bpsorrel

Linus, I have a question for you, well two actually, is the back seat any use in real life of the RC?   I found out recently that my wife really likes the RC so am looking at it, again a last of breed 300h.  And as it’s slightly heavier and a bit of mash up of a platform, does it handle as well as an F Sport IS?  😊

I road tested an IS F Sport Premium today.  Surprisingly I really could feel the improvement in handling and road holding, without too much ride sacrifice.  Very nice indeed and the extra niceities of the premium pack are cetainly worth having.   The car I tried had a few too many stone chips and odd little scuffs for me to want to buy it, but it has made me want the F Sport Premium!   So, there we are, I will buy (when I find one!) a very recent one in grey or white and enjoy the last of the breed for 3 or 4 years. :)

True.   I saw a very nice bmw 4 gran coupe yesterday that ticked quite a few boxes..... 👍😊

9 hours ago, paulrnx said:

Take a look at the new interior now. It’s quite different and very upmarket in my opinion. A lot nicer than an IS I think. Much more modern.

Sadly there’s also the reliability, or lack of it!  Lexus ownership spoils you in that way! 😊

My issue with XE is it’s looks and the interior, they just don’t appeal, but I’m sure they drive well.  Many years ago I had an XJ and loved it (old school xj40) but the new ones don’t float my boat, except the f type..... 😋

Indeed!   I actually really like the styling of the IS.  Of course i’d love the 350 v6 they get in the US but I find the 300h ok most of the time.  I have an AMG MB for fun so the hybrid is fine for cruising in comfort 😋

ive had lots of German cars and several Saab’s and Volvos over the years but I do like the Lexus ‘thing’!  I think maybe a last IS F Sport with premium pack might do me for three years or so and then see what’s out there after that 😋😋

I just wonder if there’s any cars  I’ve overlooked?

I know I said no audis,  but a friend of mine just got a ‘21 A5 Sportback 40tfsi and I have to say it looks and drives very nice! 😳😳😳

Choices are getting more and more limited if like me you like saloons and coupes!  I have a Merc roadster so do like the MB look but the C does lleave me a bit cold if I’m honest and a BMW is very cliche around where I live!   What to do.....  maybe buy the last IS F Sport and see what’s around in 3 years or so.... 😳

4 hours ago, Lex_1988 said:

For variety, what about an Alfa Giulia Veloce? Or a Peugeot 508 GT? two great looking saloons.   

I do like the look of the 508 but my wife has a 208 and I’m not sure I want to be a 2 Peugeot family lol!!!

I agree the ES looks really good!  But I like folding rear seats and the more compact size of the IS class cars. 😩

I’m thinking of replacing my 2018 IS by the end of the year. If the all new IS was coming to UK I’d probably seriously look at it as I like the IS a lot.

However, as we know it isn’t coming here and as I don’t want a crossover or an ES, what do you guys reckon Is a good replacement sporty saloon out of these contenders:  bmw 320i, merc c200 or Volvo S60 t5?  I’m not overly struck on any of them although the Volvo does looK good.  Any other suggestions except Audi, I really don’t like those lol!

I noticed the other day that the NX with what appears to be the same gauge cluster as the IS has a digital speedo read out in the centre screen between the Rev counter and Speedo.    Was just wondering if this digital speedo can be coded into the IS cluster?  On my IS the page where the digital readout is on the NX is empty, so the area is ready for it 😋

In my opinion the RC is a fabulous looking car and if a 2+2 suited my needs I'd have it in a heart beat!   But this new (refreshed?) IS especially the 500 is pretty nice looking car also.

Of course importing one is ridiculously expensive, but just like importing Corvettes and Camaros etc, it will be reasonable eventually.  However, a Hellcat Challenger would likely be more fun as an import!  LOL!!!

For now though an RC F is close enough! 😄

I wonder if it'll be available to import in a couple of years....  :)

LOL!!!

I agree.  The Lexus dealership experience is no better than any other, in fact I got better service from my local BMW dealer when I had a 125d, because they are a small (3 dealership) group they actually were friendly and helpful.

The worst however is Mercedes.  My local MB dealer is appaling.  Bunch of snowflakes who only know how to show the "cool ambient lighting" in the car!  Patheitc.

I'm not sure about other models of IS, but the Advance definately came with folding rear seats as standard.  The F Sport probably does too.

Would love a spare wheel though!

My IS has 60/40 folding seats which have been useful on occasion :)    Now and then I need to carry two extra people in the car and I think RC would be hard for them.  A big shame as I love the styling!

I must admit I'm tempted to get a final IS 300h F Sport (I did this with the Merc SLC, the Final Edition was a great value car and the last metal top roadster ever from MB) and run it until something else from Lexus comes up in the future.  I also love the RC, but it's not that practical...

When we had a few weeks of "freedom" I tried an NX300h but was not that impressed with it and actually confirmed to me why I don't want to replace the IS with a crossover etc (Porsche Macan excluded, but I don't find tham dynamically exceiting...  might as well by a Land Cruiser and have the real thing!  LOL!

I had thought about the ES300h, but the lack of fold down rear seats and the rather floaty feel put me off.    Is anyone else considering the ES?

9 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/owner-reviews/volvo/s60-2018/

Have a read Barry.

Inteesting...   Good looking car though!

The FWD was one issue I was dubious about too.    Seems to be the C Class or new 3 series are the only true rivals as far as configuration and size, but having owned several MBs (including an SLC toy now) I would miss the IS reliability... LOL!    

What to do next year???!!!

Going back to the original topic of what car could/would replace the IS300h, I've been looking at the new Volvo S60....   Looks good (atually not too dissimilar to the IS from the side), is not too expensive, actually, trading my '18 IS for a '20 S60 would almost be a swap and is reasonably premium in feel.

Anyone have any views on the S60?  Any reasons why not to consider it? :)

By the way, I'm also in the camp of not wanting an SUV to replae it.  I'm not against them per se, I have a recent model Kuga in Russia (sadly untouched for a year due to covid restrictions in both UK and Russia) and its percetly suited to its role there, but here I prefer saloons and coupes.

I know, but I'm not asking for a direct swap, part ex is good too :)  But yes, a bit cheeky I guess, but nothing ventured... :)