Ian J. Parsley

Same problem with Lexus Audio Display in CT (no such difficulty with Premium Nav in IS) - haven't been able to resolve it!

Yes, I think it's a little harsh to compare consumption - it would be like comparing a Mercedes eco-range car (or whatever they brand them now) with the IS200t. When I chose the IS, the C-class was probably the nearest competitor (there was no Jaguar XE then, although actually I've been unimpressed by it). What I found: 1) Yes, I find the hybrid system superior to anything with gears now. 2) Yes, anything other than a Lexus hybrid is noisy! 3) As I say, I don't think it's fair to compare economy. I wouldn't say 35mpg is great (I get 47-50 in the IS versus typically 36 in my previous Volvo S80), but it's ok. 4) Actually I really liked the Merc interior, both previous C-class and this. I particularly like that they haven't just thrown buttons everywhere (my biggest frustration with the IS interior, if anything even worse in the new RX - actually the CT is best for me in the Lexus range in this regard). 5) Yes, I don't mind where the gear selector is. Indeed I increasingly like the innovation of the CT's raised selector over the IS' more standard one. 6) I don't know if these come as standard on the Merc. My wife has ordered a cargo net on the CT, so that can be done - and I'm sure price can be negotiated! 7) I actually find a lag on the IS' camera too. Also, are you sure there were no beepers? It took me a week to work out how to turn them on in the IS...! 8) I find the Merc the comfiest of the Germans, but the comfiest of all are Lexus and Volvo (something even reviewers usually concede). I think Merc is on to a winner with the new C-class, and UK sales figures would indicate that. However, I take most of your points. I had an A4 courtesy two years ago or so and had a very similar experience to yours with the Merc - given the rave reviews, the Germans really can be quite disappointing in reality!

Yeah, that's one reason I haven't had it done on either car.

Yes, it's happening tomorrow - it'll then be as my IS, a single beep when selecting "R" and that's it. One other thing they can do (though I haven't bothered) is enable your key to open and close the windows.

Tbh I've never tried. She's off on both cars now and that's the way she's staying! The dealer is removing the reverse beep on the CT this week too! :)

Yes, you're looking for "Configuration", but annoyingly you want to do this specifically when you are on the motorway.

No expert, but I'll start the answers to some of those assuming you have Lexus Audio Display and Navigation. I've a 2013 IS but that has Premium Nav; and a 2016 CT Advance. I don't really know if the facelift has made much difference or how the specs match up. Phone - I'm really not sure. I use Siri. There is a favourites option if your numbers are connected - you simply bring up the number and fill the star sign (at least, I can do that on my IS and I didn't notice the CT was any different). Satnav - There is an option to turn off voice commands via "Setup > Navigation". There is also an option to turn the volume to zero via "Setup > Voice". Make sure you have the former on and the latter at at least two bars. You should also simply be able to direct yourself via "Map > press controller > Nav > Destination > Postcode". Another option is to go "Nav > Memory" and add places to your memory - you then access these by "Nav > Destination > Memory" (note the addition of "Destination" there). Radio - Find the station you want, then move your controller right, go to "Presets" and then hold down the controller for about three seconds on the preset location you want. You can have six FM, six AM and six DAB in this way. That all sounds a little more complex than it is, although many aspects of the radio have confused me too!

Like Rayaan, I wouldn't be inclined to complicate this. It is possible that the cold weather is causing this, but the chances are the pressure is too low (I experienced very similar in my first year of ownership). So put a bit more air in! It is also possible you have a slow puncture (that happened in my second year of ownership). Just pop in to your local dealer and ask them to check - it won't take long and even if they find a puncture and fix it, they will charge you precisely nothing.

There's a new CT200h Advance in the household, but one issue arises with the Lexus Navigation Audio Display re DAB. The DAB stations displayed are only displayed by the "ensemble" (e.g. "BBC", "D1National" or the regional one, in our case "N Ireland"). The only means I can find the change ensemble is to go to "Manual" and scroll through until I happen to find a channel in the one I want, and then go back to "Stations". What am I trying the achieve? 1. Ideally, I'd like the ensemble ignored altogether, with all the DAB stations simply listed (this is the case on my 2013 IS300h Lux with Premium Nav). 2. If that is not possible, I would like a much quicker way to change "ensemble". Any ideas?!

Out of interest, why was the wait so long? My wife's colour and trim preference happened to be in stock in the UK already, so she only had to wait 10 days. But even if she'd changed something (i.e. to make it a new-build order), it would have been March.

Just out of interest, what lay behind the decision to switch IS to NX? I would contemplate it, but am minded to stick with the IS currently.

I haven't noticed this. Obviously there are times you lose reception and there was one afternoon it was down completely, but not over any length of time. May be worth a quick check at the dealers?

Kevin, Just to confirm, we have taken your advice - indeed, in return for a niggle at the outset (the entire sat nav disappeared and the unit had to be replaced), Lexus Belfast has kindly covered the entire cost of what is effectively the "Protection Pack".

Kevin, Good advice. We may look at that. There has been a slight hitch on delivery so they may even owe us something... :)

My wife has just collected a brand new CT200h Advance, which comes with Lexus Navigation (but not premium). On its second journey, having played about with the navigation settings, suddenly the system stopped working. If you click either "MAP" or go to "Setup->Navigation", nothing happens. Has this happened to anyone else?

Very early impressions of wife's new car are very good. Certainly think the 2014 facelift greatly improved the car. Hybrid should keep the bills down, but will keep forum updated on that!

I've never heard them charge for either, but I noted they charged for screen wash last service, so...

There's no issue, btw, with getting the dealer to update. I do have Premium, but I still do that (they don't charge). After all, it's a free cuppa, and a chance to look at the very latest models! That said, mine's been working perfectly for a while so I'm not risking it until next service!

I think I'm right in saying the Portal only applies if you have Premium Navigation? I'm not sure what grade you need for that now. I think it was an add-on to Lux upwards in the first year of the model (I do have it).

Thanks for the responses. The "facelift" I refer to is the 2014 one. This changes the look slightly (notably around fog lights) and enhances the trim levels (in the UK; I can't speak for elsewhere). Like I say, any tips like the one above re the door appreciated!

I've had a third gen IS300h since 2013 and delighted to say my wife is taking delivery of a new CT200h (Advance trim) on Wednesday, all being well. Have members any thoughts on what to look out for on the facelifted CT, versus other current Lexus models?

For what it's worth, I tend to use ECO only in traffic. I use normal generally, and sport on country roads when I want a bit of pace - which is rare, in fact. Welcome on board and good to see another black IS300h at the other end of the island!

I don't wish to veer too far off topic, but of course how you buy depends very much on circumstances. I bought four cars pre-reg and swore I'd never buy brand new. But in the current market (though probably more so here in NI, where car sales are notably slower currently than in England), there are deals to be had which effectively mean you can order new and pay pre-reg (as my wife has just done). Mine goes through my business anyway, so the lease suits as it makes it easier to see what is taxable and what isn't, which is another consideration. That said, if you want a particular precise spec or a particular colour, you're always going to find it trickier to get the deal you're looking for. That's not to say you shouldn't insist on those things - it's the individual's choice. Anyway, back to the point - Lexus IS300h or BMW 320d? The former, all day long :)

Volvos here too - an old 1998 S40 petrol, a 2001 S60 petrol, a 2004 S60 diesel and a 2008 S80 diesel. Have to say they were on balance less reliable (notably the S60 petrol), in my experience, that the Lexus IS300h (which has been in only for regular services and software updates). However, they were all pretty reliable, and I recommend both brands without reservation.

Dave, Just one last thing - don't totally rule out going new. You may well find there's a deal there - current APR is only 3.9%.