Curtisp

Believe me buddy - it is stressful. The forum in black and white makes things sound harsher than reality. I am chuffed with the Lexus overall, I'm just seeking perfection.

There are little things which frustrate more than the big things. All of those biggies have been resolved.

As far as Lexus ownership is concerned, it is actually pretty good. Far better then the opposition overall...at least you are treated very well by dealers and technicians who actually know something!

I just hope day in day out that LGB and others in "power" will look at these forums and take the comments seriously. I am becoming more pationate about Lexus overall and know that the reasons I chose the Lexus are still there and sound, despite my issues.

I've said before that buying a Lexus is like buying a rather expensive swiss watch...even that can go wrong - it;s how the dealer and maker treat you which is key - for that Lexus in my experience are better than most.

Never been too passionate that way about any other manufacturer, barring Audi, who in my book still make a car that is comparable to the Lexus and in my humble opinion I still think it shades the Lexus from a quality of materials perspective. It might be sombre and staid, and less equipped, but the engineering is a masterpiece in some places! You only have to look at the door hinges and retainers, the way the doors, even the boot, shuts etc. Makes you smile. The Lexus has strong residuals, enviable badge, and rarity. It wins on those counts hands down. Then when you consider the sheer VFM, you'd be mad to go elsewhere!! Even now, if I had to replace my Lexus, where would I go?

It would probably be another one... B)

I really want to buy another Lexus after this one, and have one eye on a GS and another on the RX - both hybrids...time will tell. If I had a third eye, it would be on the RS4 but it would have to be a 3-4 year old one, and would I really buy such a high performance saloon that is so old? Dunno really!! It would have to be owned by a man of the cloth and 20K with FSH!

....In the meantime I think I do want Lexus to get all of these little things sorted...so I and others can enjoy what is a rare, but beautiful car.

It's forums like this with the great people on it that give me hope. Else I would have jacked it in ages ago...and if I were to get these issues with any other marque, I would have accepted it and never really complained!

Anyway, my dealer has risen to the challenge, always treats me with respect, and they give it 100%. For that I am grateful, and others should also take some satisfation from it.

Exiled, you could do a lot worse by not buying one of these Lexus cars - on balance they are excellent!! Go drive one...especially the Auto. You'll be pining for one!! Sheer refinement alone is awesome, and if you drive the GS or RX, you'll see exactly what I mean!!

It's on the cards Jamboo, but not for a few months yet. got maturing funds after xmas.

Initial choice was BMW 525d, but decided it was too big, as only need back seats occasional, then saw new 3 series coupe, more room in back than IS 250 though more difficult to get to it. Fancied 330d but with leather, walnut, folding mirrors, floor mats, auto box and front pdc it comes out at 36K and not much off through DTD. Don't want to spend that much anyway, not impressed with dealer, wouldn't return my calls, nothing worse in my book, that was it for me, I took my bat home.

Got mini from same dealer, completely different experience, small operation, they only employ a couple of sales staff and the odd mechanic we are treated as well as we ever have been. There's a message in there somewhere.

Keep your chin up.

I've got to say Jamboo has given some of us interested motorist and Lexus owners a rather interesting perspective in the day to day life of an Lexus IS owner. In fact Jamboo your posts could be converted into a novel or even a play!!

It's been fascinating, believe me - Love, hate, happy, sad, frustrated, elated, angry, thoughtful, philosophical, honest, moody, sadistic, moaner, suicidal, contemplative, excited etc etc. It's got the lot.

Exiled, I don't think Jamboo is ready to die! Yet in the end, or are we somewhere in the middle with a twist or two to come, this fascinating insight in the world of Lexus is so much more revealing than any brochure or salesman could ever convey.

And Jamboo is not the only one on this forum to tell it as it is.

You are right Exile, this forum is an eye opener, and the better for it.

Lexus owners are very passionate about their cars, and feel very protective, like a parent and child relationship, love reveals all.

Well done Jamboo, sometimes you have frustrated me, sometimes your zeal and enthusiasm, gratifying. Other times.........?

I to feel that my next car will be a Lexus (IS-F, IS-CV, GSh, LSh, because when you add up all the pros and cons, the high and lows, it is by far the best ownership experience. VFM IMO there is no other choice.

I look forward to further revelations into 'a day in the life of a Lexus'.

Hey Jamboo that creaking by your knee could be the leather gearstick surround stick your fingers in the leather between gearstick and surround when driving mine drove me nuts because the leather rubs together. fixed it by using meguirs nxt intereor protectant. stops the leather rubbing together completely and also makes your plastics shiny as an added bonus

No mate - this is defo the whole console!! It even moves and flexes a little which is really worrying. I'll now have to book it in again for them to look at it. It's all getting too much. It started after the dash out jobby - this'll be the 7th Rattle visit!

My patience is running so thin! I now want shot of this car me thinks...munny is a bit tight...and it'll mean that I can't get the RS4 that I want, so 'm gonna have to stick this one out for 2-3 few years yet!

Having the dash out will always run the risk of additional squeaks and rattles forming when replacing the dash. I've had mine out 4 times now in 6 visits and yes it is a pain and does drive you nuts. Currently it's running fine, with the odd rattle here and there when the weather changes, which is quite often over the last couple of months. But the customer services has been impeccable.

What has prompted me to reply is that I went sailing with a few colleagues and we got talking about cars and the problems each were encountering and it made most of the rants regarding the Lex seem insignificant.

One had a Merc CLK350 which totally shut down when he was travelling through France, had to fly back to the UK from Lyon and then had the car transported back days later. Was of the road for 6 weeks. When he got it back the CD and air con was not working, still waiting for parts. To cut a long story short, asked for his money back and now has a Volvo C70.

Another had a new Audi A8, after 3 months the sat nav stopped working and the glove box rattled. They fixed the sat Nav, then days after getting it back the air con and electric seats packed up. He said it was of the road for 3 weeks with an A4 for a courtesy car, which also broke down during that period. Had enough, got his money back and got an LS460.

Best of all was the Porsche Boxter whose gear leaver came away in my colleagues hand while travelling down the motorway doing 80mph. He said he was going from 5th to 6th and feels he was lucky to be alive and in one peace after the panic set in! Drives his wifes MX5, won't touch the Porsche.

At least it would appear our Lexies still get us from A to B reliabily with, on the odd occassion a rattle or two.

I think all of the prestige marques suffer from similar issues experienced on this forum and in many cases far worst. It may be they don't build them like they used to (remember Mercedes, how the mighty fall), and building to a cost instead of a standard is no longer economically viable!

But if Lexus are in the pursuit of perfection, then it is the very highest standards they should be aiming for!

For £33k I expect better! No I demand better!!

My car having been in for the dash rattles some 6 weeks ago is exhibiting symptoms of creaking from what seems like the passenger SEAT/door/dash. This has only recently started to appear during our fine hot weather and it's starting to get on my nerves. I've got the seat belt recall to book in, so will get them to look at it for the umpteenth time.

Lexus Leicester have a couple of handover bays and my experience was similar to others. Saw my car bathed in a light as I drove up to the dealer. Did the paper work and was then led to my car which looked stunning. So nice that as soon as I drove out I took loadsa pictures as it will never look the same again!

Make sure that you get any questions answered while you are there as it will save time in the long run. Got the guy to show me all the controls for the Sat Nav as the manual is about the size of a family bible! However you will be so pleased with the car that you will want to drive off as soon as possible.

I got a brolly, wallet, cufflinks and Supaguard but this was partly due to a few "incidents" that had happened prior to purchase!

On the topic of insurance has anyone used Lexus Insurance and if so are they any good?

Lexus Insurance gave me the best quote, £498. I was previously with Direct Line who quoted me £895, which I wasn,t happy with, so looked around. Got quotes from NU (£799), More Than (£705). It was a work mate who suggested getting a quote from Lexus. Silly me for not thinking of that one. The cover is actually better than the other quotes I got, with many extras that are free, which you have to pay for with the others.

Got mine also, recorded delivery, just seat belts. Haven't had any problems with them, but then I or my passengers never yank the belts hard or quickly when buckling up.

No mention about Sat Nav upgrades, but would be useful to add new roads built over the last 12 months and update POI addresses, plus full Post Codes.

For those of you who have wind noise in the doors etc. I know a fix is alignment of doors, new/refit of window and door seals etc is a solution. I just need to guage the severity of the problem on mine.

The first question is how bad is/was yours (drivers side)?

Was it:

1) So bad you could only hear that and nothing else in your right ear; almost as if the window/door is slightly open

2) Mildly irritating, constantly "whissing" and really noticeable after a few minutes on a fast road

3) Only noticeable if you listened carefully and then un-noticeable

Any help would be good. I just want to know how that compares to mine, which is really a 2) above...

The second question is about the A/C.

Even on "auto", I found that on a warm day (last week) with A/C on the system tended to chuck air out of the "face" level vents only. I know it's an intelligent system (!), but you have to manually override it to make it comfortable or cool your legs. Anyone else finding that? Also it's a "noisy" air flow...??? You have to switch to "circ" (not auto recirc on the oiler) to stop un-necessary wind noise at the front of the car (possibly the external vents).

Any assistance would be good. I'm not driving the car at all currently, but would just like to know how mine compares to your experience.

It does depend on the speed you are driving.

On your scale it would be a '3' between 60 and 70mph and a '2' from 80 to 90mph on a still day. On a windy day from 70mph.

I was once travelling at 105mph (un-noticed) chatting with a colleague with the radio on very low, and not distracted by any wind noiseat all, only noticing the red LED band on the speedo. Very impressive thought my colleague, felt like 70mph.

Jamboo, you must be getting bored!

Mine was 8.1 miles.

Jamboo,

So finally after all the waiting, whingeing, frustration et all, you are the proud owner of the best car in its class.

Congrats, and enjoy. The colour looks great. As with the other posts, would be interesting to know what your fuel consumption is over time.

After 3 months I'm Still smiling :D , despite my rattle problem, now sorted.

Incidently my dealship took photos of the innards with the dash removed to send to HQ with a report letting them know how to sort the rattles out, which were traced to a series of clips that need to be secured properly, being dislodged travelling over very rough roads etc.

The newer cars should have no problems. Keep us posted on that issue.

Yesterday evening went out to the drive to look at my new machine. Squatted down to look at the front fogs and noticed that condensation had formed in them......both of them!! As you can imagine plenty of swearing and cursing.

I don't think this will be a problem.

My last two Toyotas suffered from condensation in the lights but the problem went away after a couple of months.

If it happens on my 220d when it arrives I will not be too concerned.

Its not the point though is it. Doesnt happen with merc's and bmw's.

Maybe he should ask for £2000 reduction and we will see if lexus give it

How wrong you are!

It happens all to frequently with Mercs and BMW's.

My friends E class a/c didn't work and the glove compartment was warped, so doesn't close properly.

My neighbour's BMW 320d auto is rather noisy and jerky, and having seen my car wishes he made a different choice, especially after seeing all the toys!

Anyway Matty, sorry to hear about your minor problems. I had rattle problems which the dealer has sorted out, and they will fix yours quickly, unlike my friends Merc, whose a/c still doesn't work after 3 months and now his stereo has packed up. Just have a peek at their forums, It's depressing!!

Couldn't agree more, they are excellent. Typically Japanese, effortless.

Guys,

I'm new on here but i'm starting to get very irritated by getting fobbed off my Lexus and my local dealer.

I have a IS250 SE-L with the satnav/mm and i'm having problems.

When driving along i get the welcome caution screen that you get when you start up appears on its on accord randomly.

With a route set or using bluetooth my car resets itself everytime.

Lexus say they havent experienced this problem yet and my dealer had the car today and still reckon they is no problem.

Anyone else having any problems like this ?

Also have a groaning dash too when cars cold

Chay Webster

Hi Chay

Sorry to here about your problem with the Sat/Nav, trust you have taken the advice of your fellow Lexus members and taken the car back to get it sorted with out excuses.

There is definately a fault and it may only manifest its self while on the move rather than static in the workshop! Check with them to make sure they take it for a decent spin to check that it is fixed or not.

With regards to the dash groaning and buzzing and sqeaking etc, this appears to be a common irritation experienced by quite a few new owners, me included.

I have had to take the car in twice to get sorted out. I had a severe rattle under the dash top speaker, which has been cured, but now experiencing the same at either end of the dash when it is cold. Tends to reduce significantly when warm.

Make sure they attend to the groans on the dash. This shouldn't be happening on a new luxury car with the quality reputation boasted by Lexus.

Let us know how you get on. Good luck

Oh well,

Just after I posted my earlier post about Jamboo being an jammy sod, my dealer phoned me! He advised that he had a car ready for me in the exact spec that I wanted, but it would have a sunroof?? Couldnt give me a date for one without. Quickly weighed up the pros and cons and and decided to take the one he was offering (IS250 Sport with MM, ICE and sunroof in Brechin Slate). Has cost me and extra £800 for the sunroof however!!!

He also advised that the delay was down to the Multi media pack. Seemingly theres a problem with it? Not sure what though.

However I am expecting to take delivery of the car on the 6th March!!! Hooray! Howver has cost me an extra £800 bucks! Should I ask for a discount??

:winky:

Damn right ask for a discount!

Ordered mine on 2nd Dec and received it on the 21st Dec.

Incidentally Black was on a 12 week delivery if ordered with MM, Agento Ice being the popular colour for early delivery.

Ivan Golac, I was told at my dealer that the ICE was a dealer fit. I would check with your dealer for certain.

What may be a good idea is to name and shame those dealerships that have offered poor service in all aspects of the so called Lexus Experience. We should also name those who have experience what Lexus are renowned for.

Rather than a Poll, just tell of your experiences good or bad. and hopefully if the dealers read these posts it may just spur them into investigating why they are getting some negative views, and ensure that their mission statement is put into action for every existing and new customer.

I feel a new topic coming on....

I agree. If die hard Lexus fans are becoming unhappy there is a problem.

I am now really looking forward to March, and I fear for the owners of old IS cars who may get the sharp end of the brunted stick, 'cos all the owners of new cars that they can't seemingly handle...

Jamboo,

Well done mate for venting you feelings and taking positive action re the totally unacceptable service you have received from Lexus Leicester.

Lexus fans are a passionate group, and no doubt an honest lot. When a problem or issue arises it is genuine, because for 16 years Lexus they have built up a reputation that fans have been proud off, and when this reputation is in danger of freefalling from the pedestal it occupies. The customer notices and voices his opinion.

I think some complacency in the dealers have set in, and your new post you have started today is an excellent step forward in making sure Lexus know how their fans feel. Better go and add my pennies worth to!

Yes you are right about receiving the sharp end of the proverbial stick with the quality issues that Lexus are finding difficulty to come to terms with and sort out. I have a feeling the fans voice will start to make a difference. Certainly my dealer (Croydon) seem to be better prepared than others, and certainly very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Really hope they stick to the delivery date they have indicated, you have suffered along with others, and this should not happen.

Eunos, Caspian sky is quite stunning and I think you will be smitten when you see it. Good luck.

Good luck to you all.

Really sorry to hear you guys are having delivery and quality issues that are'nt being resolved. It would appear from the experiences cited that some Lexus dealer standards are slipping.

On the quality issue, I had a serious rattle coming from the dash around the top mounted speaker area. It went in earlier this week to get sorted and can happily report that the rattle has finally been cured (speaker cable vibration), hopefully permantly. My dealer has been very good. They have been very busy selling IS250's evident by the near bumber to bumper collection of displayed part exchanged IS200's, yet they have always answered my calls and been very attentive. Maybe I am lucky! By the way, Lexus have reported the rattles to HQ with new cars promised to be rattle free.

On the delivery front, those who are waiting for their orders, Eunos, Jamboo etc I do sympathise, since it must be frustrating not having a firm delivery date, but when you do get the car it will be worth the wait. This car is fantastic.

When I ordered mine in early Dec I was told delivery for the SEL with MM was typically 3/4 months which suited me, since at the time my PCP ended in March. However I got a call several days later when my exact spec was accommodated in a car available within under 3 weeks, with Lexus sorting out early settlement on my then currrent PCP.

I believe you need to keep in close contact with your dealers. Be firm but polite. Lexus have underestimated the demand for cars with MM option. At least your cars should be rattle free, and you may get a few extras thrown in for you patience.

Good luck guys.

The Sport comes with Illuminated scuff plates both front and rear - SEL comes only in the front!

The scuff plates are not illuminated in the Sport!

After 15 years of driving only Mercs I decided to have a change. Tried the IS250 and was impressed with the engine , drive etc. Well after 3 weeks the bloom has worn off...rattles from doors( the first one started within 3 miles of the showroom) and now the dash as well.

After all the praise and JD power ratings is this a one off or is the baby lexus being built to price..?

Anyone else had the same problems with this model ..

Alan

There is a post dealing with rattles from the new IS which has concerned a number of members. I am experiencing rattles from the dash board of my car which is in the process of being sorted out by the dealer. It appears to be affecting early models. I do however have confidence that they will sort it out, as they are rather concerned such quality issues are being reported.

Overall I feel the the quality of the new IS is superb and certainly better than the current Mercs of which my boss owns and has countless problems with it. His next car will be a Lexus.

Lexus build cars to a standard and although a few teething problems can arise with early adopters to brand new models, I believe it is just that, a wee blip.

Just look at the problems Mercs, BMW's and Audis are having with quality issues, and thay aren't just rattles!!!

Return your car to the dealer for them to sort it out, and when they do just enjoy.

Definately the best forum I have been a member off. Many useful tips and ideas and in particular an interesting and enthusiastic group of members.

I to spend many a lunch time and evening plus during the odd coffee break reading through the posts. Its a bit addictave, but what great fun and source of info.

Great cars, and I guess great people drive them.

Finally, common sense...

I echo that.

Argento ice was also my choice with black interior. My previous car was black. Looked great when clean, but that was not for long, generally the next day it needed cleaning again, and who has the time!!

As mentioned by Icarus, Argento Ice really does spartkle in the sunlight and stays looking clean a lot longer, and am very pleased with it.

Was in the showroom the other day and caught sight of the car (a sport) in Cadaxton Slate which looked fab esp under the showrooms lights, but so did Argento Ice.

The car is great :D , so enjoy when you receive it.

You are right Scott it is the DvD screens in tha back. Not sure if there is other gagets that come with it but the main this is the DvD screens in back.

Apologies Ivan for such a poor assumption, should of known better, Scott was on the ball.

Bet you can't wait for the car to arrive. It is truely superb. You're really going to enjoy it.

BTW is the ICE optional equipment or dealer fit? The brochure suggests it's the latter.

Do you mean the ACC/PCS (Adaptive Cruise Control/Pre Crash System)?

Usually ICE stands for 'In Car Entertainment'.

Hi Guys, visited the dealership to sort out the rattle. Incidently my rattle generally occurs when the car is, warm and typically after 15min of driving.

Anyway to make matters worst, went for a spin with the salesman at my side and you guest it, my baby was ere, behaving rather well, demonstrating no major rattles.

I say major, because the odd creek and what sounds like something loose did briefly occur!

After the drive, The salesman sympathetically (citing sods law) asked if I wanted to book it into the workshop, but couldn't guarantee a fix it they can't hear a major rattle.

I suggested that I will keep it and monitor for the rattle over the next couple of days and if it gets persistantly worst will bring it back for attention.

I had just turned the corner out of the dealership and driven about 50 metres up the road, when my faithfull rattle appeared loud and clear. I made a switft U turn back to the dealership and suggested to the salesman to take the car out on his own, saying possibly his presence in the passenger seat might of cancelled out the rattles/vibration.

While I was having a cupper in their comfortable lounge, he was back within a couple of minutes stating he thinks he's found the problem.

While driving he noticed the dashtop mounted speaker wasn't quite flush fitting and applying pressure on it seemed to cure the rattle. A clip holding the speaker cover down was broken.

So I have it booked in for next week Thursday. Away in Austria on business for the next few days.

Would also agree that the odd creek does appear at other points on the dash, although very diffficut to pinpoint, but generally only occurs over very rough roads.

Well we shall wait and see it they can effect a permanant cure.

Will keep you guys posted.