Should You Buy a LEXUS IS300h? (Test Drive & Review)
Vložit
- čas přidán 31. 03. 2020
- If you're interested in getting into the used car industry, check out the website below for more information on my online course. It's only £27 per month with biweekly livestreams! There are nearly 100 videos covering a whole range of topics. Plus you can cancel at any time. Click below.
Visit www.highpeakautosacademy.com or click this link bit.ly/3rNtNhG
Today I'm driving a 2016 Lexus IS300h. I'm a big fan of the two previous generation Lexus (Lexi?)... Let's see if this one is as good.
I'd be grateful if you could give the video a thumbs up and don't forget to subscribe if you're new to the channel!
Check out my website: www.highpeakautosltd.co.uk
Check out the HIGH PEAK store: www.highpeakstore.co.uk
Check out the ReInverted Podcast: www.reinverted.com/podcast/ep...
This Lexus is for sale here: www.nickfordatromileygarage.c...
Follow Me:
Instagram - / highpeakautos
Facebook - / highpeakautos
Twitter - / highpeakautos
Patreon: / highpeakautos
Equipment I Use To Make These Videos:
Main GoPro: amzn.to/2EAow5V
Main Camera: amzn.to/2VTKXc2
Microphone: amzn.to/2EAUwqu
Lav Mic: amzn.to/2EzvwA5
Laptop: amzn.to/2EywmNg
Secondary GoPro: amzn.to/2JEX76S
#lexus #lexusis #lexusis300h #highpeakautos - Auta a dopravní prostředky
A 2019 IS300h is my new daily, and I've had it for getting on 6 months.
I'm convinced Lexus is making cars that a perfect for owners, rather than reviewers. In the real world, the positive points of the Lexus (build quality, good ride, comfort, mechanical reliability, electrical reliability, ease of use, equipment, fuel economy, general running costs, dealer experience) are exactly what you want from a luxury compact saloon.
Sure, a reviewer will want to be able to drift it, more feeling in the steering, more involved driving experience, sportier ride etc. But in the real world, it's largely irrelevant; if you want driving sensation, get a GR86 / MX-5 / GR Yaris / M2 / Boxster etc. But for a small luxury saloon, you can keep your Jaguar XE complete with rattles, failures, cheap plastic interior, and slightly more spirited drive. I don't think I'd move away from Lexus if I'm ever looking for a relaxing luxury car in the future.
Top tier comment
Exactly. Same applies to SUV. I was considering getting an 2007/8 Range Rover Sport, but luckily I saw sense and bought a 2008 Lexus RX 400h with full Lexus service history instead. Best car I've ever owned by far!
Bought one two years ago as I wanted a safe, reliable car with good 50+mpg that I could easily service myself. At the time of writing the car is worth more than I paid for it so I’m very pleased with the car after 32,000miles absolutely nothing has gone wrong and only spent £450 on service and brake parts at Lexus. £85 was for floor mats. Next job is 70k service and expecting nothing extra to spend on.
It is not easy to find comments as well-founded as yours. I have the feeling that people in general have not yet realized what it means to own a Lexus.
It’s a fancier Toyota!😂
Jesus mate... You going for the most automotive uploads in a month???love the diversity of the cars you review
Thanks! My last video filmed before the lockdown
@@HighPeakAutos I was going to say. Now's the time to work on those videos you don't have time to do normally.
Love your jokes and sense of humour.. but most importantly you reviews are excellent and informative not to mention that you review everyday cars.. keep it up.. thank you.
Glad you did a review on this as this is the car I've been eyeing up for a while! Great videos as always :)
Just bought one! 18 plate EXEC in black from Lexus Swindon.
Very happy, thanks for the review.
Another great review. Love the Bletchley Park comparison.
As always a treat to watch your latest up load. A wide range of differing cars too.
Nicely done man! I hope you're doing well, thanks for giving me some time of the day to completely get away from this crazy stuff everyday on the news. I wish we got this in Canada, but unfortunately we usually get whatever the US does, but with 40% higher fuel costs.
Who like me is watching this for the second time. Cracking relatable content
Actually this is now my 3rd.
the most decent videos on youtube 👍 You just simply kill the other dudes with the quality of the content, keeping them exactly short as they should be and any time I watch one, I rush to the sites and look for the next one. Thank God you do them so often-I have no chance of buying the car I've just been watched 🥳
I have a 2018 IS300h Advance. I think it's great! Previous car was a Mercedes C220 AMG Line. I loved it's looks but it was like driving a tractor with a ridiculously hard ride. It also had loads of problems which meant about 6 weeks in the garage in the first 2 years. The Lexus is the opposite. No Problems, serene and peaceful to drive and no rattles. In sport mode it's also reasonably quick, just avoid stamping on the throttle.
Owned this car like about a year now. Very good, very! Good fuel economy, great drive on long cruises (lots better than competition in my opinion!). Overall great buy, and it keeps its value. And its not a slough, it has good power for normal drive or overtaking, and quite fun also with sport mode complimented with those gear shifters. Best part is still the comfort and extremely sofisticated ride. You can drive this car for hours and hours and don't feel tired. Of course you cant beat the reliability, nothing goes wrong with these cars.
Do the rear seats fold down? I know the generation of IS up to about 2011 didn't but from what I can see these do. Also, do you think it's doable to fit a bike in the rear with the seats down?
@@ln5747 Yes the back seats do fold down but the boot is still very narrow. Bike may be stretching it a bit. If you remove tires then yes, probably you'll easily fit it. But I've liked the car very much, underrated in my opinion. It feels more expensive than it really is.
may i ask how much you pay for the annual service at Toyota/Lexus mechanic? Thank you kindly in advance!
Very helpful video. Thank you. I am browsing for one of these to buy next month. Absolutely done with Qashqai getting sub 40mpg at present.
I’m searching for Lexus IS reviews atm and found your fantastic channel. You got a new subscriber. Thank you and keep it up!
Thanks for subscribing! Good choice with the Lexus
Quotes of the day:
"But to try and tune in the radio to your favourite station is a bit like working at Bletchley Park in the 1940s."
"The noise that it makes from that CVT gear box … always makes you feel more sorry for it than anything else."
Had to Google Oak Island en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak_Island_mystery
Great video. Always look forward to these,
Another great video Matt....always essential viewing ...just what you need in these strange and worrying times.
Keep safe and well everyone ...
Thanks! Take care :)
I love everything about your reviews!!!
Perfect, right now considering buying this car and the information you gave is very valuable. Will be looking to see if you have it for sale too.
Have been waiting for this car for some time
I bought a low mile premier edition from approved used Lexus in Bristol. The car is reliable, with smooth ride and engine. Full of useful technology and luxuries. I got used to the gearbox and I really like it now vs. traditional ones. It's extremely smooth without jerky gearchanges. The only problems I have are : soft paint (deep chips, down to bare metal) , and loud creak in the center console tunnel when going into corners, which could be down to the previous owner installing dash cam or something similar .The overall quality of the interior is good but it's very delicate and subject to cosmetic scratching during cleaning (paradox) vs. something like Ford Focus , which would be full ugly, but soft and scratch resistant vinyl. The economy on UK highway (1 gallon = 4.54L) is 50-53mpg indicated (the computer overestimates by 3mpg) , but could be as low as 33mpg on short journeys/inclines where I live. I've seen 60mpg when driving around 30-50mph areas on flat surfaces. Overall, I rather a reliable smooth petrol engine vs. more sensitive to driving style and fuel quality modern diesels. Shame about the interior....
P.S. It's fast enough , and I am coming from 5.0L m113 V8 Benz. Just drive in NORMAL for better throttle response (ECO makes it feel really slow) , or SPORT , which really gives a nice shove between 0 and 35mph, and then a nice kick at higher speed/RPM.
Another great & entertaining review - well done
got a 2014 one with 155k miles Just passed mot flying colours
never had any issues over the years still nice and comfy . top spec and just upgraded the infotainment system with an aftermarket but everything else is great.
Thanks very much. I bought an IS based on your excellent reviews. I'm super impressed with your work.
Thank you
As someone who's owned an IS 300h for over a couple of months now, I can say that the fuel consumption is very impressive. Surprisingly, it performs better for me on the motorways, giving me around 55-57 MPG on long motorway rides. In-city driving varies from anywhere between 30 MPG to 80 MPG. Other than that, it's a very comfortable car and couldn't recommend it enough. All in all, just can't fault it
How many miles does the electric give?
@@MoAli6 I haven't noted down the exact mileage, but I do recall that on a battery (or the most it charges to) I can cover a good 4-5 miles. Then it recharges again by reverting back to fuel. Generally there are some tips available on how to get the most out of this car's fuel efficiency. I'll share the video if I can find it
@@MoAli6 czcams.com/video/nqzYqU7VFbw/video.html
What is your typical driving speed on the motorway to achieve the 55-57 mpg you mentioned?
@@ClaytonRyanJackson anywhere between 65-80 mph. It also depends on gradient and weather. I’ve noticed that in the cold or in rain, the average MPG drops significantly. Not sure what the science behind this is. In spring and summer, I would say it’s far easier and more likely to achieve the 55-60 MPG mark. In winter I get 45 MPG max
Best auto channel on CZcams by a country mile. Keep these videos coming!
Thanks!
Enjoyed. Thank you. Hope all is well. Cheers
Superb review always look forward
To the next one👍
Cheers!
Great review great car. Still looking around and tuning into this channel. They can go sideways if you want to in a solitary second and no not fast but that's not the point of these cars. Gs 450h is ridiculously fast sooo toss up is that or one of these. These also get augmented sound on some models which is pretty cool because it works.
thanks for great review, thinking of checking one of these out, greetings from Ireland
Thanks for watching!
Excellent review 👍
I’ve just bought a white Fsport model with heated and cooled seats, Marc Levinson 15 speakers stereo. I know the F sport has slightly harder ride, but c,mon it’s a totally better looking car and I love it, now Mr high peaks, tell the truth you loved that car👍. Anyway I was waiting with bated breath for you to test one cause I respect your opinion on cars, and your sense of humor in these sad times with so many people dying is very welcome tonic. Stay safe everybody.🙏
I have that sound system in the GS so you know it's incredible!
Have a white one too but with the rare Lexus boot spoiler which makes it even more good looking and different. Better looking than a mundane Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series.
OMG this video is soooo practical. I am quite impressive with the review. Must subscribe this channel!
Thanks!
Picking mine up in 2 days, this honest review is one of the things that made me purchase it. It looks like it offers what I value in a car but we’ll see.
They're very good cars
How did you get on? Are they as good as they say.
Very good review. No nonsense. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Great cars. My mum had a hybrid RX450h and when we took it in for service they gave us one of these. It was such a nice car and it even had cooled seats
Ace review. Love this car.
Been waiting for this video. Thank you for the upload, mate.
They are awesome
Thanks for watching
@@HighPeakAutos Great work boss
Love the Bletchley Park analogy and glad to know it's not just old gits like me who struggle with car entertainment systems.
I'm usually quite good with that sort of thing but this is exasperating
I like how you get your forecourt cars serviced at main dealers. Shows you really care about the product you're selling, respect! :)
Ben Doyle I think he cares about resale values!
Thanks. I do with certain cars that warrant and deserve it. Its better for the car and usually its not that much more expensive than an independent
So glad you made this video. I've been in a few of these as taxis recently and was very impressed. The interior looks brilliant, the leather was superb and felt more like a 5 series in terms of quality. And the space in the back was far bigger than my dad's c class. Overally was very impressed and the hybrid tranquility adds to the luxury feel.
Yeah I agree. Thanks for watching
Lexus IS New Shape as Taxi's woww
@@gauravr3529 I know.. Had 3 in a fortnight and they were standard charges 😂
I find this Lexus to be on Volvo level for the interior quality.
Audi BMW and MB have much better interiors. (Compared from the same era ofc)
My IS300H arrives tomorrow . My 16 year old has a GS350 Lexus. Fabulous car.
Hmmm my new taxi !!! Theres a thought.
Great vid Matt
Mick
Theyre very good. Cheers Mick
As below, some nice 'one-liners' :) :) - but the review was very interesting too!
Very useful review thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great review, love the honesty of your reviews. I must have watched this video 10+ times before buying this car myself in black with black Sport spec wheels. I get a lot of compliments on its looks, its immensely faster than my last 1.8L manual Civic was (especially in Sport mode), the ride quality is much better despite the larger wheels, the standard sound system is good, there are no rattles or squeezes, and the fuel economy is excellent - coupled with the large fuel tank, I can get around a thousand kilometers between fill-ups. All round just a fantastic car. I was in a mate's 2017 Audi TT recently and the road noise and harsh ride made me appreciate my IS300H even more.
Good choice. They’re great cars
The black wheels was an option? I've got my eye on one with black wheels but I assumed they were sprayed aftermarket, which I usually tend to avoid. It's an F Sport.
@@ln5747 The "Sport" model comes with black wheels as standard, the "F-Sport" model comes with larger wheels than the "Sport" and they are not black. You can have the wheels professionally sprayed black on any car with alloy wheels, but yes you might need to recoat after a few years. I avoided the F-Sport as it was more expensive, has a different type of adjustable suspension (firmer too according to reviews), and larger wheels (also adds to the firmer ride). Hope this helps!
Great review as always
Cheers
Great video, love these cars. Disclaimer, I work at a Lexus dealer and all the sales guys love driving the IS, such a smooth and settled drive. And as you say extremely reliable. Really enjoy your reviews mate, keep ‘em coming! P.S. Best spec is Advance if pre 2017.
Chris Hargreaves hi, as you work for Lexus dealership do you know when’s the MK4 coming out? It’s Gona soon
I loved the gs the es is just meh
Best spec is premier pre 2017.
Best spec is premier or f sport I thought
Good review,
Thanks, another interesting take on a hybrid as I look to step toward Ev living... if you can get your hands on a 225xe Bmw would love to hear your take... “4wd”, sub 7 to 60 and below 20mile round commutes - free.... plus more space I think although not the best looking car - I know it wouldn’t suit many but that’s why they interest me more than a Lexus- I could live with the alan partridge connotations but that cvt noise puts me right off
Another great review Matt and thankfully this time, it's not one that I have driven recently LOL,
Haha Cheers for watching
I've got this one. Its not very fast, nor very engaging. But it does gets you around without any BS.
A lovely car for people with no interest in driving is what I'm hearing. Keep it up Matt. And stay safe.
Thats quite right
Love your jokes mate. I enjoy all your videos.
Glad to hear it
Good review Matt.
Cheers
Mike
Cheers Mike
Yes you should!
I have one and it's incredibly smooth and quite quick in sportmode as well
Many people compliment the good looks. Coolfactor 12/10
Wish they gave the option for a V6 in europe instead of hybrid tho
Oh and make sure you choose one with the Mark Levinson sound system
I think you put the divider in the wrong position for cool factor. 1/210
What’s your car history, I’d like to know your definition of ‘quite quick’.
@@MetalVII it's more than quick enough for the road, it's not really gonna struggle anywhere. it's not fast compared to any sportscars except maybe old mx5s but it's not gonna be painful haha
@@dagnut found the Beemer driver
@@rodinakrami1331 I've owned a gs450h, I'm always recommending Lexus to people, but cool they are not. What do you drive?
I have one. Real world quality is better than my previous german cars. Literally bomb proof and comes out on top in reliability surveys year after year. I put 35k miles a year on mine. Expensive 2nd hand though, they maintain their value even with high miles.
Very food honest review.
With the lockdown and no filming likely in the immediate future, could you do an answers to automotive questions video.
Looking forward to more of your videos post Covid.
First! You are great! I enjoy your videos a lot! Keep them coming!
Thanks for watching
Had a new 1999 Is200. Rather like the one I had, this one strikes me as dull but worthy. Would take one of these as a long term proposition though.
Would love to see you review a 335d or 435d
You're spot on when talking about Lexus dealers. It seems that every single one of them around the world provides an exceptional service.
Makes me wish I liked Lexus cars and had one.... too bad, I am yet to find one that would "click" with me.
And you get a 'free' tub of sweets
@@HighPeakAutos In my case it's always been a car wash, even when I'd just come to test drive one of their cars.
Theyre service is alway excellent but thats highlighted even further by how bad most of the others are
@@HighPeakAutos Indeed. My local BMW one is an oddity as they are actually quite decent. The rest of them... well, you know that already
The plexus has been very good at insulating from the start, the ride has always been quite and smooth... I think that's their selling point! A feel of luxury in a smaller more compact car. Great review mate! 🤘🏼
Totally agree
Even though it's an older style.. it still really stands out. Lexus absolutely nailed this one, timeless.
Good vid! Got a 17 reg Lexus Is300h. Best car i have owned and definitely the most RELIABLE!! Would never touch another German brand car again! Oh the range rover is nice to drive BUT isnt it one of the least reliable cars around. Think remember reading somewhere its nearer bottom of table for reliability...
For me lexus 4ever!
CVT or Range Rover, have you been having a tipple of the strong stuff while in lockdown?
Great video, IS is a nice car and the only one in class (I believe) that gives you cooled seats and heated steering wheel :)
They're often well specced
I was wondering when you would do this lexus, I like them a lot and the rx one
Thumbs up for the fresh trim
I’ve has numerous ones as courtesy cars, they are nice cars but getting back in my IS-F after service makes you realise how unsporty they are. You are always welcome to review my IS-F when all this is over.
Thanks!
I have a 12 year old IS250 very smooth ride but yet not very excited but reliability is amazing, I haven’t repaired anything yet on the car apart from wear & tear brake disc/pads. Not even replace a lightbulb yet, I’m still waiting for something to go wrong so it can give me a reason to get a new car and Lexus dealership is the best in the business and has best customer service awards for it several time.
These are very good, well built, quality cars imo. If you can get the premier version with all the add-ons, do so. It's a great pity that Lexus no longer make the latest model available in the UK.
I worked with Lexus as an independent supplier for a number of years and I totally agree with you about the service. I especially liked the people at the Stockport branch as well. Probably a different set of people now but obviously well trained in how to provide a good customer experience.
What are we going to to do for your fast-approaching 50k subscriber audience then Matt ?????? 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Just a thought you could always do a live Q&A. What do think mate? ( just a little idea ) 😉😉😉😉😉
Best two lexus I like are the ls400 and is200 which you did in the video that car was way underrated for a car that looked good better then most cars today also back then with its rivals it was better car and reliable as well, also high quality.
Love the Rangie "beast"🇬🇧🙂👍
About the cheap plastics: You’ve got the basic one. The give away is the rotary dial. I test drove a IS 300h with Premier pack, the one I wanted was the F Sport with Premier pack...unfortunately the price was just a tad high so I settled for a BMW F10 520d M Sport.
But I do want one of these...blue exterior, rose interior and F Sport with Premier pack.
Not true. I drove a IS 350 and it had plenty of crappy plastica inside.
The interior door handles seemed to come directly from a Corolla. They are made out of plastic.
Great review as usual! Couple of Q’s
Most reviews say the sat nav is fiddly would you agree?
Is this a facelift model and do you know when it was facelifted?
Do you know when the Mk4 is released? It’s got to be soon
Cheers!
Thanks! I'm not sure when the new one is out but I expect its soon.
I've one of these for 4y. The best consumption I've got is 57mpg. Average about 50. The steering is superb and the car is rock steady. You're a bit of a spoofer!
I had a 2017 IS300h as a hire car for a week recently, and now I can't shake the feeling that I should buy one - the overall driving experience was as you say, serene.
The silence is addictive
@@HighPeakAutos You're not wrong. Getting back into my own car, which isn't horrible to listen to, I was actually getting annoyed every time I could hear the engine! The Lexus has spoilt me, and for that I both love/hate it
It is a great car and with Japanese build quality, We get 52 - 53 mpg fro ours. You can also turn the ACS off to make acceleration quieter. We've had ours just over two years, and haven't regretted it for a moment. The only problem we've had was a spark plug which failed. I agree about tuning the radio, not at all easy., especially with DAB.
Most reviewers don't like hybrids, and want to compare the Lexus with German, less reliable makes.
Can I ask what the ACS is? Why does turning it off make the car quieter?
@@th3m3du54 Sorry only just seen this. the ACS gives the artificial noise of the car accelerating. A waste of time.
Have to say, you've got some amazing, beautiful, countryside round your way.
I know. I’m lucky
Great vid as per mate. Reg`s Steve
Cheers :)
Loving the oak island reference
Great review. Having switched from a Toyota hybrid to a Hyundai, the noticeable difference is the gearbox. Instead of the thrashy CVT transmission Hyundai uses a dual clutch set up. It is very smooth and quiet in comparison. Plus the sport mode is surprisingly responsive and surprises a lot of drivers who look down their noses at hybrids. It operates without the dreaded thrashy CVT noise. It's a shame that Toyota/Lexus hybrids don't use the same system as I think it would be more appealing to those who want a hybrid but also would like a sport option.
Its not cvt, its ecvt, feels the same but 2 diferent things. Its a power split device and its bullet proof
We will wait when your broken because ecvt is bulletproof
Dual clutch is nowhere near as reliable as the ecvt transmission. I've seen these transmissions with over half a million miles on them. Dual clutches tend to over heat and have a sub 150k mile lifespan.
Lol someone doesn't quite understand the long term implications of their statement.
I've had a few of these as courtesy cars and they're nice, I'd say for an non-petrolhead this is a brilliant choice. For driving engagement it's pretty bad though, feels really slow even though it's average and the handling isn't anything special. The old IS250 (I owned one for a few years) seemed to have a better chassis and of course sounded much better.
I now have a GS450h and that car proves Lexus really could do a great job with handling and performance in this era, shame they've replaced that with the ES which only has the dull 300h drivetrain.
The service from the dealers and the reliability really are on a totally different level to any other brand though. Not counting the service plan and tyres (the GS can destroy those...) I've definitely eaten more value in biscuits than I've paid out for anything over the last 5 years/2 cars.
I'd love to have one of these 450h GS:es but they are very rare and very expensive in my country.
@@AndyGrouch They're very rare and expensive everywhere I think! Worth it though. Sold mine a few months after I made that comment but I'm genuinely considering buying another...
I liked the video
Greetings from Sweden
Thanks for watching
Are these cars any good long term? The F Sport trim looks fairly nice.
4yrs not one problem on mine average 50mpg the best car I've ever had ,now for the es300 hope it lives up to the IS300h
I've been eyeing used lexus hybrids for some time (IS, NX), my concern is how do I tell if the battery is in good condition?
I have a GS 300 and love it , poer and grace
Lovely Jubbly, nice car, just a shame they keeping using that gearbox.
The CVT gearbox is what makes it so quiet at low speed and gives it that slick feel between the electric and petrol engine...the price you pay for that is the kickdown and loud noise when you try and push it along quickly....personally I'd take that compromise as I don't drive my cars for rapid acceleration and thrill a minute driving...my issue with he Lexus is the interiors, not a huge fan of the styling and too many cheap plastics...wouldn't rule out having one though...
Hello mate between CT200H and IS300H which one do you suggest and which model range is the best. Thanks in advance
Banging out these Corona videos eh 😄
Haha yes. I've ran out now though so I've had to be a little bit creative for the next videos
Sound like my type of car. Nice ride and high mpg and I know that it won't break down.
Try a Kia hybrid, has a normal automatic gearbox also very reliable plus the upper trim levels give you close to the Lexus experience. Added advantage more affordable then Lexus.
The Hulk Hogan analogy was absolutely brilliant lol
Would also be good to see a review of a GS250.
A good review but I think you might be underselling the IS here. My experience with the Premier model is very positive. It is certainly economical and quiet, but stick it into Sports mode and it handles and feels like a different and much faster car. Build quality is excellent and nothing has gone wrong with it in 4 years.