j_jazzy777

Can relate. I read that your 02 sensor should be changed every 20k miles anyway. Mines got 28k miles on the clock. The other possibility is that in the last service, the work was undertaken by a garage that are not Lexus accredited, so the chances are that they fiddled something to break down later anyway. If there is one thing I have learned in being a car owner is- it is worth taking it to the specialists, bceause the job done improperly can cost you more in the long run and also to find a recommended dealership, not just the closest. There is no indication that the spark plugs have been changed in the service history and I know that they are supposed to last for 60k miles minimum. Maybe I need to just step out in faith and take it to the Lexus garage. Anyone got any particular recommendations? I live in Watford, Herts. I'm considering Hatfield. :duh:

Wish I had that luxury! I'm pootling around and petrol is just burning away- somwhere! I noticed clouds of white exhaust coming out the back on occasion- especially in the morning when first run, but everyone assures me this is normal. Isn't that unburnt petrol pouring out of my exhaust?

Thanks for all the pointers. I'll have to investigate these. Noticed from going back through the service history that the air filter was only changed fairly recently. However, I'm wondering whether they didn't fit it properly and this is a possible cause? Unless anyone has any better advice, I'm gonna try the following- 1. Set the wheels air pressure to the correct psi 2. Reset the ECU. (Anyone any advice on this because I have heard different things- is it better to drive harder or slower after resetting it?) 3. Getting a full geometry on the wheels on the 24th- something the car inspector recommended and notable within the car's history about steering issues. 4. Failing all that, book it in with the garage to replace the plugs for Denso's and change of 02 sensor. 5. Failing that, sell it on and buy...something else. Maybe another Alfa?? Er...then again, maybe not.

Yes- 14mpg! I know its mad. Thats why I posted this on here! I'm getting to the desperate point of thinking I should just sell the car on having only just bought it! "Something's wrong..."- I would think so, although I paid for a full check from Dekra and they couldn't find any faults but then they dont check the engine bay properly as part of their testing! Others be warned- they only check the basics and you pay through the nose for the privelege! "Doing something wrong..."? Like what?! Driving it? Maybe I should just leave it sitting outside the house- it would be lower fuel consumption (?!), hmmm...but then how do I get to work??! Thanks for your ever so helpful comments anyway!

I know- its insane! Not sure whether to look into buying bits that might make a difference first- i.e. denso ik20's and replacement air filter -or take it straight to the Lexus garage (who are likely to charge more for cheaper parts). I know the used car dealership who sold it to me don't want to know (we never drove it so we don't know, talk to your local lexus dealership, fuel consumption isn't covered by warranty)! I could go down there and threaten physical retribution (feel like it), but then the nice men with big hats might come down and escort me to their local constabulary. Otherwise, it means going through the courts, which I know from other's experiences' is a total waste of time- the dealers come out on top every time. Apart from anything else I don't even know what's wrong with it... I'm rambling. Sorry. I also know there's a couple of bits I need to try first- -check tyre pressure -reset the ECU. Also, the tracking is off and the car needs a full wheel alignment. Does this have much bearing on fuel consumption? Oh yeh, by the way... there's no supercharger. It certainly doesn't go like its supercharged. Its positively sluggish compared to the Alfa I just traded in!

Hey folks. New to all this. Just bought a second hand 53 Reg IS200 SE with a full service history (although the last service was not carried out by a Lexus dealer). The first thing I noticed was how thirsty the car is- I might as well have a petrol pump welded to the rear of the car for the money I'm pouring into it! I filled the tank full, reset the trip B odometer and ran it dry, then calculated that I'm currently getting 14mpg!!!!!! (We are talking Lamborghini territory here- but without the performance). I dont have a heavy foot and have permanently switched off all the acroutements such as air con and heated seats to see if that helps- but not noticably. Tried pootling around in all the higher gears with low revs, but this thing would still beat Oliver Reed in a drinking contest, hands down! Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, comments?