Roger Bill

IS300: I'd suggest trying a new 250SE or SE-I on 17" wheels. Even if I could have stretched my budget to a new SE-L, for me the 18" wheels were a problem for the same reasons you mention. I think you might find the ride on 17" wheels better and, if you want the extra SE-L toys, I'm sure a Lexus dealer would be happy to swap the 18" wheels for 17". I'm surprised you found the 250 underpowered and sluggish compared with the IS300. According to the 0-62mph figures on the Lexus UK web site the IS300 automatic does it in 8.2 compared with 8.4 seconds for the IS250 automatic. However, I realise 0-62 figures can be misleading and aren't really relevant for everyday driving requirements. The power outputs of the IS300 IS250 engines are similar (157 vs 153kW) but the IS300 has 14% more torque and, perhaps more importantly the peak power and torque arrives at lower revs in the Is300. Therefore, the IS250 will need to be revved more to achieve the acceleration. In the end it's always a matter of personal preference, but IMHO I think you should try an IS250 on 17" wheels.

Yes the SEL does have the electric rear window blind and illuminated front scuff plates. This is according to an official Lexus UK document entitled "IS Minor Change (Model Year '09) Overview".

Even better apparently, according to the USA Lexus web site http://www.lexus.com/models/ISC/detailed_specifications.html the IS350C automatic does 0 - 60mph in 5.8 seconds

An extended version of the review has now appeared in this week's printed issue of AutoCar. This states the 250C will go on sale in June and that the 3.5 litre engine may be introduced into the UK market. The review is generally very positive including such statements as "well executed", "polished in the way that it rides, steers, cruises and brakes", "one of the most refined easy-revving engines you'll find anywhere", "feels like a quality piece of kit" and that it cuts a dash especially with the top down.

AutoCar has a favourable review of the IS250C coupe at: http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstD...IS-250C/240241/ According to the Lexus web site the UK launch is scheduled for July.

http://www.pressroom.com.au/press_kit_deta...p;kitID=76#1366 I think this Lexus Australia press kit dated Nov 2005 contains some very interesting technical descriptions of various aspects of the IS. While I don't expect many potential customers would be interested in such technical details, it seems a shame that most car companies reserve this information for the press who rarely use more than an odd sentence. Best regards Roger

I'll soon have to choose a new phone and my old Sony has also been good for Bluetooth connectivity although it could be better in terms of acquiring a signal in weak spots. Therefore, like Lisa66 I'm tempted to take the "low-risk" option and get another Sony. From the list of alternatives currently contained in http://www.lexus.co.uk/Images/Compatilbili...m585-792063.pdf the K770i looks good for what I need in a phone. However, as my pocket PC is also showing signs of coming to the end of it's life, the HTC Touch Diamond 2 is an alternative I'm considering although this is too new to have been tested by Lexus and I have heard mixed reports from people with earlier HTC phones. Has anyone here tried using an HTC phone in a Lexus? FYI: The USA Lexus site: http://lexusbluetooth.letstalk.com/product...=1&model=IS provides some useful info, although the phones sold into the USA market often don't have direct equivalents here in the UK.

I agree and even more ridiculous was the comparison in the 1st October 2008 issue of Auto Express between a Lexus IS250SE-L and the Cadillac CTS 3.6!!

I bought the printed copy of the magazine in which this comparison appeared and in the same issue Auto Express published results of their "Driver Power 2009" survey of more than 20,000 car owners. The current model Lexus IS was the winner in the compact executive class whereas the old model Audi A4 was placed 66 out of 100. The old model Lexus IS was placed first for both reliability and build quality. Lexus came second in the manufacturer's league table whereas Seat was 22 out of 35. While the results of all surveys are open to question, this one is presumably based upon feedback from a cross-section of actual owners whereas the Seat/Lexus comparison was written by a journalist who might have very different requirements from those in the target market for this type of car. This must be one reason why expensive and exotic cars which are often too temperamental for everyday use are generally rated highly by journalists whereas reliable, well built cars are considered by them to be boring. If you ask owners of more everyday cars for an honest opinion practical concerns such as reliability will be among their main concerns which, to be fair to journalists, are difficult qualities to judge simply on the basis of a test drive.

With all the complaints posted on the forum in this vein I could become quite dispirited because I've just committed my hard earned cash to buy a new SEI. However, I prefer to believe it's a positive point in favour of a car when the biggest problem owners report are trim rattles. Obviously those with the IS diesel have encountered more serious problems but, having ordered a 250 auto, I'm hoping to be soon enjoying the legendary trouble free Lexus experience or, at worst, nothing more troublesome than an odd rattle!

Hi Ode The USA Lexus Owners Club web site has an owner's manual available for download in a series of Adobe Acrobat pdf files at: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=25999 However, as the IS diesel isn't sold into the USA market these only cover the 250 and 350 variants. Another alternative worth trying is www.ebay.co.uk where paper and CD versions of owners manuals are sometimes on offer. Best regards Roger

Hi Exiled: I've found Lexus, Cambridge sales staff to be very helpful and thoroughly professional and so I can recommend them. Also as cars listed by internet car brokers such as Deal Drivers are supplied by UK main dealers, you should be able to find a UK Lexus main dealer who is willing and able to match their prices. Hi Parthiban: Like you I think the new behaviour of the autobox makes a lot of sense, here's an extract from a description I found on a USA web site about it: >>When the shift lever is in the D position, operating the “-” side shift paddle switch will enter fixed range mode which restricts the highest gear. By operating the shift paddle switches “+” (UP) or “-” (DOWN), the shift range can be changed. At this time, the shift range indicator light in the combination meter assembly changes to inform the driver that the D position (fixed range mode) has been entered. If the vehicle is stopped, driving at a constant speed, or accelerating for more than a specified period of time, the vehicle will change back to normal D position operation. Alternately, if the “+” side shift paddle switch is operated for 1 second or more, normal D position operation will resume.<<

Hi all In the end I decided to grit my teeth and spend some extra cash to get a new SE-I 250 auto with nav rather than a one or two year old SE or SEL. I'm expecting to take delivery toward the end of June. Having had test drives in a couple of pre- and one post-facelift car I thought the suspension changes were a significant improvement. Also I like the interior trim modifications, being able to use the paddle-shifters in "D" and the parking sensors. The only real down-side for me was the loss of the dynamic route guidance but I certainly couldn't stretch the budget to a new SE-L. I think I've dithered more over this choice of car than I ever have before. However, perhaps because of that extended period of dithering I now find I'm really looking forward to getting it and certainly with more anticipation than was the case with my last couple of cars. After I've had it for a month or so, I'll report back on my early experiences. Best regards Roger

Page 295 of this DIY maintenance section of the manual available for download at http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...ost&id=3751 describes how to change the air conditioning filter. It's accessed via the glove box. I guess this is the pollen filter? Hope this helps, Roger

Just came another link which might be of interest: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...ost&id=6542

Just did a search for TMC and DRG and found some info on the Toyota owners club web site http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/lof...php/t12572.html which confirms Matt's thought that DRG is a combination of hardware and software. Therefore, it seems unlikely there will be a simple hack to add this option into the SEI nav system. Many thanks for the help guys. Best regards Roger

Although I've had a test drive in an SEI, I must admit I didn't actually check whether the dynamic route guidance option was missing as is stated in the sales brochure. I'm guessing that they've deleted the option to help justify the price difference between the SEI's "full map navigation" system and the SEL's "Multimedia Pack" and to try and encourage more people to upgrade from the SEI to the SEL. If it is just a commercial/marketing ploy then it might be something that has just been implemented with a simple software switch that might be possible to change.

After months of dithering over the choice between a second hand IS250SE Automatic with MM and a new SEI, I've taken the plunge and have ordered an SEI with the "full map navigation" system. Unfortunately this doesn't include the dynamic route guidance option. I was wondering if the necessary hardware is actually included in the SEI and that for commercial reasons the facility has simply been disabled by a software switch that "someone in the know" could change to activate dynamic route guidance.

Some months ago I downloaded a part of the USA Lexus IS owner's manual, I think I found the link somewhere on http://www.lexusownersclub.com/ I've just checked and, although the procedure for replacing the headlamp high beams is described, the notes indicate that Lexus dealers should replace both halogen and HID low beam bulbs.

As part of my work I've had cause to visit many engineering factories in the UK, Germany and USA in a wide range of industries including automotive, motor sport, defence and electronics. Admittedly it's a few years since I've visited any car factories but in comparison to those that I did (which will remain nameless) the Lexus IS factory and production techniques shown in this video seem superb. I've the greatest respect for Japanese standards of quality and, therefore, over the past 25 years I've always owned Japanese cars. It is incredibly difficult to make products with the very low failure rates that we now take for granted. If bankers, estate agents, journalists, politicians, et al adhered to similar rigorous quality standards the world would surely be a better place!

Sorry to have to disagree but Audi new car sales in the UK are down over 31% this year and BMW are down over 38% Both are better than Lexus but worse than the industry average which was 28% down, see http://www.am-online.com/NewCarSalesFigures/index.asp for all the UK new car sales figures. Audi is still the best performing Luxury car maker out of MB, BMW, Lexus and Audi - it is down 31%, Lexus is 47% down! You can compare to industry average - you should compare to Luxury average. The industry averages is "weighted" by smaller cars which are selling well. Like Ford Fiesta. This year Jaguar sales are UP by 64.84% due to their fantastic new XF, Volvo are only down by 19%, Aston Martin are only down by 28%, Porsche is down by the same as Audi.

Sorry to have to disagree but Audi new car sales in the UK are down over 31% this year and BMW are down over 38% Both are better than Lexus but worse than the industry average which was 28% down, see http://www.am-online.com/NewCarSalesFigures/index.asp for all the UK new car sales figures.

A few months ago I was looking for this same spec but slightly newer. The main problem I hit was that there were few SE-L MM Autos available, however, I was also limiting myself to a only few colours which didn't help. There was a much wider choice of SE spec cars and I started to question whether I really needed all the extras on the SE-L. Cars without MM tend to be significantly cheaper and I think would fall within your budget. However, if you find an SE-L with MM that you like don't be put off by the asking price. According to http://www.am-online.com/NewCarSalesFigures/ Lexus new car sales are down 48% this year and so dealers should be willing to negotiate if they want to win your business. Good luck and I hope you have an interesting time.

I had tyre noise problems on my Honda Accord which was much improved by a change from Dunlop SP Sport to Michelin Pilot Primacy. The Michelins were significantly more expensive but they seem to last longer. However, at the time I received a lot of conflicting advice and opinion about the amount of noise generated by different tyres.

Hi Parthiban Waiting for a used facelifted SE-L is certainly another option I'm considering. However, I'm not sure whether the 18" wheels will make the ride too hard for my liking. Also over the past few months that I've been looking only a relatively few SE-L's have come on the second-hand market whereas there always seems to be a reasonable choice of used SE's. Best regards Roger