Faults:

Humming sound from the engine in idle - apparently a common thing on this turbo variant - something needed changing. This was at 23000 miles. It was to do with the air intake and a valve that was stuck open.

General Comments:

The handling is excellent. It is fun to drive, sharp and responsive.

It is heavy though, so not as quick as some similar cars. The 8 speed auto is okay, but could be a bit better, especially in manual mode. Like many autos, there is that slight delay off the mark, which is annoying. Once it gets going though, it’s good and the performance is very strong. Cruises well at 125mph all day on the German autobahn and near silent. Lexus limited the top speed to 146mph for some odd reason - similar German brands do 155mph (same BHP).

Overall quiet and refined, although there is road noise from the 255 profile rear tyres.

Room inside much better than previous versions.

MPG about 30 as an average - good rather than great, and better than other turbo cars in this class.

Needs more storage space inside, especially in the rear - it is like Lexus feel people in the back don’t need anywhere to store things!

Sat nav screen is good - split so you can see the nav and radio at the same time, not independently like on my new Mazda 6.

Avoid Velvet black solid, it needs regular polishing and is more fragile than other Lexus paints.

Alloy wheels impossible to refurbish to the same finish, making kerbing a wheel a nightmare.

Great looks, it’s not German, best build of any car I have had - never had a single squeak or rattle.

Well worth having if you can find one!

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I love most things in this car. Looks are polarizing, but I like it. I believe it looks sporty and elegant at the same time.

The front seats are extremely comfortable. I am tall and it still surprises me how well the seats fit me. I usually drive alone (sometimes with my wife), so the rear seat space is not an issue. The trunk is enough for what I need and the folding rear seat backs are very useful to carry some items.

I believe the suspension is well balanced. The car feels always under control and connected to the road, but not excessively stiff. No rattles, squeaks or parasite noises. Nada!

The leather feels very nice, as well as the soft material of the dashboard. The lower part of the doors look rather cheap plastic.

Once running, the engine accelerates eagerly, but not so from a stop. Turbo lag is very noticeable, but I can live with that.

Service is excellent. The whole package has been an enjoyable experience.

I recommend this car, but test drive it and make sure the turbo lag is something you can live with. I am always looking forward to driving it.