MW70

Thanks Don I will have a look at that. In theory the fluid was changed per the service schedule last year (in theory) so I would hope it hasnt gone down too much but we shall see... guess the car would generate a vsc/engine error if was too low?? I shall report back.

Marcus

Hello.

I've just passed 50k miles in my 06 250 SEL and I'm worried I may have an issue with the auto gearbox. Previously I would occasionally get a lack of power when starting from cold even though there were more engine revs. Lately I've noticed that when I go to accelerate (eg. up a hill) the engine makes more noise but I'm getting less than should in the way of acceleration - its like its in the wrong gear - possibly its not kicking down properly - it will eventually but it spoils the normally quiet ride. Because the car is normally so quiet you really notice it.

Has anybody had this before and should I be worried? Would appreciate anyones comments..

Cheers

MW

I agree with Desmond, and to add to that I can't believe there will just be 1 engine choice in the range - seems silly if they want to expand sales. There needs to be several engine options along with choice of bodystyles eg. Estate, Saloon (be brave and make it a hatch saloon as would appeal to more people) and maybe a coupe and convertible. (2WD & 4WD options please) Fingers crossed we will get this but judging by the GS we will probably get another IS250 and probably a 300h if rumors are true. Wish we'd got the IS350 in the UK thats a great engine!

Mine's a 59 plate SEL with 18 inch wheels. There are no signs of any corrosion whatsoever. Makes me think something has changed in the manufacturing process over the years. Anyone with a similar aged vehicle or more recent got any comments?

Hey Exiled.. I hope the manufacturing has improved - as the early cars (like mine) are prone to rattles and squeaks. How do you find the ride on your car with the 18 inch wheels on? I notice that the Advance models they are selling now have standard 18's .. Where I am the roads are pretty poor and I find the ride with the standard 17's is annoyingly jiggly. MW

My IS250 SE-L is same age and mileage as seasideshuffle and my wheels have also corroded again (they were refurbed before I got the car) I can't believe that Lexus would change my wheels f.o.c. I bought from an independent anyway. Not sure its worth getting a refurb done.. the car has cost me a fortune in tyres in the last year (the allignment on all 4 wheels was out) never mind dealer servicing (and now brake discs and pads) I'm on the verge of chopping it - but what to get instead...and no dosh left!

Oh and the value has plummeted!

I've got the same as Lexusforever and agree entirely with his comments. Although mine creaks and rattles in all the usual places its very random. But it just shouldnt. If i'd bought new at 30k i'd be very dissapointed. Im also starting to find it boring to drive.. I hope the new model is all new.. and they've paid attention to the rattle issues. If they don't - Lexus deserve to loose even more business to BMW. Been looking into Fords and hyundai's lately - never thought id be saying that! (dont worry not doing anything rash yet!). Edit.. just seen a couple of CT's in the metal and they look better in 3d than in photos. Dont seem as dumpy as initially thought. Nothing against hatchbacks at all if they are practical but reviews suggest ride is poor (worse than IS with 17" ??) And a bit underpowered... Will have to try one sometime... All subjective isnt it.

Good news. My wheels were like yours all out of whack. Been corrected now and feels better in straights and bends. Scrubbed tyres on back will be replaced with michelin primacys. (think i had a sales job done on me as were as/more expensive as bridgestones) i suggested toyos to the tyre guy but he rubbished them a bit (because he doesnt sell em no doubt) . Hope the michelins last till chop it! Better do. Enjoy the peace and quiet....m

So what was the outcome onkyoman? Nothing serious I hope...

Excellently put Exiled without my twaddle!

After persuading myself out of a 3 series on grounds of drab interior and not that much spec for money I went for an IS250 which was a surprise at the time since i'd not considered before. I went through the forum before purchase and realised there were a few negatives on the 250 but the diesel had a multitude of more serious issues. That made me sure id picked the right version despite fuel consumption. (although maybe the reality is closer than lexus would admit). So I sound a bit smug - but the car has cost me a packet in tyres and servicing and a couple of other mileage related issues. With regard to wether you chop it or not - i think you would lose more than you think. The cars seem to depreciate much worse than expected and whuchever you have its likely to be at a high cost - but maybe not as much as youd lose if you change. Depends what you want. But by the laws of averages the diesel could give more expensive problems but neither will be cheap. I would be inclined to keep the 220 if its in good shape. The 250 auto is lovely and smooth but not overtly quick and the ride is still not up to scratch (havent tried the refreshed versions) . Youd end up with much the same car as you had before and you might be bored with it and get rid on quick time. Loosing another shedload of cash! I like my 250 a lot but i would'nt buy another at the age of 4. I certainly wouldnt buy one new even if I could afford 30k on a car, however its difficult to know what id replace with. Theres an awful lot of spec to miss on an se-l lexus. Please excuse my smartphone typing! M

My 250 was similarly skittish even before winter last year, i put it down to the budget tyres. Several times the vsc stepped in and only made matters worse. Last years propper winter was the first time i had little confidence in any car i've had. It turns out that my allignment was allover the place and despite much improved wet handling with good tyres it trashed the new rears fast. Get the 4 wheel alignment checked/done as it makes a difference when your tyres point in the right direction! Now thats sorted but i dont think i'll rush to get a rear drive car next time. There are plenty of great driving front or 4wd cars out there afterall.. but i do like my lexus appointments. Dilemma for 1-2 years hence! (and a new IS will be out soon:o)

Hope you get it sorted out soon. M

Cheers F.A.!

Update.. Front and rear wheels way out of allignment.. especially rears. Well that explains the rapid tyre wear. Allignment corrected and replacement tyres ordered. Feels a bit different to drive now that rear wheels are going in straight line. Happy now. M

Agree with dazed! Today noticed mine flash only as the temp fell from 4 to 3degs this morning on way to work. Just happened to have temp on the display rather than the gear in use. Would it cut over the gear display if that was on? (like the really annoying low screen wash warnings). M

Thats a good price! Front Potenzas cost me 130 each. And the backs more of course. Am waiting to get the alignment checked before decide which tyres to replace on back...

Hi and welcome to the club. I had the same problem but had budget tyres. The treads were fine but i put up with it for 1.5 years. Just replaced fronts with bridgestone re050 potenzas. That noise has gone! But I also got the same tyres on the back and theyre nearly worn out after only 4k miles. I reckon they are rather noisy generally but at least it doesnt sound like a milk float. Go for dunlops but get a 4 wheel alignment at the same time. Whish i had! Enjoy the IS.

Been to tyre specialist today. Booked in for full 4 wheel allignment wednsday. 40 quid so not too bad (i have bought 4 tyres in less than ayear and will need another 2 very soon mind you) Must establish why wearing so quick first before deciding what to do next. Woe is me. Had a look at a hyundai i40 tourer today... Not bad at all. Not driven yet though. Must not change yet. M

Pretty much steve - seems so ...

Update: going to get rear wheel allignment checked on monday. Really hope its out of whack so it would explain the excessive wear - then ill be more confident in shelling out for replacements again (and not feel like i should sell it!). Anybody tried Barum tyres on their IS? might be an interim choice so as not to through away much more wonga..? M

Well I'm going to speak to the fitters tommorrow. It would be nice if it were duff tyres but i suspect that its something more car related. Reason i say this is that the previous budget "sunny" tyres went from 6mm tread to no tread between 37 and 44k . To me Somethings not right on the car. The dealer reckons all is ok on the bushings etc. The wear is more or less even across the axle. They couldnt do a wheel allignment check (would be farmed out anyway) in any case if the wear was even that would suggest that allignment is ok -well logically! Does anyone know what else would cause premature wear like this? Thanks in advance for your input! Marcus

Just drove an Aygo. My IS chair is more than comfortable! M

See previous post for update...will keep a closer eye on oil levels now its been changed in the service. No more expense pllleassse!

What has happened here! Got new rear tyres in August '11 and I decided to get 'quality' ones. Bridgestone RE050'S. 245/45/17. Well I thought they would last but I had the car serviced today and they checked the tyres as usual and reported that they were down to 2/3 mill and should be replaced. I was shocked by this as they've only done about 4000 miles! What happened to tyres lasting 30k like on my old Corolla? Before you ask I do not engage in drifting or donuts (ever) and usually go to and from work at average speeds of 31mph! I was rather stressed today as I new I was going to have to pay out around 750 for the service, new F brakes and a speed sensor then to hear this ...

The left hand rear tyre looks to wear a little more than the right but they are more or less evenly worn.(affected the old tyres this way too but at least I got 8-10k out of them before they were totally useless)

How many miles are you getting? Any experience of the RE050 (potenza) tyre?

What shall I do next? Suggestions gratefully received!

Congrats on gettimg your IS250. You probably know that "Check VSC" could cover a multitude. I remember this message coming up briefly and then dissapearing so I thought it was ok early in my ownership. But Months later while I was on the way down to the westcountry on holiday it came on and stayed. (no obvious symptoms and luckily it drove fine) Eventually got a diagnostic done and the dealer confirmed it was a faulty abs speed sensor. This needed to be replaced (I left it a while but just had it done today £200 while getting serviced and new f. brakes £££££££). I Got an Aygo as a courtesy car! (Now I appreciate my car even more :-)

Hope that the dealer will sort out issues if they arise - that would be good luck and timing for you!

All the best and enjoy your car! - they are brilliant!

Marcus.

Hi I also chose an IS250 over a 3 series as apart from lacking toys for similar money I just felt more at home in the lexus. (and it looks nicer) BMW very spartan looking, M sport versions with runflats were too hard for our bumpy roads. I did not entertain the IS220d as it doesnt seem that economical and like you I checked the forums before deciding and theres been lots of problems with it. 18 months down the road I would say that the beemer rode better (in se form bu thinkt they are actually quite soft compared to std IS)

If you cover a lot of miles though.d and thus need a diesel go for a BMW (33Od would go well ) But see if you can get a good value specced up one. M