bobmc

2008 and only 25,000 miles! - that sounds like a rare find 🙂

Hi Peter Do you mean that the headroom is likely to be an issue?

My daughters car has just expired with a blown head gasket and is uneconomical to repair. So she's looking at getting something to replace it with and has a budget of around £5K. Her partner is 6'5 and they have a young baby so passenger headroom/legroom (he doesn't drive) and luggage space are the key requirements. So I'm thinking that a CT200H would suit nicely but there's not many around within budget. I did spot this one for sale in Kilmarnock which is just over budget. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201906078774272 It's a 2011 SE-I with 104K, it looks good value to me but I'd be interested if anyone has any comments regarding the headroom/legroom or any knowledge/views of this car.

This is quite a common query. Yes, the IS250 is one of the most reliable cars around. That's not to say they never go wrong or don't need maintenance, but if looked after will be a pretty safe ownership bet. Be aware that legroom is quite restrictive and there's not a great deal of headroom either. If that's an issue - the GS300 might be a better bet. For a 3K budget, wanting the auto box rather than manual (is the best option and saves on road tax). you will mostly be looking at 2006/2007 models with over 100K on them. I wouldn't be too concerned about the mileage, they take the mileage pretty well. I'd be looking at how it's been looked after - when and how was it serviced, is there any receipts for work done, what does the MOT history tell you, etc. I always check the tyres, mixed brands across the axle and/or budget no-brands suggests it's not been well maintained. There's a full buyer's guide here but the major things to look out for are corroded exhaust, sticking brake calipers, leaking shocks. Also spark plugs are expensive to replace as they're difficult to get to and they would officially be due for replacement at 120K miles Good luck with your search

thanks for the update, it's useful feedback for members considering the extended warranty. Did you go for the extended warranty on the GSF?

From your description, I'd be looking at the exhaust and heat shield mounts

Congrats on the GSF, so jealous 🙂 Interesting on the warranty front. I would have expected things like the wiper mechanism and the 'noisy' heater motor to be covered .. what reason(s) did they give?

Obviously keep an eye on the oil level and top it up as needed. I'd be looking for a decent independent garage to take a look. With luck it will just be a leaky gasket

Is it on a different reg plate?

sound advice from @Herbie This is the adaptor cable you might need https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SATA-Power-to-MOLEX-Convertor-Cable-CABLE-2-/390504208060?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10 You might need to consider where you will mount the SSD inside the case. You can either buy a mounting kit like this or just use a couple of double-sided adhesive pads to stick it somewhere convenient. Finally, if you don't want to reinstall Windows and all your programs, you can use something like http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx to clone your existing drive to the new SSD However, I would say that the full re-install would be the preferred option to get the full benefit of the upgrade.

Good news, pleased you got it sorted. Suggest you sell your old one for spares/repair to get some money back

Careful you don't wear it out, it's not used to it 😉

Lexus vary their service costs as minor/intermediate/full but the average cost compares favourably to BMW/Audi etc. A service plan just allows you to spread the cost over a couple of years

average of 3.3k per year, you need to get out more lol 🙂

Totally agree on the turn indicators - much too quiet. I think it might be dealer only / require access to techstream ?

Have you thought about / been offered a Service plan? A full service history will add value when you sell or px later on.

I think you're right to consider your options. If it was me, I would be most concerned with GAP insurance - especially if you are buying with finance. I'd suspect you will get a better deal by shopping around but consider the reputation that some insurance companies have and try and compare quotes from reputable companies with the Lexus offer. A dashcam can provide useful evidence in the event of an accident but otherwise don't offer any great benefit. I think I heard that Lexus were doing an offer on dashcams so it might be a good deal. Check if it includes professional fitting with hidden wiring and what features it has - GPS, unattended recording etc. Are they offering you Smart Cover (they will pay for a smart repair on bumper scrapes, dings etc) or a protective coating? I think the general view is that if you're are going to the trouble and expense of a protective coating then the work is best done by a specialist and not in the dealer workshops which is often the case. Anyway, my 2cents, hope that helps

forgot to post my mileage, still running very nicely at 103,950

I've got 18in on mine and the ride is a little bit on the firm side. I've read that the ride is better on the 16/17in which is reasonable as there will be more flex in the larger tyre wall. Why are you thinking about changing? It's likely to be expensive unless you can find a used set complete with decent tyres

You're getting less than 30mpg in an is220d? that's poor I do struggle to get better than 30mpg in my is250 but then I do mostly short urban journeys, depressing when you think the computer tends to over estimate the true MPG figure

Well they arrived today, so quick service from the seller. Less than £30 delivered for the pair. Will probably be the weekend before I get round to fitting them @J Henderson The HB3 bulbs are a lot cheaper than the D4S. Single generics are less than a fiver. @Linas.P Original spec OSRAM's run about £35 each while the Nightbreakers et all are over £100 for a pair. There might be occasional deals to be had but typically not when I need them. Still we'll see how we get on when I fit them

I noticed one of my headlights is not working so it seems it's time to change the bulbs. As far as I know, I'm still using the original factory fitted units so they're well over 10 years old now. I've had a look round and almost ordered some Osram Nightbreakers but there was such a difference in price between the OSRAM/Philips and the generic types that I was having a hard time justifying the expense. Main difference seemed to be the warranty but I can replace the cheaper one's several times for the price of a set of OSRAM's So I ended up ordering these http://www.lunextechnology.co.uk/index.php/category0/76/d4s-lunex-premium-6000k-xenon-detail.html So we'll see how they pan out and I'll post my experience and thoughts once I've received and fitted them.

Great roads, in a previous job I used to have to travel up to the scottish borders every now and then. If you used the A697 from Morpeth to Coldstream you missed a treat, next time come off the A1 at Burtree Gate and follow the A68 all the way up to Jedburgh - fantastic drive

Loads of Lexus speakers on Ebay from breakers, probably your best bet

So you looked at it but didn't buy it? Wonder if the current owner knows about it's past life?