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I hope the Lexus's modesty will be concealed by a cover of some sort while on the back of the recovery lorry? We don't want to give the wrong impression... Meanwhile, Graham, remember that the instruction 'Contact a dealer' means something different to a lot of hoody-wearers LOL,

One question that seems to come up a lot is about the ‘performance’ of the IS300H versus say a BMW 320D. Most magazine reviewer seem to think the IS300H is slow….Despite on-paper figures suggesting other wise. So had a morning free today, and the sun was out, so had a little ‘play’ with my SJ4000 camera. Did a quick video of the IS300H, in Sport mode, 0-60mph. Not the most accurate test, but it’s around 8 seconds in the real world, given how easy it is to launch, it’s pretty much the same as a 320D. But what surprised me was the ‘in-gear’ performance, 50-70mph is pretty rapid, and certainly meets if not beat ‘quoted’ times for the 320D….Yet one of the things car reviewers go on endless about is the ‘effortless overtaking’ of diesel cars due to toque, but in a real world situation the IS300H matches the in-gear numbers….So what on earth are car reviewers going on about when they complain about the performance of the IS300H ?? I also did a quick blast around the local B roads, and as you can see the road handling of the IS300H is fab, slightly short on steering feel, but much better than our old Civic. Though the engine noise isn’t great, and the ‘fake’ engine noise generator is even worse, but you can tell the chassis of the IS has been set-up well. And dare I say it, comparing unmodified to unmodified, the IS300H's handling/ride is more fun and more compliant than my E90 BMW 335i!! :) It's just a shame Lexus haven't don't sell the IS350 here in the UK, because when paired up to a proper power train, I think the IS will be very hard to beat... A new hybrid IS-F tuned for performance would be very very nice, and I think would challenge the M3 as the ultimate sports saloon...Come on Lexus, just build the thing:flowers: So in summary any one ‘concerned’ about a lack performance for the IS300H shouldn’t be….Ignore the magazine reviews, and go test drive one for your self. It’s no-sports car, but it’s certainly just as good interms of performance as the journalist favourite 320D…Except you don’t have the clatter of the diesel engine, and don’t need to worry about turbos/timing chains failing. But if you really want a quick/fun ’sports’ saloon/car, the petrol engine still rule (maybe with the exception of a Tesla S)…and Lexus do offer the RC-F, hopefully a new IS-F :)

It shouldn't be allowed. As a coach builder you are a very skilled man, as skilled as any of the professional professions ie solicitors, barristers, accountants etc down your way and they never go short in the wages dept. We have spent many a happy family holiday on the beaches of South Devon. Mike

As promised here's the pics, bit more of a 'shine' than the OEM paint but still pleased with them.

IS200t is coming out later this year if Im not mistaken - 235hp and enough torque to match the IS350 - expect 0-60 in 6.5s. Its going to make the IS350 obsolete if not careful!

Thanks everyone for your responses. I've spoken to be nearest dealer and organised a test drive in early May as I'm out of the country for most of April. Would be interesting to see how a 300H deals with the drive from the UK to Spain. I've just watched Ganzoom's videos (I think it was his) on the performance of the IS300H and it seems sufficient. If Lexus want to do me a good trade in on my E-Class (sufficient to pay off the finance), I could be very tempted with one. I believe Lexus is offering 2% APR on AUC at the moment which is better than the 9% i'm currently paying. Also looks like extended warranty costs with Lexus are half the price of Mercedes. Do Lexus do Service plans? I currently pay about £38 a month for 4 services over 3 years. My Mercedes requires a service every 15K miles. Simon

Had a mate who owned one back in the early 80's smooth ride, and I think they look great. For a car that came out 30 years before the 400, it is quite a thing of the future. Who knows, maybe in 2040 there will someone out there with a LS400 that is worth a mint!!!!! ...and how they will laugh at the Satnav and that "ye olde ancient CD player and cassette slot"

Have fun guys....wish I was there but I shall be sunning myself in Dubai whilst you lot drool over Chris' RCF.

three cheap simple mods you can do is the SUCK , BANG , BLOW suck as in getting an induction kit or good sport panel filter, bang as in fitting performance(irridium denso) spark splugs and ignition leads blow as in fitting a catback or full exhaust system which can only yield about 10 -15 bhp which you wont really feel on the road but the thing with these mods is they can sometimes lead to loss of power/slugishness if not done properly or right aftermarket parts not used. I agree with above only way to get the Tezza pulling is forced air induction(Turbo/Supercharge) but thats if you willling to spend that kind of money and also finding an excelllent tuner who could fit parts and map the ECU... people also forget its not all about engine output I mean RS200 is not a slow car 210 bhp is good. sometimes investing in good suspension not necessarily lowering springs but performance springs, good grippy tires, performance brake pads and discs, sport clutch and lighter flywheel can make a less horse power car handle rapidly around very tight corners and brake very late for bends etc which can help keep up with say a Subaru making 300bhp. just for fun watch what the Corrola AE86 predecessor of the new Toyota GT86 does to the Nissan Skyline... was all down to good car balance and high revs.

Theres a link here off the Euro LOC Dan http://www.is200.nl/videos/2006.10.28_-_Dump_Valve.wmv Stav