adj209

The VRS and lexus are definitely my big boy cars! Hard to consider much else...Yeah I might as well try to test drive an EV - I'd be happy with the Kia EV6 but too expensive currently.

I think you're right. Yeah economy won't bug me that much as its not less than 30MPG at the worst case scenario. Noted on the carbonisation - Hopefully not too expensive to fix? Thanks for the comments!

Thank you for the insight on servicing etc - That's really helpful! I'm not really bought into EVs yet, my current car is a jazz which is good but I've been wanting a big boy car for a while and I don't think EV's will scratch that itch... Fortunately I don't really drive in London that much, more out of London and on the outskirts.

I'll clarify, MK3 has been out for quite a while now (2013...) - I'm interested to know how people's period of ownership since then has been in terms of VRS reliability, maintenance, unexpected issues etc - And therefore if it is likely to last as long as 15 years...

I drive 5k miles PA, so not that much. I don't need the same level of reliability as a honda, toyota or lexus - But I just need to know what kind of annual repair costs/maintenance to expect for a 4 year VRS, and whether it would last 15 years+

Londoners have been getting screwed pretty quick in terms of ultra ULEZ, ULEZ, congestion charge, etc. So I have some paranoia that they might decide to stamp down sooner (i.e. next 10 years) rather than later on ICE cars. The recent petrol price hike when it was almost £1.90 per L also makes me unnerved as in the next few year that could quickly jump up. I've heard that people do learn to love the IS300h and power is underwhelming but sufficient. With time I hope that I can too. But yes that's my whole dilemma! My fun vs what the family needs & wants.

Maybe - but on balance it's probably one of the best used cars you can buy. I was thinking about getting the F-Sport as it actually looks pretty decent. http://oversteer.co.nz/road-test-lexus-is300h-f-sport/

Hi guys, I am long overdue to upgrade my 2006 Honda Jazz (which I will still keep). I am shopping around for a new car which has to be petrol/hybrid, low amount of mileage, below £20k and automatic. I'm based in London, on the edge of the north circular. I need my next car to last me as reliably as my Jazz i.e. 15 years + I have driven an Octavia VRS 2018 and I have to say it is an amazing drive. Unfortunately the rest of the family hate the styling, I'm not the biggest fan but I will grow on. In terms of needs in a new car the Octavia VRS ticks every box apart from looks for me. And with London regulations constantly being imposed I am paranoid that a petrol ban is coming up in the next 10 years...Plus points are that, its an incredibly fun drive, practical (I have a dog, but an estate isn't essential), 2.0L turbo seems to have decent economy etc. I have also driven an IS300H on the day and it is the polar opposite. Ticks every box, but the drive is boring, and does not offer nearly the level of engagement the VRS has. On the plus side, the interior and comfort is unmatched, good MPG, and this is a car my wife would actually use (she refuses to drive an estate....). Additionally a 2017 Lexus will come with an effective 5 year used car warranty (so I'll have to get it serviced there). Of course not as fast or fun as a 2.0 turbo, but the 2.5L CVT has about 220 BHP, so it is decently fast just doesn't feel like it. What I need to know is, are there are any other cars I should consider? Will a 2018 Octavia VRS with 40k last me 15 years or so? Or will petrol cars be banned/taxed etc sooner than that?