Lexus IS Saloon (1999-)

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not cheap but then it's loaded with equipment that won't break or fault.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Very thirsty, about 17mpg round town, servicing costs acceptable for the class of car.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Extremely smooth, sharp steering, minimal road noise, however the ride can make you feel a bit sick.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never left wanting for more power. A lot quicker than my Mazda Xedos 9 2.5i but the IS300 is smaller with a bigger engine so I guess that's expected.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Its Japanese however the hype of Lexus quality is not evident in this car. Plastics are thin/cheap and well below the quality of my Mazda Xedos.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    If you tell someone you have a Lexus then they're instantly impressed, however there are plenty of equally good cars with less status, i.e. the Accord and my Xedos

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not great. The quality of the interior plastics is very poor, in fact the dash is one of the worst I have ever come across- the materials look/feel like old egg boxes. It's also has a small/cluttered dash. Seats are only ok.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Its got the lot.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very impressive- the JD power survey results demonstrate this further.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Whisper quiet but offers none of the roar of a V6.

    Other

    Great car spoilt by too many cheap Toyota plastics.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes