mitadoc

I was told September. I had a chat with the dealer from Reading today.

Good evening. I am seriously considering the NX350h with Premium pack + Pan + Link Pro 14". I test drove 350h ,however it was Takumi trim ( usual dealers way to push you for more luxury). How is the Tahara upholstery as quality , durability and maintenance? We have got 2 boys ( aged 5 and 2).This is my first concern. However I have been using an Artico vinyl seats on my MB B class for 7 years and 100K miles and not a problem so far. Second, how the 18" wheels look like on the car? Are they too small ? I guess the ride is better with them anyway compared to the 20" RFT. Last but not least - how does the normal dash/cockpit look like (I could see in person only the digital Tazuna cockpit). I tested few cars, the sophistication in materials and design in Lexus IS on another level , just superb. I have been quite frequently in the MB dealership and the GLB/GLC are not as good inside as the Lexus ( my subjective opinion). Thank you in advance and take care.

Thank you again for your comments. I thought of Rav4,however once I chose the Excel model with all extras ( as having leather upholstery for example, which is quite convenient when with kids as easier to clean) and it was 21K for 17 plate and sub 20k miles. For the same price is 15-16 plate NX300h , similar miles and more extras,more refined, killer look and more luxury feel. Rav4 looks a little bit outdated inside, outside is rather OK. The same price is RX450h , 15 plate, facelift, 25k mies on the clock, heavy, bulky and very luxurious. Don't get me wrong, just my snobbery alter ego whispers to me : why buying the Rav4 if you can have the RX or NX? LOL. I know service costs are something to think about. I have already sent an enquiry to Lexus.co.uk and some local dealer for a quote for both NX300h and RX450h for service intervals, cost of servicing + cost of extended warranty. The same enquiry was sent to Toyota.co.uk + local AD. Later, once received the info, I will try to draw some comparison. The process of choosing will be long and maybe there will be a development and changes in requirements, taste or budget, who knows? I hope it will not be as long as I was choosing the MB, but I am prepared for few weekends to spend on test-drives and trips to local ADs. I will be happy to see some pics of yours in order to fuel my fire. All the best and stay safe. Dimi

Thank you, Vlad. It sounds well on paper ,however it can be deceiving , hence your help is much anticipated. I have never driven any Lexus, but Toyota Auris Hybrid and I liked the driving style as I am quite calm driver myself. Waiting for other comments and inputs. Cheers. Dimi

Good morning everyone. I am after a family SUV with hybrid technology ( because of the regulations and possible problems with diesel cars in near future). I am currently driving MB W246 B200cdi with annual mileage of approx. 18k miles. I am happy with consumption and agility, however soon it is going to be wifey`s car. I decided not to risk with MB GLC and to get something similar as size, but with hybrid powertrain + similar extras and feel + perhaps better build quality. I have shortlisted 2 models - NX300h 2017 and RX450h 2015 ( facelifted). Both will be sub 30k miles and an additional extended warranty though the AD will be purchased. We have 2 boys - Philip is 3 and a half years old and Gabriel - Luka is 10 months old. The boot is always full of baby pram, push bike, 2 picnic chairs, couple of balls and other silly stuff. Inside the car there is a baby car seat and a kids car seat. And my lovely wife, of course. Some questions emerged : 1.Is the old RX450h ( 2015) significantly bigger than the current NX300h? Which one has bigger inner space and boot? 2.Regarding the service costs and intervals - are they similar as intervals and cost? I saw something like 225 GBP on Lexus.com as reference and 10k miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. 3.What is the MPG on RX450h? I saw your reports for approx 40+ MPG on NXs which is fine for me. 4.I know Lexus are very well built cars, however should I be prepared for something as common faults or anyway the extended warranty will take care of it? Your help is much appreciated and I thank you in advance. Cheers and take care. Dimi