Lexus IS Saloon (2013 - 2020) 300h Advance 4d CVT Auto Owner Review

The car has been excellent, reliable and I would have one again any day. However, if you do not have warranty cover, here are the main points to check when purchasing and on an ongoing basis. 1) You need to cover regular journeys of a decent length that includes motorway/dual carriageway driving, otherwise the 12v AGM auxiliary battery will degrade and fail in as little as 2 years (around £200 to buy, £300 fitted by dealership). If you are not doing this type of driving and mileage, you will need to regularly place the 12v battery on (trickle) charge. Direct battery terminal eyelets in the boot are recommended to save opening the bonnet with clamps on engine and in fusebox. 2) Any vehicle reaching 8+ years, check the water pump regularly for leaks unless you know it has been replaced already, pink dusty residue is a sign of this. Around £130 to replace. 3) Check the air con condenser radiator (right at the front just look through the grille). Stone damage can result in aircon gas loss, indicated by dark patches. Over £800 to replace at the dealership. 4) Ensure the tracking especially on the rear is good, otherwise due to camber inner tyre wear is possible reducing life of tyres (I fit Nexen due to harder compound for longer life). 5) Last small thing, rear central boot lid seam can split behind light fittings and central trim, excessive condensation in rear windscreen is a sign of this or dampness in boot. Easily fixed by removing lights and trim, sealing with decent external silicone. This is caused by closing the boot with too much force, easily done as it is light to offset weight of hybrid battery in the boot.