CLACTONMAN

I've an 07 IS250. I've only had it 6 months, but have 15K km on the clock so almost your 10k miles ;)

I'm very happy with my car. Only two disappointments.

1. Despite the 07 model, there are still rattles. In fairness my dealer solved almost all of them. One they failed to solve, and another one or two minor ones have developed in other areas since. They are less than I've been used to in other cars, but it's a matter of expectation, and I didn't expect ANY rattles, minor or otherwise, in my Lexus.

2. I left it in for it's first service recently. Lexus kindly offered to touch up some paint marks (none of which were my fault!) free of charge. They did this, less than perfect, but since it was foc I've no complaints. However they did return it with a NEW scrap on the passenger door handle. Too small to complain and make an issue of. I've always dreaded leading a car into a garage as they always seem to suffer from some sort of garage rash, but again it's one of expectation, and I would have expected more from a premium marke.

Other than the minor scrape in the garage, I've been very happy with the service I've received from the dealer, from demo to 1st service.

On the up side, I love the power of my IS250. I've no problem with the 27mpg as it's more than I was expecting (again expectations are what counts!) and I'm constantly getting compliments on the car.

This is my first Lexus, and I would certainly consider another one, though I'm not so sure about the styling of the other models! I just wish they could produce a car that was rattle free, first time, and stayed rattle free........I'd happily pay them more if they could guarantee this.

I would never consider a diesel Lexus though, having had a diesel IS as a courtesy car.....the diesel and the petrol and worlds apart in my view, and the refinement of the petrol is definately worth the extra running costs.

Colm

Reading Colm's letter I'm surprised that he gets 'rattles' in his IS250. Also, a tip he may like to try out is a change of fuel grade. I was getting 26/30 mpg from standard 95Ron supermarket fuel. 3 months ago I switched to a higher grade e.g. Tesco Greenergy, and since then have enjoyed 33/35 mpg which more than compensates for the extra cost, at the same time better for the engine.

I travel on average about 275 miles a week.

Albert

I've an 07 IS250. I've only had it 6 months, but have 15K km on the clock so almost your 10k miles ;)

I'm very happy with my car. Only two disappointments.

1. Despite the 07 model, there are still rattles. In fairness my dealer solved almost all of them. One they failed to solve, and another one or two minor ones have developed in other areas since. They are less than I've been used to in other cars, but it's a matter of expectation, and I didn't expect ANY rattles, minor or otherwise, in my Lexus.

2. I left it in for it's first service recently. Lexus kindly offered to touch up some paint marks (none of which were my fault!) free of charge. They did this, less than perfect, but since it was foc I've no complaints. However they did return it with a NEW scrap on the passenger door handle. Too small to complain and make an issue of. I've always dreaded leading a car into a garage as they always seem to suffer from some sort of garage rash, but again it's one of expectation, and I would have expected more from a premium marke.

Other than the minor scrape in the garage, I've been very happy with the service I've received from the dealer, from demo to 1st service.

On the up side, I love the power of my IS250. I've no problem with the 27mpg as it's more than I was expecting (again expectations are what counts!) and I'm constantly getting compliments on the car.

This is my first Lexus, and I would certainly consider another one, though I'm not so sure about the styling of the other models! I just wish they could produce a car that was rattle free, first time, and stayed rattle free........I'd happily pay them more if they could guarantee this.

I would never consider a diesel Lexus though, having had a diesel IS as a courtesy car.....the diesel and the petrol and worlds apart in my view, and the refinement of the petrol is definately worth the extra running costs.

Colm

Thanks to all your replies regarding my 20k service, it seems to be Lexus' standard charge. It did include filter and brake fluid changes, they also collected my car from home and returned it same day.

I have to say though that I have no complaints against the Ipswich dealership who were most helpful with my trade-in exchange for my IS250 last year.

Cheers

Albert

Sounds very expensive, did you ask for the cost first? I paid £220 for mine.

Steve, was your's a 20K service and was it done by a Lexus Dealer?

Just had a 20k service on my IS250 auto. No abnormal replacements but still cost over £370. Is this pretty nornal?

Albert

Thanks for your comments guys.

No, I didn't ask for a price first because I assumed all Lexus Service charges are standard. Oils were changed, including the brake fluid. I was rather surprised at a cost of £80 for engine oil, I thought the IS250 was designed to run on the 'cheaper' mineral grade oil?

Anyone know of an 'approved' garage in my neck of the woods?

Albert

Just had a 20k service on my IS250 auto. No abnormal replacements but still cost over £370. Is this pretty nornal?

Albert

Clactonman July 2 2006

Hi Mike B, I've got a question for you.

I too, have an IS200SE Auto (2005 model). My only small gripe is that the auto-box is quite noisy under load. Is it the same on yours or have I a problem?

Great car though.

Can't say I've noticed any 'box noise at all I'm afraid... And since it's new and I'm still in the 30 day Approved Used take-it-back warranty, I've been looking and listening for problems.

Tell me - how many keys did you get? Two black (with boot-release butons) and one grey? Or just one of each?

cheers

Mike

Mike, I had 3 keys, as you say, two black - with boot release - and one grey.

Interesting that you don't have a noise problem, I'm comparing with the cabin noise level of my pals Avensis auto, which is pretty quiet. Think I'll call in to my nearest dealer to get them to check it out.

Thanks.

Clactonman

Clactonman July 2 2006

Hi Mike B, I've got a question for you.

I too, have an IS200SE Auto (2005 model). My only small gripe is that the auto-box is quite noisy under load. Is it the same on yours or have I a problem?

Great car though.

First up - Hello LOC!

Been lurking for a couple of weeks now when I first thought about getting a Lexus, and the general comments and cameraderie/friendliness (and your lexus knowledge) kind of talked me into it... :)

I just picked up my first Lexus yesterday, an IS200SE Auto on a 52 plate from Lexus Reading... and loving it! After 10 years of company diesel load-lugger cars I've got a new job and now get an allowance rather than a set of car keys, so I got to choose what I wanted rather than what a company accountant wanted!

Well pleased with it so far, sooo smooth, the only car I've personally ridden any distance in that comes close is a mate's Merc which has a 5 litre V8 in it!

Obviously, I have a couple of questions for you guys, mostly to do with the dealer rather than the car itself... firstly it only came with the grey valet key and one black master key, which according to the book is required to make new keys. So if I lose that one, am I basically stuffed? Should I try and lean on the dealer to get me a second one cut and programmed? I can't believe it left the factory with only one key which can open the boot and glovebox...

Secondly, it's got a lot of documentation with it, which I wasn't able to go through before I got it home. Two recent checks/services etc have written notes that the front brake discs are getting worn, and sure enough there's a lip on the outer and inner edges of the discs where the pads don't contact it. So I think the discs are indeed worn. Should I lean on them about this? It is an approved used car, and the RAC have passed it, and it went into the workshop for some servicing checks before being released to me.

I'm used to Ford/Vauxhall levels of (non-)service so I don't know how much I can lean on them for this kind of thing with what is, essentially, a second-hand motor!!!

Cheers,

Mike

I am in Australia and have been researching this issue over the last day or so myself.  In my set of books that came with the IS250 was a SatNav manual.  It describes the upgrade process in detail (how to remove the existing DVD and replace it).  They also suggest you let a Lexus dealer do it.  In the book it told me who made the Satnav system (DENSO) and who's maps they use for Australia (Sensis).  That allowed me to check to see if there was a new mapping DVD from Sensis (there isn't) and it also has pricing.  I will be asking when I take the car in next week if they do the upgrade or if I buy it, will they do it for me.  Hope that helps.

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Before paying for a new DVD, it is worth checking if the road is actually on the DVD, but the routing software is not choosing it. I currently have a hand-held GPS and it persistently refuses to take me on a section of tollway that would get me home quickly from the city. However if I drive onto it, the GPS instantly recognises the road, although it won't route me on it.

I will be interested to see if the GPS in the IS250 does the same or is hopefully much smarter.

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Thanks Tony, your tips are appreciated. The new road is not on the DVD, but the tracking arrow faithfully follows it's route across open fields!

Albert

To replace the DVD is very simple.  In the boot is a DVD unit with a plate that covers the eject button and DVD slot.  Remove the plate with a socket set and with the ignition on, slide the plastic cover that's over the slot and press the black eject button.  The old DVD will eject.  Push the new DVD into the slot and it will load.  Turn off the ignition.  Slide back the slot cover and then replace the plate.  Turn the ignition back on and the satnav will initialise and you are back in business.

The DVDs from Lexus are expensive - keep your eye on Ebay.  There is no sure way of establishing whether the new roads are on the new version.  I bought a 2004/05 DVD for my IS300 and the M6 Toll wasn't even on it so luck of the draw I'm afraid.

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Crystal clear Andy - many thanks. My current version is 2004/5 so I guess I'll wait awhile.

Albert

Hi

Just thought I'd introduce myself as I am new to this forum.

Today has been a vey historic day for me, for many many years I have wanted to be a proud owner of an IS 200 and finally the day came. I've just chopped in my Longbridge made 25 GTI for an admirable 200 SE, yes I know considerable upgrade If I don't say so myself!

So if any of you have any decent advice for me it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!!!

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Hi Bram, just joined the Club myself having upgraded from a Honda Civic (some upgrade!!). Have been reading Member's comments for the past few months - a number of very knowledgeable guys out there.

I'm getting used to my car but still nervous of damaging my alloys when parking, ending up too far out from the kerb!.

Happy New Year to all.

Just become the proud owner of an 05 IS200SE Auto.

The Sat Nav system is not an up-to-date version as a year old by-pass which I use is not included.

How often are updates issued and is it more cost effective to purchase and replace myself than have it done by a Dealer - and is it a simple job?