the_silver_fox

Thanks Carl! I have a100k option in my sights now that has a full Lexus service history - in fact I understand that the one previous owner was Lexus itself (the car presumably used as a demo/pool/courtesy car) - odd though that its not within the used franchised network anymore. Anyway, I'm going to try Lexus directly to see if they are able to let me know about the work done (presuming that they can search their database) prior to contacting the vendors and asking about service receipts, etc. One final question before I leave you guys alone (thanks for all the feedback so far - it's been really helpful!!), given the EG issue and the generous (but nonetheless limited) 7 year, 110k engine warranty, will anyone want to take on a 2008/9/10 plate 220d three years down the line (potential trade-in/sale time for me) - I'm just thinking on the residual value/ease of sale of a £8-£10k purchase three years down the line. I still feel a bit uncertain about taking the plunge particularly as everything else about the 220d (6th gear and maintaining the EGR aside) seems to be perfect. The EG issue seems to be a real flaw within the diamond. Simon

Back to my query on the HG, I've spent amny hours reading around the issue on the forums here (very informative) and have concluded the following: 1. After 110k miles I'm on my own unless I by a third party warranty (the Lexus website seemed to preclude an extended warranty on 100k+ miles). Warranty Direct appears to start at £400 for 110k but stops at 130k. Presumably at 130k+ you have no warranty options. 2. HG failure on a 2009 220d engine is not guaranteed but higher mileage cars of this age will increase the risk (and cost to sort due to end of Lexus 110k warranty period) - will this keep me awake at night?? 3. I should spend more/lower my spec and buy a lower mileage 220d and think about trading in before hitting the 110k warranty limit or go for the 250 if the running cost comparison (inc the 220d warranty cost) be reasonable or go back to the drawing board! (As per Normski's advice I will check that the cars of interest have had the engine modification made or not). Does any/all of the above seem reasonable or am I now just wracked with paranoia?? Many thanks for your advice thus far!

Thanks Normski! Now I just need to consider the chances and mitigation of a head gasket problem, given the high mileage budget I have. Having read your recommendations about an extended warranty with Lexus (once I get over 110k miles), would other warranty companies exclude this type of cover?

Hi, Another newbie diving in with a "to buy (or not to buy)" question! I'm hoping to pick up a 2009 or later plate (148g/km) 220D within the next couple of months and my budget probably means a higher miler. Noting the comment in a number of threads about the need to run engines hot and keep them clean, I'm wondering what the recommended trip time is to achieve this. My daily commute is about 25 miles each way on A roads (single and dual carriageway) and motorway (about a 50:50 split on distance). There's not an awful lot of standing traffic on the route but I'm wondering if this daily useage isn't going to be enough to keep the engine and associated tubes clean. Am I needing to have a regular (ie once a week) hig speed burn for half an hour to keep things healthy? Any advice would be gratefully received!