Lexus content - IS300h
Discussion
New (to me) company car; IS300h F sport, yes it has a CVT transmission and fake noise piped in when in "sport" mode but after just 3 days it is a revelation! Incredibly smooth, rapid in day to day commuting traffic and supremely comfortable. Fantastic spec includes ventilated seats, premium navigation, Mark Levinson hifi and the build quality is exemplary.
Another plus is that it has pretty much halved my BIK and even whilst still learning about hybrid driving - it is the only car i have had where the mpg rises when in stop start traffic!
I am thinking the money saved will go towards a replacement S2000 for weekends....
Another plus is that it has pretty much halved my BIK and even whilst still learning about hybrid driving - it is the only car i have had where the mpg rises when in stop start traffic!
I am thinking the money saved will go towards a replacement S2000 for weekends....
They are definitely a divisive design, but in the metal they look pretty striking in F sport guise and they are pretty rare in comparison with other brands.
The interior is snug (in a good way that you are part of the car) with a very low driving position and the seats are not actually as red as the photo looks it's called rose leather. Also unlike the Merc i had prior it is real and soft leather not "artico"...
Very pleased with it so far!
The interior is snug (in a good way that you are part of the car) with a very low driving position and the seats are not actually as red as the photo looks it's called rose leather. Also unlike the Merc i had prior it is real and soft leather not "artico"...
Very pleased with it so far!
Considering the number of Prius taxis near me, I wouldn't worry about battery pack longevity. Taxi drivers tend to suss out what's reliable and what isn't before the test of us do.
I like the idea of a Lexus IS, and I'd certainly consider one if I were a company car driver.
I like the idea of a Lexus IS, and I'd certainly consider one if I were a company car driver.
Edited by blearyeyedboy on Wednesday 20th July 11:28
Hoofy said:
I was tempted by one last year. The only thing that got me concerned is the cost of replacing the battery system when it eventually goes. Any thoughts?
Battery is warrantied for 5 years & supposed to last the lifetime of the car - i suppose in this day and age that could be what 15 to 20 years max. Lexus don't put a number on it but some the early Prius' are this age now and owners report still going strong. Also as technology progresses things like this will be become considerably cheaper to replace i expect.AdamC28 said:
I like it. I did consider one for crawling through Birmingham city centre traffic daily, may return to the idea at some point.
They are actually more fun than i expected outside of the city traffic. Things like setting off for gaps at a roundabout or from lights - the power is instant - no wheel slip and it launches. The Merc before had stop/start and diesel lag then when floored the traction control would cut in from the big torque. The IS is really linear in it's power delivery and being a 2.5 petrol it actually likes to be rung out (despite the cvt)patmahe said:
I'd have one of these in a heartbeat over the equivalent offering from BMW/Audi, don't know if I'd pick white as the colour, but its not my car.
Congrats and enjoy.
Agreed white is hard to keep clean - black or titanium with red interior would be nice - there were none in this spec for me unfortunately! Congrats and enjoy.
ST270 said:
Hoofy said:
I was tempted by one last year. The only thing that got me concerned is the cost of replacing the battery system when it eventually goes. Any thoughts?
Battery is warrantied for 5 years & supposed to last the lifetime of the car - i suppose in this day and age that could be what 15 to 20 years max. Lexus don't put a number on it but some the early Prius' are this age now and owners report still going strong. Also as technology progresses things like this will be become considerably cheaper to replace i expect.
Vitorio said:
I do very much like the IS.
Bit of a shame that the 300h uses an i4 when they have a same capacity v6 in the 250, but i guess hybrid systems take up space as well (and an i4 might be slightly more economical, which would be the point of a hybrid)
Keeps the Co2 levels and the BIK down with an i4 tooBit of a shame that the 300h uses an i4 when they have a same capacity v6 in the 250, but i guess hybrid systems take up space as well (and an i4 might be slightly more economical, which would be the point of a hybrid)
Two friends have the same. One is the same spec white with red leather as above The other is black with black interior.
Very comfortable places to sit and long journeys don't tire you out. Enough grunt to keep you swiftly moving along and the stop start is a welcome addition especially in heavy city traffic.
The only thing I can think of that mayb might be an issue for some is the headroom isn't the best in the back. But in its favour, the headroom is better than the new Jag XE.
Very comfortable places to sit and long journeys don't tire you out. Enough grunt to keep you swiftly moving along and the stop start is a welcome addition especially in heavy city traffic.
The only thing I can think of that mayb might be an issue for some is the headroom isn't the best in the back. But in its favour, the headroom is better than the new Jag XE.
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