Tim the Enchanter

Just tried, and it says Ormi can't use the messaging system. I'll keep looking.

Hi Silver Arrow, Sadly I can do over 20K a year, so diesel/manual it must be. Otherwise I would buy one in a trice. Can anyone confirm (perhaps Ormi, after reading his excellent analysis of head damage) that once Lexus have replaced head and block, that the problem is solved rather than the fault still remaining? Oh, and remember only 14 days of panic buying left.

I'm armed with a holy hand grenade

Cheers Normski, Bloody Hell it looks like pot luck then, and the only way to be safe is to get a car that has already had the HG, block and head replaced by Lexus under warranty, though I have seen some reports of it happening twice! I'l keep researching, and thanks so much to you all.

Many thanks All, Gosh I've got a lot to think about. Does anyone know if the HG fault is with the gasket itself or the head design, i.e. can it be cheaply fixed by an independant garage?

Hi ChrisIS200SportTTE. Yes diesel is the only option with the mileage I do. Other options are Saab 9-3 (v poor reliability), Mazda 6 (fun, reliable but anonimous) or Volvo V50 (dour and sensible). Or sell my soul to the devil again and go for another alfa (159).

Many thanks, I'm looking for a 2007/8 sub 40k miles so should be well within Lexus' warranty limits for a couple of years at least. Please keep opinions/evidence coming in as it all keeps me from buying a Mondeo.

Hello Owners, I am seriously considering getting a second hand IS 220D for the next family car. I have stomached an Alfa 147 jtd for the last 5 years and have had enough of bolting back on all the bits that drop off it with frightening regularity. I do 18+K a year, mostly motorways. I am more than willing to swap the Alfa's fun (when it works) driving experiance for a more sedate atmosphere, and from what I have read, the Lexus seems to fit the bill for size, style, extras and reliability. I am well aware of the egr valve issue with the 220D (I eventually blanked the Alfa's off), and am very happy to maintain service items myself (Alfa ownership forces you to get aquainted with your tools). BUT my big issue is the HEAD GASKET. Only in these forums have I read of the appreciable risk of it bursting in the Lexus, whereas all other reviews spout on about Lexus' fabulous reliability. Is this a real issue or just a few isolated cases? Is it a result of driving style or poor maintenance? Hope I can get some definative advice from those with 1st hand experience. Cheers Tim