Oh Blimey!

[bluenose1940]

I have recently been running a thread in the CT200h forum I currently own an IS250 SE-L which is without doubt the best car that I have ever owned.

I am seriously considering changing my 250 for the CT200h and have been researching the car on a daily basis, finding out as much as I can about it. I have spoken to the local dealer and have arranged with them to borrow a CT for a full day for a test drive fairly soon.

However, a spanner has well and truly been thrown into the works over the past couple of days because I have now discovered the IS300h and I have fallen in love with it.

My wife won't drive my 250 because she thinks it's too big, even though she drove a VW Passat for more than 2 years some time ago. My cousin has the CT and his wife loves it and drives it regularly and she has convinced my wife that she will love one too. The reason that I thought about getting the CT was because of the fact that she (my wife) sounded enthusiastic about driving one as and when we go down to a one car household.

Well, now that I have found the 300h, I really need to be trying to convince her that going down to one car is probably some way off at the moment and, that she can continue to drive her small car whilst I can stick with what I really enjoy, luxury saloons!

I really have only just discovered the 300h and I see that they have only been available for a relatively short time. I can only afford a used model and am wondering which one of them comes closest to the spec of my IS250 SE-L.

For instance, do they come with dipping door mirrors, illuminated scuff plates, rear blinds, heated and cooled seats. I have noticed that a number of models have heated seats but not 'cooled'. What about the headlights that adjust as you go round a bend. Also, is all of the range 'Zero' road tax?

Just off to do the washing up and hoovering now then..........lol

[MarksaCox]

IS 300h - best car!!

Sent from my Iphone using Lexus OC

[Steve44]

Premier spec is highest spec'd and probably closest to the SE-L model. Though a luxury model with a few options maybe close and is cheaper.

Adaptive headlights isn't an option on any model but they are all HID Xenon's.

Only the lower models with 16" wheels are zero tax, Max for the 18" wheel models is £20/ year.

CT and IS driving experience is just not a comparison, the IS beats it hands down.

[DJP]

Well now Bluenose1940, I've enjoyed reading many of your posts on the other forum and am surprised it's taken you this long to find the 300h!

You're going to have to show 'er indoors who's the boss. IMO the CT is nowhere near the car the IS is, in pretty much every respect.

Others with a greater knowledge of the various specs will be along I'm sure but I don't think you can get all you describe unless you have the Premier version. I have the F Sport and the tax is a tenner! I'm ex IS250 and love the 300. I've also halved my petrol bill which is great.

I have the full leather option which gives you the heated and cooled seats (improved from those on yours), and dipping mirrors when engaging reverse.

If you like the CT you'll love the 300. If all else fails, get a new wife.

Looking forward to progress reports!!

Sent from my iPad using Lexus OC

[MarksaCox]

DJP.

Nice post.

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[bluenose1940]

Some great replies here, thank you. I'll be back as soon as I have got the washing machine underway, oh and I almost forgot, there's the dusting and then I must peel the spuds ready for lunch!

I'm working on it !!!!

[rayaans]

Ive got to admit I hated the CT when I drove it. This was the 2014 advance version. I felt it was a good car but not my kind of vehicle. On the other hand, I love the IS250/300h!

[LexIS200Sport]

Not a 300h, but I have been driving a courtesy car IS250 Premier for the last 2 weeks and I abso-freakin-lutely love it!! This car has all the features that you mentioned except the illuminated scuff plates and rear motorised blinds. However a quick flick through the user manual reveals that the option for the rear blinds does exist, although I'm not sure if it's offered in the UK.

[Bratman91]

Not a 300h, but I have been driving a courtesy car IS250 Premier for the last 2 weeks and I abso-freakin-lutely love it!! This car has all the features that you mentioned except the illuminated scuff plates and rear motorised blinds. However a quick flick through the user manual reveals that the option for the rear blinds does exist, although I'm not sure if it's offered in the UK.

I have an IS250 Premier, replacing an IS250 SE-L. The Premier does not have illuminated scuff plates, motorised blind, adaptive headlights, ability to set speed and rev warnings on the speedo and rev counter, or memory on the passenger seat. Big improvements over the SE-L are larger boot and greater rear passenger leg space, split fold-down rear seats, daytime running lights, better nav system integration with Bluetooth (particularly with iPhone), full post code capability in the nav system and, subjectively, a tighter roadholding. I am still trying to figure out if the feature whereby the driver seat moves to the rear when the seat belt is unfastened or the engine is switched off (and the opposite) really is such a good thing. It does aid getting into and out of the seat but there is a danger of crushing anything, including dogs and humans, behind the seat when it starts to move to the rear without any quick way to stop it.

[LexIS200Sport]

I am still trying to figure out if the feature whereby the driver seat moves to the rear when the seat belt is unfastened or the engine is switched off (and the opposite) really is such a good thing. It does aid getting into and out of the seat but there is a danger of crushing anything, including dogs and humans, behind the seat when it starts to move to the rear without any quick way to stop it.

Haha, I did wonder about that too! Thankfully you can easily disable it via the multimedia display ;)

[Bratman91]

I am still trying to figure out if the feature whereby the driver seat moves to the rear when the seat belt is unfastened or the engine is switched off (and the opposite) really is such a good thing. It does aid getting into and out of the seat but there is a danger of crushing anything, including dogs and humans, behind the seat when it starts to move to the rear without any quick way to stop it.

Haha, I did wonder about that too! Thankfully you can easily disable it via the multimedia display ;)

That's true, but it's difficult to do this in time when a passenger is screaming because their feet have been crushed to pulp, or a Labrador is being modified to Dachshund!

[Steve44]

There is a half way setting for the seat in the menu. How far it goes back depends on where you have it set to begin with. The full setting puts it all the way back.

[tinka]

I turned it off completely, made no difference to the way I got out of the car, the fact that the steering wheel moves out of the way is enough for me😃.

[Bratman91]

I turned it off completely, made no difference to the way I got out of the car, the fact that the steering wheel moves out of the way is enough for me.

It would probably have been enough for me 40 years ago but now, I just wish the seat would gently raise me up so that I could simply step out of the car!

[Steve44]

I've turned off the seat moving too, the wheel moving out of the way is enough for me too.

I'm still fiddling with the seat position 4wks into ownership, just can't seem to get a comfy position for the long haul.

[tinka]

I’m the same, still trying to find the best position.

[zippyone]

Hello all,

well I'm a CT boy, (boo, boo, hiss, hiss.) my CT is now 21 months old and had its 30,000 service two days ago. It had 31,690km on the clock and the service cost €408.93, (£324.38). I felt chuffed when the mechanic came up to me afterwards and told what good condition the car was in. I explained how I hand clean it each week in and out and also wipe over the engine, (weather permitting) and never let the dealer clean it.

I am very happy with 'Mr Jingles,' (that's his name). I have a 21 month average of 61mpg ( actual) and a regular 64/72mpg (indicated) daily average on all types of road, with 16" tyres. I generally drive with a sports shoe on, gives more control on the juice peddle than a thicker sole.

If I have any negatives about Mr Jingles they would be: lack of good rear vision when looking over my right shoulder when crossing lanes, (left hand drive). Difficulty reversing against a kerb or wall, just can't judge the distance well, even after 21 months, also, the hard ride and road noise, sometimes it is almost like being tossed about in a rally car, changes in tyre pressure make little difference. I think poor road surface, Bridgestone and suspension are the main causes here.

Like Bluenose1940, I too have been eying the IS300h. Had a look at one at Snows Southampton last year, was offered a three day test drive but did not have time. (was on holiday). This year though, I asked them for a drive round as a passenger, SWMBO was quite impressed with the roomier interior and more comfy ride. I have followed this section for over a year now and decided the IS300h Executive, sonic titanium, was for us.

Whilst Mr. Jingles was being spruced up, we had the use of the above IS for the day, even the correct colour. We drove around Milan for just over an hour, especially over the worst bits of road (cobbled) that I knew. Then a 32km motorway dash home, off the road and a sharp 90° right, 20 meters then a sharp 90° left, then down a 45° slope to my backyard. The car was easy to get into the garage next to the Impressa, reversed out, turned around in the yard and reversed into the garage, wonderful. (The CT is a tighter fit in the garage and harder to manoeuver in the yard.) Fuel consumption so far 59mpg (indicated). So far so good, wife and myself quite happy, now the serious stuff, coffee!

Before we left we checked under the bonnet, quite spacious compared with the CT, not very clean though for a two month old car, neither was the bodywork clean. Checked the boot, big enough for our needs, but having had hatch backs for many years the entrance to the boot seemed small, but I'm sure we'll get used to it. Will have to buy a spare wheel to keep in the back, I fitted a space saver in the CT, I do not like the rubbish tyre filler that the car comes with.

We then spent about an hour going over local roads in our area that we use on a regular basis, to get a comparison for comfort and road noise. There was no comparison, it was chalk and cheese. The holes and lorry ruts were still audible but just, but the vibrations were rarely transmitted to our backs. We then set off on a long journey eastwards, using the old 'A' 'B' roads, lots of roundabouts, traffic lights, small towns and villages. The idea of this was to get a better idea of the comfort over distance, we could also change the seat settings, and had varying speed zones to contend with. We finished near lake Garda, where we joined the motorway to Milan. I did not use the cruise control as there are too many lorries and people in all lanes doing incredibly slow speeds, I did however try to keep a steady 110/120kmh all the way back to Milan, around 100km. I did not check out the toys as we were only interested in comfort and economy. The comfort was much better than I truly expected, the economy was 63mpg, I was expecting about 53mpg, but I am used to driving a Hybrid now and know many of the tricks. There was also a feeling of better road holding and it gave better response when leaving roundabouts and corners. The wife liked the, 'snooze mode,' but I was put of by the, 'snore mode.'

The dealer has offered me €15,000 for Mr. Jingles just under half of what I payed. (the next owner will get a snip) I will try for €20,000. He also has four new cars coming in next week, to make up their quota from Lexus, (whatever that means) He thinks that he can do one for me at around €32,000. It is just a matter of wheeling and dealing now. The Lexus cost of an Executive IS300h is €41,600 in Italy, no leather, no navigator, as in UK. SWMBO was on board from the start and is even more so after her test drive, now we open a new pack of cards and start dealing, and if the price is right, then bingo.

I should have started with, 'once upon a time,' nothing like a good read eh!.

Michael. (another one)

[DJP]

Great read, looks like another Lexus upgrade coming up! Note the ref to Lake Garda, I'm off there tomorro morning for 10 days R&R.

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[bluenose1940]

Michael, that's a brilliant post, thank you for that. From my earlier posts you will see that I am very disappointed in the fact that there is no spare wheel with the IS300h and it could/might stop me from buying one (I wonder how many sales are lost because of this?) Do you think that a spacesaver will take up much of the boot space, I suppose that I could always put some luggage on the rear seats, but then it is there for all to see when you park up for a coffee on a long journey, and we all know that this leaves you open to the thieving whatsits that seem to be everywhere.

I'm off to the local dealer tomorrow and so will investigate further.

Lake Garda is one of the few places that I would return to and so I am looking forward to that happening in the not-too-distant future. Beautiful area, who knows, I might even drive there in an IS300h.

Have a great holiday DJP, if you haven't been before, you'll love it. Make sure to have a boat trip or two!

[DJP]

Thanks Bluenose1940, that and the cable car are on the list! Hope you overcome the spare wheel niggle.

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[zippyone]

Hello again,

DJP Have a nice bit of R&R after you leave the toll gate at Milan east you will pass my place (Cavenago/Cambiago) I live 5 mins from the autostrada.

Bluenose1940 For the last 18yrs I've been going back and forth to Portsmouth, often the back is half full of ASDA / Belgium chocs from Ypre, stones ginger wine/Wood's from the ferry.. I just cover it all with coats, maps, a blanket etc had no problems.

I will just put a spare in the boot, wrapped in the special tyre bag of course. Think about it, most of the time the boot is going to be empty anyway. If you have extra stuff it can go on the floor at the back and be covered over. Get the guy at the dealers to put a space saver in for you so you can see how it fits in. I fitted one in Mr. Jingles, took their junk out, it added just 12kg to the weight. I wrote about it around March last year with pics on the CT200h page.

Now it is 14.56 here and I am going to believe it or not Pescara del Garda, an hour there, 2 hours walk about, an hour back, it's a nice day today. On the walk about I can exercise my legs and rejuvenate my body looking at the local 'wildlife,' browning off.

Michael.

[DJP]

Hello again,

DJP Have a nice bit of R&R after you leave the toll gate at Milan east you will pass my place (Cavenago/Cambiago) I live 5 mins from the autostrada.

I do hope not, we're flying into Verona! Then train up to Riva. Just hope the weather is good.

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[Derek870]

Be a man! dump the missus keep the car....................oh hang on

Yes dear................

Sorry have to hang the laundry up

Oh and hoover

Well ok and cook the dinner

[zippyone]

Hello all, (follow up to my post 02 September)

yesterday I went to the dealer to see what he had on offer, I had a little spring in my walk. I want an IS Executive, Sonic titanium and thought I might get one.

The dealer had:

IS300h F-sport, white, nav. €49,157 (£39,376) discount price €36,000 (£28,837) 0km

Luxury, black, nav. ML, sunroof. €54,500 (£43,656) " €41,000 (£32,842) "

Executive, black, nav. €46,057 (£36,893) " €33,500 (£26,834) "

The black is metallic black.

In Italy they have the SE, Exec, F-Sport, and Luxury models. The Exec. model is a higher spec. than in the UK, the premium nav. is on offer this month, free. The Lexus site Italy quotes the Exec. at €41,600 (£33,335) but the going price at dealers seems to be €45/46k.

I am not too interested in the toys, I hardly ever use the radio in my CT, do not have a Nav. and drive all over Europe. The interior colour is not a problem either. The economy and ride have proved to be what I want, ( see post 02 Sept.).

The deal for the Exec. is quite good, new car, 0km, free nav. €33k. The dealer will give me a minimum of €15k (£12,000) for my CT so my new Executive will cost me just €18k. (£14,500) A gift horse in fact.

Now, I have never seen a black IS accept in a showroom and never metallic black. I really want Sonic Titanium.

Black, I fear, will show up all the little chips as white spots, also swirl marks from washing, and the dirt and rain spots, even though it will have a weekly wash, or am I being a little neurotic?

However, metallic black may be different, I do not know. Black also reminds me of a Benz or beamer they're mostly black, like a hearse!

Will the black take away the good looking lines of the IS?

This is a private purchase, (I'm a pensioner) the fiscal part of the deal is great, just a colour problem. Do I take the bargain as my pocket is saying and 'stuff' the colour, or, do I say, 'no, I'll pay twice as much for the same thing, only with the colour I want, but will never see when I'm using the car?

What would you do? All comments welcome

Thanks.

Michael.

A bit overcast today DJP.

[zippyone]

Hello all,

Just a quick up date The colour black is Celestial black ( 217)

Michael.