true blue

Hi I have just purchased a top of the range 2011 250c SEL acc/pcs I have been looking for quite some time and found the specifications quite confusing as I have not had access to a n original brochure . as far as I can make out there are 4 models SE I SE I full map SEL SEL acc/pcs The main difference in the SEL is Seats heated and ventilated Memory front seats ,steering wheel and mirrors HID headlights I-AFS front lighting ?? Illuminated entry system Illuminated door scuff plates Rain sensing wipers leather console box wood trim The SEI full map and SEL have full map navigation system with DAB radio optional The SEL acc/pcs has 365 w mark levinson with 6 DVD player 40 Gig HDD and Dynamic route guidance system DAB standard hope this helps it may not be a complete list but it is what I have picked up while viewing.I was lucky and found a top spec car which was not in a lexus dealership and they did not know what they were selling as it was the first one they had seen .If some one can give me an idiots guide to post pictures ,I will put some on here Dave

Hi ,today I part exchanged my IS200 sportcross which I have had for 6 years FOR a 2011 IS 250C SEL and drove it home . I have been looking for the right car for a couple of months and I am pleased with this 0ne .Blue ( will have to check the colour code ) as I have not seen many this colour . 1 owner 20000 miles full history with 4 lexus stamps and full MOT ,mutimedia package etc . If the rain stops and I can work out how to post a picture I will try to put some pictures up on here . Off to read the manuals :hocus-pokus: Dave

Hi ,ref my is200 I do not think the mpg is too bad for an old technology 6 cylinder car ,I only cover 7000 miles per year so I'm happy to put up with the mpg . On a good run I get approx 390 miles to a tank . Dave

I agree with ' bluenose' I am over 70 but have no problem with taking a test on my ability to drive . The problems I perceive are the poor standards of so called professional drivers in large vans and trucks who drive with a total disregard for every other road user ,and the drivers with eye sight problems who are a danger to us all .In my opinion drivers should have to take an eye test every 2 years with legal implications if you continue to drive when advised to wear corrective glasses . I do not at present wear glasses normally ,but because of my age I am very aware of the need for regular testing .I recently had a test and the optician said my eyesight was fine .I the asked her as a matter of interest to show me on her charts the minimum standard she felt would require glasses to drive.I was astounded to me it seemed I would need to be in a bad way not to pass this .She then went on to say many people do not reach this standard but when told what action they need to take, leave and continue driving ,and there is no action she can take . dave

Hi I have a manual IS200 Sportcross overall average over last 5000 miles 29.5 mpg not much town work or commuting ,cruise on M/way at an indicated 80 where possible no cruise control on this model .I think you would get 10% less on auto model but I'm sure someone will be along who owns one to give advice Dave

Hi sorry you have had hassle with your IS . I have been an engineer all my life and I can assure you any thing mechanical requires regular maintenance if it is to give trouble free service . The problem nowdays is because of the high labour costs and extended service intervals ,most people who are not enthusiasts treat a car like a washing machine or a vac cleaner ,nothing is done until it gives a problem .My advice is when buying check for regular servicing with detailed bills and history ,it will cost a bit more but will be worth it in the long run .If you cannot do any work yourself you do not need to use a main dealer . These cars are easy to maintain and a good independent can save you a fortune .I do all my own work and I have run my Sportcross for the last 6 years doing routine services only Dave

Hi thanks for the advice , I went to look at the car drove it and examined it ;I am going to purchase it as it is a one owner low mileage car and in my view a fantastic vehicle ,a big step forward on my 12 year old IS .I have not been able to get the price reduced but the price is fair and the dealer has agreed to supply another key at no cost to me ,but a cost to him of £340 ( including a £55 programming charge from the local dealer) I,m sure there will be discount and VAT to come off this .I have contacted my local dealer who has given me details of the lexus services carried out ,it has covered 21000 miles and the last service was a 4 year major service and it has 12 months MOT ,so there should be no problems .I just have one more question the car is fitted with 18 inch wheels with the tyre section of the rear tyres 255/40 the front 225/40 ;is this the standard fitting ? Thanks I,m just off to read the multimedia manual !! should collect it after Xmas . Happy Xmas and all the very best for 2016 Dave

Hi ,I have finally found an IS 250c which seems to be what I am looking for (thanks for all the advice on here) I have 1st refusal and I am going to view tomorrow.The car is at a large independent dealer who is not a Lexus franchise ,and does not seem to know a lot about these cars as they are quite rare . All the questions I have raised have been positively answered ,so the only bargaining point I seem to have is it only has 1 key .It is a 2011 SEL with push button start ,I think it is some kind of smart key ,can someone advise me what is involved in obtaining a 2nd key ,programming it etc and cost . I want to get this sorted prior to purchase as I don't think it is as easy as the salesman suggests . Thanks in advance Dave

Hi thanks for the info on the convertible ; I too am interested and the space problems wont bother us .After a 3000 mile tour in france in a MX5 retractable hard top we are looking for a bit more comfort and less noise .I know the Lexus is not a sports car but we intend to try and keep the MX .Just hoping the Lexus prices will come down a bit as winter is here and prices seem pretty strong at present . Dave

Hi seeing as no one has replied ,I have gone and measured mine . with the front seats about central in the adjustment and the rear seats folded I recon a flat usable area of 6 ft x2 ft 9 ins (showing my age here ) 1 metre 830 x 0.840 metric ? I dont think removing the seats would help much as the intrusions are mountings at the sides of the body Dave

Thanks for that I must keep my eye on the ball, I may have assembled them the wrong way round last time I serviced the front brakes.

Hi ,stripped down the front brakes on my sportcoss ,decided to do the job properly prompted by some wheel shimmy when braking from 60 mph +. .New discs pads pivot pins and reconditioned calipers . While waiting for exchange parts to arrive I have forgotton which pin is the top and which is the bottom. One has a rubber sleeve ,is this top one ? Thanks in advance Dave

Hi I also like the look of the Is 250 as a ' sensible' convertible ,the ones I have looked at seem very expensive compared to the saloon ( even now when it is snowing ). Can anyone tell me if the spec is the same for both cars and was 2009 the first year for the convertible .Having had a convertible car before ,I think the prices will jump up when the sun shines so I need to make a decision . Thanks Dave

Hi my advice would be to get the codes read first ,as it is all guesswork at the moment .An independent dealer or lexus will read them for approx £50 .Post the results on here and someone will help .was the EML light on before the work was carried out ?

Hi, my local auto electrician says that low voltage in the boot alarm battery will cause these problems ,he has fitted a pattern replacement to other cars to cure the problem .When I get time I will continue looking for mine.At present I am using the key to lock up which does not arm the alarm .Let us know if replacing this unit works for you. Dave

Hi no .as they say been there done that ! I feel there must be a back up as there is one on the saloon behind the side lining , at the moment I am disconnecting the door switches one at a time to see if this helps Dave

Chris thanks for your prompt reply , I have disconnected this sensor ,but still have the problem which is why I am enquiring about the back up battery

Hi, the alarm on my Sportcross is going off at random ,some times it stays set for hours before it triggers. I have read some previous posts ,and checked all the limit switches work,disconnected the interior sensor ,all to no avail .The main car battery is new and the key fob battery has been replaced .From previous experience with a Toyota this problem was caused by a low backup alarm battery unit which had to be replaced .Does my Lexus have such a unit ? if so where is it located thanks Dave

Hi ,just as a guide I pay £280 per year on my manual IS 200 2003 reg ; all good points raised on what to look out for,I would just say make sure you have a decent long test drive as it is not unknown for a dealer to turn off the engine management light and you get it back on half way home,and you need to get the engine good and hot .A good braking test from 60+ will show any disc /caliper/pin problems with vibration through the steering .Finally check out the CD multi changer they are prone to problems and the only real cure is a new aftermarket unit ,well documented on this forum Good luck Dave

Hi Fox and welcome ; good choice on the sportcross ,looks good on the photos .I enjoy mine and the fuel consumption is OK once you get out of town; One tip ,I don't know how bad your windscreen chips are but if they are bad enough to require a replacement screen make sure it is fitted correctly by someone who pays attention to the detail .The only real problem I have had with my car apart from routine maintenence was a badly fitted screen which leaked water through onto the electrics causing a nightmare !! . I was told this happens regularly by the guy who replaced the screen correctly. Enjoy Dave

Hi E bay shop is bumpy rides car parts ;trades as bumpy rides2010 he currently has some for sale ' Dave

Hi ,I find Black circles or E tyres are competitive on prices ; you may find as you require 4 tyres ,if you approach a local independent tyre place with their prices they will match or better them and it may be more convenient for you . Dave

Great job ,nice to see owners getting involved in the mechanics of the car .You will benifit from all this effort and the car should run well for a few more years .I did mine a couple of years ago and really noticed a big difference to the running plus you have peace of mind on reliability ,they are great cars but still need regular maintenance .I took a lot longer as I really struggled to remove the crankshaft bolt Top marks Dave

Hi , the 2 button key you have for your sportcross is the correct original key ,the sportcross was not issued with a 3 button key as there is no key access for the rear hatch which is operated by the central system ,the key you have is probably a master if it fits all locks as you describe ; Dave

yes Tony ' tiss a small world ',but it is a bit smaller for me now I only have to travel to Bolton for alignment .I travelled down to your place with a Mk 3 ,and was well pleased with the service , but recently took my Mk 3.5 to Peter at Nigel Langs and had a great job done there using your settings Dave