IS300KK

That's a mean machine!!!! :D Do you think you get 35mpg + out of it? What's the acceleration like (I've never driven a diesel )? I was thinking of a Surf - they have a reputation for never breaking down, so I figure I could buy myself a cheap one without too much worry. Cheers Amanda P.S. Thanks for the measurements, I'm off to measure the drive...........

Hi there Will be changing jobs in August, going from 10 mile round trip to a 70 mile round trip. Also, will be parking in a seriously dodgy area , so don't want to take my IS300. Was thinking a while back of getting a 4x4 (I live in the sticks, and we occasionally get snowed in) - what is the fuel consumption like on a diesel Hilux? Also, could anyone give me some dimensions for a Hilux - the entrance to our drive is quite narrow. Cheers Amanda

I think (or maybe hope) that a bigger engine in the UK IS is inevitable - the other models seem to be getting significant power upgrades +/- hybrid engines, so it would seem a bit strange not to introduce that option in the IS. The dealer suggested a similar gap as happened with the IS200 to 300, although this is not official. We can only hope......... Amanda

Hi there Sorry if this has been posted already but........ Went to Lexus Cardiff today, to one of their 'Drive and Ride' events, and had a go in an SC430 :D :D :D . Anyway, the salesman said they are expecting an IS coupe and hard-top convertible in the showrooms in 2007 and possibly the IS350 as well. They are also taking orders for the 200mph LF-A (two ordered so far, apparently, estimated cost £75000). Can't wait to see that!!! Amanda

I had been thinking about getting a Supra, but have realised that, living in the sticks, bad weather is a big problem so it would be more sensible to get a 4x4 as a second car. Something Japanese, not particularly new, was thinking of a Hilux Surf - does anyone here have one? I can't buy a huge car, as it won't fit through our gateposts!!! Amanda

Thanks guys. Will switch off aircon, close the vents, and in the meantime get myself some of those moisture-attracting granules used for condensation in houses! At the moment, the de-icing is taking longer than my drive to work!! Amanda

Hi there It took me 20mins to de-ice the car this morning, mainly because there was a thin layer of ice on the inside of the windscreen. Is there anything I can do to stop this? There are no damp patches in the carpets etc. Cheers Amanda

How awful! It could have been worse though, if he'd hit you with enough force to cause you to spin. Glad you're OK and hope it's not too expensive Amanda

Wow, lots of information, thanks guys!! Both cars sound like good fun, I guess it comes down to personal preference in the end. Didn't realise the 0-60 times were quite so quick No wonder the Skyline I occasionally see round here disappears off into the distance with so little effort!!! Thanks again, you've given me something to think about Amanda

How much quicker would the Supra be than an IS300? What is the BHP? I didn't realise they were small inside as it seems a sizeable car. I've seen a few Supras around here recently, and they look really good. I've also encountered a Skyline that blows everything else away, no point in even trying to keep up, it's a very fast car! I imagine they're quite expensive to run though.

Just wondering whether anyone here owns or has owned a Supra or Skyline? Prices for these are coming down significantly, and I'm toying with the idea of buying something a bit quicker than my IS, but which I wouldn't worry too much about leaving in a car park - ie paint chips etc - because it's an older car to start with. Cheers Amanda

I know "looking" at the tyres isn't enough - it was peeing down with rain at the time (it does that a lot here in Wales) and I was on my way to work!! I hope the tyres haven't bulged, they're only about 6 weeks old all round I seem to be back and fore to tyre /tracking places a lot with this car, is it unusually prone to tracking / balancing problems? I had the tracking done twice in seven years on my Corolla, it was rock solid. The roads around here are pretty awful in places, but there aren't any huge potholes. Maybe a visit to Dr Bones is called for - if only it weren't so far from here! Amanda

No, it hasn't been kerbed - it was absolutely fine when I left it three weeks ago(and we live in the country, roads don't have many kerbs round here, thankfully!). It's just been parked on the drive (slight sideways slope) since, and not moved at all. I had the wheels balanced a couple of weeks before that, can weights fall off?! (I know, probably a stupid question ) Haven't checked the tyre pressures, they 'look' OK, no obvious flats - how much difference would there have to be in tyre inflation to cause this? The judder is much more noticeable at 60mph, it seems fine at 30mph - bit annoying when most of my journey to work is 60mph. I suppose the obvious thing to do is check the tyres, then get it balanced, yet again. Cheers Amanda

My car has been sitting on the drive for 3 weeks, then I finally drove it today and it has developed a judder in the steering wheel at around 60mph. It was fine the last time I drove it - any ideas on what's caused this whilst the car was stationary?! Cheers Amanda

Having had my car damaged in a car park, and have the cuplrit drive away leaving no details (but leaving me with a £350 bill for repairs) I think that concealed cameras in the car are a brilliant idea. I would definitely get them fitted, if only for the satisfaction of catching the culprit and seeing their face when confronted with the 'evidence'!! Too many people get away with damaging other people's cars / property, I'm sure there would be a huge market for this, especially within LOC! Amanda

I have an IS300 in Platinum Ice with Oakham interior, and I love it!! It took me eight months of daily searches to find an Approved Used car in that colour combo, so it's a bit of a rarity. I suppose it depends on whether you have kids/dogs to mess it up - I don't, so it suits me fine. Black is the more 'blokey' colour of the two I suppose! Amanda

Hello there I'm in the US at the moment (driving the pacific coast road, highly recommended by the way) and I noticed something. The new IS250 and 350 are being presented almost as different cars in entirely separate tv adverts. The 250 is being pushed as a luxurious family option, whereas the 350 is being shown as a high-power (quote "fastest-in-class") sports car. According to the advert, the 350 has 308bhp, and 0-60 of 5.3 seconds, for around $35000. Virtually every IS on the road here is a 300, and there are thousands of Lexi around - complete reversal of the BMW:Lexus ratio we see in the UK. Lots of new GS around, especially in black (looks very good in black). Sorry if this is off-topic / repeat of someone else's post, just my two-pence worth. Amanda

I have an IS300 and absolutely love it. I had an IS2 as a courtesy car the other day, and there was a huge difference. The IS2 is a good drive, but if you want a bit more bang for your buck, go for a 300, you won;t be disappointed (you'll just spend all your money on petrol). All the best Amanda P.S> My 30K service cost £340 at Lexus Cardiff, brake pads took the bill to £430. (I know I probably got conned, but that's life!!)

Another girlie! Plat ice 02 IS300 and I love it!! Amanda

This may have been posted before, but this is the response I got from Lexus UK when I asked about the IS 350: "The Lexus IS350 is designed primarily for the US market. A final decision on whether or not to launch this vehicle in the UK will be made in the next couple of months. If the IS350 is launched in the UK then it will not be launched until after 2006. At the moment, there are no plans to release an IS coupe. " So, if you want an IS350, start hassling Lexus!!! Amanda

Yes, it would include the 60K :P !!! I just had my 30K service (£420, inc rear brake pads) so I've had a taste of how expensive these things are!! They couldn't give me a price for 3yr cover because the prices are being 'reviewed' (i.e. raised, I would guess), but if it's around £600 then it's probably a bargain. Will post the prices when they get back to me, in case anyone else is interested. Amanda

Hello folks I'm considering taking out a Pre-paid service plan on my IS300 - was told by the dealer that the 60K service alone (approx £600) would be about the price of a 3yr Plan. Has anyone here taken out one of these plans, and if so, has it proven to be worthwhile? Cheers Amanda

IS 460???!!!! Yes, please! Surely Lexus have to market the IS350 here though - it just doesn't make sense to replace the current car with a smaller engined new version Really like the interior of the new car, the exterior is still growing on me, might take a while. Still love my IS300 though. Amanda

Sorry to see your beautiful car in such a state, but glad you walked away. Hope the insurance is sorted out to yor satisfaction and that you're back on the road asap. All the best Amanda

Thanks guys, that's useful advice. (Hadn't occurred to me that pouring cold water on them would be a bad idea ) I have notices that all four discs are suddenly very shiny and polished looking. Hmm. Cheers Amanda