Lexus RC300H

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Discussion

keo

Original Poster:

2,243 posts

177 months

Friday 22nd September 2023
quotequote all
I have been looking online at these over the last few days. Can’t find much real owners perspective on them though. Any owners here? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I would be using it for 20k a year mainly motorway driving for work. I understand they look sporty (I think they are stunning) but really don’t drive like they look. This is fine for me I want comfort, reliability, quality and economy. I have an Exige in the garage for fun. I’m a big fan of the two car garage and buy cars suited to the job.

The later the model the better the spec I have read. How about range? What miles can I expect from a tank. I’d really want 500+ ideally. So if they have a small range that would probably be a no go.

Thanks!

Ps if you have one, please post pics!

andy43

10,589 posts

261 months

Friday 22nd September 2023
quotequote all
Might be worth a read here
https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum/181-...
Lots of activity and knowledge on there.
Bet there’s nothing that goes wrong with them!

keo

Original Poster:

2,243 posts

177 months

Friday 22nd September 2023
quotequote all
andy43 said:
Might be worth a read here
https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum/181-...
Lots of activity and knowledge on there.
Bet there’s nothing that goes wrong with them!
Thanks I have had a look on there some good stuff but not much up to date.

Tabs

996 posts

279 months

Saturday 23rd September 2023
quotequote all
I have an RC300h Luxury. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Sports version. Engine and suspension are the same, main difference being 18 inch wheels as against the 19 on the Sports. Look at the photos on Autotrader.
I've had mine for 4 years, and have driven Toyota Hybrids for 15 years. You have to learn how to drive these, and not listen to experts who haven't driven them, or been on a 30 minute test drive.
Yes, the engine note does flare if you accelerate hard, and, if you need to, as long as you keep under that point, progress is swift. Driving normally is very relaxing, and the box encourages this.
Driving on a country road can be enjoyable using the paddles, as you can use them to hold a gear and slow for corners etc. Obviously nothing like your Exige! It's very wide too, sometimes causing you to breathe in if something wide comes towards you!
You'll easily attain 500+ miles per tank. I average 47 mpg in winter, and 53 in summer.
Build wise, it is beautifully put together, with many attentions to detail.
The infotainment system comes in for some stick, but once I set mine as I want it, I rarely fiddle with it.
Satnav is carp, use your phone.
The doors are very wide and heavy, and need plenty of opening space, but is easier than your Exige!
Boot is quite large and long, but the opening not so. A child seat for example will not go through the opening. No spare in there either, just goo and a pump.
Nothing has gone wrong on my 2016 model, with just 1 visit per year to the dealer for service. They do need servicing every 10k or annually to take advantage of the Relax warranty, and you can purchase an extra couple of years warranty after the the 10 years of Relax.
Looks wise, as you know, it's gorgeous, and garners many admiring looks.
In 4 years, I've only seen 4 others in the wild. They're very rare.
Anything else, just ask!
(After owning one of these, and your Exige, you'll lust after an LC500. You've been warned!!!)

keo

Original Poster:

2,243 posts

177 months

Saturday 23rd September 2023
quotequote all
Thanks Tabs that was exactly the reply I was looking for. Sounds perfect for me. I should have mentioned I like the rarity factor as well I always like to have something different.

Funny you mention the LC500 they are stunning I have seen a few at my local Lexus garage when I have been out running. Even I (and I consider myself an expert in this field haha) couldn’t get the man maths to work on a LC500 and keeping the Exige unfortunately!

Tabs

996 posts

279 months

Saturday 23rd September 2023
quotequote all
Glad I could help. With a Lexus dealer nearby, try and get an extended test drive. Even if you can't get one in an RC, try an IS300h, the saloon version. Exactly the same mechanicals, just 2 extra doors!
The dealers are normally very obliging, mine at Coventry especially so. Good luck.
I used to have an ISF that was like driving a fighter plane. The RC300h is like being in Concorde....

mph

2,344 posts

289 months

Wednesday 31st January
quotequote all
Tabs said:
I have an RC300h Luxury. Doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Sports version. Engine and suspension are the same, main difference being 18 inch wheels as against the 19 on the Sports. Look at the photos on Autotrader.
I've had mine for 4 years, and have driven Toyota Hybrids for 15 years. You have to learn how to drive these, and not listen to experts who haven't driven them, or been on a 30 minute test drive.
Yes, the engine note does flare if you accelerate hard, and, if you need to, as long as you keep under that point, progress is swift. Driving normally is very relaxing, and the box encourages this.
Driving on a country road can be enjoyable using the paddles, as you can use them to hold a gear and slow for corners etc. Obviously nothing like your Exige! It's very wide too, sometimes causing you to breathe in if something wide comes towards you!
You'll easily attain 500+ miles per tank. I average 47 mpg in winter, and 53 in summer.
Build wise, it is beautifully put together, with many attentions to detail.
The infotainment system comes in for some stick, but once I set mine as I want it, I rarely fiddle with it.
Satnav is carp, use your phone.
The doors are very wide and heavy, and need plenty of opening space, but is easier than your Exige!
Boot is quite large and long, but the opening not so. A child seat for example will not go through the opening. No spare in there either, just goo and a pump.
Nothing has gone wrong on my 2016 model, with just 1 visit per year to the dealer for service. They do need servicing every 10k or annually to take advantage of the Relax warranty, and you can purchase an extra couple of years warranty after the the 10 years of Relax.
Looks wise, as you know, it's gorgeous, and garners many admiring looks.
In 4 years, I've only seen 4 others in the wild. They're very rare.
Anything else, just ask!
(After owning one of these, and your Exige, you'll lust after an LC500. You've been warned!!!)
What an excellent mini-review. I took this on board before going for a test drive and I'm pleased I did.

I've since bought a 2019 model with the Takumi pack and am really pleased with it. I'm not managing to match your 47mpg yet but am currently at 42mpg average and it's still increasing. Having said that the weather has been pretty awful since I got it and heated seats, steering wheel etc. have been in almost constant use.

I'd almost buy it for the looks alone - I think it's one of the best looking coupes out there and it gets more attention and compliments than I was expecting.

Until I started looking seriously I wasn't aware of the Lexus 10 year warranty either. What a great product.

You're also right about the LC500. I'd never seen one until I went to the dealers, what a fabulous looking car. I want one !

Edited by mph on Wednesday 31st January 22:01