Anyone any experiences of Lexus?
Discussion
I'm driving a 2001 IS200 right now & it really is a nice car except underpowered for such a well balanced chassis. If it had a small V8 and 350+ HP it would be a demon!
This one has over 135K on the clock & you seriously feel like yr on the eurostar it's so f'in quiet! Even if yr doin 90+ (4000 rpm on the V6) it is soooo smooth & quiet and not a squeak or rattle to be heard from the quite high mileage. Of course they have a high level of toys on board so they certainly pitch at the Euro saloon buyer.
It's not a softie though - nice sporty feel & involving drive on the twisty stuff - 8/10 my score and the 2 missing are simply due my love of more powerful beasts.
Been my first experience of Lexus & I can say that I'd certaily look at a good value 2nd hand one in the future if they had a bit extra neddies - could be a great second car.
This one has over 135K on the clock & you seriously feel like yr on the eurostar it's so f'in quiet! Even if yr doin 90+ (4000 rpm on the V6) it is soooo smooth & quiet and not a squeak or rattle to be heard from the quite high mileage. Of course they have a high level of toys on board so they certainly pitch at the Euro saloon buyer.
It's not a softie though - nice sporty feel & involving drive on the twisty stuff - 8/10 my score and the 2 missing are simply due my love of more powerful beasts.
Been my first experience of Lexus & I can say that I'd certaily look at a good value 2nd hand one in the future if they had a bit extra neddies - could be a great second car.
Edited by hsvgtscoupe on Sunday 11th November 00:21
I had the use of a LS400 which was a company car when I was doing my Aberdeen trips. I had the car for three months as a daily driver and I was very impressed with the quality. This model had the big 4 litre vee eight with switchable transmission and it was a torquey bugger. Fuel returned between 18-24 but it was a really smooth drive and silent too with wind noise only becoming a problem at around the ton. I really wanted to buy one then but was put off by its boring house-brick shape and people calling them a posh Toyota or poor mans' Mercedes. IMO they are better than the Mercedes. On the Ultima forums the V8 has been used with a pair of turbos with great success as the engine is strong and likes a bit of boost, ask the question over there if you are interested. I rate them.
I had a Supercharged IS200 for 3 years - it is in my profile I think. Put 100,000 miles on it and all it ever needed where the service items and tyres. Build quality was excellent and until I supercharged it the car was whisper quiet. Dealers - especially Reading - were brialliant and parts and servicing was also very cheap compared to its rivals.
My Dad has had a MKIII LS400 for 2 years and although it is not the most dynamic piece of design, in my opioinon it is far more refined than a Jag, Merc or BMW.
All that being said, I would not touch a new IS as there are far too many issues surrounding leaks, interior rattles and break downs. There seems to be little or no issues with the new GS or LS though. And I don't think you can call the new LS a house brick. Again in my opinon, it is a stunning car.
My Dad has had a MKIII LS400 for 2 years and although it is not the most dynamic piece of design, in my opioinon it is far more refined than a Jag, Merc or BMW.
All that being said, I would not touch a new IS as there are far too many issues surrounding leaks, interior rattles and break downs. There seems to be little or no issues with the new GS or LS though. And I don't think you can call the new LS a house brick. Again in my opinon, it is a stunning car.
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