Brighton

Thanks for the replies folks. So I think I'm going to go for it. I need a car, and I know no matter what model I choose to go for I will find problems if I research it enough! I guess even Lexus isn't perfect in this respect. Will let you know how I get on.

Hi folks, So I've decided on a '06 is250 Auto, and I think I've found the model I want with 83K miles on the clock (was originally looking at the 220d, but too many horror stories on the forum about them!). Anyway, as usual my research has me getting cold feet, as I've come across what the commom problems are on the is250. This thread seems to have most listed, even though it's based on the other side of the Atlantic: http://www.clublexus...se-threads.html None of the issues appear to be that massive, but are annoying all the same. So do you know if they are all relevant this side of the pond? (I assume the UK is250's are not built in the same factories as the ones in the USA / Canada?). The carbon build-up in the engine seems to be the most serious - has anyone on here experienced this? The next most annoying one is the LED lights on the instrument cluster failing - again, has this happened to anyone here? Would also love to get your views on the car in general - it's from a Lexus dealer with 12 month warranty so thats something I suppose, even though I intend to keep it alot longer. Thanks folks - appreciate the help!

Yikes! Now this is scaring me off them completely. Wouldn't want to purchase a car that has reliability as it's main selling point only to discover it needs a £2K fix a couple of months into ownership... Perhaps I should set my sights higher on and '07 or later model?

It's an early MK3 I'm interested in.

Hi folks, I'm looking at a couple of 2005 GS300's next week but have been coming across various stories about an ECU issue. Is there a known ECU issue on these models? Do they commonly go kaput? One of my main reasons for looking at Lexus is reliability! Any info appreciated.

Wow - I'm actually really really surprised! I had assumed that the 220d was a great car - as I happen to be a big Lexus fan. Never thought I'd go on a Lexus forum and see the car get such bad press. So maybe the 250 auto is an option. What sort of mpg can I expect from it realistically? Would be a mix of city and open road driving. I could go down the road of a Mondeo/Avensis etc diesel but I have done that for years and want something that little bit special this time! Thanks for all the informative responses so far folks.

I don't think that should be possible - although I have only tried it with one fob at a time on my ISF. Anyway, just take it as a terrible warning: the phrase "Nice IS220D" is an oxymoron. Well we all can't afford an ISF you know ;-) What is the problem with the IS220d? I had always thought they were a perfectly good car? I really can't go for the IS250 due to fuel economy and I want Lexus reliability - surely the IS220d is a good compromise?

Hi folks, Been surfing the web for a nice IS220d - came across one and phoned the garage selling it. He said that he couldn't let me go for a drive until next week as a previous test driver had locked both sets of keys into the car by accident - they are waiting for a replacement key from Lexus. Apparently both sets of keys were in the car at the time. He got out and pushed the button on the car door to lock it. I'm just a little suspicious - is it possible to do this? I had though that is wasn't possible with modern cars - please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm just not that trusting of car dealers!! Car appears to check out otherwise.

Fair play! Thats what i like to hear. How long have you had the LS430? You sound like you really appreciate it - along with every other LS / Lexus owner!

What do you think of the annual Irish motor tax Hunt.trophy? Approx €1500 per year must be a right pain in the butt!

Hi Folks, Been reading some horror stories on the brake master cylinder failing on peoples GS's and it not being worth doing if the car is a certain age and value. Can you let me know if this issue affects the facelift ('00) onwards models? It's one thing that might turn me off getting a GS! Thanks!

Yip considered one of those too. But my wife had her heart set on the Lexus. We were always going to get an IS200 but never did...

Hi all, Long time reader - haven't done much posting though! So i'm considering purchasing an IS220d early next year as a family car that my wife will use 90% of the time. Going to go for a low mileage used one. At least i was until i heard that the car isn't all that great and they have some problems. Is this true? Should i steer clear of the car? Not all that interested in a 250 due to tax, mpg etc. I genuinely thought buying one of these would be a no-brainer but now i'm confused. Have been a Japanese car buyer for years and they have treated me very well so don't think i want to go German either... Any advice/comments appreciated folks!