lexus owners - what did we drive before?

[daylight1]

My first car, way back in 1976 was a Triumph Herald, followed by another, then a Triumph Toledo - as a young bloke I desperately wanted a Triumph Dolomite sprint but could never afford one

In 1982 I got my first company car - a Ford Cortina mark 2, followed by others including Vauxhall Astra, Toyota Carina E, Nissan Bluebird, which took me to 1992 when the company I worked for was forced to get rid of all company cars to survive the recession.  I bought the car from them as it was only 2 years old and offered at a very good price (they are a successful family business that I'm thankfully still with today).  When it came time to change the Nissan, and based on the excellent experience I'd had over a 3-year period with the Toyota Carina E, I decided to go back to Toyota and bought a brand new Carina as they'd now re-named it.

I bought a second Carina, which then re-launched as the Avensis and had two of them, then finished with a Toyota Celica - really enjoyed that car.  This took me to 2005 when I bought my first Lexus; an IS 250 SE, new from my local Lexus dealer.  I had it for 4 years, covered almost 100,000 miles and was blown away by the quiet relaxing drive, handling, generous levels of equipment, superb customer service and complete reliability - all it ever needed was servicing and tyres.  It was a Toyota but at an altogether different, higher level of quality.  This was followed by an IS 250 SE-L, bought as an ex-Lexus management fleet car at a very keen price, from Lexus Stockport.  Had this for 4 years and it also never put a foot wrong or needed any type of repair.  I then my current IS 300h, new in 2014 from my local Lexus dealer.

So, as you can see, my love affair with cars started 40 years ago with the old British brand of Triumph and for the last 20 years I have been with Toyota / Lexus.  My car buying choices have always been heavily influenced / constricted by cost and I've always considered overall value for money to be more important than lowest price.  Since being able to afford to spend more on cars, (the last 10 years), I've considered all of the other makes of executive saloons but when I boil the numbers down Lexus wins every time.  Add to this the fact I really like the way the cars drive and I feel my Lexus brand loyalty is justified.

It is of course an entirely personal choice for all of us.

Thanks to Dutchie01 for starting this thread which has allowed many of us to take a wander down memory lane.

Robert

[ToreOe]

Had a 1988 Volvo 760 GLE for 25 years before buying the IS300h.  In the two years I've had a Lexus, I've spent more time at the dealer/shop than the Volvo did in 25.  I do enjoy having to fill the tank once a month instead of every week, though.

 

-Tore

[PCM]

... and a Toyota Supra for me...

 

( And a Mini - coldest car I ever drove. Kettle of hot water on the carb., to start it in Winter ! )

[Ian J. Parsley]

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.

[Rodianna]

Here's my List:
Morris 8 Series E
Austin A35
Austin Mini 848cc
Austin Mini Cooper 997cc
Austin Mini Cooper ‘S’ 1275cc
Ford Cortina 1600E Mk2

Morris Minor 848cc

Morris Minor Traveller 1100cc
M.G 'B’ GT
Ford Cortina 1500 GT Mk1
Triumph Spitfire 1300 Mk 3
Lotus Elan + 2S 130/5
Ford Cortina 2000GT Mk3
Opel Ascona 1.9SR Saloon
Opel Manta 1.9SR Saloon
Opel Manta 2.0 SR Hatch
Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6 SR Hatch Mk2
Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 CDi

Ford Escort Estate
Ford Sierra 2.8 XR 4X4
Audi Quattro Coupe 2.2 GT
V.W Polo 1.05 Hatch
V.W Golf 1.9 CL Turbo D
Rover 418 SLD Turbo D
Lotus Elan +2S 130/5
V.W Polo 1.05 Boulevard Hatch
Rover 400 Sdi 2.0 Turbo D
Honda Jazz 1.4 SE - 1st Gen 2003
BMW 320d SE Saloon
Mazda MX5 2.0 Cabrio + Option Pk
Honda Jazz 1.4 ES iVtec - 2nd Gen 2009
Honda Civic 1.8 ES iVtec - 8th Gen
Honda Civic 1.8 ES iVtec - 9th Gen 2012
Honda Jazz 1.3SE iVtec - 3rd Gen 2015

Lexus IS300h Exec

(Some of these are my Wife's Cars)

 Definitely showing my Age (and Experience!!!!!)

[Dixgas]

Here's mine

Hillman Minx Mk V

Hillman Avenger 

Morris Marina

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk III

Rover 600 SLi  ( Honda 2Ltr engine )

Lexus IS 220d

Lexus IS 250 Advance Mk II

Lexus IS 250 Lux Nav  Mk III

 

[Spacewagon52]

5 hours ago, Rodianna said:

Here's my List:
Morris 8 Series E
Austin A35
Austin Mini 848cc
Austin Mini Cooper 997cc
Austin Mini Cooper ‘S’ 1275cc
Ford Cortina 1600E Mk2

Morris Minor 848cc

Morris Minor Traveller 1100cc
M.G 'B’ GT
Ford Cortina 1500 GT Mk1
Triumph Spitfire 1300 Mk 3
Lotus Elan + 2S 130/5
Ford Cortina 2000GT Mk3
Opel Ascona 1.9SR Saloon
Opel Manta 1.9SR Saloon
Opel Manta 2.0 SR Hatch
Vauxhall Cavalier 1.6 SR Hatch Mk2
Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 CDi

Ford Escort Estate
Ford Sierra 2.8 XR 4X4
Audi Quattro Coupe 2.2 GT
V.W Polo 1.05 Hatch
V.W Golf 1.9 CL Turbo D
Rover 418 SLD Turbo D
Lotus Elan +2S 130/5
V.W Polo 1.05 Boulevard Hatch
Rover 400 Sdi 2.0 Turbo D
Honda Jazz 1.4 SE - 1st Gen 2003
BMW 320d SE Saloon
Mazda MX5 2.0 Cabrio + Option Pk
Honda Jazz 1.4 ES iVtec - 2nd Gen 2009
Honda Civic 1.8 ES iVtec - 8th Gen
Honda Civic 1.8 ES iVtec - 9th Gen 2012
Honda Jazz 1.3SE iVtec - 3rd Gen 2015

Lexus IS300h Exec

(Some of these are my Wife's Cars)

 Definitely showing my Age (and Experience!!!!!)

 

Were any of these company cars?

I would have loved a Cortins 1600E and a Cortina 200 GT Mk III - when I was young! But now I have grown up  and own a Lexus!

 

[Rodianna]

No, all were privately owned and run, but as I said, some were run by my wife!

The Cortina 1600E had lowered Lotus suspension - but how I wish I had owned a Lotus Cortina (Mk1), just didn't happen Alas!!

[Slickk]

Quite a mixed variety for me. 

1) Fiat Punto (Don't laugh! Humble beginnings and all that...)

2) Lexus IS200 SE - gorgeous car, loved every second with it. Loved it so much, it's now declared as SORN and parked on the driveway.

3) Audi RS4 - thirsty, fast, powerful and far too many issues.

4) Audi A4 (B8) 2.0 TDI S Line Special Edition, aka, 'The Weekend Car' - Lovely car, shame the 19'' alloys ruin the ride. Purchased the car for lovely wife who is considering about a replacement very soon. She wants an Evoque but I'd rather she didn't, as I'd prefer something sporty and luxurious such as a F30 BMW 335d.

5) Lexus IS300h F Sport - loved it at first, then developed a dislike for it as it failed to live up to the expectations. I've had to alter my driving style to suit the drivetrain of a hybrid. Not a particularly easy thing to do considering my right foot is made of lead  I do however, miss driving a manual car.

[Rodianna]

Slickk,

Interesting line up, wouldn't dream at laughing at your number 1 - just look at mine!!!

My brother in law ran an RS4 Avant until recently, he liked it, and as far as I know didn't have any problems.

My Lexus is the very first car I have owned that is a CVT Auto and now, after 4 months ownership I rather like it.

Reason: So much traffic and queueing in my area, IMHO, auto makes it all so much easier!

Sport mode does give me enough 'poke' when I need it, and I like the balanced, not so firm ride that the Exec gives - but each to their own! we are all different.

[bagpus]

Hi

I have owned several cars from a few manufacturers (below). Most recently in fact only 1 month ago I purchased a 300h and, so far I am very impressed by the car and whole Lexus experience. What I struggle with is how 'stupid' motoring journalists don't appear to get it and frequently give it lower scores when piched against BMW, Audi, Merc - why? I test drove their equivalent models before I choose Lexus. I can safely say without hesitation the Lexus was so much more impressive in pretty much all respects.

• Ford Fiesta 1.4 Ghia - crashed into Rover SD1 - 3 weeks after passing test - complete write-off - complete fool!
• Fiat Uno 45S FIRE
• Ford Fiesta 1.4S
• Ford Sierra 2.0 Ghia
• Vauxhall 2.0 16V
• Peugeot 406 2.0 Turbo
• Nissan 200 sx 2.0 Turbo 
• Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi - first and probably last oil burner, sorry!
• BMW 330i coupe (E92)
• BMW z4 35i (E89)
• Lexus 300h - F sport - ultra blue 

Wife - new to driving 

• Toyota Auris Hybrid

 

[pobrown]

Here is my list - just put a deposit on the IS300h so I'm excited to be returning to the Lexus stable:

• 1995 Peugeot 106 1.5 XND
• 1997 Toyota Starlet 1.3 Sportif
• 1999 Toyota Avensis 1.8 GS
• 2001 Lexus IS200 SE Auto
• 2006 Honda Accord 2.2D Exec
• 2003 Lexus IS200 Sport
• 2004 Lexus IS300
• 2007 Toyota Prius T-Spirit
• 2005 Lexus IS250 SE Auto
• 2010 Toyota Auris Hybrid T-Spirit
• 2013 Lexus IS300h SE

[Spacewagon52]

Apart from the Pug, that is impressively loyal sir!

[pobrown]

1 minute ago, Spacewagon52 said:

Apart from the Pug, that is impressively loyal sir!

The pug was my first car when I left university.  Just needed something cheap and economical for work - bought it at an auction.  Hated it, but it did the job.

[Spacewagon52]

We all have to start somewhere! Mine was a Ford Anglia!

[ahmedali44]

Toyota celica, 1 cortina mk 4,1cortina mk 5,ford escort,fiesta, 3 series bmw, Mercedes 190e, Nissan sunny estate, audi 80,vw polo, 1996 e250d Mercedes,2001 e220 cdi elegance Mercedes,2002 e320 cdi advangarde Mercedes,lexus is220d se-l,lexus is250 se-i, and lti 2001 tx1 with Nissan engine. these were owned from 1988-present.

[baxlin]

Starting with most recent: 

Mercedes C220

Saab 93 Convertible

Rover 75 Conn diesel

Honda Accord

Rover 827 Sterling

Vauxhall Carlton 2ltr CD

MG Montego EFi

Austin Montego (x2)

Maestro

Talbot Horizon (x2)

Talbot Sunbeam

Mini

Viva

Frogeye Sprite

Morris1000 traveller

100E Anglia

1937 Morris 8 tourer - This was given to me in 1964 when I passed my test

Mrs Baxlin's list 

Skoda Fabia est

Skoda Fabia hatch

Clio

Micra

Panda

Citroen Dyane

Allegro

Bikes?

Honda CX500

Honda VT250f

Yamaha XS400

(Dare I admit to a Mobylette moped?)

Norton Model 50

Lambretta

Excelsior Consort - my 16th birthday present

And since 1998, my JZR 3 wheeler.

[Gearoidmuar]

Honda Accord Diesel, Peugeot 406 diesel, Suzuki Jeep, Toyota Carina E, two of them, Carina 2, Toyota Corolla etc.

[Ian J. Parsley]

Very boring, I'm afraid...

1977 Ford Escort 1.2 [my grandfather's!]

1994 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 LS

1998 Volvo S40 2.0 CD

2001 Volvo S60 2.4T SE

2004 Volvo S60 D5 SE

2008 Volvo S80 2.4D Sport

2013 Lexus IS300h Lux

[LeeG]

24 years of Japanese cars.

Nissan 200sx

Honda S2000

Nissan 200sx

Nissan 200sx

Nissan 350

IS250 sel

IS300h F sport

 

Never have and never will own a German car.

[tHomBleached]

Ignoring my first car (my dad bought it for me) it's been Toyota/Lexus all the way. 

Renault 19 L reg in '98

went to Oz and bought a 1981 Corolla that had been covered to LPG - that car was as old as me but never missed a beat.

Then a Corolla M reg in 2003

Lexus Is200 54 plate in 2007

Corolla 53 plate in 2007 for the wife (still using now!)

Lexus IS 250 SE-L in 2010

picking up my new one tomorrow:

IS300h F-sport ML/Leather 64 plate which will also be the newest car I've ever bought!

[LiCkWiD]

In order of appearance, Escort xr3i, Escort mk5, Fiesta XR2, Fiesta Mk4, Mercedes 190E, Seat Leon Cupra, Lexus IS200, Honda Civic VTiS, Alfa Romeo GT, BMW 320d Coupe, Lexus IS300h F Sport. I'm sure I've forgotten one or two cars.. hmmmm..

Last two have been the best, by far.

[LiCkWiD]

On 19/03/2016 at 10:35 PM, LeeG said:

24 years of Japanese cars.

Nissan 200sx

Honda S2000

Nissan 200sx

Nissan 200sx

Nissan 350

IS250 sel

IS300h F sport

 

Never have and never will own a German car.

Any reason why? It just a personal preference? The German bit, I mean.

[BaransuIS250]

Before Lexus:

1995 Renault Clio Oasis- i still have this

1998 Mazda 323 ZXI V6- loved this car, the sound of the engine and reliability was out of this world

1999 Mazda Xedos 9 Miller supercharged- it's a Mazda so finish, reliability, styling simply awesome. Such a rare car.

2005 Mazda RX-8. Loved the look, individuality but engine off par with Mazda's usual quality. 18mpg on a good day!

2002 BMW 330CI M-SPORT. A good drivers car, rock hard ride and sometimes the sonorous engine was too much for day to day. Strong performance.

2006 Mini Cooper-S cabrio- plagued with niggles but handled like nothing else. Loved the supercharged whine. Perhaps a bit of a hairdressers car though

2009 Mazda 3 MPS 2.3 Aero- a seriously quick machine. Amazingly stable at 140mph- understated but £490 road tax! A bit basic on spec.

2007 VW EOS 3.2 Individual- the worse choice of car I have made. Problems from day one. Felt like a 2.0 not a 3.2. Returned it as part of a 30day exchange with dealer

2009 Lexus IS250 SE-i - wow a revelation. Amazingly refined and build quality was the best if only it didn't have that 80s Toyota digital clock lol. Brilliant car though.

2011 Lexus IS250 SE-L- as my wife had an accident in the above i bought this. Minor dips in quality from the SE-I for eg. hard cheap glovebox lid, no f/screen heater. Lovely though

2016 Lexus IS200T- best so far!!

 

Mazda and Lexus have been my favourite- both Japanese and promise top quality and reliability. The older Lexus never looked great but now its a different story.

[andywin]

Triumph dolomite.  Death trap

Ford Xr4i. Wonderfull 

About 20 company cars then

Mitsubishi evo8.  Handling to die for, cost a million pounds to run

Citroen picasso.   great inbetween car that ended up keeping for ages

Ldv pilot.  workhorse, uber reliable

Jaguar xj8.   plush and riduculous

Kia sportage.      Complete rubbish

Isuzu trooper.      Unreliable, thirsty,

Landrover discovery.     Unreliable thirsty, uncomfortable

Nissan elgrand.    One of the best cars Ive owned

Honda crv.    Noisy engine, annoying, uncomfy

Toyota rav4.   Great car

Lexus is200.     The best car Ive owned