andrewr

I was sorely tempted to trade my 3 year old 200 SE in for a Golf. What on earth posessed me I don't know, could be something to do with the 50mpg figure and complete insanity. I test drove the GT PD TDi (anything with that many acronyms really does have an issue) and I have to say within 3 seconds (the time it took start it) I realised I was making a HUGE mistake. I'm now awaiting delivery of my new IS200 Sport in Black. 2 weeks to go! I just couldn't face the anonymity of the Golf (not that its a bad car mind). Andrew.

Generally I take my car to Guildford (near where I work), as the lexus dealership is pretty slick and they have spent countless hours doing stuff that Southampton are (not to put too finer point on it) pretty bad at like taking pride in their workmanship etc. etc. (Did I mention that Southampton Lexus were responsible for half of the contents of my sump leaking onto my drive....). Actually I take all that back, the reception staff are excellent :) Overall I take my car to Southampton because the cost of servicing is 30% cheaper than Guildford (anyone else notice this HUGE price variance?). With 1 month to run on my warranty I'm tidying up the car so I'm probably pushing my luck anyway. If I don't trade it in, i'll hit Lexus Guildford for some wheels, they're great people. Shame they're so expensive! Anyway, with 2 months to run on your warranty I'd say go for it! My wheels have a couple of light marks on them and they didn't care about that as its the finish thats the problem (I seem to remember seeing other posts from people that have succesfully had wheels replaced with dings on them). I actually can't see how Lexus can legally charge you for warranty repairs post event if they decide that it isn't valid given they have your wheels and won't return them. I wonder if you have to sign anything. I pushed Lexus Southampton and they did buckle, eventually after being a bit direct with the technical guy. You should win, but it seems like they are using this to put borderline cases, or maybe people at the end of warranty periods away.

Popped into Southampton Lexus today (been on hols, so this was my first chance to sort this out). The problem that the is200 wheels have in general is different to the one I am experiencing (ever get that nagging doubt you're being given one of those classic lines!) anyway, the corrosion I have is feathering under the surface on the outer rim, plus the general surface in the middle of the wheel on the sides of the spoke (thingies, whatever you call'em). I was advised that they weren't really subject to the replacement policy however when I pushed the guy he begrudgingly said he would have the pre-approval dealt with however if Lexus didn't agree I would be left with the bill for replacement/refurbished wheels. Being slightly concerned about this I was a bit hesititant but still believe the wheels are of a poor quality finish. They attibuted the outer rim wear to tyre replacement which I disagreed with as my spare, which I believe is on the original (albeit very worn tread) tyre exhibits the same problem. Anyway, they took some photos of the wheels to go along with the claim...... we'll see. However, just want to get a take on this: 1. Has anyone heard of this policy before (i.e. pay if lexus don't agree or is it a scare tactic to make me consider claiming only if it is a genuine claim) ? 2. Has anyone got this same problem (not just the brake dust embedding itself and eating away at those badly laquered wheel surfaces. ??

Ah, that explains it then :-) Andrew.

Thanks! Sounds like the voice of experience there! Andrew.

I've had my IS200 for just a little under 3 years, and still under warranty. Lexus (to their credit) have replaced so much that the warranty has been worth its having. Last to be replaced was my SatNav, but that is a whole other story....... Anyway, is it a general problem that the IS200 wheels suffer from corrosion (SE 17" wheels). They look particularly bad with lines appearing under the lacquer on the wheel surface. I was considering having them re-finished, but wanted to know if anyone had wheels replaced under warranty because of this. The corrosion isn't because of impact.