japthree

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/lexus/is/66252/lexus-vs-rivals-video-review

Video review of 3 Series, A4 and IS.

This week's Auto Express (4 Sep 2013) has a group test IS300h SE v BMW 320d ED Business v Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE Technik (from memory the exact spec may be different). I wouldn't get too excited if you want the IS to win. "Third (I.e. Third generation) time lucky?" Not a chance with these motoring mags!

Out today in the shops: Autocar's 8 page Roadtest of IS300h is mediocre 3.5/5. If they did the IS250 I'm sure it would get 4+/5.

When I picked one up "I said not a full sized A4 one?"; "unfortunately not" was the Dealer's reply. Is a second version being issued soon?

Autocar [21 August 2013] IS300h Roadtest (8 pages).

What Car? [October 2013 (out)] group test: Audi A3 Saloon (yes A3 not A4) v BMW 320d ED Auto v IS300h SE v Mercedes CLA CDi 220 Sport

1st Audi, 2nd BMW, 3rd Lexus, 4th Merc.

Auto Express 17 July 2013 - page 44. First drive of IS300h Premier gives it 4/5.

There's something special about the straight six engine it's just so smooth and the sound is just great; 14 years on from 1999 - it still floats like a hovercraft - okay the inside is dated now and not very techy compared to cars today but it's still got a lot of kit. How does the Mark2 IS drive in comparison - is it just as smooth? Thanks.

Correction CAR is July 2013 which is currently in the shops not August 2013.

CAR magazine August 2013 (note next issue September out next Wednesday so read quickly!)

IS300h v BMW F30 3-series

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Sample-new-nav/Magazine/

"...and squared the latest Lexus IS up against its biggest rival: the all-conquering BMW 3-series."

Evo August 2013 (next issue out tomorrow!)

One page review of IS300h

.....It is also worth noting that the 2nd Gen IS was face lifted 3 times. The 2nd gen original model was first face lifted for the 2009 Model Year and came with new front bumper and grill. As a result, the GFX front spoiler you've seen on the SR kit will not fit these cars. Lexus did release a new front spoiler for these cars, but I have only ever seen them fitted on the American forums, so I am not sure if they were available here.The 2nd face lift was for the 2011 MY which as already mentioned had new bumpers again.

When and what was included / changed in the 3rd facelift?

How does Tesco's Momentum 99 RON compare to other brand superfuels? It's the cheapest and I get x pence off / litre if I do a big shop at Tesco. I don't ever use standard supermarket fuel but get the Tesco Momentum.

Can't a new forum be created - it's easier to spot new threads on the latest IS?

If I'm in a residential area with speed limit 30mph are the speed humps there for me to drive over at 30 or do I slow down, go over and speed up to 30 again; then repeat for next hump?

If I can go over them at 30 what makes me not go over them at 35 or 40?

Do you go over them with the car centred or one wheel on them?

Regards.

steve2006: Esther Rantzen on Piers Morgan ITV show tonight 2100 talking about "That's Life" tv show.

shafque: you read them but don't buy them? Borrow from a friend? Or pinch them every week?

I'm interested in test driving the IS250 before the new one comes out mid June. Is it at the discretion of the sales executive to allow me to drive by myself for a longer time than the typical 20 minutes?

Advice would be appreciated.

Weekly: Autocar, Auto Express

Monthly: Whatcar?, Topgear, car, Evo

There's others such as Autotrader, Parkers, Car mechanics, Diesel car....

Which do you like and which are a waste of money?

Is the all season ready mixed screenwash just convenient - because if it's suitable for all year round it must be at winter concentration which means in summer you are using a too concentrated screenwash - instead you could dilute it and have more for your money? The concentrate version is more economical because you can mix to whatever season you are in?

Got an Autocare 3 in 1 ice scraper: ice scraper, squeegee and a thin strip of sponge. I know what the first two are for(!) but don't see a use for the sponge on the windows? Can you help please?

On cars which have no rear window wiper (like hatchbacks) how do you clean off the rain drops if the car has been parked? Do you use a squeegee or drive off fast or use the rear window demister (does that help?) or if you've applied rain repellant if should just bead off? I don't see many using a squeegee but it impairs rear view vision in my experience.

"You must also report the accident to your insurance company, even if you’re not planning to make a claim."

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/if-youre-in-an-accident

Few years ago I hit the back of a car and we decided for me to pay direct instead of going via our insurance companies. I wasn't sure if I was to tell my insurer so phoned my driving instructor who said that you don't legally have to tell your insurer so I didn't. What's happened has happened - I don't need to tell them now and I'm with a different insurer than that "bump"?

Cheapest doesn't always mean the best!

What do you recommend?

Supermarket brand (Asda, Sainsbury's, etc)

Halfords

Car Plan

Bluecol

Bargain store brand

Please list what the costs are - here's some:

Driving lessons

Driving test

Car (obvious one!)

Car insurance

Road Tax

MOT

Servicing

Breakdown cover

Fuel

http://www.google.co.uk/search?pz=1&cf=all&ned=uk&hl=en&tbs=nws%3A1&q=%22Lexus+is%22

Google news with "Lexus is" as search string. You can set the time for the past 24 hours and keep tabs on any new news daily like that.

It costs £2.50 more to pay by credit card than debit card. What's the advantage and disadvantage please? Easiest method is over the phone I find - automated system.

My dad says that you should keep the engine running for a "good ten minutes" to warm up the car but is this for old cars? Any car 10 (?) years or younger this is superfluous and fuel is wasted?