Going to look at an IS300h, suggestions?

v240gltse

Hi all,

I am going to look at a 132 lexus is300h and was wondering what i need to look out for in terms of checking the Hybrid system and anything else that comes to mind?.

I'am familiar with the older IS200 also if anyone has one would they recommend them ?

thank in advance

brendan

colm_mcm

One thing that seems to happen a lot is when you look at a few of them, you can get bewildered by all the different specs. I would seriously try and figure out what the must-have items are for you.

The UK is the only way to go with these by the way


Seat wear on the drivers bolster is very common by the way. Mechanically I don’t think there’s much to worry about.

Dia1988

The IS300H is a very enjoyable car to drive and own. Stylish and not as common as 3series, C Class etc.
You'll notice a lot more road/wheel noise given the silent engine and electric mode.
Don't be fooled by it's hybrid credentials, although a great system the fuel consumption is only fair enough. Then again it is a sports sedan. It has a cramped boot opening and getting anything like a bicycle is near impossible, it's a pity that Lexus never made an estate version of the IS300H.
It has a button that plays an exhaust note through the speakers in line with acceleration in hybrid mode. Also, try not to get the standard alloys as they look too small for the car but then are the most fuel efficient. Lexus after sales service is one of the best out there too even after warranty has expired.
Over all though a very enjoyable car.

peter barrins

This post has been deleted.

viperirl

I bought one just over a week ago. I took a few extensive test drives before deciding on it. The youtube reviews from the motoring journalists seem a bit divided on the car but read any user reviews of the car and owners are generally happy with the car.

I traded in my 162 3 series diesel for it and very pleased so far. It's a very refined and smooth drive and considerably more comfortable than a 3 series in my opinion. Not the quickest car by any means, I'll miss the torque of the diesel but the Lexus has more of a smooth and continuous acceleration as opposed to the kick in the back feel you get with a turbo diesel.
The Lexus feels more planted on the road and part of that is probably due to the extra weight of the car. I much prefer the steering of the Lexus too, the 3 series steering for me always felt too twitchy - maybe that was down the harder suspension.

Cabin interior quality is very high finish, even if the design is bit more 'messy' than the simpler restrained 3 series interior.
Exterior is very striking and while the Lexus styling may divide opinion, my 3 series parked next to it looked a bit plain and dated. Best part of the experience is the quietness of the car. No more diesel clatter or vibration. The 2.5L petrol engine kicks in and out seamlessly and you'd barely notice it. The eCVT gearbox can get a bit loud if you floor the throttle but that's rarely the way I drive anyway so it wasn't much of an issue for me. The car feels at its best on the motorway, it just glides along like a flying carpet.

If comfort, refinement, striking looks and reliability is of importance then I'd recommend a few test drives. No more DPF, high pressure fuel pumps, turbo or injectors to worry about.

On the models themselves, they renamed the tiers recently but I'd recommend to go for either of the top 2 - Premium or Luxury specs. The F-sport spec is an alternative but the suspension on that is harder from what I've read - never drove one though.