Is220D Head Gasket - Lexus Known Problem!

colbecoz · February 8, 2015

We are just back from a trip to Spain in my late 2007 IS220D. Noticed that coolant had come out of the radiator overflow pipe, so I took it to the dealer in Aberdeen (Arnold Clark Toyota). They tell me it looks like the head gasket known problem, and it would be expensive to fix!!! I asked about the Lexus extended warranty and whether it would cover the fix, especially as the car has just hit a little over 70K miles. Abruptly told that Lexus UK wouldn't entertain the fix cost as I am 4 months out of the 7 year extended warranty. I'm fuming as my last three cars have been lexus, and the service record is impeccable... I am going to contact them directly as I feel that the dealer hasn't really bothered explaining my customer loyalty etc, and that it is only 4 months over the warranty period, and has done no where near the 110000 mile mileage limit. If this doesn't work out I'll check with trading standards as they sold me a car which is not fit for purpose!!!!

Col

ColinBarber · February 8, 2015

Sorry to hear this Colin, I can understand your frustration and disappointment. Unfortunately I think you will be luckily to get Lexus to help you out given that they have already provided an additional 4 year warranty to the car, essentially as a 'good will' gesture. A line has to be drawn somewhere, even if it was 4 weeks over 7 years they would be unlikely to help.

Sale of goods act gives you a case against the dealership rather than the manufacturer, depending on when you purchased the vehicle you could have some luck - if it was purchased new then after 7 years I don't think it would be unreasonable to expect repairs to a vehicle, but if you purchased it 12 to 18 months ago and now face a repair bill that is a significant percentage of the vehicle's value then you are in better shape to have at least some compensation.

colbecoz · February 8, 2015

Unfortunately, the Aberdeen Lexus dealership was closed down and amalgamated in to Arnold Clark Toyota Aberdeen. I've had nothing but problems with them servicing the car. Last service they did not tighten the sump drain plug, and I had oil leak all over my lock block driveway. It took a lot of arguing with them before they admitted liability and paid to have my drive cleaned. I paid for it, sent them the receipt, and about 2 weeks later I got a letter with a cheque in it from thme. "NO APOLOGY".. that's the kind of dealer they are!!! Every one I know who deals with them has peoblems, yet they post over 95% customer satisfaction!!! NO WAY!!!!

I bought the car from them when it was 18 months old, so I wonder if that will help with the sale of goods act??? They told me then that there were problems with that engine type and said not to worry as I'd probably not have any problem!

I really appreciate your advice.....

Colin

IS200D · February 9, 2015

I know its probably a silly question, but has a complete diagnosis shown its the head gasket. They say it looks like its the head gasket, but are they sure. When I saw coolant spray in my engine I thought the worst, only to find it was the coolant pump. If it is the head, then you may have a decent argument if the post sale mileage is pretty low. Good luck whatever the case.

royoftherovers · February 9, 2015

Colin,

It mat be helpful to you (and cheaper) to contact your local Toyota Dealership (assuming it`s not Arnold Clark !) or your local Toyota Indie for another diagnosis.

Regards

John

colbecoz · February 9, 2015

Post sale mileage is around 29K. So for the time I have had the car my average is around 6K/ year. Taking of the fact I have just done a round trip to the south of Spain and back which added approx 5K miles.

Local dealer is unfortunately Arnold Clark, so I guess I am stuffed there!

Colin

royoftherovers · February 9, 2015

Post sale mileage is around 29K. So for the time I have had the car my average is around 6K/ year. Taking of the fact I have just done a round trip to the south of Spain and back which added approx 5K miles.

Local dealer is unfortunately Arnold Clark, so I guess I am stuffed there!

Colin

Have you enquired of some of these garages near to you Colin?

Arnold Clark`s reputation is so bad that other Lexus/Toyota owners must have moved to Independant garages.

https://www.whocanfixmycar.com/service/colins-mot-[and]-service-centre

Where do you drive to in Spain as I drive to Andalucia twice yearly!

Regards

John