Kremmen

I'm at the point where I need to start looking around again. The IS200 was superb but the IS250 was just a tad too large and thirsty for my needs. The CT looks to be the perfect size. However, it seems that it has a few shortcomings, depending on model: No spare and a costly and messy exercise to have one in a concealed position. No power mirrors on lower spec ? No proper handbrake Ride considered harsh by some I really wan't to come back to Lexus but they are making it so difficult.

Having waited a while for the real owner reviews to appear they just confirm the journalists reviews. Suspension too firm/hard Too expensive Engine whines under CVT control under moderate acceleration. Not being able to get electric folding mirrors on anything but the very very expensive variant is the killer for me though. I insist on parking in my garage and with the mirrors out it wouldn't fit through the garage door. Not for me thanks. (If only they had brought the IS200 into the 21st century with all the toys then that would have seen me back in a Lexus)

From what I can tell, if you want/need the folding mirrors then you need the £30K model = pass. Shame really as I was looking forward to coming back.

Nope that P if we're talking about the same button (on the left of centre console) is how you put the car into "Park". If you look carefully at the full dash pic you can just about see the foot brake pedal above the footrest. That's me out then, can't use anything on the left

Do I detect an electronic parking brake? I noticed on one of the photos a button with a P surrounded by a square symbol. As long as they have dumped the foot operated job ala IS250 Auto and latest Prius then I'm likely back in a Lexus.

Just out of interest.......... If Lexus brought back the IS200/300, updated to this decade with better MPG and all the latest toys, would you buy one in preference to existing models ? I certainly would.

If the footprint is similar to the IS200, it has a proper 'hand operated' handbrake and the MPG is not too sloppy then it's on my list for 2012/13. That interior does look good and hopefully that SatNav has TMC on it (and the ability to add custom POI's would be nice).

This new model could very well see me back in a Lexus :)

Hi I haven't really looked too far at the the moment. The Civ is only 2 years old but the suspension is driving me nuts. The best description I can give it (from someone else) is like a 'cork on the ocean'. I will definately be changing next Jan or March but I need something IS200 sized, no smaller, and with the toys the Civic has (SatNav with Traffic, Bluetooth, MP3, etc). So far, the best match is a fully specced Golf SE which would return me back to IRS instead of my current torsion beam. Shame Lexus never followed through with the rumoured BS :(

Hi Shame really. A nice small Lexus would suit me a treat.

Yes I know it's been 2 years - but........ There was rumours about Lexus producing a 'BS' to compete with the 1 series and A3's Having had the Civic for 2 years it's just not in the same league quality wise and the current IS is just that bit too large for my needs.

Thanks :) I calculated: 40k Service £450 (enquired at last service) Tyres £600 (£148 a corner for the Dunlop 9000's) Respray - £800 (already quoted) Pads £200 ? Battery £80 ? It soon adds up.............. I'll contact Tony in the summer and get my geo checked being as he did such a good job on IS, with the original tyres lasting 33K+ (last service at 30K they still reckoned I had 3mm on the fronts and 5mm on the rears).

Morning The IS200 has been p/x'd for a 07 Civic EX i-shift (fully loaded). Difficult decision but it was over 3 years old and the next service with additional work would have set me back £2k: 40K service 4 Tyres (on since new) Disc pads (on since new) Front respray (pebbledashed) Battery (4 years old, may have been wise to replace?)

Wonder if they have speed humps nearby ? :)

From memory it's a 3 position switch ? Permanently On Permanently Off Door activated

After 30K my wheels started going in places, especially the leading inner edges of the spokes, so I pointed them out at the 30K service and they got changed. Even though they reckoned I had been given 'new' wheels I'm not so sure because they are different to the spare. The outer rim near the tyre is not shiny like the spare. However, they do seem to have a generous layer of laquer, wonder if these will last 3 years till they start to go ?

Might be worth contacting the last owner for the low down if you have the details ?

Some years ago a friend had his locking petrol flap stolen on his Cortina. In those days the scum would nick the flap, and then at their leisure, find a key that fitted it. Once they had, the same key would then fit the door and ignition and they would return. Being as he worked for a fire prevention firm he quickly fitted a hidden fire warning alarm that is designed for the interior walls of large rooms. the large red cylinder type that are uncomfortable to be with so you vacate the room ASAP. A couple of days later, off went the alarm, presumably with them in the car, doors shut. The last he saw was them running down the road holding their ears :D

Unbelieveable ! I'm also one who has had a totally problem free car from new and 31K down the road now. There is definately something amiss with that one you have got. IS200 - 4 pot

It should only flash for a short while if the temp at startup is < 4C

If only :) I've got tiny little raised bobbles of paint which are very difficult for the amateur to rub down. Also the supplied paint (Lexus Montrose Blue) is darker than the original finish.

With volumetric alarms I've known an insect cause random triggering of the system. For some reason in blowy weather they try to find a safe hidey hole and maybe it found a way in.

Obviously we all have different ways of using an autobox. I just leave mine in 'D' and apply the handbrake at all stops. I found with the IS250 that even when parking my left knee was whacking the underside of the steering wheel when I applied the brake.

That means that I would be sitting in jams and at traffic lights blinding the peeps behind like they do to me. I am one of those that every time I come to a stop I apply the handbrake.

I had a IS250 auto last year whilst mine was in for service and I stated at the time that I would never buy one as long as it had a foot operated 'handbrake'. This year they gave me a IS220d for the day and it was OK apart from the rear view mirror - couldn't see a thing because of the vibration. Not available in auto excludes that model. Add to this the continual reported problems and I think I will stick with the IS200 auto thanks :)