Hello

Ardent · May 4, 2020

Hello all, been having a look through the posts relating to the IS300h and found what I was looking for. Basically no horror stories. As I expected.

Potted history as to why I am here. Already a Toyota owner MR2 Roadster owner.

Had been a VW man but as I had access to a Toyota trained Master tech, I thought I would change my daily for a Toyota/Lexus.

The CT200H fits my needs perfectly, but I was not prepared to pay the price. Enter Gen 2 Prius. What a great car. To me they were the anti ***** of motoring, and there I was in one and loving it. Rapidly grasped the concept of the the hybrid tech combined with the CVT. The big surprise, the unexpected delivery of 400nm of torque if asked. The launch was such a giggle. The car itself never missed a beat, Hybrid tech fine and dandy. 120k on the clock. But some scroat stole the cat, so it had to go.

Still only needed something like the CT200h. But an RX400h came up at the right money. I wanted an SUV even less than a Gen 2 Prius. Well thats all changed. Bought at 145k miles. Done service and another at 150k. What a great car. Hybrid tech happy as larry and share the same opinion as Ganzoom? I have no fears regards reliability.

But I get restless so now looking for its replacement. I still only require a CT200h, but I am looking to replace with either an RX450h or an IS300h.

So anyone here looking to dissuade me from buying an IS300h?

My commute is essentially urban. Between home and work I do not touch a 60/70 limit road. Now the 0-60 is nothing special. But, is there any carry over from G2 Prius. in that the 0-30 0-40 is dispatched very quickly? The combo of elec torque and the linear delivery of the cvt. I know it's not big and it's not clever. But, there are times when you just need to be up and away. Can or will the 300h do that?

I make no bones about, if I find one, it will likely be a higher miler. Will not be from a Lexus dealer. Mileage does not concern me. If its done a 150k that tells me things are working.

The engine in my rx400h has got to be one of the least stressed engines out there. And I see that as a carry over to the 300h. A 2.5 litre by todays standard id enourmous.

But Iam talking to the converted here.

Anyway I am rambling now.

So any reasons not to buy a 300h? anyone think I should got for a 450h instead? or the 200h

ikeja · May 5, 2020

Test drive an IS300H. Try in normal mode, then switch to sports mode. You may well be surprised 🙂

chris1601 · May 5, 2020

Sport mode doesn't change anything other than the throttle map in my premier. That said, the 300h drivetrain is superb on fuel but so much better than the Prius/Auris drivetrains which wail like a banshee if you go anywhere near the throttle. The IS is a really nice place to be and with the folding seats in most trim levels, it's reasonably practical too unlike the GS (which has the 450h option) which has no folding seats. I think the IS is the sweet spot in the range and is even nicer than the newer UX. The 300h has enough performance to satisfy but still delivers high 40s to low 50s mpg over a tank.

olliesgrandad · May 5, 2020

I have owned all 3 of the cars mentioned IS300h f sport 2014, 2015 GS300h Luxury (pre face-lift) and generation 3 and 4 RX450h.

Gen 3 RX450h is a great car (and better looking in my opinion than my current version).

IS300h is a great car, but if you are currently in a 400h it won't feel so spacious. Of the saloons the GS was my favourite. True there is no fold down rear seat, but if you want a load lugger then buy a RX450h.

The GS in my opinion feels much more substantially built, quieter and in the real world just as quick as the is. Also I got great fuel economy with the GS, it has a much bigger sat nav screen and is a lovely drive.

I only changed to the RX because we had a new granddaughter and it is much easier to deal with isofix child seats and pushchairs with the extra height and space.

I had to drive from Gloucester into London and back in the GS. I did a tank to tank test and the car did an impressive 54 mpg.

Certainly worth a test drive and probably as cheap to buy as an is of the same vintage.

Good hunting

Jayw13702 · May 5, 2020

Hello all, been having a look through the posts relating to the IS300h and found what I was looking for. Basically no horror stories. As I expected.
Potted history as to why I am here. Already a Toyota owner MR2 Roadster owner.
Had been a VW man but as I had access to a Toyota trained Master tech, I thought I would change my daily for a Toyota/Lexus.
The CT200H fits my needs perfectly, but I was not prepared to pay the price. Enter Gen 2 Prius. What a great car. To me they were the anti ***** of motoring, and there I was in one and loving it. Rapidly grasped the concept of the the hybrid tech combined with the CVT. The big surprise, the unexpected delivery of 400nm of torque if asked. The launch was such a giggle. The car itself never missed a beat, Hybrid tech fine and dandy. 120k on the clock. But some scroat stole the cat, so it had to go.
Still only needed something like the CT200h. But an RX400h came up at the right money. I wanted an SUV even less than a Gen 2 Prius. Well thats all changed. Bought at 145k miles. Done service and another at 150k. What a great car. Hybrid tech happy as larry and share the same opinion as Ganzoom? I have no fears regards reliability.
But I get restless so now looking for its replacement. I still only require a CT200h, but I am looking to replace with either an RX450h or an IS300h.
So anyone here looking to dissuade me from buying an IS300h?
My commute is essentially urban. Between home and work I do not touch a 60/70 limit road. Now the 0-60 is nothing special. But, is there any carry over from G2 Prius. in that the 0-30 0-40 is dispatched very quickly? The combo of elec torque and the linear delivery of the cvt. I know it's not big and it's not clever. But, there are times when you just need to be up and away. Can or will the 300h do that?
I make no bones about, if I find one, it will likely be a higher miler. Will not be from a Lexus dealer. Mileage does not concern me. If its done a 150k that tells me things are working.
The engine in my rx400h has got to be one of the least stressed engines out there. And I see that as a carry over to the 300h. A 2.5 litre by todays standard id enourmous.
But Iam talking to the converted here.
Anyway I am rambling now.
So any reasons not to buy a 300h? anyone think I should got for a 450h instead? or the 200h

I’ve run a gen2 Prius and sold that when it got to 170,000 miles and replace that with a IS300h.

That was two years ago, since then I have done about 100,000 miles in my iS and have had no problems at all. It does everything that the Prius did but with just a little bit more comfort and finesse.

It will cope with the short journeys as well as the Prius did but it will deal with the longer journeys on the motorway far far better. Over my hundred thousand miles I would guess I’m averaging about 45 to the gallon.

Would I recommend an iS over a prius, absolutely

Sent from my Iphone using Tapatalk

Ardent · May 6, 2020

20 hours ago, chris1601 said:

Sport mode doesn't change anything other than the throttle map in my premier. That said, the 300h drivetrain is superb on fuel but so much better than the Prius/Auris drivetrains which wail like a banshee if you go anywhere near the throttle. The IS is a really nice place to be and with the folding seats in most trim levels, it's reasonably practical too unlike the GS (which has the 450h option) which has no folding seats. I think the IS is the sweet spot in the range and is even nicer than the newer UX. The 300h has enough performance to satisfy but still delivers high 40s to low 50s mpg over a tank.

Hello Chris.

Thank you for the response. All music to my ears. Regards normal vs sport. That was my understanding when previously researching 200h. It is the throttle response only that changes. If you floor it in normal or sport the result is the same. Max throttle. In sport mode but driving normal, the response to minor inputs is sharper. "the IS is a really nice place to be" that's where I'm going.

Cheers

Jason

Ardent · May 6, 2020

17 hours ago, olliesgrandad said:

IS300h is a great car, but if you are currently in a 400h it won't feel so spacious. Of the saloons the GS was my favourite. True there is no fold down rear seat, but if you want a load lugger then buy a RX450h.

Thanks for the reply.

There's my semi sticking point, I do not require the space of the 400h. I ended up in it more by accident than design. That said, have completely taken to it and hence why the 450h is in competition with the 300h. The sensible choice is the 300h. VED MPG blah. But......

The really sensible choice might be to stick with the 400h. The cost to change buys a lot of road tax and fuel.

Ardent · May 6, 2020

15 hours ago, Jayw13702 said:

It will cope with the short journeys as well as the Prius did but it will deal with the longer journeys on the motorway far far better. Over my hundred thousand miles I would guess I’m averaging about 45 to the gallon.

Thank you for the reply.

Thats the bit, I like the sound of. I do not do a lot long journeys, but I do do some. And it would just be nice to do it in comfort. 45mpg I can live with that.

Ardent · May 6, 2020

Just to cover all bases, most reviews compare urban commutes and long motorway drives. Anyone here that find themselves using it going cross country. More B road than A road.

That is where I am happiest. From Leicester to Market Harborough I could go A6. But that is boring. I would rather go cross country through the Langtons and have something to do. How does the 300h behave/like that kind of environment?

Thanks for all the replies

Jason

chris1601 · May 6, 2020

The IS has a slightly firmer setup which you may enjoy. I find it, on 17" wheels at least, a good compromise between comfort and sportiness. It's really enjoyable to cruise along in on the motorway or A/B roads. It never encourages me to drive quickly (that's the nature of the hybrid drivetrain more than anything and I do enjoy that relaxed feel), but it is still a joy to take out on any road. I've never had a car where I've been to the dealer for routine servicing and looked forward to getting back into my car compared to the newer loan cars. Usually it's the other way around!

Regarding the 400/450h RX versus 300h IS, on paper acceleration is similar, but I found the RX didn't feel as fast and those extra mpg from the IS certainly feel good whilst delivering similar performance to the RX. If you don't regularly need the extra boot space and weight, the IS could be an excellent choice. You can always hire a van for those odd occasions when you need to fill the boot.

Phooey · May 6, 2020

I am sorry. I have to object firmly to this post. Or more precisely, the title of this post.

Every time I see it, Adele starts singing in my head and it takes several minutes to get rid of it.

😄

chris1601 · May 6, 2020

... is it me you're looking forrrrr?

(Does that help?) 😄

Phooey · May 6, 2020

31 minutes ago, chris1601 said:

... is it me you're looking forrrrr?

(Does that help?) 😄

My little grey cells will be fighting over which song to choose … Thank you for the effort. It did make me lol … not a bad thing in these boringly lonely times!

Ardent · May 6, 2020

Given the reliability, hopefully won't need one. But.

Any recommended, independent toyota/lexus specialists in the Leicester Leicestershire area?

Other than the hybrid side. Is a toyota/lexus needed or just a competent mechanic?

Aware of one in lincoln and one Sheffield way. But someone a bit more local might be handy.

Ardent · May 6, 2020

Just been to YouTube to watch a couple of review videos wish I hadn't bothered.

CVT CVT CVT.

Ok it is true I have not tested drove a 300h myself. but if the hybrid technology which should be an improvement on my previous generation 2 Prius. I do not think the reviewers quite understand or know it's full capabilities.

They may put their foot down and Accelerate, but I do not think they put their foot fully down, where something else happens and the Turn of Speed increases dramatically or at least it did in the Gen 2 Prius. Some transaxle jiggery pokery japanese technical witchcraft happens where everything is diverted to delivering accelration. Instead of being split between regen, charging etc etc.

Has anyone experienced that in the 300h? (If it does it)

Anyone happy to try it. Fully warmed up, batt in the green. Foot fully down. Listen and feel for some extra shove.

chris1601 · May 6, 2020

Yes, there is a kickdown switch of sorts at the bottom of the pedal travel and you get a distinct nudge in the back as the acceleration really hits.

The CVT thing is much much better controlled in the IS300h, you can use quite a bit of part throttle and it will use more battery/motor meaning the engine doesn't scream away as easily as other Toyota hybrid drivetrain generations. It's the one thing that seriously bugged me about the Auris I had before was the way it would scream uphills, even moderate uphills would make me turn off the cruise and gently decelerate up just to avoid the noise. The 300h doesn't do any of that. It is a pleasure to drive, genuinely, and if you already appreciate the hybrid/CVT drivetrain, I think you'll love the 300h. I don't recall enough how the RX drivetrain performs compares to the Prius/Auris to comment on that though.

Ardent · May 6, 2020

Dear Chris

Thanks for the insight. Much appreciated.

I just need to get in one and try now.

wharfhouse · May 7, 2020

13 hours ago, Ardent said:

Dear Chris

Thanks for the insight. Much appreciated.

I just need to get in one and try now.

There is a lot written or Youtube'd about the e-cvt in the IS 300h - much of it is a) based on misunderstanding or b) expecting the car to "behave" like a conventional transmission or c) wanting to drive it like a racing car all the time (mainly motoring journalists...). The e-cvt is different - no doubt about that. The only way you will know if it is for you is to test drive one - and not for a few minutes but at least a day. Before I bought my IS 300h I had read/viewed all the same stuff as you are probably doing now. I came from mainly driving BMWs - top end (straight six engine and automatic) 5 and 3 series - the "drivers car" - or so it is claimed. I was looking for something a bit "different" (as I was getting bored of BMWs) and decided to test drive the IS 300h. I had one from the dealer for a day and did a good range of roads using my normal driving habits (normal driving is the key as you are looking at how it works for you in day-to-day life and not how it might work for some with different needs). Personally I was very impressed and after a day just could not understand how so much tosh could be written/broadcast about the car and I purchased a used 2014 model the next day from the Lexus dealer (it was 2 years old at the time with 40k miles on it). I haven't looked back since and have done another 45k miles in it and would purchase another IS 300h without hesitation. It actually takes longer than a day to really appreciate the e-cvt in every day driving which is why so many of the "test drive" articles fall apart compared with real life long-term experience.

So, moral of the story - get a good test drive in one - I think the majority who own one "get" the e-cvt and it's advantages - for others it isn't the right car - there are plenty of other marques out there - something for everyone - so choose / test carefully and you won't have buyers remorse...

Ardent · May 7, 2020

Dear @wharfhouse

Thanks for the great write up. Top of my list of things to do, once I can.

chris1601 · May 7, 2020

57 minutes ago, wharfhouse said:

... just could not understand how so much tosh could be written/broadcast

Agree 100% and my previous car was a BMW 550i Touring. I do sometimes miss the grunt and the noise but I don't miss the unreliable car, engine oil leaks, annual tax, low mpg, racers trying to race me...

Lex_1988 · May 11, 2020

Mpg wise I get 42mpg over a 21 mile commute and that's made up of 60% 50mph average speed camera and the rest in stop start. Had it up to 52mpg during the school half term.

In regards to model variant, I'd look at a Premier/luxury over an f sport. Not sure the handling makes up for the firmer f sport setup. Although I do appreciate the sporty looks.

Performance wise, it's much quicker in sport mode than my old is250. Great for pulling away at roundabouts.

Only negatives is that the boot feels flimsy whilst closing. Nothing major. My IS250 was an 06' and everything worked as it should up until the the day I traded it in (even the electric sunblind).

Overall the is300h is a great daily drive and ownership proposition. £20 Road tax, 40+mpg from a 2.5l engine and great looks.

Ardent · May 12, 2020

@Lex_1988

Thanks for the feedback. As mentioned earlier, I will be aiming very much at pre owned end of the market. Plate age does not concern me. Mileage does not concern me much either. Reliability is a non issue.

Taking those on board. I then do look for the top spec. The premier is my top choice. The drivers seat will be moving back and forth a lot so memory seats are high on the list.

Not even sure what the differences are. Think prem = memory seats. Luxury = elec.

Think I had made my mind up from the off. Premier.

Your last paragraph sums it up really.

Thanks.

Mincey · May 12, 2020

7 hours ago, Lex_1988 said:

£20 Road tax,

Careful! https://www.parkers.co.uk/lexus/is/saloon-2013/car-tax/

I thought I was on for peanuts road tax and then had a bit of a shock. Mine's £140/year

Ardent · May 12, 2020

Just had a quick skim round. A lot seems to revolve around when 1st registration. Diff values for same model.

Mincey · May 12, 2020

28 minutes ago, Ardent said:

Just had a quick skim round. A lot seems to revolve around when 1st registration. Diff values for same model.

Absolutely. I'd like to know why!

I'm also interested to know why I pay £140/year when my neighbour's 6 year old 3 Series diesel costs £20/year (which he has overlooked paying - oops...). Same amount of nasties come out of the exhaust for each car apparently.