NOT GOOD NEWS FOR ME - this is cribbed from the "Why does my car rattle" post

I've just taken the car on a motorway run.

The seat squeak is back. It's now worse then ever.

There is a faint dash rattle that gets worse over poor motorway surfaces but is fine in town. This rattle comes from deep in the dash.

Oh and that Speaker grill fits really badly. It still protudes from the back and there is what looks like a gouge in the dash on the left handside, and by looking through the screen (from outside) at the edge of the speaker.

I love the car, but the quality of this product is a sham. I'm sick of people:

1) telling me it's an "early car" and you should expect teethers. well I don't think so...not repeat ones...
2) telling me Lexus are the most reliable cars. Maybe they don't break down, but they are not solidly made. To qualify this just press the bumpers from the sides. They are very thin. Like a cheap showertray. Look at the grill - press it. Whilst it's nice and shiny, it is not premium quality. It ,ight be fantastic looking, but it's cramped and has a small boot...

Maybe the journo's were partly correct!

Until now I was wowed by the car, it's gizmo's and the fact that I'd spent a huge amount of my hard earned dosh - made me want to say good things. It made me feel I'd bought something great. Well, it's actually an average Japanese car, made to look good, loaded to the gunnels with kit, but without any engineering pedigree. Thats what todays return of the rattles, the seat etc has done.

Maybe it's just me - too fussy. Maybe for some on the forum I rattle more than the car itself. maybe I should accept a rattling car as being normal, and that's somehow my fault for buying an early model...

This will be the 4th visit for warranty work in 8 months and 6500 miles. That's more than the various German cars I've had before all put together in over 10 years.

Now tell me that a Lexus is better made than a German car...with many of them you get what you pay for. I certainly expected more from Lexus. Not the contsnat rattles, repeat repairs etc. It's just not on.

As soon as I can afford to, I'm defecting back again. Period. Maybe a Golf GTI, R32 or an A6...

Oh - and before anyone tries to flame me, this is my last post. The car takes up too much of my life (and yes I do have one)

[quote name='Jamboo' post='398749' date='Nov 30 2006, 02:46 PM']Oh - and before anyone tries to flame me, this is my last post. The car takes up too much of my life (and yes I do have one)[/quote]


I bet you'll read this reply though

Fair point.

I think that Lexus have let themselves down with the quality of the IS250/220D.

I'm sure that they are working on a possible, subtle, series 2 which will resolve all these common issues.

I thought about chucking in the IS300 for one... but reading all these posts.... why change something that isn't broke ?

[quote name='baby_lexus' post='398759' date='Nov 30 2006, 03:27 PM']I thought about chucking in the IS300 for one... but reading all these posts.... why change something that isn't broke ?[/quote]

Thats pretty much what I thought after I spent the day in an IS250 recently.

It's just not that much better to warrant me replacing my S/C IS200. (lovely autobox though)

It's not powerful enough either

Sounds like a tale of woes - I am very sorry to hear it.

I should think that Lexus would be very interested in your feedback. All businesses need to know if they are going wrong (although I suspect you may be reluctant to want to help them).

Best regards for the future, whichever direction you choose

Mark

I hope im not tempting fate by writing this, but i have a IS250 its an 06 year.

So far all i can say is that this car is the best car i have ever driven, i have the Navigator model with all the good stuff, cant say enough about it. drives like a dream, plenty of speed and power and the interior is a really nice place to be, i recently went to Manchester and found the drive to be great.

Please i hope i havnt spoken to early.

I will however say that the Lexus guys at Leicester are useless and would be better suited to seeling burgers in burger king but i guess you cant have it all.

Wow and I thought I'm stressed!!
I sat with Lexus Leicester till gone 6 last night.
They have come up with a few ideas that they are going to try so lets see!
Back in the real world Leicester to Bradford today 220miles = 34.2mpg Fantastic - NOT!!

I feel for ya man..to spend all of ur dosh on a new car like that and have to deal with rattles..well, that's just

maybe you have a lemon, maybe QC at lexus is failing, or maybe it was built on a friday afternoon..i really have no idea..

good luck with whatever car you end up with and a pity you are not considering getting an mk2 GS or a Mk4 LS as they have the build quality that put lexus on the map.

remember, the germans have it bad too.. since the merger with chrysler, all the journalists and owners have been moaning about the beancounters ruining the once famous "rock solid" merc build quality. just take a 1996 S class and a 2001 S class to see the difference..like night and day..

it feels like an industry trend...

[quote name='Harrydavy' post='398801' date='Nov 30 2006, 05:13 PM']Wow and I thought I'm stressed!!
I sat with Lexus Leicester till gone 6 last night.
They have come up with a few ideas that they are going to try so lets see!
Back in the real world Leicester to Bradford today 220miles = 34.2mpg Fantastic - NOT!! [/quote]

Just done 250miles = 33.9mpg Fantastic - YES (250 SE Auto)

its starting to get worrying

the new IS owners on this forum are only a small percentage of the total new IS`s sold
yet almost everyone seems to be having the same problems, ie: low mpg and rattles
and the dealers appear to be getting more and more complaints

i imagine there are a lot of owners, who are not members on any forums who have the same complaints
is this a decline in lexus standards ?

lets hope not

Sorry to hear this Jamboo, it's a shame the Lexus dealers can't get it right

[quote name='Bazza' post='398828' date='Nov 30 2006, 06:27 PM']its starting to get worrying

the new IS owners on this forum are only a small percentage of the total new IS`s sold
yet almost everyone seems to be having the same problems, ie: low mpg and rattles
and the dealers appear to be getting more and more complaints

i imagine there are a lot of owners, who are not members on any forums who have the same complaints
is this a decline in lexus standards ?

lets hope not [/quote]



Folks it's easier to whinge because you're complaining and usually have a point to make. Those of us that have nothing to complain about usually don't feel the need to let peeps know, apart from a certain person on the forum whose posts covered both and swung from elation to despair on a regular basis.

Others only say they have nothing to complain about in response to someone that does..so just for the record (again)....I still have both generations of IS and in driving both I would say the build quality isn't any different, and my 250 still has 'Toyota' stamped or etched in a lot of places, just like my 200.

I still enjoy driving both, but for different reasons. However, I have a 500 mile round trip to do next week and it's a no brainer as to which car I'm taking...the 250 is in a different league for comfort, fuel economy, ICE and yes, quietness

[quote name='stevet' post='398807' date='Nov 30 2006, 05:35 PM'][quote name='Harrydavy' post='398801' date='Nov 30 2006, 05:13 PM']
Wow and I thought I'm stressed!!
I sat with Lexus Leicester till gone 6 last night.
They have come up with a few ideas that they are going to try so lets see!
Back in the real world Leicester to Bradford today 220miles = 34.2mpg Fantastic - NOT!! [/quote]

Just done 250miles = 33.9mpg Fantastic - YES (250 SE Auto)
[/quote]

I, like several others on this forum have at times complained about service or buiild, but i must side with the
more contented. Even though my car currently has a technical problem, (See VSC Check Thread) the service and courtesy i have recieved has been exemplary. At times i moan about fuel consuption but overall i am content, infact on long motorway journeys im almost ecstatic. The cabin is quiet and thankfully there are no rattles. The audio is the best OEM system ive ever heard. You can quote me on that i know what im taking about. I really do feel for the members who have not had the experience that Lexus brand promises, but is that down to the individual dealer or to a change in policy overall, lets not forget Lexus UK dont own the dealerships they just supply them with cars to sell, and specify the minimum standard that a customer [u]should [/u] expect.

Any insiders out there know what the Lexus service doctorine is?. You may be able to use it in any letter in future. I always find a hand written letter has a great deal more impact.
Maybe to the JD Power survey people copied to LUK and Watchdog will get their attention.


Jamboo, sorry to hear your pursuit of perfection has been a poor one.


Infinity.............

On this Forum there are only 3 people who have had Lemons in so far as they have never fully resolved their rattle issues which is horrible for them given the rest have been successfully resolved by the expertise of their particular Dealer.
Lexus build quality is exemplary but both the GS & the IS did suffer launch niggles in the dash & seats that were quickly sorted.
IF mine was not 101% I would get it sorted[I have had 3 new cars replaced] so I have suffered the heartache of GROSS disappointment but the Dealers do come up with resolution in 99.9% of the cases without resort to such drastic action !
5 weeks ago Jamboo was ecstatic about his Supercar & will be again, once he has counted to 10 & asked Leicester to sort it albeit for the second time!
Make no mistake Lexus is light years ahead of the German opposition:see the Porsche & Bmw Websites
if you dont beleive me.
Tel

[quote name='Jamboo' post='398749' date='Nov 30 2006, 02:46 PM']NOT GOOD NEWS FOR ME - this is cribbed from the "Why does my car rattle" post

I've just taken the car on a motorway run.

The seat squeak is back. It's now worse then ever.

There is a faint dash rattle that gets worse over poor motorway surfaces but is fine in town. This rattle comes from deep in the dash.

Oh and that Speaker grill fits really badly. It still protudes from the back and there is what looks like a gouge in the dash on the left handside, and by looking through the screen (from outside) at the edge of the speaker.

I love the car, but the quality of this product is a sham. I'm sick of people:

1) telling me it's an "early car" and you should expect teethers. well I don't think so...not repeat ones...
2) telling me Lexus are the most reliable cars. Maybe they don't break down, but they are not solidly made. To qualify this just press the bumpers from the sides. They are very thin. Like a cheap showertray. Look at the grill - press it. Whilst it's nice and shiny, it is not premium quality. It ,ight be fantastic looking, but it's cramped and has a small boot...

Maybe the journo's were partly correct!

Until now I was wowed by the car, it's gizmo's and the fact that I'd spent a huge amount of my hard earned dosh - made me want to say good things. It made me feel I'd bought something great. Well, it's actually an average Japanese car, made to look good, loaded to the gunnels with kit, but without any engineering pedigree. Thats what todays return of the rattles, the seat etc has done.

Maybe it's just me - too fussy. Maybe for some on the forum I rattle more than the car itself. maybe I should accept a rattling car as being normal, and that's somehow my fault for buying an early model...

This will be the 4th visit for warranty work in 8 months and 6500 miles. That's more than the various German cars I've had before all put together in over 10 years.

Now tell me that a Lexus is better made than a German car...with many of them you get what you pay for. I certainly expected more from Lexus. Not the contsnat rattles, repeat repairs etc. It's just not on.

As soon as I can afford to, I'm defecting back again. Period. Maybe a Golf GTI, R32 or an A6...

Oh - and before anyone tries to flame me, this is my last post. The car takes up too much of my life (and yes I do have one)[/quote]

I feel for you Jamboo, these sort of niggles are incredibly annoying. Sometimes I think it's better to have a definite mechanical fault which can be identified and put right first time than these intermittent rattles.

Concerning the seat - there is a particular problem with the seat locating lugs that are used during assembly causing a squeak and there is a TSB to cure this involving removing these lugs are they are not needed. I wonder if your dealership just lubricated the area and that is why the noise has returned.

I pulled my speaker grill out when I had a rattle there and it is pretty flexible so that should be seated back flush with some foam - should be no more than a 5 minute job.

Seeing as the old ball and chain works for an Audi dealership we get a new A4 every 3 months and even on some of them there is the odd rattle that, if it were my own car, I'd not be happy about. I agree though the Audi dash area is a bit better plastic qualitywise - however it is a noisier car so some rattles could be masked by this. It seems that Lexus have better reliabilty but not so good interior quality whereas Audi have better interior quality but not so good reliabilty. I'd like a Lexus with an Audi interior - now there's a project for the weekend!

If I were you I'd go back and instead of playing the angry card try and stress your intense disappointment - sometimes that motivates them more than confrontation.

sorry to hear your troubles Jambo, its a shame bout your motor, while i do feel that the german build quality is a bit ahead, (I kept the audi for herself) i'm still impressed with my 220 D and when a change is due i will prob go for the same again. I got mine in Jan and the average fuel consumption over 12000 miles is 44 mpg, this has ranged from 41.5 mpg to 61.5 mpg. its still running spot on. I never had the rattle problem. the only time i had it in to lex was on tues for a seatbelt recall. i was given a is250 for the day and when i got the car back it had been valeted on the inside. i had asked them not to wash it as i never powerwash. top notch service in my book. streets ahead of audi. las time i was there, under warenty i was given a polo, and they reused parts that they claimed were new

Northern boy [quote]I pulled my speaker grill out when I had a rattle there[/quote], is there a trick to this? Mine rattles and I can't see how to remove it and didn't want to cause damage.

[quote name='Steve ( West Mids )' post='398886' date='Nov 30 2006, 09:08 PM']Northern boy [quote]I pulled my speaker grill out when I had a rattle there[/quote], is there a trick to this? Mine rattles and I can't see how to remove it and didn't want to cause damage.
[/quote]

I just eased it out with the corner of a credit card. It just confirmed to me that was where the rattle was coming from and I got the dealer to sort it.

[quote name='Jamboo' post='398749' date='Nov 30 2006, 02:46 PM']NOT GOOD NEWS FOR ME - this is cribbed from the "Why does my car rattle" post

I've just taken the car on a motorway run.

The seat squeak is back. It's now worse then ever.

There is a faint dash rattle that gets worse over poor motorway surfaces but is fine in town. This rattle comes from deep in the dash.

Oh and that Speaker grill fits really badly. It still protudes from the back and there is what looks like a gouge in the dash on the left handside, and by looking through the screen (from outside) at the edge of the speaker.

I love the car, but the quality of this product is a sham. I'm sick of people:

1) telling me it's an "early car" and you should expect teethers. well I don't think so...not repeat ones...
2) telling me Lexus are the most reliable cars. Maybe they don't break down, but they are not solidly made. To qualify this just press the bumpers from the sides. They are very thin. Like a cheap showertray. Look at the grill - press it. Whilst it's nice and shiny, it is not premium quality. It ,ight be fantastic looking, but it's cramped and has a small boot...

Maybe the journo's were partly correct!

Until now I was wowed by the car, it's gizmo's and the fact that I'd spent a huge amount of my hard earned dosh - made me want to say good things. It made me feel I'd bought something great. Well, it's actually an average Japanese car, made to look good, loaded to the gunnels with kit, but without any engineering pedigree. Thats what todays return of the rattles, the seat etc has done.

Maybe it's just me - too fussy. Maybe for some on the forum I rattle more than the car itself. maybe I should accept a rattling car as being normal, and that's somehow my fault for buying an early model...

This will be the 4th visit for warranty work in 8 months and 6500 miles. That's more than the various German cars I've had before all put together in over 10 years.

Now tell me that a Lexus is better made than a German car...with many of them you get what you pay for. I certainly expected more from Lexus. Not the contsnat rattles, repeat repairs etc. It's just not on.

As soon as I can afford to, I'm defecting back again. Period. Maybe a Golf GTI, R32 or an A6...

Oh - and before anyone tries to flame me, this is my last post. The car takes up too much of my life (and yes I do have one)[/quote]

no need to take it out on the forum now is it

Jamboo

I could not agree with you more. I have admired Lexus for a good many years being very impresses by the way that the "new upstart" took on the establishment and gave them a rude awakening. They have and continue to do so and I applaud them for it as it only helps to raise standards by healthy competition.
Lexus have now resolved their design issues with L-finesse and have embraced Japanese design as a point of pride. However, this company still has an awful lot to learn about building a product which has a depth of engineering and build which lasts after the initial wow factor of the installed gadgets.
I have nothing but respect for Lexus but until they have matured a little more I will not be spending any more of my money on them. I will be returning to Audi who produce a product of such engineering excellence that it just makes you smile every time you get into it.

Keep up the fantastic work Lexus but please address your basic quality problems as these are the ones that people at this price bracket get upset about. Let’s face it if a dashboard rattle was an excuse in a car magazine for not awarding first place in a group test we would think they were off their heads. However living with a constant rattle for 3 months makes you forget about the amazing points of the car and becomes your main focus.

[quote name='Tango' post='398840' date='Nov 30 2006, 06:58 PM'][quote name='Bazza' post='398828' date='Nov 30 2006, 06:27 PM'] its starting to get worrying

the new IS owners on this forum are only a [b]small percentage [/b] of the total new IS`s sold
yet almost everyone seems to be having the same problems, ie: low mpg and rattles
and the dealers appear to be getting more and more complaints

i imagine there are a lot of owners, who are not members on any forums who have the same complaints
is this a decline in lexus standards ?

lets hope not [/quote]



Folks it's [b]easier to whinge[/b] because you're complaining and usually have a point to make. Those of us that have nothing to complain about usually don't feel the need to let peeps know, apart from a certain person on the forum whose posts covered both and swung from elation to despair on a regular basis.

[/quote]

Totally agree.

D.

Jamboo

I'm sure once you have taken stock you will realise what a great car you really have. I have had mine for exactly 2 weeks now and done over 1000 miles in her. Best car I have ever had ( I know its early days though for rattles etc.) I also have a brand new Mercedec C200K (wifes) and I know which I prefer and which is the better built car. The Merc is at the end of its run now with a new C class coming out next year so has no niggly problems but The Lexus we drive has so much more character and we love 'em.

I hope to read more of your rants and raves and of course wonder and amazement about your Lex over the coming months.

seems like they have cocked up with the new IS, whilst i dont read much on the new GS it seems like they have got it right with that.

they need to sort the probs on the IS quick though

Hmm,
I guess i'm just not as fussy as some of you guys. I have a 220d and sure its not perfect (vibrating mirror, the odd rattle, dodgy mpg etc) but overall its good enough for me and teh good outweighs the bad by a long way. Having said that its a 'company car' so i've not spent my own hard earned cash. When i replace in 2009 I will only consider the 220 again if they have an auto box and fix the mpg.

My 2 pennies.

I've got a 56 IS220d, driven over 3000miles already, have yet to encounter one single rattle/squeak/snap/etc.

Comsumption I'm getting is better than the figures I've read here, started off with about 33mpg for 50/50 drive, and now get 37mpg light urban and 42mpg motorway, and I drive with a heavy foot.

swfcdan Posted Today, 09:50 AM
seems like they have cocked up with the new IS,

i dont think they have cocked up at all, in fact i would say they have improved from the origanal is which i had from new for 4 years, before changing to the new is 220d 2 weeks ago.
it seem the new early Is did have a few isolated cases based on the number of complaints with rattles but from my own experience with a 2007 car everything seems ok so far

Well guys, I'm sure I wasn't missed...

basically, the car is finally fixed - hopefully for once and for all (and no that does not mean I've defected to the german brigade).

Far from it:

My local dealer has, I believe, gone to extreme lengths to sort it out - including high densile foam between the dash and screen and remedial work at the seat belt anchorage points. The car is now a true a Lexus again.

My whole rationale for dumping the LOC was loaded, and I won't go into it here. Some of you PM'd me and I did explain, and I believe it worked - that's all that I will say on that matter!!

On a separate note, I had an IS250 for a week, a manual SE, and I wasn't impressed at all. That particular car had lots of rattles, worse then mine has ever been, plus a baulky and notchy gear change. It was sluggush too - no performance at all, and my 220d would leave it standing!!

And it was a '56 plater...but '06 MY (i.e. had boot/fule buttons in the old configuration).

It was very econmical however - on a run to Newcastle, it averaged 38.2 MPG - which is shockingly good for a 2.5 V6!!

I'd still have an Auto 250 anytime...

[quote name='Jamboo' post='402207' date='Dec 15 2006, 04:33 PM']Well guys, I'm sure I wasn't missed...[/quote]

Welcome back Jamboo! Glad that you've got your car sorted now.

I've now got problems with mine which will have to be sorted after christmas...

* Takes 2-3 attempts to get the car started and this involves reving the engine. If I don't rev the enginge hard it just stalls
* Fuel consumption has dropped to 38-40 mpg - no change in route or driving conditions.
* Returned to the car t'other day to be greeted with a flat battery - first time ever for me with a Lexus. Still don't know why but I'm now forever checking lights, interior lights etc when I park up.

I'm still pleased with the car though.

Welcome back:I told you Lexus will always come up trumps & put a smile on your face!
Trust you saw the image of my car v. Tango's?
Tel

[quote name='Tel' post='402242' date='Dec 15 2006, 05:56 PM']Welcome back:I told you Lexus will always come up trumps & put a smile on your face!
Trust you saw the image of my car v. Tango's?
Tel [/quote]

I'll need to take some more pics now the flaps are on

[quote name='Jamboo' post='402207' date='Dec 15 2006, 03:33 PM']Well guys, I'm sure I wasn't missed...[/quote]

Welcome back matey - I did check the 'Who's on line section' to see if you were still browsing but didn't catch you

Glad the car is sorted, all's well that end's well - Where's Eunos, not heard from him for a while

welcome back,its been very quiet without your posts

[quote name='simon k' post='402373' date='Dec 16 2006, 10:48 AM']welcome back,its been very quiet without your posts[/quote]
"blessings in disguise"..."clouds and silver lining"...take yer pick!!

I was lurking around and reading the posts...

Matus - where you've placed the white cloth is where they've put the Density foam (but all the way along). I will take a picture and post it. You can just see it, only just, but it is a good colour match, and the car is finally TOTALLY rattle free, except for the Satnav screen suround which does creak. Nothing can be done about that, however. The car is on the 2nd Satnav screen/system and it's just as bad.

I actually feel totally exonerated! I knew I wasn't "rattling" for no reason. Each test drive proved to the technician that I wasn't just whinging...The car is now crisp and tight, just what I should have had having told the dealer in january that I wanted mine fixed on the production line...something I was sort of told would happen, but never did. The rest is history!

Once again - a big thanks for all of those that have added threads, PM'd me etc - I really do mean it - THANKS

PS - Scott - buddy I do think it's your 5th Injector. The symptoms sound too familiar...the workshops are normally like a ghost town at this time of year - take it in for early diagnosis...

I knew it! So the HD foam stops the upper edge of the dash from moving - I assume then the dash itself is braced against the windscreen glass. Did the lexus bods have to remove the dash (again?) to apply the foam? If they did, how well did they do it - scratches on the plastics/leather etc? I wonder if it's easily done, as I've got those rattles too, and I really don't want the dash out job...

welcome back Jambo, glad u got ur car sorted. near wraped mine up the arse of a 106 going to see tanacious d on sunday, yes the brakes are very good! but i don't recomend reading email directions willest driving in the future

[quote name='evilweasel' post='402411' date='Dec 16 2006, 12:11 PM']I knew it! So the HD foam stops the upper edge of the dash from moving - I assume then the dash itself is braced against the windscreen glass. Did the lexus bods have to remove the dash (again?) to apply the foam? If they did, how well did they do it - scratches on the plastics/leather etc? I wonder if it's easily done, as I've got those rattles too, and I really don't want the dash out job...[/quote]
The good news is that the Dash does not have to come out, provided the correct foam is used - get your techie to call Mark at Leicester. He knows the correct type of foam, the supplier etc, and did an excellent job.

Incidentally, my seat squeak was down to a loose seat belt anchor, not the mylon locating lugs, which are still there!!!!!!

[quote name='Brendan' post='402466' date='Dec 16 2006, 06:04 PM']welcome back Jambo, glad u got ur car sorted. near wraped mine up the arse of a 106 going to see tanacious d on sunday, yes the brakes are very good! but i don't recomend reading email directions willest driving in the future[/quote]
Cheers - I know the feeling...did that for too long and then took the £2700 squids on the chin for Satnav...(and the rest of what MM gives).

I have to say though:

SMARTNAV in the courtesy car was great
Missed the MM
Sound system in the non MM is pretty good...but not the definition

PS- how was tenacious D? Was they tenacious?

Jamboo,

Not been on the forums for a while but glad your car is finally sorted!

Must say that after my initial purchase from Leicester which was far from smooth they have been spot on in every aspect since. Even replacing my cracked number plate for free during a service!

[quote name='Jamboo' post='402408' date='Dec 16 2006, 12:49 PM']Matus - where you've placed the white cloth is where they've put the Density foam (but all the way along). I will take a picture and post it. You can just see it, only just, but it is a good colour match, and the car is finally TOTALLY rattle free, except for the Satnav screen suround which does creak. Nothing can be done about that, however. The car is on the 2nd Satnav screen/system and it's just as bad.[/quote]

thanks Jamboo.
I am getting an occasional light rattle from middle of dashboard now (behind the middle wents), so I will wait until it gets regular and then put my car to the dealer to remove whole dashboard. Please don't forget to post the pic. Thanks

Here it is - the lighter grey strip (as it appears in the shot, running across the dash at the base of the screen).

[url="http://imageshack.us"][img]http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8259/dsc04381wk4.jpg[/img][/url]

In reality, it looks absolutely OK, and does not stand out at all. The piccy does not do it any justice. It is actually pretty good and I am just soooooo glad that the technician managed to do it without a full on dash out job, which he and I did not want (at the risk of installing additional rattles...).

I have mixed feelings about the whole thing, with hindsight:

1) the car should not have been manufactured like this
2) this and Matus's thread proves that 2 cars (one LHD and one RHD) have a similar dash problem - how many other have?
3) Whilst I am happy it's all fixed, it is, lets face it, a slight bodge up (though it works)
4) I could have been petulent and insisted on a complete new DASH with all the correct trimmings but who at LGB would have listened? I haven't even had an acknowledgement to my email from LGB...lets face it this was the 3 rd visit into the dealer for dash rattles - I was told it was two strikes and then Lexus techinical...still waiting on that one!
5) Some vindication that there was a problem, and the dealer did actually do their bit to fix it

and the biggy final two...

6) would I ever buy a Lexus again
7) would I ever buy a new car at all, or one that is in it's first 18 months of production?

That final question is already answered...we just bought a pre-reg'd Nissan Note to replace the Honda Jazz.... and yes it does rattle a tad! And no it's a Petrol one!



PS - Matus - the rattle from behind the vents is likely to be the centre dash speaker - mine sounded like it came from behind the vents at the start, then it got worse...when you pressed the speaker cover down, the rattle stopped. Try it...just press the speaker down a little (obviously get a passenger to do it when you drive/hear it rattling) and see if it fixes it.

The cure is simple - some added insulation/padding around the speaker assembly. It only takes a few minutes.

[quote name='mrtrees' post='398791' date='Nov 30 2006, 04:49 PM']I hope im not tempting fate by writing this, but i have a IS250 its an 06 year.

So far all i can say is that this car is the best car i have ever driven, i have the Navigator model with all the good stuff, cant say enough about it. drives like a dream, plenty of speed and power and the interior is a really nice place to be, i recently went to Manchester and found the drive to be great.

Please i hope i havnt spoken to early.

I will however say that the Lexus guys at Leicester are useless and would be better suited to seeling burgers in burger king but i guess you cant have it all.[/quote]
Is that a diesel?, greef thats poor, I have the 4.2TDI Sport A8 new and I get more than that on a run and it's just run-in.

[quote name='Jamboo' post='402408' date='Dec 16 2006, 11:49 AM'][quote name='simon k' post='402373' date='Dec 16 2006, 10:48 AM']
welcome back,its been very quiet without your posts[/quote]
"blessings in disguise"..."clouds and silver lining"...take yer pick!!

I was lurking around and reading the posts...

Matus - where you've placed the white cloth is where they've put the Density foam (but all the way along). I will take a picture and post it. You can just see it, only just, but it is a good colour match, and the car is finally TOTALLY rattle free, except for the Satnav screen suround which does creak. Nothing can be done about that, however. The car is on the 2nd Satnav screen/system and it's just as bad.

I actually feel totally exonerated! I knew I wasn't "rattling" for no reason. Each test drive proved to the technician that I wasn't just whinging...The car is now crisp and tight, just what I should have had having told the dealer in january that I wanted mine fixed on the production line...something I was sort of told would happen, but never did. The rest is history!

Once again - a big thanks for all of those that have added threads, PM'd me etc - I really do mean it - THANKS

PS - Scott - buddy I do think it's your 5th Injector. The symptoms sound too familiar...the workshops are normally like a ghost town at this time of year - take it in for early diagnosis...
[/quote]
Funny you should mension "Foam", I test drove (with a veiw to buy) the CLS AMG55 merc, on the drive within an hour tyhe glovebox assy fell out on the floor!!!!, I stopped and looked at it and it was "packed" behind with this foam s*it, I took it back and complained of poor build quality and they shrugged there shoulders and said "dont worry we'll stick it back". Needless to say I was off like shot. That car was £73K basic price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like you have a Friday Afternoon car.


Kick up as much stink with lexus as you can.

We had the same witht he wifes vauxhall and ended up getting free servicing and a pile of freebies.

Luckily cos we did so much milage in the car all the kinks seem to have gotten ironed out over the 3 years we had a warranty.


touch wood its been fine since then.


Bun in answer to some of the questions raised.

No i would NEVER buy a new car again or even an nearly new early model car. The Meriva we have was brand spankers and was only out a couple of months when we took delivery. The problems we had with getting parts, even getting Carpet Mats was a joke.

I think all car manufacturers are having problems with Build quality except Ford. They went throgh the bad build quality curve years ago and learned from it. Mercedes have tried to slash build costs and have now got a bad reputation for quality i really hope Lexus dont do the same.

I once bought a Vauxhall - an Astra Starmist in 1990, brand spankers too.

Put it this way - I have never touched a VX since! It lasted 2 months (It needed a new dash (after 5 visits for rattles!) and even the gearbox packed up after 650 miles) and I bought a Toyota Corolla - best car we ever had...6.5 years of TOTALLY trouble free motoring (72,000 miles, same brake pads, 2 sets of tyres and a new exhaust...that's it)...

VX are renowned for poor customer sat and poo quality (sorry should say poor quality)

But I believed Lexus would be fine...it is a prestige brand, so I expected good service. So far it's at least as good as Audi/VAG, but the build quality of the Lexus really cannot complete with Audi - who really are top notch.

@ Lexusjohn - how do you rate your A8s' build quality? I'd love one...

Funny you should say that

my mate got an A4 and his has been back several times to Audi with niggles.

[quote name='Bloodygoodbloke' post='403008' date='Dec 19 2006, 11:24 AM']Funny you should say that

my mate got an A4 and his has been back several times to Audi with niggles.[/quote]
The rattles in my Lexus were far from niggles. There is clearly a flaw affecting many cars - at least in Dash fit/assembly...or they forgot to put some packing in. Whatever, my old A4 lasted 46000+ miles, 3.5 years, one warranty visit (for coroded alloys) and one "minor" recall for a clutch part affecting some 2002 cars (which they fixed at service) and that was it...

Just look at the quality of the materials and fit and finish in a VAG car (especially an Audi), compare them to a Lexus and see what you think for yourself...

Whilst dull, the actual materials used are top notch, they fit very well...it all feels solid and secure, no flimsy bits, hardly any shiny plastic anywhere...and no rattles

Some cars obviously have problems (such as the early TT's), but on the whole you do feel that you've bought a premium executive brand. A work colleague has an '06 A4 TDi 170, and he uses it for work. 16000 miles already, and one trip back under warranty - CD player packed up...and it'll have the first service in another 1200 miles...

With Lexus I sometimes feel I've bought a Japanese hifi...loads of flashy bits and bobs...and to be honest that and the legendary (!) customer Satisfaction is what sells it...it is great VFM. It does drive well though...now that it's super quiet again!

[quote name='Jamboo' post='403004' date='Dec 19 2006, 11:14 AM']I once bought a Vauxhall - an Astra Starmist in 1990, brand spankers too.

Put it this way - I have never touched a VX since! It lasted 2 months (It needed a new dash (after 5 visits for rattles!) and even the gearbox packed up after 650 miles) and I bought a Toyota Corolla - best car we ever had...6.5 years of TOTALLY trouble free motoring (72,000 miles, same brake pads, 2 sets of tyres and a new exhaust...that's it)...

VX are renowned for poor customer sat and poo quality (sorry should say poor quality)

But I believed Lexus would be fine...it is a prestige brand, so I expected good service. So far it's at least as good as Audi/VAG, but the build quality of the Lexus really cannot complete with Audi - who really are top notch.

@ Lexusjohn - how do you rate your A8s' build quality? I'd love one... [/quote]
Fantastic, I had 3 new Lexus cars, 2 RX300 SE and the new GS300SE, none compare to this it's the best build quality out there. I was going to have a look at the New IS500F when it comes out, I may have second thoughts on that now though, happy new year to you all.

Likewise - the ISF should be tight and well strung together - else the dash'll fall out before it hits 60!

No seriously - I do think it'll be perfect and I would love to try one!!

I think it's one of the reasons why cars are dripped into the market - it's to teeth out the teethers!! If you know what I mean!!

sometimes in traffic i rest my hand on the gear knob (is220d) i have started to get a buzzing noise come from it..when there is light presuure on it...anyone else getting this?
to be fair to my local dealer i havent given the opportunity to adress my problems yet..although i have mentioned it to them..i was gonna wait till the cars in for the first service.
However, mine is a company car..I always get new cars every three years..this is my first "premium brand" car..the rest being vectras/mazda 6's etc....this is the first one which has had all these issues...or any type of issue tbh...the mazda6 was a first off the line batch.
to date my issues are.

buzzing off gear knob as above
rattle in cetral speaker/dash
the creaking seat
the cracking noise behind dash 20/30 mins into a journey.
high idle speeds
poor fuel economy..still getting 32mpg average.and only popping up to 37mpg on motorway.

would i get another lexus..prob not..i should have gone for the 320d
trouble is having these issues rather tarnishes your view torwards the car..and ive got it for another 30 months

[quote name='RSV Daz' post='403353' date='Dec 20 2006, 01:17 PM']sometimes in traffic i rest my hand on the gear knob (is220d) i have started to get a buzzing noise come from it..when there is light presuure on it...anyone else getting this?
to be fair to my local dealer i havent given the opportunity to adress my problems yet..although i have mentioned it to them..i was gonna wait till the cars in for the first service.
However, mine is a company car..I always get new cars every three years..this is my first "premium brand" car..the rest being vectras/mazda 6's etc....this is the first one which has had all these issues...or any type of issue tbh...the mazda6 was a first off the line batch.
to date my issues are.

buzzing off gear knob as above
rattle in cetral speaker/dash
the creaking seat
the cracking noise behind dash 20/30 mins into a journey.
high idle speeds
poor fuel economy..still getting 32mpg average.and only popping up to 37mpg on motorway.

would i get another lexus..prob not..i should have gone for the 320d
trouble is having these issues rather tarnishes your view torwards the car..and ive got it for another 30 months [/quote]
RSVDaz - Most of your issues are fixable...it's just the hassle of going in...wait till a service and tell them to fix the lot and give you a courtesy car until it's all OK.

Like you, I really did not expect a Lexus to have all these issues. At times, like you, I do wish I'd bought something else, and very nearly did a few weeks ago - my confession (Audi A6 2.7Tdi Quattro)

oh..and i forgot the rattle in my drivers door :s