say they perfected the comfort with the 430, with two double lumbar settings and an extending cushion for the driver. It really has to be experienced to appreciate it.

In the price range IS200t went against BMW 330i (2.0T) and not 320i (2.0t), BMW 330i 5.9s... well that is much faster. The IS250 and IS200t difference of ~0.5s is something I surprised I have noticed at all. IS200t has better mid/low torque, but as noted by others has massive hesitation of the line - I don't know if that is turbo or gearbox related. As well massive confusion on Auto-kickdowns. If you are in the right gear to begin with - yes it has reasonable mid-torque. Now all that "sports" versus "luxury" debate is bit silly, because according to Lexus brochures it mean to be both. In real world it is neither - the rattly 200t engine takes all there is to take away from the luxury feel - comparing apples to apples I believe slower Mk3 IS250 is "luxury on another level" from IS200t, even 300h feels more luxurious and relaxing when driving. And they added not enough sportiness, because it is simply slow compared to contemporary sports cars. Nobody, said IS200t was meant to be high performance car, what it mean to be is sports car and it failed miserably. In UK it was named simply IS200t, but in the states it was called "THE TURBO" (yes in capitals and bold). If that doesn't give you the clue what Lexus wanted it to be... I don't know what then.. Fact check - Lexus sold similar numbers of mk2 as they did mk1. Over life time Lexus sold ~14200 IS250 (not counting mk3) and ~ 15800 IS220d/200d... overall ~30000. Lexus Sold ~31000 IS200 and another 1700 of IS300, so lets say ~32700. But that includes ~1400 "sport-cross", so a bit of oranges vs. apples.. Saloon vs. saloon figure would be 30k vs. 31.3k... not massive difference, not something you would call "decline". However, worldwide mk2 outsold mk1 3:1. All these numbers are nothing compared to sales flop of only 124 IS200t sold. When they say - we don't bring RC350 in UK, because there is no market for it (and it is not worth certification costs) - surely you cannot sell less then 124 cars... The reasons why IS mk2 in UK specifically was partial commercial failure where multiple. Discontinuation of "sportcross", abysmal IS220d which was available only in manual during the times diesel cars were rolling high, lack of mid-tier IS350, strange gear ratios on manual boxes (not suitable for UK speed limits)... and list goes on.. but there is nothing particularly wrong with IS250 Auto.

Hmmm🤔 I'm pretty sure the recorded time of 7.1 seconds was achieved in an IS250 F-sport meaning it's an automatic as a manual F-sport was never produced. I can't find any recorded time of the turbo hitting 60 in under 6.8 seconds. Even if it did achieve it in 6.5 seconds it hardly makes it significantly quicker than the IS250. A bmw 328/ 330i would be classed as significantly quicker with 0-60 times in the mid 5's. I've drove both cars and the difference is minimal. I much prefer the 250 for that addictive V6 sound. The turbo is not a nice sounding engine. Trust me.

So much easier said than done when I've got 2 kids under 5 and a rather demanding wife! I've love nothing more than to do that. It's not as bad as the picture shows to be honest either. Thanks though .. Marcus

I'm one of those innocent owners who has had a few leaks in the same spots as yourself. Thankfully I'm in a position to tinker with such issues so it hasn't bothered me too much. I would certainly agree the body seams are substandard to say the least, a huge surprise after changing from a first gen RX. If anyone is in the same (leaky) boat I feel for them. It's put a damper on what I thought was going to be a relaxing vehicle to own. The only thing is I work in a VW dealership and see on a daily basis how easy we have it in terms of reliability overall. If you think this is an issue you should see some of the stuff I've dealt with!

After a nice run in the sun today 😀

Would love one of these as a 2nd car. I reckon they've aged extremely well. There's a gold one in a showroom near me and it looks fantastic. I'm always looking out for it when I drive past.

Yes i sold the blue RC-F last September, the RC-F was a great car except for the ride comfort, i think if i had came from a IS-F i probably would not had noticed to much difference,but my previous cars have been, GS300, & GS450H, you may be thinking , well surly you would have noticed this when test driving the car, and your right i should have done but i was one of the fortunate ones who were taken out to the Ascari race track in malaga, which don't get me wrong was a brilliant 2 days but you don't find many speed humps or pot hole on a race track. As for the LC, its a completely different animal and although this car was in the pipe line when the RC-F was released nobody could give me any i dear on how much it was going to be, just looking at the poster they had of the LC ( concept ) on the dealership's wall it looked very expensive and with talk of it being produced in the same factory as the LFA and similarly based on the LFA fingers of £180K / £220K were being thrown around. The LC is very comfortable, and driving it in comfort mode i would say it drives very similar to my GS450h f sport, other than comfort my only other concern was it is lower to the ground than the RC-F, and i wasn't very elegant getting out of that, but as it happens due to the less side bolstering on the seats and the much lower sill it is easer to get in and out of than the RC-F. the only thing is that the doors are massive and really need to be fully open to be able to get in and out comfortably so parking can be a slight issue, other than that i am extremely happy with the LC and of course i have one of the most stunning looking cars on the road. ( not all would agree we all have our own opinions ).

So......bought the black one in Cheltenham. So...... 2 now in Hedge End!

Do we have a popcorn smiley? Anyone? I'm looking for a popcorn smiley...

I agree I’ve owned my rx300 a year now and i love it it’s smooth and comfy but can still shift if I need it to. I think they still look great too, some of my friends think I drive a “posh” Lexus. Mine is a 2004 reg I did look at a 2006 rx300 but yes the ridiculous tax put me off. Mine is only £290 a year(probably more this year) but wouldn’t consider changing it except for a newer 450 when they come down in price or I get some dosh lol. Always liked my Japanese cars and this one doesn’t disappoint.

I just looked in the mirror - so I know you are not talking about me! Ratty is marginally faster on the road than you, so you can’t be talking about him. That just leaves @Comedian. I think you are being harsh. His driving isn’t that slow is it?

Wow so it really is significantly quicker than the IS250 😄

I don’t believe in miracles 😜

Looks like the hard work payed off, looks stunning.

I think what he says - RC-F doesn't need driver to look sexy...

Seems like a good opportunity to give all you Mesa boys a little treat............🤗 My isF list is now up to 171 cars of the 214 or so that remain and here is my by no means finished list of the Mesa'as ! I don't have pictures or stories/owners to go with each car as of yet so here is a few snippets, I'll start with one of the earliest and that is of GY08 OPA don't believe it's around any more was used at the beginning as a magazine feature car....... by Evo and so on in 2008 Then I have this picture.... The above car I know for a fact is LR58VYT here she is a day old being detailed in September 2008, if the owner is on here I can direct him to 15 other pics of the day. Here is a reg number list now some of you will recognise yours 🤔 KX58 PNL BK10NYX LS10EVB WP09KLO AA58NVD YT12 MJY GY08GBE SK10 ZXU GU62LHW LM10- - - And to finish a few more pictures......... Ive only put permanent reg number cars and not personal plates except the last one any one know it ? Enjoy ! Big Rat

Simply not true Colin. At present I own both a IS250 and IS-F and have never experienced dreadful road noise. Infact they produce hardly any road noise. also having drove a 200T and putting it through it's paces I can say it's anything but substantially quicker. I thought it was slightly quicker. Also the IS200T has very noticeable lag especially when a quick start is required. Also when you kickdown it seems to take an age for the turbo to kick in.

I saw one in the sun once. Looked pink 😜 Looking good in the pics 👍

Yes, very easy, but as the saying goes, "a picture paints a thousand words" so rather than try to explain it, this video from Vicki P shows the procedure to get at the lighter. All you have to do after that is to detach the lighter from the trim piece, install the USB socket and reverse the procedure. The rest of the video, from about 15.30, doesn't apply to you.

Who said the 200t was designed with performance in mind? It was designed as a pure petrol engine for those who didn't want a hybrid. It was also designed as a base engine for the U.S. If it had any more power, it'd be snapping on the heels of an IS350. The reason it didn't sell was due to one reason - IS300h, simple as that. Private buyers opted for the 300h as well as company car drivers simply due to the numbers on the sheet - i.e. £0-20 road tax, 60+mpg and better residuals

I know, I know! At least I can sleep well knowing I've sold good ones.😴😴

But, but. but Are we really comparing a Vauxhall with a Lexus on a Lexus form ...yes we are !! When did LOC go all boy racer on me ? Many cars have a turbo strapped to them nowadays and joe public are largely unaware. Yet strapping one to a Lexus is suddenly seen as a go faster marketing tool by two posters on this site and no one else - not even Lexus. My father in laws Skoda has a turbo on it, my daughters mini has one as well. I don't see them thrashing the seven bells out of them and comparing them to 'anything else with a turbo' ..ok the daughter probably does but she has no idea it has a turbo on it, what it does and why. Lets no forget that it was the IS250 that lost Lexus the vast proportion of its UK market share when it was introduced as the replacement for the IS200/300. Perhaps we can analyse that fact and come up with some constructive reasons as to why.

That looks like the IS-F used buyers' guide from EVO magazine

Agree the Ct200h just voted most reliable car, no road tax for pre 2017, and great economy, completely different market, a reliable low cost second car. By comparison the IS250 is very thirsty, high road tax and only 204bhp. I think it was termed a 6cyl with 4cyl performance. Having said that it is a sweet looking car with the Lexus edge to it and still a lot of upside. I think Hybrid & Electric will be the way forward for Lexus.The Japanese tend to look for better engineering & reliability over performance, just my 2c

Are people actually debating this? A series III 200t vs series II 250, there is no comparison. The 200t has quite a bit more power, a lot more torque which is available from much lower revs, has a much faster gear changing transmission and has more ratios too which keep the engine within maximum power for longer and with lower first gear for better initial acceleration. The vehicles weight about the same, the 200t very slightly heavier. Once you get to bends then it gets even worse for the 250. The series III chassis and suspension set up massively out-handles the series II.

Good advice from Colin and Steve. I'll just add that there's no integral fuse in the lighters, and a suggestion - if you don't actually use it as a lighter, I found it much more useful to take it out and replace with a dual USB socket that I got from eBay:

My RX300 is 15 years old now. Still drives like new.

And you have sold 4 ? Sleep well Phil. :):):)

@FlytvrSo Dav your saying that the RCF makes this short arsed grey haired ageing..... fast..... builder.....sexy...... 🐀

Finally got the new TTE badges (supplied by Gooseman) onto my IS 200. And I: * Added an "Eaton inside" badge on the left side of the boot for good measure. * Sprayed the calipers with about 5 coats of paint ** Manifold Orange as an undercoat(s) ** Brake Caliper Classic Red as the top coats * The 18" TSW Cadwell mirror finish mags went on last year. Now looks very pleasing but gives the game away when the WRX/Syliva driver is looking at the boot and wondering why? I love it! Decided to do a bit of tinkering with the contrast and brightness of some of the photos using GIMP

So basically, IS300h is sedan, GS300h is saloon, but then IS-F is saloon as well .... because.. hell.. lost.. on my previous point - quite nice (though late) vindicating words:

Quite true the ancient 6 pot is thirsty. Infact it's almost as thirsty as the modern IS200T that nobody wants here in the UK due to its very poor performance figures. Infact it only just pips the ancient 250 to the post.

Exactly 2 years to the day I owned my isF never used a drop, 3 months into RCF ownership same result. I dread to think how much I spent on all my Porsche’s on oil between services frequently a litre every 500-1000 miles. 🐀

A friend bought a brand new Golf and handed it back in exchange for a Polo, as she could not get the seat in a comfortable position! She is still not that happy!

Had a couple of CT200h for the day while my IS250 was in for service. The IS250 is not only better it's light years ahead of the CT200h. It dosnt even feel like a Lexus and acceleration is dreadful. Stamp on the gas and nothing happens except for the annoying drone from the engine. As much as I love Lexus [and will never touch any other brand,] I would never purchase the CT200h.

RC-F works perfectly for me. 90% of the time I'm on my own. However, I can take the Mrs and the kids out in the car as well.

Oh *****, she is more interested in how she looks, which actually reminds me of some of the RCF lot on here, she cant drive and if you asked her a technical question she would be fuc@ed.....................

Unfortunately, .............nagh😂😂.

I saw this post a couple of hours ago, its taken me that long to stop laughing, dillusional.....all of you........RCF??????? Pffftt

Quote Geedub: at the price I paid, it's almost disposable. I'm sufficiently impressed that I would definitely consider buying another one when this one eventually dies. To me they are great value, provided you can handle the fuel costs - but there is always the LPG option. I find very little difference between my RX300 and my new Mitsubishi Spacewagon, (in 2003!)

Having had the RX for a couple of weeks now, I find myself echoing most of Spacewagon52's comments from his excellent review, so figured I should add my two penn'rth to this thread. Comfort: It's like driving around on my sofa. The seats are amazing (and the seat heaters are welcome). Ride isn't quite as supple as my Audi A8 was, but that had air suspension, so understandable. Still very smooth, though. Audio system - mine isn't ML either, but it's at least as good as the Bose system I had in the Audi. I'm using a bluetooth-to-FM widget for streaming music from the iPhone, which works adequately. Economy: Not too bad, considering,. My A8 was V8 powered and would do just over 30mpg on a long run if I was careful. The RX does slightly less on a long run (high twenties), but average day-to-day driving is no worse. I don't do a lot of mileage, so that's not an issue. Handling/Performance: it's a bit of a bus, but easier to handle and nicer to drive than other SUV's I've tried *cough* Range Rover *cough*. Performance is fine for what it is - all fairly effortless and wafty, which is all one needs :) Keys: Far too fragile. Had to rebuild both using the kit from the guy on ebay who supplies pre-cut replacement casings. Easy job and not expensive. Like Spacewagon52, I find myself missing having parking sensors (I don't have the reversing camera either). A retrofit is on the cards. Power tailgate: very handy indeed. For such an old car, it's superb. I'd been tempted by a (newer) RX on two previous occasions, both times ending up in Audis instead. Glad I finally bought one - it was the sensible purchase for my current circumstances, but one that I'm enjoying out of all proportion to the low cost.

I find the Lexus IS in general to be a harsh ride. Even my previous SE-L on 17's wasn't exactly comfy. My 250 F-sport on 18's was extremely harsh to the point of being uncomfortable.

And it didn't sell because it's too slow for it's class. @peachy is quite right. People looking to purchase a 2 litre turbocharged petrol vehicle almost certainly have performance in mind. People do their homework before buying and a 0-60 time of just under 7 seconds puts them off. I know its a heavy car but Lexus could have easily improved the performance without sacrificing reliability. If this car had a 0-60 time of say 5.7 - 6 seconds I'm sure a lot more would have been sold and still available for sale today.