V Reg Lexus

[the_nemesis]

I bought a V reg Lexus a month ago and in the last week I have noticed a few problems.

The first is changing gear from first to second. When I change there is a crunching sound and the transition is not smooth at all. Also, the car jerks a lot when changing from first to second and a little from second to third.

The other problem is the steering. It feels like the car is driving on ice as the steering is quite loose. Maybe the Traction Control is not working, I don't know. I first noticed this after I had to turn the steering wheel full lock to get into a parking space a week ago. Also, when I accelerate around corners the back slides out quite easily too.

I have read the "Buying an IS200: What to look out for" document which suggests that there is a problem with the Ball Joints, Gearbox and Clutch. Have I bought a rubbish car? How much would it cost to get these items repaired/replaced?

Cheers

Brendon

[tdiplc]

I bought a V reg Lexus a month ago and in the last week I have noticed a few problems.

The first is changing gear from first to second. When I change there is a crunching sound and the transition is not smooth at all. Also, the car jerks a lot when changing from first to second and a little from second to third.

The other problem is the steering. It feels like the car is driving on ice as the steering is quite loose. Maybe the Traction Control is not working, I don't know. I first noticed this after I had to turn the steering wheel full lock to get into a parking space a week ago. Also, when I accelerate around corners the back slides out quite easily too.

I have read the "Buying an IS200: What to look out for" document which suggests that there is a problem with the Ball Joints, Gearbox and Clutch. Have I bought a rubbish car? How much would it cost to get these items repaired/replaced?

Cheers

Brendon

The first problem is likely to be clutch judder caused by a faulty clutch, plus there may also be a transmission synchromesh (internal parts that create a smooth gearchange) problem. You wouldn't be the 1st is200 owner to have these problems.

Regarding the steering, I would go to a reputable alignment specialist to get the whole car checked over and set up properly. The is200 is very sensitive to alignment settings.

Good luck :)

[whitie]

I get the same problem with 1st - 2nd Gear, its well know, changing the oil on the weekend for some Mobil1, to see if that helps

[tony_hetherington]

if you say the back end is quite slidey round corners - that's not good at all. as tdiplc said, get it checked out...and SOON...at a reputable specialist. The steering would not have anything to do with traction control as it's a rear wheel drive car, and the std traction control (in my opinion) is not very good at all - it comes in far too late and is nowhere near smooth enough. I detract from the point though.......it wouldn't be linked to the traction control in my opinion (unless of course you're driving it VERY fast round corners and you have the traction controlled turned off!!!)

Go get it checked.....and very good luck !!!

[ColinBarber]

What are your tyre pressures?

[tony_hetherington]

What are your tyre pressures?

Good question.....and also, sounds stupid but do double check.....are you tyres legal !?!

[the_nemesis]

I do not know what the tyre pressures are. I will get it checked. The tyres are made by Star Millenium (I've never heard of them before).

[mudzs]

I would change your tyres as they are not a brand i have come across ,perhaps just do the rears and see if it makes a difference.

[tdiplc]

I do not know what the tyre pressures are. I will get it checked. The tyres are made by Star Millenium (I've never heard of them before).

That's not a good sign ;)

I thnk Fargo had a similar problem after changing tyres.

[Monster-Mat]

Get rid of those cheap eastern european **** tyres...put some decent rubber on there and get a 4 wheel alignment done

pronto