Newbie (kind of)

[MadJam250]

Morning! Newbie here from the south Midlands; I've posted elsewhere before the introductions! 

I've lurked around the forum before, having previously owned a 2001 IS200 manual, a 2006 IS250 manual and a 2006 IS250 auto but didn't, thenot,  contribute.

Have loved being a Lexus owner previously and have been desperate to get back into ownership again, especially after a couple of unreliable BMWs and VWs. It's hard, in my eyes, to beat the whole Lexus ownership experience, not just for the car/brand but the customer service/dealership relationship also. Nothing else out there seems to compare.

So, after much research I opted for either a 4 or 5 year old Mercedes A class diesel or BMW 1 or 3 series diesel. At this stage I discounted the CT200h due to so many negative reviews and being unable to afford an IS300h it looked likely being a Lexus owner again would need to wait. The German offerings turned out to be bland and uninspiring (and diesel!) so I reconsidered a CT, read some real/owners' reviews (far more positive than those from the motoring media), called up the same salesman whom I dealt with before and called by on the off chance for a look at their stock. 

As I pulled in, there sat on the forecourt a gorgeous 2014 (facelift) Advance Sport in Fiji Red ... it was cheaper than the 1 Series, had more kit and, well, it was a Lexus ... and just within budget. Despite having slightly higher than average mileage it did have full service history and recent new front brakes and 3 new tyres, and all at a competitive price.

After a test dive and a pre-delivery check she's now on my drive and I've got a big smile on my face again ☺

Impressed, as always, with Lexus's customer service levels and the car is a dream to own.  In the last week of ownership I have only seen one other CT (whereas BMWs are as common as muck).

I find driving my first hybrid incredibly satisfying and very relaxing. Driving out of my housing estate each morning in electric mode feels great and, conversely, so does slotting it in to sport mode for that extra boost of power. 

There's very little to fault the CT with .. the infotainment system is a little dated and fiddly (and I can't see why having the heating system displayed on there when it's quicker and easier to use the standard controls). No voice commands for the satnav is a little disappointing  yet is about the only mild niggle really. I don't quite get why there's an EV mode button when the car choses EV automatically when appropriate, anyway?

I love how the windows slow before closing and the ambient blue or red overhead LEDs to match the chosen drive mode. Small but pleasing touches.

Until you've owned a Lexus it's hard to get across to non-owners (heretics and heathens that they are!) how great the brand is, further endorsed by owner surveys' results consistently keepong on winning for refinement, reliability and great customer service. I've now learned that the only decent reviews out there are from the owners. Clarkson's scathing review of the CT just further goes to show how much he is out of touch with reality. The RAC one however was brilliant.

Delighted to be back in a Lexus and for joining this forum. Very helpful and friendly folk here. ☺

[Vlady]

Hey martin, welcome to LOC! 

It's good to hear you still enjoy Lexus, congratulations on your purchase.

How is your mpg so far?

Add some photos of the car, we all like these!

Vlad

[Guest]

Congrats on your purchase of the CT and it seems you are very happy with it.

[royoftherovers]

Welcome Martin to the world of Lexus motoring.

Better not tell any of your Audi, BMW or Merc pals as they will laugh at you.

Remember however that the minority are the best informed and 99% of what Journalists write is not to be believed.After all their task is to merely fill column inches.

 

Let`s see some pics when you can and a full review after a month of ownership !

[MadJam250]

Thank you all. Just a test upload for now

[MadJam250]

7 hours ago, Vlady said:

Hey martin, welcome to LOC! 

It's good to hear you still enjoy Lexus, congratulations on your purchase.

How is your mpg so far?

Add some photos of the car, we all like these!

Vlad

Hi Vlad. Thank you. MPG is about 55 at the moment  (since resetting on 30 March ..covered about 250 miles). Love it when EV kicks in.

Used hill start assist for first time today; brilliant feature, as is the pollen filter cleaning button.

[Vlady]

Hi Martin, just 250miles since March?! it's nothing! 🙂

The car looks very nice, I personally really like red colour!

 

[MadJam250]

Sorry, 30th October. No idea why I put March!

 

 

[MadJam250]

Is there a CT200h gallery on here?