SAD

This happens with my 2007 IS220 and I have winter tyres on it!!

Watch out for the ice and snow (that's if you can get it to move :megaangry: ). Being rear wheel drive its not too good - I have two large bags of builders sand in my boot to give it some weight in the back.

I have had my car for nearly 3 years but am seriously thinking of getting rid of it - will not have a rear wheel drive again

I've come from a rear wheel drive mazda rx-8 and that felt glued to the road (apart from in snow!)

How do you find the Lexus then? - I have never driven such a dog in the winter (25 year driving history and advanced driver)

This happens with my 2007 IS220 and I have winter tyres on it!!

Watch out for the ice and snow (that's if you can get it to move :megaangry: ). Being rear wheel drive its not too good - I have two large bags of builders sand in my boot to give it some weight in the back.

I have had my car for nearly 3 years but am seriously thinking of getting rid of it - will not have a rear wheel drive again

get the tracking alignment checked /adjusted and all will be fine.

dgman - also had this done when I had my winter tyres put on

This happens with my 2007 IS220 and I have winter tyres on it!!

Watch out for the ice and snow (that's if you can get it to move :megaangry: ). Being rear wheel drive its not too good - I have two large bags of builders sand in my boot to give it some weight in the back.

I have had my car for nearly 3 years but am seriously thinking of getting rid of it - will not have a rear wheel drive again

This problem seems to be happening on my IS220D SEL!

No problems before, lived in the same house for years with no issues.

Over the last few weeks had a couple of times when fobs, door handles and start button wont work.

Hasnt happened anywhere else and can sometimes only not work for half hour then totally fine for days.

Two diff key fobs both new batteries.

Any ideas what is likely to cause the interference?

I do live on a housing estate but not that built up.

When this happened to me in June, I was asked by Lexus Bolton if I lived anywhere near some one with electronic gates or doors - the answer was no. They couldnt give any other explaination but said it was a common fault. I was also told not to keep my fob near to my mobile phone.

I was told by Lexus how to reset it (although it is on something like page 352 of the manual!!)and that I had to drive around for at least 6 minutes?? to allow the radio codes to reset themselves?. I was also advised to change the batteries in my fob (I bought 3 batteries just in case!!)

I must admit since June I have had no issues with the key fob and getting in/started (I have had issues- getting up an icy incline with the dreaded rear wheel drive!! despite having winter tyres on - pants!!).

Perhaps your car will just sort itself out like mine!!

Can anybody tell me if there is a quick fix to get my heater working?

You might want to look at this :-

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=73129&pid=770238&st=0entry770238

If you're buying diesel then don't buy Japanese, let alone Lexus. The best Jap diesels are the Honda lumps, and even they disappoint IMO. VAG diesels are the best in the world, bar none. Despite being tuned to within an inch of its life my old PD130 used to return over 50mpg and would happily spin the wheels in 3rd in the dry. The CR lumps in use now are more refined than the one I had. No faults over the two years I had it and I abused it like you wouldn't believe. On the move it was quiet and pulled like a steam train. The Toyota diesels are unbelievably noisy, inefficient and unpleasant in comparison. If you want a 'luxury' diesel then it has to be an Audi - they're prolific for a reason! The BMWs are refined but not particularly dieselly and under real conditions are (or certainly were when I drove such things) less efficient.

If you're going petrol then the IS250 is probably the best real-world car I've had the pleasure to drive. Mine returns 25-30mpg on my commute (5 mile round trip - it barely gets warm) and I have seen 44mpg on a longer run, though I was trying (but still exceeding the 70mph limit). It's quiet, smooth and is the only Japanese car I've ever driven with a decent automatic gearbox. I have utter faith in it and after 10k I'm still impressed (I fall out with cars within a month or so, normally). I wouldn't have a manual version, and seemingly neither would everyone else as Lexus ditched it. It really is a FAR better car in every respect barring economy - in that regard the difference is less than you'd think. It's probably fair to say if you can't afford the difference you probably can't afford a Lexus come service time anyway...

I'm sure the Lexus will be awful in winter, but it's on summer tyres so that's to be expected. We've got the missus' MX-5 if it gets really snowy and I need a manual gearbox to get going.

To tie this in to other comments, I'm also an advanced driver and a biker. Not sure how that's relevant to the IS220D though.

Thanks for your post - its interesting for me,

a) because I learn such a lot,

B) opinions help me to form some idea of what to look for (I have been looking at Hondas!!)

All my knowledge re winter tyres (fitted to the Lexus on 8th October) mostly came from this forum

2 bags of builders sand is less weight than filling your car tank with fuel

Shirley, you need two builders in there as well :)

Steve - That was really funny and made me laugh out loud - I am pretty stressed with the Lexus and that cheered me up!!

Anyone know where can I buy a "couple of builders" ??!!

There are actually quite much variation with winter tyres.

You have studded tyres that are the best for winter, then Nordic type winter tyre and European type. So if you have winter tyre and you think that driving in ice will not cause any issues, well it depends the type of tyre you are using.

I live in Northern Finland, close to Lapland and the minimum tyre type I can use is Nordic type tyre, using European type would be way too dangerous, studded tyre would be the best choice for me, specially with rwd car.

The European type winter tyre is closer to summer tyre, so it has harder compound, usually faster speed rating and it is better in wet conditions and dry tarmac, but not so good in snow and specially not good in ice. Nordic one is quite good in winter conditions, specially in snow and not too bad in ice, but in wet tarmac the grip is worse than with European type winter tyre. So you cannot get everything in one tyre, they are always a compromise.

So if you have to get up to the hill when the road is covered with ice, using rwd car and European type winter tyres might not be enough, because you just don't have enough grip. How ever, if the hill would be covered with snow, then you would have a change compared to using summer tyres.

itarumaa - thats very interesting information - I think I had the wrong weather for my european winter tyres, too much ice = the road really was like glass - I wonder if they will be better on snow?? Will have to wait and see. Thank you for the post it makes a lot of sense

2 bags of builders sand is less weight than filling your car tank with fuel ?????????

They are big bags and I didnt put them in the boot because I couldn't lift them - I actually saw the suspension lower!!

Got winter tyres on my car (IS200) and its still absolutely useless - I am gutted, having spent over £600 on proper winter tyres (I ordered in August so got a good price before the prices started going up as it got colder!!)

My side road is on a slight incline to the main road- couldnt get up the road this morning slipping all over the place (it was however pure sheet ice - no chance of any grip as it had just rained on already present ice) volvo and VW passed me with apparent ease as did a mini, only one car had to slide back and I couldnt see what that was!!.

I am selling the Lexus and before anyone comments, I am a female advanced driver and my other vehicle is a 7 and a half ton Ford Iveco!

This sounds a little suspect, I hope you don't mind me asking. Are the tyres winter tyres, do they have the sipes across the tread and show the snow flake symbol? Also are the tyres fitted the correct way around?

Winter tyres should enable you to drive on almost anything in winter.

Knitware - thanks for the post I dont mind your questions atall

On the way to my "Phd in tyres", I have been out to check the tyres and they all have the snow flake symbol (so they have passed the nationally agreed standard for Winter Tyres) and having researched "sipes" have checked them all (and against my neighbours tyres)and they are across the tread.

I am not sure how I check whether the tyres have been fitted the correct way round?? but they were put on my National Tyres so I blinkin hope they are

I now have two bags of building sand in the boot!!

Currently researcing which fwd I will swap the Lexus for!!

Might be worth trying with a bit of weight in the boot/over the rear wheels to try and give you a bit better chance of traction. Something like a couple of paving slabs. The crs you mentioned passing you are, most likely, fwd & front engined. Just about every rwd saloon is relatively light over the driven wheels so they will literally be gliding on the surface and struggling for purchase.

Now have two bags of builders sand in the boot!! - dont know what that will do to my MPG!! anyway will try anything - Thanks for the tip - I was told to put weight in the boot by the tyre people too!!

Got winter tyres on my car (IS200) and its still absolutely useless - I am gutted, having spent over £600 on proper winter tyres (I ordered in August so got a good price before the prices started going up as it got colder!!)

My side road is on a slight incline to the main road- couldnt get up the road this morning slipping all over the place (it was however pure sheet ice - no chance of any grip as it had just rained on already present ice) volvo and VW passed me with apparent ease as did a mini, only one car had to slide back and I couldnt see what that was!!.

I am selling the Lexus and before anyone comments, I am a female advanced driver and my other vehicle is a 7 and a half ton Ford Iveco!

I can cover about 700+ km in full tank in my 220, with 250 you will be able to cover only half of that. In one year you can save a lot of money.

That statement is complete and utter nonsense. I can only assume you're trolling this thread.

DAZED - Couldn't agree more with your comment - I am not the only one that Allan1 seems to have upset. I hope the MODERATOR takes note!!

Cmon, its a lexus, its doesnt need to be cheap to run. Go back to Toyota.

35 miles per gallon is good enough for that power.

Its NOT NOISY, try an Audi or VW before you say this *****.

The fact that you are useless driving a rear wheel drive in winter doesnt make this car bad.

The fact that you cant afford proper winter tires means that you need to buy a cheaper car.

Keyless entry faults are not that common.

The sixth gear is ment for the highway not in the city.

Yes, the paint is soft. Use protective wax(good) or clearbra.

You cant use the heater, read the manual one more time.

The service is a bit pricey, but its a lexus, not a wauxhall. Usually you get good service for your money.

Generally I would say that a lot of pussies come here just to complain about minor faults and do not appreciate the true essence of the car/brand.

I have driven and owned many cars before and i can say that is220/250 is a good car, better than the competetitors.

Every car has its faults and problems, but they are minor compared to other brands.

Lexus has its common faults covered with extended warranty.

I bought an is220 because I thought it was a strong looking car and I had lusted after the marque for a while. (I had a Toyota before and my then other half had and still has a toyota)

I didn't know about any of the issues with the vehicle before I bought it as I did not know about this forum.

After 2 and a half years I have become quite disallusioned with it.

1)The diesel engine is not that efficient. I do mostly town driving but average only 34-36 miles per gallon. It is also particularily noisey

2)It is sluggish and recently I have noticed its not driving so well esp over the last couple of months. I keep looking for the fault codes to pop up (hopefully not!!)

3)The is220 is a dog in winter. It's rear wheel drive and will go no where. Its quite close to the ground being low slung. The traction control is useless and I think its quite dangerous in the snow and ice. I have recently purchased a set of winter tyres for the first time in my 25 year driving career at a cost of £600. I considered changing the Lexus before this and if the winter tyres dont make a difference then its going.

4)The key fob has locked me out of my car before now - not only could I not get in it, the keyless push button start would'nt work either. This seriously inconvenienced me and the AA man said that it was a known fault (the radio codes has somewhat magically undone themselves and I had to go through a right rigmarole to get them to reset - the only time I have genuinely wished for a key!!). When I phoned Lexus they knew exactly what was wrong.

5)Sixth gear is useless

6)The paint work is very very soft - just look at it and it will scratch

7) I hate the fact that the heating/air conditioning has a mind of its own - I will just be merrily driving along and the window gets blasted with the a/c (and I there never appears to me to be a reason why - e.g windows not misted)

8) I always go with Lexus servcing - and its expensive. Had two so far - one at £400 and one at £250 - had to pick myself up off the floor!!

9) Tyres are expensive and for some reason I have gone through 3 - relaced at a cost of £150 each (summer tyres)

10) That means since I got the IS220 I have spent over £1600 in service and tyres alone - I could have bought another car for that!!

On the otherhand :-

1)I like the fact that you can enter the car without having the keys to hand - useful for me as I have a large handbag!!

2)I love the heated seats esp in the winter

3)I like the fold in wing mirrors

4) I like my interior as its beige leather and gives a really bright feeling to the inside although as I have a horse I think I should have gone for black!!

So in general - yes I still like the vehicle, do I love it - no. Will I change it, probably in the near future - but not for a another Lexus

Allan1 - I take great offence to your post which is not only ignorant but based on NO FACTS

1) I was giving an opinion as asked by the original OP which I am entitled to do as I actually drive and own the model in question

2) I am an ADVANCED DRIVER - so wind your neck in

3) My winter tyres are PIRELLI SOTOZEROS - wind your neck in further.

4) I have driven for more than 25 years!

DON'T POST IF YOU CAN'T DO SO IN A GENTLEMANLY MANNER WITHOUT INSULTS

One day the UK will wake up to the idea of fitting winter tyres. A bit of snow and panic, grid lock and talk of buying 4x4s, geeze.............

I only woke up to the idea of winter tyres because the IS220 is useless!!!!!!

I bought an is220 because I thought it was a strong looking car and I had lusted after the marque for a while. (I had a Toyota before and my then other half had and still has a toyota)

I didn't know about any of the issues with the vehicle before I bought it as I did not know about this forum.

After 2 and a half years I have become quite disallusioned with it.

1)The diesel engine is not that efficient. I do mostly town driving but average only 34-36 miles per gallon. It is also particularily noisey

2)It is sluggish and recently I have noticed its not driving so well esp over the last couple of months. I keep looking for the fault codes to pop up (hopefully not!!)

3)The is220 is a dog in winter. It's rear wheel drive and will go no where. Its quite close to the ground being low slung. The traction control is useless and I think its quite dangerous in the snow and ice. I have recently purchased a set of winter tyres for the first time in my 25 year driving career at a cost of £600. I considered changing the Lexus before this and if the winter tyres dont make a difference then its going.

4)The key fob has locked me out of my car before now - not only could I not get in it, the keyless push button start would'nt work either. This seriously inconvenienced me and the AA man said that it was a known fault (the radio codes has somewhat magically undone themselves and I had to go through a right rigmarole to get them to reset - the only time I have genuinely wished for a key!!). When I phoned Lexus they knew exactly what was wrong.

5)Sixth gear is useless

6)The paint work is very very soft - just look at it and it will scratch

7) I hate the fact that the heating/air conditioning has a mind of its own - I will just be merrily driving along and the window gets blasted with the a/c (and I there never appears to me to be a reason why - e.g windows not misted)

8) I always go with Lexus servcing - and its expensive. Had two so far - one at £400 and one at £250 - had to pick myself up off the floor!!

9) Tyres are expensive and for some reason I have gone through 3 - relaced at a cost of £150 each (summer tyres)

10) That means since I got the IS220 I have spent over £1600 in service and tyres alone - I could have bought another car for that!!

On the otherhand :-

1)I like the fact that you can enter the car without having the keys to hand - useful for me as I have a large handbag!!

2)I love the heated seats esp in the winter

3)I like the fold in wing mirrors

4) I like my interior as its beige leather and gives a really bright feeling to the inside although as I have a horse I think I should have gone for black!!

So in general - yes I still like the vehicle, do I love it - no. Will I change it, probably in the near future - but not for a another Lexus

I cant say that I noticed much difference but we didnt have much here just a smattering which hasnt lasted long. However I still had trepidation and drown slowly because I dont trust the car atall!!

I will be having Winter Tyres fitted in the next week. If you have had these fitted to your LS, which make did you go for and do they really make a big difference to the drivability of the LS on snow?

I have always sworn by Avon tyres but have never bought winter tyres before.

I dont have an LS but an IS220, absolutely rubbish in last years snow.

From this forum I have fitted Pirelli Sottozeros - first year with winter tyres (I was thinking of changing my car!!!). If they dont make some kind of difference I will be getting rid of the Lexus!!!

I've had mine "trollied" (now have a couple of lines right down one side of my car) dont know whether deliberately (I was asked if I wanted my car washed and said no!! - the car washer had his cleaning stuff in a trolley) or by some numpty old geezer/gal trying to get a trolley between two cars

The garage says it "may" polish out.

I am usually so careful in a car park finding an end space, or parking at the end of the car park and walking, under lights, under CCTV, folding in my wing mirrors etc

miffed I am :tsktsk:

Thats a lovely picture!!

Just how my is220 looked - and that wouldn't budge either!!!

I have put winter tyres on this year but looking at your picture is a good reminder of how awful it was - think I should have bought a snow plough

Never mind - however if the tyres dont give a substantial improvement I am getting rid of the Lexus!!

For the first time in my driving career (25 years)I have fitted winter tyres to my vehicle (is220d) after reading many posts and advice on this forum.

As John N says without winter tyres. "a useless chunk of metal" which is what my Lexus was last winter. I was soooo disappointed in it.

If I dont see a significant improvement when the cold weather comes my Lexus is history!!!!

I couldnt care less about the theory - anything has got to be better than my Lexus in the snow last winter - the absolute pits.

I am putting on winter tyres despite what's going on in this thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

my dad says there not worth it he had 2 on a vauxhall senator or an omega

Not surprised - that would have been dangerous (mixing tyres) - should have had 4 winter tyres on or not atall. I have learnt many many thing from this forum!!

I know this is after the event but have the police entertained the fact that your car keys could have been lifted through a letter box by the "hook and cane" method.

Do you remember placing them back in the house (think carefully), can you say this for sure? - were the keys then left close to the front door in a position where they could have been lifted by a magnetic device on the end of a cane (pole or similar?) - if so then this is a burglary and the insurance should cover the cost of replacement locks (both to the car and the house - if your house keys went too). In this instance there would be no signs of a forced entry and getting away with a £30,000 grand car is much more lucrative than a few electrical items!!

The likelihood of someone just indescriminently finding your keys on the drive and having your car away is much less than the hook and cane burglaries which are rife throughout the UK, esp where there are nice cars on the drive.

Good luck whatever - to have your car stolen is a distressing event whatever the circumstances

I'm putting my Sottozeros (excellent tyre) back on this Friday, which is odd as it's going to be around 25C!

It's a bit early to do so but the temps will drop off when we get into October and it's predicted to be a cold one with snow predicted by the end of or beginning of November!

Knitware - I cannot tell you how much I detest snow and how much I think it ruines peoples routine - so I hope your prediction is far out!!

I have ordered the sottozeros and have arranged to have them fitted the weekend our horses come in (8th October)as the weather always dips as soon as they are stabled