Lex_1988

I replaced my is300h windscreen last year via Autoglass (as they are the preferred partner for esure) and I specially requested for an OEM windscreen. I made the booking on the 6th March and it took 2 months for it to be fitted! The requirement for OEM also meant that it can only be fitted at the service centre and not on my driveway. In the end the Croydon centre did a good job and no issues.

I think it's a fair point that Lexus have limited the appeal of the ES through not offering a wider engine range. There's so many great things about lexus vehicles in general but the biggest flaw is that you need to go up to a full fat 'F' car, if you prioritise performance over economy. Sticking a 350h engine into the ES wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. But not sure whether there's a business case for that. In fact you'd probably argue whether theres a business case for lexus to be selling any non SUV vehicles.

Thanks, ultrasonic blue(USB) and the newer USB 2 stand out nicely. Many boring colours. Every other car is mineral grey or sapphire black. Agree shame lexus didn't bring the Mk3.5 IS to the UK. Very good looking car but there's not enough demand for lexus saloons these days. I went back through the forum to 2007 and a poll showed that a number of MK1 IS drivers were under 35. That car competed quite well with the 3 series on performance (is200 - 320i) (is300 - 330i). 300h competed with the 320d only. Apart from Fleet buyers, the IS makes for a niche choice. With my mileage coming right down, I've chosen to trade the IS in and get a newer 340i.

😮 Mk3 for me. I still think it's a fresh looking saloon. Recently found my Mk2 for sale. 3 years later and it had been given a makeover.... ☹️

Looks wise, the RC is a proper head turner, especially in the sonic red and canary yellow. That said, apparently the gearbox on the 200t is a laggy mess. Perhaps that's why in reality it's only 0.3-0.5 of a second quicker to 60 than the 300h. The 300h is pretty nice on winding roads and around town in sport mode, it's just the motorway overtakes which make the engine sound like a wailing chewbacca. Plus side 45mpg is the norm from most trips. Doubt the 200t will do anything close to that.

If this bugs you enough or when you come to sell, certain smart repairers can colour match. Should be cheaper than a full refurb.

Yeah it's terrible on the f sport. The only saving grace is that at least the chassis is sharp for dodging all the potholes in Surrey. The ES has the next gen hybrid and its noticeably smoother and quieter. When I got back in my IS it felt less refined but perhaps more agile/ better pothole dodger. Overall though im sure you'll find that the ES is the better car...

I didn't no. It dropped back to dipped beam as the temps rose, life got in the way and I then forgot all about it at the last service in September. It's still an issue though as when I do use the high beams it sticks and only unsticks after a couple of flashes.

I have a 2014 and on startup yes theres lots of input lag on the temp controls. I just put it down to the systems powering up.

I have a 64 plate IS300h f sport which I've owned for 3 years. Apart from servicing at Lexus Gatwick (who always provide great customer service) I haven't spent anything. Very solid cars. I would say the 2012-2019 BMW 3 series isn't terrible on reliability, but they are very common. I still look at my usb f sport and think it's pretty decent looking for an 8 year old car.

Took a screenshot of this bargain takumi in Dec 2020. Was sat a Crawley Honda dealer.

Sounds like you need a IS300h sport with the blacked out alloys and wing mirror caps.

The IS250 was a quicker car but I never found it an exciting car to throw round corners. So for just wafting along from A to B in luxury and with the peace of mind of complete reliability you can't go wrong with an IS300h. It sips the fuel and is cheap to tax on my particular model year (64plate). I like to think of it as one of my wiser purchases. The only downside for me is the sound it makes when you floor it. It's a sort of painful groan/cry. F sport trim still looks great and actually handles really sweetly but pushing the car goes against the efficiency ethos. It also means it has a hard ride compare to the other specs. Ive looked at other more sporty saloons (Giulia, XE, 3 series etc) but reliability/ running costs are always the compromise. Worth a test drive depending on what your priorities are.

Ah looks like Ive got the same issue on the drivers side. It's a long shot but I was wondering whether the relax warranty would come to the rescue? It mentions headlight motor lifters but nothing on the shutter

Think it's pretty decent once the cabin and engine are warm. Early 40s is normal for a 10 mile+ trip. Anything shorter than 5miles and it's down to early to mid 30s in these temps. Not helped by the Mrs always using the heated seats... Overall with the non existent repairs and low tax, its such an easy thing to live with.