LexIS200Sport

Oh wow, looking good!

Same colour as mine :)

Welcome to the club and enjoy your car!

Just about 4 years. Got onboard with an IS200 Sport (still remember the excitement of buying my first premium car :) )

Now rolling around in a GS.

All said and done, I'm still baffled as to why the RC-F is so heavy!?

A smaller 2-door coupe that weighs as much as my battery-laden GS??

I mean Nissan managed to pack AWD into the GT-R and it still weighs less!

Firstly, why does it matter?

Drive the car that suites your needs and makes you happy :)

I'm 31 and drive a GS450h SE-L (equivalent to the "Premier" back in the day). I bought it because it's quick, unconventional, and looks good. On the other hand, my dad is 61 and he's awaiting delivery of a 370Z (with a manual gearbox). To most people, we should be driving each other's car just because of our so-called "age group", but instead we drive the car that suits our individual tastes (and budget) :)

This thread may be helpful regarding the different trim levels of the 3rd-gen GS450h:

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/91640-differences-in-se-l-spec-before-and-after-2008-for-gs450h/

Hi, welcome to the club. The spark plugs are supposed to be replaced at 60,000 miles too.

The radiator fans will always spin if the AC is on, but they aren't spinning anywhere near full speed

Even if the compressor isn't engaged?

I think he's talking about the cooling fans in the engine bay (behind the radiator and aircon condenser). In which case you are right, Richard, neither should come on when you first switch on your car during a frosty winter's morning. The aircon fan should only come on when the compressor kicks in and the radiator fan when the coolant temp is hot enough.

I certainly don't think this is normal, so I would be persistent with your Lexus dealer and pursue a warranty claim for this problem. Take the matter up with Lexus HQ if they don't budge.

Congrats on the new car! Nice way to start the new year ;)

...although in my opinion ML sound system sounds better in the IS

Yeap. I noticed that too...

Merry Christmas all and happy holidays! :)

You sir, are a legend!

Well done indeed! You should submit this as a how-to-guide and get a star for it!

In you face, Lexus dealer! :D

That car sounds awesome!

Wow that's awesome! Gotta say the 3IS does have the aggressive look to suit a police car ;)

I got the idea of leaving the headlights switched on from my manager's Saab 900; it always lights up when the engine is running, regardless of the position of the headlight switch.

And agreed on the fog lights - no idea why it is deemed "cool" to keep them on!

Dear Santa indeed!

I always have my headlights switched on when I drive. It has become 2nd nature for me to flick them on and off when I get in/out of the driver's seat.

And I think the GS looks nicer with the lights on too :)

Wow what a stunning car! Congratulations Adam!

lol... what went wrong with it?

1. A sunglasses holder where the sunroof controls would normally be (when there's no sunroof).

3. Illumination on the seat memory controls and door lock buttons.

6. A boot and passenger area 12v power point.

Agreed, those would be nice.

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5. Brighter puddle lights.

4. Variable illumination levels on the footwell and door handle lights.

7. Cooling ability in the armrest and/or glove compartment.

Meh.

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2. A boot light that comes on automatically, and therefore, one that you can't leave on accidentally.

Um, the light comes on when you open the boot and goes off when you shut it. Unless I've misunderstood what you're saying.

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8. iPhone compatible bluetooth (for phonebooks).

Don't know... works well with my Android phone (including phonebooks) :P

In any case, the 3GS predates the Iphone.

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9. 19" wheels from the factory.

Thank god it doesn't. The ride comfort from the 18" wheels is just right, if already a tad on the firm side.

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Anything I've missed?

Creaky interior...

Hmm I thought the Q50 was more GS size?

Nah, it's actually the same size as the 3IS. :)

The Infiniti Q70 competes with the GS.

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I've looked at the Q50, but the reviews are not all that great. The steering sounds awful....after all its not just about power, also I've previously owned a 350Z, and the engine into Q50 is essentially still the same as the Z's but with an electric motor stuck on, so it'll be a bit like a backwards step for me ;)

True, the steer-by-wire system does have polarized opinions (like most new tech). Although I have a sneaky suspicion that many can't look past the fact that because the steering is disconnected from the wheels, it "ought to" have a vague feel to it, or something is wrong :P

There are those who like it though, like CNET and drive.com.au so I guess it needs a little getting used to, just like driving a hybrid car itself (steady deceleration to maximise on regenerative braking, etc).

And if it's anything like my aunt's Murano, that 3.5 V6 is a gem of an engine; it certainly feels more refined than the one in my GS (which sometimes feels compelled to sound like a diesel...)

I would love Lexus to produce a new hybrid version of the IS-F....the instant torque of an electric motor, couple with a decent blown V6, and real life economy of 35mpg would make it very hard car for me to resist .

The 450h would be quick enough in the IS. In the GS its an absolute blast! It'd be doing 0-60 in the low 5's as currently the IS350 does 5.6s with "only" 306hp

It does exist, somewhat: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/infiniti/q50/postcode/sw1a2aa/radius/1501/onesearchad/used,nearlynew,new/sort/default/fuel-type/hybrid

Except that it also has AWD and uses Li-ion batteries instead.

3rd-gen Lexus IS + GS450h powertrain. 0-60mph in 5 sec, 40mpg average, with instant, smooth, and continuous supply of torque. One can only dream :)

...and lo and behold, I found it. Except that it is an Infiniti. And it has Nissan Skyline lineage and AWD too B)

Most definitely a car I'd consider next: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/infiniti/q50/postcode/sw1a2aa/radius/1501/onesearchad/used,nearlynew,new/sort/default/fuel-type/hybrid

- Masters Degree in Motorsport Engineering at Cranfield

Another Cranfield Uni alumni - welcome to the club, Jamie! :D

Hmm... it is certainly mind-boggling if the IS has auto door locks but the GS doesn't!

Watching this space...