2006/2007 Lexus Is 220D

[mnaylor]

Hi All,

I am new here.

I was all set for buying a Lexus IS 220d for around the £5k mark when I started reading about head gasket failure :(

I know I might get a biased view here, but what I can't afford is a bill running into thousands to fix a head gasket. How common a problem is this on these cars?

From what I have read it could happen at any time as well and there is no real way of preventing it. Of course you can hedge your bets with regular servicing and using the best oil etc.

I really wanted one of these cars but this head gasket issue has really put me off.

Any comments or suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks

Mike

[Captain Fizz]

Hello Mike,

Initially it got me quite worried too - Although did read on Club Lexus that it is mainly caused by high pressure when engine is cold.

I never rev it hard when it's cold... Will see if it keeps happy - Only 39k when I got it (08 plate)

[mnaylor]

Does anyone know if Lexus cover this? Because a head gasket going and then requiring a brand new engine is not acceptable. Did Lexus not do a recall or cover cars outside of warranty?

[Captain Fizz]

I *think* it's covered to about 110k miles or so.

Or 7~8 years.

And they'll cover 70% of the costs, maybe, depending on how the dealership gets on with Lexus.

[ColinBarber]

I *think* it's covered to about 110k miles or so.

Or 7~8 years.

And they'll cover 70% of the costs, maybe, depending on how the dealership gets on with Lexus.

only if you have full Lexus service history though

[toffee_pie]

why do people want diesels over the superior ride, reliability and refinement of a petrol?

[mnaylor]

Because I do over 15k miles a year and a gas guzzling petrol makes no sense when I have a family to provide for and a mortgage to pay.

I prefer petrol cars and have never owned a diesel so you don't need to convince me that petrol cars are better, this simply comes down to monthly bills and keeping my monthly fuel bill as low as possible, while still having a half decent car.

[Captain Fizz]

Personally it was cheaper than the 250 and I far prefer the delivery of power in diesels.

As Lexus no longer do anything bar petrol and I have the bug... Think next car will be a petrol ;)

But have always preferred deisels.

Have used them since I was about 8 years old - Had 1 petrol car in my lifetime.