DanD

I like the rear and the twin exhausts - I wish these were available on the hybrid version, same as I wish the exhausts tips of the 200T were the same on the IS300h. Especially since you have visible exhaust tips on the RC300h...

Rather than modify the bumper, can you not just fit one from a 200T and add chrome tips to the existing 300h twin exhausts?

Yes, that's true enough.

I use the CC as often as possible and love it. So much more relaxing. I just wish it doubled up as a speed limiter, as in my other car.

I had the opportunity to drive a pre-facelift GS300h some months ago, and it felt anything but slow. It's a very nice car to travel in, and to some extend more refined than the IS as it is quieter. The only criticism I had was that it looked rather bland and boring for a car of that price... but this was corrected with the facelift.

Congratulations! Would be interested in your views of the Hedge End dealership. I always go on about how brilliant they are and it would be good to hear if others think the same!

It's very handy when in stop starts traffic, as it activates the handbrake automatically when the car comes to a stop: you can leave the car in Drive (D) without having to keep your foot on the brake pedal. You just need to depress the accelerator pedal when you want to get moving again.

I think it would be naïve to assume that manufacturers are not doing anything about this: they have a lot to loose by ignoring such a problem. The issue is to keep ahead of the fraudsters. One key issue here, is that while your car's security may be up-to-date when it comes out of the factory, it remains largely unchanged from that point on and soon becomes obsolete, while in the meantime the fraudsters' knowledge increases and they have access to more and more sophisticated (and often cheap!) tools. Keeping a car's security systems up to date would require constant updates and be uneconomical - if indeed possible. Assuming it is possible, maybe car owners should be given the option to pay for upgrades... like they do for satnav updates. It would be interesting to see just how many people would be willing to pay for these, as opposed to how many people would just... take the chance.

See this thread: http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/109339-steering-wheel-refurb/ They may refurbish gear knobs as well as steering wheels...

Simple test: once in READY mode, and before the engine kicks in, switch the fan off (this will turn off heating and aircon). You should find that the car stays (longer) in EV. I use this technique when I want to make a quiet escape early in the morning.

I love it. My only concern is that it looks very low!

I love it. It looks great. How much?

Carrying a set of spare bulbs is a recommendation only, not a rule that is enforced or subject to a fine. However you MUST carry: To the best of my knowledge the only items you MUST carry with you if you do not want to be fined are: Reflective jackets (at least one, and it is recommended you have one for each occupant, these must be kept inside the vehicle within easy reach) Warning triangle (compulsory in every vehicle with 4 wheels or more) Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually) Breathalysers/alcohol test (as of January 2013 the French government announced that the introduction of an €11 fine for not carrying one has been postponed indefinitely) A GB sticker (or euro plates featuring the GB initials) Also worth noting: radar detectors are illegal. You are not even allowed to carry one switched off. Details here: http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/france-monaco.pdf and here: http://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/france/

We have the 2 litre turbo (I've just bought one) although I was told they were stopping production here ! I believe they are stopping production of the Sport trim (not F-Sport) as opposed as the 2 litre turbo.

Chris, is this ultra blue, or azure blue?

I have a theory that I am unable to verify but that some of you may be able to comment on.. Have you noticed how Japanese imports often (always?) sport an aftermarket rear fog light? My theory is that in far eastern markets (and possibly others), there is no legal requirement for rear fog lights. Such cars (see pic) have twin reversing lights. However, in order to comply with European legislation, one of the reversing lights gets converted into a fog lamp, without impact to the overall design of the car.

I have a theory that I am unable to verify but that some of you may be able to comment on.. Have you noticed how Japanese imports often (always?) sport an aftermarket rear fog light? My theory is that in far eastern markets (and possibly others), there is no legal requirement for rear fog lights. Such cars (see pic) have twin reversing lights. However, in order to comply with European legislation, one of the reversing lights gets converted into a fog lamp, without impact to the overall design of the car.

This reminds me of a prank some friends played on me some years ago: they attached a kipper to the exhaust box of my car... now that was bad... It took me a little while to realize that the smell came from my car and by then the kipper had fused to the box and could not get peeled off. Thankfully it rained a couple of days later and driving through puddles cleaned it off. Who needs friends!? :-)

1 or 2 rear fog lights... does it really matter? - I regularly drive in snowy and foggy weather when visiting relatives in southern Bavaria, and I can't say that I have ever had a panic attack as to whether the light is on the right, the left, or whether there are one or two. If this is an issue, I would suggest that you are driving far too close. Ultimately, the fog light is to let you know that there is vehicle ahead of you and that you should be cautious. Whatever the vehicle. I have to admit that, until now I had not even given it any thought, but now that I have, I think I prefer the single light option so that the fog lights are not confused with brake lamps. Now, what REALLY gets MY goat are people driving around with their front fog lights and, even worse in my opinion, people who drive with only their side/parking lights on. My view is that driving with only with parking lights on is dangerous and that you should not rely on tiny bulbs for other drivers to notice you. (there is a reason why they are called parking lights) Discuss. :-) Good week end to all.

Probably a silly question, but are you sure the smell was from the car and did not get sucked in from outside? - I am just surprised that if it came from the car, it should disappear...

Dealer phoned yesterday and confirmed that the claim has been accepted. car will be going in on 30/09. Lexus deliver again! Trying to secure a RC as a loan car as it is the only Lexus I have not yet driven apart from the LS...

I was lucky enough to be given a demo RX450h Premier as a courtesy car for two days last week, whilst my trusted RX was in for its MOT. I loved.... - the looks... although I wish the front end was a little more different from the NX. Unfortunately, it seems a common trend that all models within the same brand look very (too?) similar: Jag XE and XF are a prime example of this - the build quality, internal design and colour scheme (this car had cream leather with cream/chocolate brown dash and doors) - the noise insulation: I thought my 2009 RX450h was quiet, but the new model takes "quiet" to another level - the performance... not dissimilar from the previous model, but with the car being so quiet you seem to reach high speeds with very little drama and you keep having to check the speedo (HUD very handy!) - the supreme comfort... although I found the seat base a bit flat and lacking in support. This may change over time - the (adjustable) Head Up Display - just brilliant - the huge screen and its clarity - the fuel economy: I achieved 35mpg, whilst my own car barely manages 30mpg on the same journey - the clarity and power of the sound system - the all-round camera - the adaptive cruise control - the excellent LED headlights Not sure about... - the seats were very comfortable, but I felt I was sitting "on" them, rather than "in" them. I suspect that they would give over time. I also suspect that the ventilation and heating system may contribute to the firmness - the large screen emphasizes the old fashioned satnav graphics - voice control has not evolved and is still useless - the rear door (hatch / boot) is slow... sooo slow to go up and down... and noisy - sound system is very clear but sounds... flat and soul-less. Some tweaking of the settings is required - good parking camera... but no self-parking? you get this on a Focus or a Golf these days for not a lot of money Would I buy one? - Yes because of the design in and out, the image, the quality, the running costs, the gadgets and the proven reliability and after care of the Lexus brand - No because of the missed opportunities, the - still - outdated satnav, the - still - cumbersome rear door, some lack in equipment (climate controls in the back for instance...) Overall, yes I would definitely buy one. Even if the car is not perfect (is there such a thing), the overall Lexus ownership experience does it for me.

Same here.

Yes: While the car was in for its MOT late last week, I asked the dealer to look into it and they did some research internally. They have put forward a warranty claim and which is now waiting for approval. I should know more later in the week.

There are some IS200T owners on the forum. In the search field on the top right, enter IS200T and make sure you select "this forum"... this will bring up a few threads.