Lexus IS 300h Luxury (2013-2026)

Legendary Lexus Luxury – The time came to replace my aging (2002) Rover 75 and I wanted a compact, stylish sedan that was as comfortable, quiet and refined but also more reliable, cheaper to service/maintain and more fuel efficient for my 100km round trip to work and home each day (combination city/country drive). I settled on the Lexus IS300h because it met all the criteria. I managed to buy a 2016 IS300h with only 28,000km on the clock from Lexus of Southport delivered interstate to my door for $35,000.

So far, in the 10 months of ownership I have covered a very relaxing, quiet, stress free and faultless 20,000km. The car is both a pleasure to drive and be a passenger in. In that time the 'worst' fuel consumption has been 6l/100km with the best being 5.1l/100km and averaging 5.5l/1000km (brim to brim method) for the 20,000km. For a compact, luxury sedan to achieve those figures in the real world without having to rely on diesel, which was not a consideration for me, is exceptional. Because it is a hybrid and uses regenerative braking, the brake pads are virtually brand new still (confirmed by dealer at service below).

The overall build quality and fit and finish (particularly the paint finish) is very high. The seats are beautifully comfortable and supportive and the overall driving position fabulous. I love that they are not only heated, but air conditioned too, and that is standard across the range. Most switchgear is good and where you would expect them to be. Overall cabin ambience is one of serenity.

My only real bugbears are the lack of a spare tyre (not even a space saver which in Australia is almost unforgiveable), a lack of any real storage space in the cabin and a constant thrumming at highway speed when the moonroof is fully open.

I have just completed the 3 year/45,000km major service at Lexus of Adelaide for $750. While for me that is certainly on the steep side, they did provide a brand-new Lexus loan car and wash and detail my car on return. Although I bought the car second hand from another dealer, Lexus aftersales service and customer care is excellent.

Edit: May 2026. The car is 10 years old with 158,000 km on the clock.

I have now owned this car for 6 years and have done 130,000 of those kilometres. Apart from scheduled servicing and tyres I have not spent a cent on this car. Nothing has broken or gone wrong with it. There are no rattles, squeaks, bumps or thumps (apart from the aforementioned moonroof issue) and still feels solid and essentially still drives like a new car.

I would certainly recommend a Lexus to any of my family, friends or colleagues.

Pros: Legendary reliability Lexus luxury Fit and finish Paint finish Quiet, smooth, relaxing ride Exceptional fuel economy Lexus customer care After sales service Tight turning circle

Cons:

Smallish boot Interior storage very limited No sunglasses holder No spare wheel Thrumming when moonroof is fully open