Nick W858

Looks lovely how easy was the TWHC wet wax to apply?

Yes I have a classic additions one for my 911 - it is excellent but as Bob has said it needs properly securing, I have had minor issues with rub on the paintwork over the rear wheel arch. As a bonus if you ever have any problems, if you call them, a very pleasant lady answers the phone very quickly and sorts out the issue straight away - they have sent me spare straps and adhesive patches free of charge.

Good write up thank you. I'm about 116k behind you and don't see myself catching up anytime soon - particularly in the current climate!

On 14 April 2020 at 9:06 PM, solarpower said:

Dear all,

I am considering buying Lexus IS300H and I currently have Golf 1.9 TDI. I am hoping you folks can illuminate me. My questions are:

1. I drive like 2-3 miles in start-stop traffic (max speed 30 mph) a couple of times a day. I am wondering would the IS300H batteries would last with this type of driving or they would die quickly? I I rarely do motorway driving, and my annual mileage will be around 6k to 7k miles. I tend to keep car for long time- historically ~8-10 years.
2. As I understand, IS300H drives initially in the EV mode. Is this true? Would I cover those distance in EV mode? How does this change in winter? What sort of mpg I can expect?
3. MPG is not my most important concern- I do not prefer usual cambelt changes, worn out clutches, brake pads etc. I assume they are negligible with IS300H. Right?
4. While I understand that a plug-in hybrid might be better for me but I hate the idea of charging car every day like mobile phones, and thus like the idea of self-charging hybrids (hence battery concern in #1 above). I can't afford pure electric vehicles.

Thanks for helping me.

Solar

Hi Solar - I think you have had your questions answered. I bought my IS a 2014 model with 28k on the clock last year - if replaced a 22 year old LS400 with around 300k miles on the clock and if I wanted it too I would bet the IS will last the same time so long as regular servicing is carried out. I have also owned two ISFs both higher mileage 90k plus and my wife has a 2011 RX450h with over 130k on the clock - all these vehicles have been supremely reliable. As others have said, mpg will vary but for me it is very impressive. I did use winter tyres as I have the old wheels and tyres from my old LS - I didn't really need them this year but for me and where I live, I view winters as essential. Overall a very understated and underrated car - I have had all the prestige German stuff but the Lexus is very much my preferred option. Buy one and you will not be disappointed.

Welcome Andrew, I too initially thought the same as John but I think your answer has provided a suitable reason for going for the 220d.

On 22 February 2020 at 4:16 PM, Kal Choudhury said:

Hi guys! 
 

So last year (March) at an inconvenient expense of £745 I had my hybrid battery reconditioned by Hybrid Battery solutions. The other day that dreaded warning (check hybrid system) came back again! 
I don’t really know if I want to endure the expense again I’m pretty much at my wits end! The amount spent on this car on parts plus purchase costs equates to The monthly amount of leasing a brand new half decent car! I’ve still got a service to do this year plus a possible £700 on an exhaust centre section that needs doing! 
I love the car the waft The comfort the sound system and as someone that drives around  central London a lot, with it being so quiet and comfortable it really helps with the stress levels! 
I want to stay with Lexus and wanted to ask, Lexus Rx450h, any good? If I got a 2010/2011 model, would I have similar issues??

Any advice is appreciated!

Our 2011 RX450h now on 130k - serviced annually by Lexus and so far nothing other than brakes/tyres and a coil spring has needed replacing or repairing - passed all its hybrid checks too.

On 25 February 2020 at 10:24 PM, olliesgrandad said:

I would think that you should get a little better than 33mpg especially as hybrids like town driving. If consumption is important then have you considered a CT or a UX. 

I have had both as loan cars and both are very economical especially if your budget stretches to a UX. 

Good Luck in your quest 

I thought that about town driving but the reality for me is that I only see the 45 to 55 mpg when I get a run on the a roads and motorways. Cold starts and short runs get the 33mpg I referred to at best. In those conditions though I doubt many diesels would fare much better.

My preference would not be diesel especially for lots of town stuff and potential DPF issues. I generally average around 55mpg when weather is warm and 45 when weather is cold but that is with a healthy mix of a road and motorway c75%. If I spend more time on town stuff particularly in colder weather I would say it's roughly 33 mpg for that kind of driving. Good luck with whatever decision you go with.

Welcome aboard they are lovely cars albeit the performance will be quite different from the 435 but there are lots of other very positive things about the IS that will compensate.

Totally agree - they had a few used NXs for sale and they looked lovely but the UX still seems more on trend or 'urban' as the receptionist at the dealership described it. Must say I'm not too bothered about either of those things but if it was my money and I was looking at SUV stuff I'd probably veer more towards or a CRV or RAV 4 or even a CHR which I believe has the same engine now as the Ux but I'm sure will be better value for money and a bit more practical too.

Had one yesterday while my wife's RX was in for a service - fancied seeing how it compared to my IS300h. Nice car, nippy and pretty economical ( I averaged 46mpg) and obviously more of an updated interior than my IS. Fine for me size wise even at 6ft 4 but obviously limits the rear legroom which would be an issue taking my son and his pals to rugby. I knew the boot would be small and I wasn't disappointed! Not sure I'll be buying one just yet but wouldn't rule it out in the future.

Just had this done yesterday at Lexus Hull - superb service as ever and they also supplied the UX250h I requested as the courtesy car - fancied seeing how it compared to my IS300h. No major dramas with the service save for a broken rear coil spring which will need sorting before the MOT due middle of March plus also called out the need soon for new front discs and pads - will get both done locally. Car continues to perform really well but now my wife has taken over the responsibility of paying for the maintenance I suspect it will be the last time the car sees the inside of a main dealership!

Had a couple of ours replaced at 110kmiles (2011 RX) this was due to some leakage in them - must admit I didn't notice much difference in anything in the ride after they were replaced. As you say the ride can be a wee bit rough, ours seems to ride best when four up and full of luggage.

I too had an LS400 for around 16 years - wonderful car. On a couple of occasions I was given the diesel IS as a courtesy car - as others have said, I would strongly advise you to steer clear - even my dealer said they were very poor and a bit of an embarrassment to Lexus - quite a few other options - if you can cope with fuel economy which I am guessing you can coming from the LS the then IS250 would be a great option - again had these as courtesy cars in the past and they were lovely - almost a 'mini' LS.

Glad you have learned to love it - I have owned a few Mercs - never had any real issues with them but now I'd take a Lexus over a Merc any day of the week.

5 hours ago, Mincey said:

 I keep seeing a Mazda 6 here. Do I need help?

Good shout although I am still seeing LS400 albeit a shrunken version.

On 22 January 2020 at 5:24 PM, The-Acre said:

I'd rather be safe than be concerned about how my wheels looked.

Totally agree

On 19 January 2020 at 5:07 PM, rich1068 said:

I didn't immediately see the dog either lol

But the pictures did remind me of those before and after weight loss/muscle gain/whatever photos you see on the back of a bus. First photo is always in poor light, bad hair, **** clothes and no make up. Second photo is glammed up to the nines like a Love Island contestant 

😀 none of the light etc planned - the before picture was taken back in summer - I don't even think the best make over expert in the world could make it look any good on the LS alloys! Anyway a few days in and I'm getting used to them plus it has been a bit icy in the mornings which has helped me justify the decision. It rode fine on the OE 17 inch wheels but it's even more refined on the 16s plus I don't have any kerbing issues to worry about!

3 hours ago, Macscrooge said:

Even the dog looks anguished!  But better grip on dodgy wheels than no grip at all. 

Ha that made me laugh - think it was more to do with seeing me outside the car though rather than her displeasure at the aesthetics fof the alloys!

2 hours ago, BigChange said:

Who would have thought that wheels (alloys) would make such a difference to the car's look ! 

Yes every time I look at it all I can see is an LS400 now - I did love that car but looks wise (and I appreciate looks are subjective) the IS looks much prettier. Roll on April when I can put the original alloys back on.

3 hours ago, rich1068 said:

I feel your pain but needs must. I've got the old 16" winters from my first gen IS on my GS. Makes me grind my teeth every time I look at it. (Sorry @gdh300) But like you I thought it would be silly to buy an alternative when they were just sat there. I also know that if I weakened and took them off that would be the cue for some slippy stuff.

Agree seemed daft to splash out - I found need to find and put on the centre covers on the wheels but I am not kidding myself that it will improve the looks much - putting lipstick on a pig springs to mind. Never have I hoped for snow so much!

Simple - just fit the wheels from your old LS400 - at least there will be no problems if or when the cold and wintry conditions arrive. I was hoping to source some better ones but it seemed a shame to waste my old spare set of alloys which fit and have a set of almost brand new winters on them.

Good for you Jonathan - I nearly did buy one a while back but the risk of a massive bill put me off - good to see you have escaped serious damage to your wallet here - let me know if and when you plan on selling - may be interested. Thanks

Congratulations, great car. I ran both of mine alongside my LS400 and obviously there was a difference in the ride but never unbearable in the ISF and obviously any issues were more than compensated by the sound 😀 - enjoy your new toy.

My first ISF went for another ISF and my second made way for a 911 convertible and like Dave400SE, one day I'd quite like to get out of the 911 and into a LC500'convertible