bobaaaaa

HI ClubLexus Community,

Currently driving a Honda Integra Type S (K20Z1) lightly modified, looking to sell up- (hard decision, as I've owned the car for about 8 years; very emotionally attached)

In the market for a pre facelift CT200h F Sport, what are some things I should be looking out for with these cars?

Looking to build it up to a cool looking lux/daily. Not concerned about performance at all.

Thanks in advance, look forward to sharing my journey!

Cheers

BrettKA7

bobaaaaa

E46CT

Models prior to 2014 (facelift year) have the older intake manifold design which is said to help exacerbate headgasket failures. Lexus also made over 90 changes to make the car more quieter and refined for 2014. Revised suspension and increased structural rigidity including with extra welding and new structural adhesives (in addition to structural safety enhancements for 2015+ MY) I think there are other small changes as well. I forget. You may want to read up on some of the engine threads. I would honestly go for the 2014 if possible. Many revisions and designs from the engine to the structure of the car. I was going to go for a high mileage 2011 at first but then just decided to go for a 2015 as it included all the above PLUS the enhanced structure over the already enhanced 2014 MY.

Dan41510

First of all I would not buy the pre facelift CT. You're going to have this car for a while so might as well pay a little extra for an f sport. i just bought a 2016 f sport 2 weeks ago. I regret not buying the 2016 special edition with the red and black interior/black rims and fully package. The only reason didn't buy it is because I have a German Shepherd who drools like no tomorrow and I also saved about 2k (about 40 dollars a month.) However I would also look for a certified pre-owned ct and low mileage 20-30k miles. Navigation and the sunroof where not a deal breaker for me. (I use my phone for navigation with a mount that's my personal preference and the car has Bluetooth.) However, the only deal breaker for me would be high mileage. The F package is also must. Some also come with no power seats to the passenger side (look out for that.) Also remember to negotiate the price of your warranty and if possible the car price. I live in the Bay area and went down to a Lexus delearship in Los Angeles. So I also wouldn't stick to a local delearship that won't negotiate.

bobaaaaa

Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to upgrade the suspension as soon as I buy the car so the suspension upgrades won't matter as much although the increased structural rigidity would be nice.

I'm trying to keep this build to a budget, just so I can have a nice and clean daily. I'm looking for something different after all the years of exhaust drone and boy racer (not a bad thing) lifestyle.

bobaaaaa

I would always prefer the top spec, however I'm trying to leave some coin aside for some modifications. Definitely not looking to keep this one stock.

I have noticed some F sport models don't have the electric seats or a sunroof. Luckily in Australia all models with F sport models come with navigation and a different front/ rear bumper.

Lets see where this takes me.

E46CT

I hear you. I love flying under the radar in a mostly stock looking, quiet, high riding CT.

Also tired of thinking about my next car maintenance project. I can just ride the CT and all I have to worry about is gas and an oil change once a year. Also just so you know this car rides hard stock. if you plan on lowering it, it will be unbearbly stiff.

bobaaaaa

There's just something about it, hovering around in a very quiet luxury-mobile. The first time I ever drove a CT200h was when one of my family members got one for a courtesy car during a scheduled service at Lexus. Although it was a base model, the principles remained the same.

E46CT

i wouldn't exactly call it luxury... the ES is barely *near* luxury. GS and up are luxury. CT is premium economy =D it's the size of a corolla hatchback. but barely. barely bigger than a Prius C.

bobaaaaa

Yeh understand, Luxury on the grand scheme of things it is not. Coming from an Integra it's a whole new world. Not that the Integra is bad, just different.

E46CT

it's probably the only small car i've been in where i don't feel like i'm going to die if someone hits me. (not that i would rule it out) but at least it doesn't feel like it lol.

chargerfan

iTrader: (2)

may I ask, what mods you have planned for it?

Raidin

What market are you in, boba? Here in the US, moonroofs were standard across the board until what, 2015 or 2016?

Also, there is a package that gives you everything you get with navigation, minus the navigation software, touch controller, and some app suites. It's called the Display Audio Package, and you can identify it by finding the navigation screen, but without the remote touch controller. Instead, it will have a rotary dial controller.

bobaaaaa

Pretty simple stuff, LED bulbs all around, BC BR coilovers, wheels (not sure on brand and specs yet), visors, tint (5% rears and 25% fronts) if not already tinted and that's about it tbh.