Lexus

Lexus

Lexus IS (2005-2013)

Richard Dredge ·

Designed to take on compact executives from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the IS is well-equipped, comfortable and reliable, but refinement and economy can be disappointing, while there are few engines to choose between. In Japan the IS was sold as a Toyota, and in some ways it’s more deserving of that badge than the Lexus one, as this doesn’t feel like the premium car that it’s supposed to be. The dynamics aren’t as polished as some rivals’, but as an ownership experience any Lexus is hard to beat, as the dealer network offers unrivalled levels of service. So while driving an IS probably won’t raise your pulse, neither should owning one.

Key dates

11/05: The IS Mk2 arrives in 2.5-litre petrol (IS250) saloon form.

1/06: The first ever diesel-engined Lexus appears; the IS220d.

4/08: The 417bhp 5.0-litre V8 IS-F debuts.

11/08: A facelift (but not for the IS-F) brings a revised nose, an overhauled dash and a new trim structure (now SE, SE-I, SE-L).

7/09: The IS250C coupé-cabriolet hits showrooms, in 2.5-litre petrol form only. 

12/09: There’s a new HDD navigation system and an F-Sport trim.

8/10: The IS200d replaces the IS220d.

Checklist

  • The diesel engine can take an age to warm up; bad news if your journeys are usually short.
  • IS220ds built before the November 2008 facelift can suffer from turbo lag and a lack of power below 2000rpm.
  • Water pumps fail after 60,000 miles or so on the IS250. Listen for rumbling from the engine bay.
  • Alloy wheels are prone to bubbling and blistering of the lacquer, as well as corrosion, especially if not cleaned regularly.
  • The interior trim isn’t always as well screwed together as you’d hope; listen for rattles from the door trim panels and dashboard.
  • The rear brake callipers can seize up and it’s not always possible to free them off. Fitting replacements is a costly job.
  • The power steering can be unreliable, so make sure there’s a consistent feel as you turn the wheel; check for leaks too

We like

  • Reliability
  • Value
  • Equipment levels
  • Excellent dealers
  • Lots of safety kit

We don’t like

  • Inert dynamics
  • No estates
  • Noisy diesel
  • Manual gearchange
  • Small boot
  • Cramped rear seats

Richard Dredge

Lexus

Lexus IS (2005-2013)

·

Designed to take on compact executives from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, the IS is well-equipped, comfortable and reliable, but refinement and economy can be disappointing, while there are few engines to choose between. In Japan the IS was sold as a Toyota, and in some ways it’s more deserving of that badge than the Lexus one, as this doesn’t feel like the premium car that it’s supposed to be. The dynamics aren’t as polished as some rivals’, but as an ownership experience any Lexus is hard to beat, as the dealer network offers unrivalled levels of service. So while driving an IS probably won’t raise your pulse, neither should owning one.

Key dates

11/05: The IS Mk2 arrives in 2.5-litre petrol (IS250) saloon form.

1/06: The first ever diesel-engined Lexus appears; the IS220d.

4/08: The 417bhp 5.0-litre V8 IS-F debuts.

11/08: A facelift (but not for the IS-F) brings a revised nose, an overhauled dash and a new trim structure (now SE, SE-I, SE-L).

7/09: The IS250C coupé-cabriolet hits showrooms, in 2.5-litre petrol form only.

12/09: There’s a new HDD navigation system and an F-Sport trim.

8/10: The IS200d replaces the IS220d.

Checklist

  • The diesel engine can take an age to warm up; bad news if your journeys are usually short.
  • IS220ds built before the November 2008 facelift can suffer from turbo lag and a lack of power below 2000rpm.
  • Water pumps fail after 60,000 miles or so on the IS250. Listen for rumbling from the engine bay.
  • Alloy wheels are prone to bubbling and blistering of the lacquer, as well as corrosion, especially if not cleaned regularly.
  • The interior trim isn’t always as well screwed together as you’d hope; listen for rattles from the door trim panels and dashboard.
  • The rear brake callipers can seize up and it’s not always possible to free them off. Fitting replacements is a costly job.
  • The power steering can be unreliable, so make sure there’s a consistent feel as you turn the wheel; check for leaks too

We like

  • Reliability
  • Value
  • Equipment levels
  • Excellent dealers
  • Lots of safety kit

We don’t like

  • Inert dynamics
  • No estates
  • Noisy diesel
  • Manual gearchange
  • Small boot
  • Cramped rear seats

 

Richard Dredge

Lexus

Lexus SC430 (2001-2009)

·

The Lexus SC430 came and went, and nobody noticed. On sale in the UK for almost a decade, the SC430 is one of those cars that never made an impact, despite being very desirable for a number of reasons. While it was no looker and it left driving enthusiasts cold, the SC430 featured that legendary Lexus build quality and reliability, with silky smooth performance and surprising usability. Used values are now on the floor, ensuring Lexus' first coupe-cabrio is well worth a look if you want something quirky for the summer.

Key Dates

3/01: The SC430 goes on sale with a 4.3-litre V8 only.

9/04: A facelifted SC430 comes with suspension revisions and upgraded multi-media.

11/05: A more comprehensive facelift brings restyled grille, bumpers, lights and wheels. There's also a new electronically controlled six-speed automatic gearbox, while adaptive front lights provide better illumination.

Lexus SC430 (2001-2009) Checklist

  • The SC430 is extremely well built, so despite the car having been introduced in 2001, few fault patterns have emerged. The problems that seem to crop up the most frequently, but which are really down to age, wear and tear or lack of use are...
  • Batteries go flat, and jump starts can be tricky.
  • Tyre pressure monitors can go AWOL.
  • Front tyres can wear unevenly, while rears can wear quickly.
  • Replacing bulbs can be difficult, so check they're all working.
  • Rattles from the roof when up is probably down to a loose cable within the operating mechanism.

We Like

  • Refinement
  • Power and performance
  • Build quality
  • Standard kit
  • Neat roof design

We Don't Like

  • Mediocre handling
  • Pointless rear seats
  • Awkward styling

Lexus

Lexus RX (2005-2009)

·

An environmentally friendly SUV may seem like a contradiction in terms, but that's exactly what Lexus set out to create when it introduced the second-generation RX in hybrid form only - although a regular petrol-powered edition soon followed. As with any Lexus you can expect peerless build quality, superb dealer service and a somewhat detached driving experience. So while this isn't one for the enthusiast, if you're looking for a painless (but costly) ownership experience, it could be just the ticket.

Key Dates

5/05: The RX400h arrives, powered by a 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine combined with an electric motor to give 208bhp.

4/06: A conventional petrol-powered RX joins the range; the 3.5-litre RX350.

4/07: An SR high-spec edition of the RX400h is introduced.

10/07: A facelift brings more exterior brightwork, a revised wheel design and a new radiator grille.

Lexus RX (2005-2009) Checklist

  • If the air-con isn't switched off manually before the ignition is switched off, the battery can go flat in less than an hour.
  • Don't buy one for its congestion charge-exempt status; since early 2008 the RX has not been eligible.
  • Lexus launched a hybrid RX primarily for the extra performance available, rather than for ultimate economy. If you're hoping for genuine frugality, you're still probably better off going for a conventional diesel.
  • The integrated hands-free phone can prove problematic to set up; even Lexus dealers have been known to be thwarted.
  • The rear bumper tends to get scuffed when the car is unloaded and unloaded.

We Like

  • Build quality
  • Reliability
  • Equipment levels
  • Hybrid's economy

We Don't Like

  • Lack of diesels
  • Limited off-road ability
  • Firm low-speed ride
  • Inert dynamics

Tags: RX

Lexus

Lexus LS430 (2000-2007)

·

It may be the new kid on the block in the luxury car arena, but that hasn't stopped this Toyota offshoot from quickly gaining a seriously enviable reputation for superlative quality. With unsurpassed reliability, astonishing equipment levels and peerless dealer service, owning a Lexus is guaranteed to be painless. Even better, thanks to heavy depreciation, you can get into an LS430 for less than you'd think - it's just running the thing that might cripple you financially...

Key Dates

11/00: Second-generation LS launched, now with a 4.3-litre petrol V8, mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. There are two trim levels; standard or Premium, the latter with air suspension, air conditioned front seats, rear seat air-con and audio controls plus electrically operated massaging rear seats

10/03: A revised LS430 arrives, with a six-speed automatic transmission, air suspension, facelifted interior and adaptive headlights

Lexus LS430 (2000-2007) Checklist

  • Even minor problems are unlikely, as Lexus dealers have to nip anything in the bud before it develops into a problem. However, you can think about:
  • Get an insurance quote before purchasing; buying an LS is usually only the start of the expense.
  • Also work out what you'll be paying in fuel and road tax costs; the LS430 has a CO2 rating of 276g/km.
  • Alloy wheels can corrode, although dealers will sometimes replace them for free as a goodwill gesture.
  • It's a big car, so check the corners for scrapes; there isn't always a Lexus-sized space available when parking up.

We Like

  • Dealer service
  • Refinement
  • Equipment
  • Reliability
  • Low used values

We Don't Like

  • Looks
  • Lack of diesels