Lexus IS300 hybrid or BMW?
Discussion
I was all set on getting a 3 series diesel or petrol (I had ruled out hybrid as heard they were very thirsty after the fuel kicked in and battery was out of guarantee at 60k) but saw some IS300 hybrids on for my budget (up to 15k for a 17/18 plate). I used to have a is200 15 years ago and really liked it although it was pricey to run.
Has anyone any experience of the new models especially
Running costs
Reliability
Driving experience
Concerns over hybrid - eg cost of replacing battery/range etc.
And whether the bmw is still the better option?
Has anyone any experience of the new models especially
Running costs
Reliability
Driving experience
Concerns over hybrid - eg cost of replacing battery/range etc.
And whether the bmw is still the better option?
You're opening a can of worms here!
I have the RC version with the same mechanics etc. It really depends on what sort of driver you are, and whether you want to press on, or waft.
Don't buy if you want to do the former. Having said that, you have to learn how to adapt to driving a hybrid to get the best out of them. Yes, they rev and seem to go nowhere if you stamp on the throttle, but once you learn how to do it, it's easy.
A short test drive isn't the way to learn, and that's why the driving experience is a negative response from the likes of Clarkson.
Try to get a 24 hour test drive first from a Lexus dealership.
As far as running costs, an annual service is all it will cost you. Nothing goes wrong! And, if by any remote chance it does, the extended warranty you can purchase will cover virtually everything until 10 years, or 140,000 miles.
My road tax is £20 per annum.
The hybrid battery pack and drive is warranted for 15 years provided it has the annual hybrid test. Free when serviced by Lexus, or £59 if you have it serviced independently, but want to keep that warranty up.
Try one, and be converted. The only people that knock the way they drive, are those that haven't owned one. Just like Skoda were 20 years ago.
I have the RC version with the same mechanics etc. It really depends on what sort of driver you are, and whether you want to press on, or waft.
Don't buy if you want to do the former. Having said that, you have to learn how to adapt to driving a hybrid to get the best out of them. Yes, they rev and seem to go nowhere if you stamp on the throttle, but once you learn how to do it, it's easy.
A short test drive isn't the way to learn, and that's why the driving experience is a negative response from the likes of Clarkson.
Try to get a 24 hour test drive first from a Lexus dealership.
As far as running costs, an annual service is all it will cost you. Nothing goes wrong! And, if by any remote chance it does, the extended warranty you can purchase will cover virtually everything until 10 years, or 140,000 miles.
My road tax is £20 per annum.
The hybrid battery pack and drive is warranted for 15 years provided it has the annual hybrid test. Free when serviced by Lexus, or £59 if you have it serviced independently, but want to keep that warranty up.
Try one, and be converted. The only people that knock the way they drive, are those that haven't owned one. Just like Skoda were 20 years ago.
Very helpful. I am thinking of buying a second hand IS that will probably have 50k or so on the clock. Are the batteries guaranteed as well as the car - I wasn’t sure? And i presume I can still extend the warranty even if not bought from new?
Also - what sort of range do they have and is it mega thirsty once that runs out?
Sorry for all the questions!
Also - what sort of range do they have and is it mega thirsty once that runs out?
Sorry for all the questions!
Yes, batteries as well as the car.
Warranty. If you purchase from a Lexus dealership, then 1 year included. If private or an independent purchase, you should be able to renew as long as full Lexus service history has been maintained. They will/may extend after an inspection if not.
Range is only about a mile on a fully charged battery, but the electric motor cuts in and out seamlesly when driving. No plug in available.
I average about 50 mpg no matter how I drive it.
The beauty of the engineering is there's no alternator, no cam belt, no clutch, no pdf, no starter motor etc, that would cost a fortune on a diesel car.
Warranty. If you purchase from a Lexus dealership, then 1 year included. If private or an independent purchase, you should be able to renew as long as full Lexus service history has been maintained. They will/may extend after an inspection if not.
Range is only about a mile on a fully charged battery, but the electric motor cuts in and out seamlesly when driving. No plug in available.
I average about 50 mpg no matter how I drive it.
The beauty of the engineering is there's no alternator, no cam belt, no clutch, no pdf, no starter motor etc, that would cost a fortune on a diesel car.
Test drive one & see if you like the CVT gearbox it's been a deal breaker for some of my client's, personally once you get used to them they're not too bad but given the option I'd take a regular auto.
With that in mind you can get a hybrid BMW:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...
Or this is the model I find for people who don't like the CVT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101188...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101137...
You can get a service plan with Nissan & a warranty (with an inspection if the car doesn't have FSH) I have a client with three Q70's with the same drivetrain all with over 100k on the clock with no issues.
With that in mind you can get a hybrid BMW:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...
Or this is the model I find for people who don't like the CVT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101188...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011065...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101137...
You can get a service plan with Nissan & a warranty (with an inspection if the car doesn't have FSH) I have a client with three Q70's with the same drivetrain all with over 100k on the clock with no issues.
Our IS300 Advance goes back on Thursday and will be replaced with a 330e.
The Lexus has been fantastic, its a great drive with no issues from me with the CVT gearbox, just turned over 91k on a 67 plate with the only issue being a wheel bearing, the sat nav is crap but we use Waze on the phone. Its pretty quick, very comfy - I average about 45mpg with the wife getting 50mpg.
Would I buy one? yes
Why the 330e next? new technology and better company car tax.
The Lexus has been fantastic, its a great drive with no issues from me with the CVT gearbox, just turned over 91k on a 67 plate with the only issue being a wheel bearing, the sat nav is crap but we use Waze on the phone. Its pretty quick, very comfy - I average about 45mpg with the wife getting 50mpg.
Would I buy one? yes
Why the 330e next? new technology and better company car tax.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff