LordByronUK

I couldn't agree more about Lexus making a huge mistake not bringing the 2022 refreshed IS to the UK market, they clearly didn't do their homework as there is big demand now, they screwed up big time on this. I've even spoke to several dealerships on the issue and all say it was a very strange decision as people are always asking/demanding for IS300h vehicles. I was told though that the all new IS will be coming back. Thing is, what harm could it have done to make the refreshed IS available here even just for say 3-6 months to give it a try, I mean they already build the right hand drive version in Japan, they just need to put the things on a bloody boat and job done!

Thanks for all the info guys, really informative and is definitely helping my decision. Glad to hear about the throttle, that's pretty much how it is in my IS300h, after going hard in Sport mode for a few seconds, it is seriously responsive after that until I ease off, seems like typical Lexus transmission programming then...

The car did respond much better once I switched to manual mode, like night/day! I was just surprised an RCF wasn't more responsive in Sport+ auto mode, but maybe I wasn't driving hard enough... Yeah I do need to driver another one perhaps. Yes I said to them they've got to investigate the creaky armrest, because that certainly was not normal in any Lexus I've ever driven or had. I suspect the armrest just needs replacing, but it concerns me in general there are more issues like this with the first model year. Such as shame though as the car was in fantastic condition overall... thanks

Hey guys, I'm seriously considering a 2014 RCF on sale right now, but am worried about buying one of the first batch ever to arrive in the UK . Despite being Lexus approved, it has a few build quality issues on the interior (arm rest and center console littered with creaks). Also experienced bad throttle lag on the test drive, thought I was in normal mode only to my surprise was actually in Sport+ . Could this be the laggy throttle fuel pump issue I see discussed on earlier models? Would love to know your thoughts, am I being overly paranoid, is it a risk buying a 2014 model, are there lots of early issues that got ironed out in 2015/16? The car is actually in great condition though and only 33k miles...

All Lexus UX that I have driven (about 5 now including 300e) have a terrible door rattle both driver and passenger side when playing loud music with the bass turned up, it's pretty shocking and even the dealership acknowledged it's a design flaw.

Does anyone know if the "Revised Active Sound System" listed there attempt to compensate for the slightly muffled exhaust in the 2018 models?

Yes it's very frustrating, there's a lot to desire in the post 2018 models in terms of exterior/interior/tech, but such a shame they have hobbled it slightly with that particulate filter. Damn regulations!

Trying to decide if I should get a post or prior 2018 RCF. My big question right now is how much difference/worse does the new particulate filter make to the exhaust sound of 2018 and above models? Also, I noticed as well because of the filter, 2018+ models are slightly down on power and torque on UK models, is it noticeable though? cheers!

0-60 in the IS is actually better than the ES, so I imagine it's just the throttle response that gives the perception of it being faster, but the ES is a slower car than the IS

My IS300h has had a creaking sound when driving/maneuvering at low speeds for a while now (happens are driving for about 10 mins), but it's definitely getting a lot worse of late. I don't think it's the suspension as I've wobbled the car around stationary and heard nothing. It's definitely a creak and not a squeak. Could this be another variation of the brakepad issues I see people complaining about? It also happens when the car isn't even going over bumps, so more evidence it could be break/wheel related. cheers

Also the wobbly center console was a real shocker to me as the old NX is rock solid stable and build quality seems better. Given the price, I'm personally a bit disappointed 😞

I find most of the lag is related to transmission programming. If you switch to Sport mode and go into manual shift mode, get on the flappy paddles and the lag is gone and the throttle is very predictable. You can also reduce lag by quickly pushing down slightly on the throttle quickly a few times to temporarily program the automatic transmission programming. I agree completely the lag is bull**** and not necessary, I think it was done for fuel economy. I heard they fixed this in the latest 2020 300h model. Shame they no longer sell it here, but the least they could do is give us a free throttle mapping or ECU update...

Has anyone ever heard/had a ticking noise (quite high frequency) coming from the driver side dash? It doesn't always happen, but mostly happens when the dash is warmer (i.e been sitting in the sun). It happens initially for about 10 mins when revving the engine and going over road that isn't perfectly smooth. The tick seems to emminate from around the speaker grill or in front of the instrument binnacle. Thanks!

Wow great replies guys, really enjoyed reading all your mini RCF reviews. It has certainly given me a lot to think about, many thanks!

Thanks for all the great replies everyone much appreciated! I can get up to 550-600 miles out if a full tank in warmer weather, but I hardly ever fill up a full tank. So 400 miles range in an RCF is just about enough I'd say for a short daily commuting. Yes the noise is the other main thing that attracts me to any V8 car, just love it. I think you've all just moved me one step closer to my RCF dreams, that and my growing distain for EVs, which I'm no longer convinced by!! Now I just need to find one close enough for a test drive 🙂 thanks all