IS200D

I know, thing is even if I pay them extra for new coolant I can't be sure they won't just re-use the existing anyway - particularly after they said to me you can't be sure it got replaced at the 100k service (even though it should have been!)!!

Thanks for your response, I think you're right. Seems silly putting the old stuff back in for the sake of £40!

Just a quick question for everyone before my new water pump gets replaced next week - is it best to replace the coolant (which should have been renewed at the 100,000 service, 8,000 miles ago) or is it fine to just put the existing back in as Lexus plan to do.

Your experience has certainly made the prospect a whole lot less attractive! Basically I think you have to be prepared to write off whatever you spend - I wouldn't mind so much if they were cheap, but they want a bit too much to consider going down the old risk/reward route.

While i think quality and purchasing may have improved, the communication side of things worries me. They are very friendly enough but its proving hard work gettting the answers (like why have prices jumped by 30% in the space of a few months for what looks like the same unit) I want before I even think about buying - so I can only imagine what things would be like if I had a problem after buying.

That's great news! Oh and in regards to halfords... This is why I wouldn't let them anywhere near my car. Thanks, and yes, it certainly paid to go to Lexus in this case!......not entirely sure why I wouldn't ever set foot in one of those autocentres ever again.....but a mysteriously appearing scratch on my nearside rear door, a missing grommet on one engine cover as well as a wonky one, locking wheel nut box chucked back on passenger seat instead of where they found it, not to mention a possible incorrect diagnosis.....all just might have had some bearing on my decision.

Thanks for your advice, I've not read any really negative comments yet, so its good to get your perspective - did you not receive your purchase or was it faulty? A lot of sales seem to be in the states and they all seem pretty content, bar a couple of issues with radio frequencies and bluetooth not as good as standard. At the moment all I can see is overpriced units(in comparison to prices I've seen in lexus forums), so I'm not exactly rushing to get one. Also, one thing I really like about my current unit is the bluetooth, so not sure I could handle defective quality in that area.

Apologies for reviving an ancient thread, just thought it more appropriate than starting a fresh one off. I'm interested in replacing my basic head unit, and from what I can gather its a pretty simple swap - just wondered if anyone else has bought and installed the latest offering from China?

Thanks KC14, yes its nice to get that peace of mind derived from Lexus doing the job. As for updates, I hate those threads that suddenly just end without any word about the final outcome!

Just for the record, Lexus Edgware Rd(persuaded seller to have them look at it) have confirmed it is a leaky water pump and definitely not a HG issue....interesting how Halfords autocentres were adamant it was a radiator leak.

I wouldn't let it bother you, especially if you have no signs of a HG failure. Like most is220ds, yours has a full Lexus history, with maintenance carried out to the manufacturers specification. Tied to the fact that modern engines are assumed to be good for a couple of hundred thousand miles (at least) I really don't think Lexus would have a very strong argument if push comes to shove. As I'm not paying for any repairs to my car, I saw little point in arguing when Lexus said I was outside of the goodwill warranty, if I was paying it'd be very different story.

Thanks mate, yes it would be interesting to see the spec for the is200d just to see the difference. Fortunately for me, if its not just the rad, its not my problem financially. Just means it won't be getting repaired at Lexus (that's if I don't reject it under the sale of goods act)

Finally I know where I stand. Lexus uk have confirmed the is200d is treated differently to a is220d, simply because of the 2011 update which ensured the is200d wouldn't have the same head gasket problem as the is220d - so thats it, I can relax now that Lexus has said my car won't suffer from head gasket issues (yeah, right), so hopefully it really is just the radiator in my case (for the sellers sake more than mine, as they are paying for it). According to Lexus uk, each is200d's entitlement to a goodwill warranty extension is assessed individually, with the extension applied as appropriate - hence some dealers being as much in the dark as me.

Yes, I don't understand it. All I've found on the subject is the figure you mention. Can't imagine how Lexus Edgware Rd could get something like this wrong, I mean its not like its an insignificant number of engines that all have had the same fault. I must say he was gone some time as well after I asked the question, so he had plently of time to do his sums! Will speak to Lexus/Toyata Uk/Europe, and let you know how I get on. Thanks

Yes, all very odd. Would have thought they wouldn't mind a bit of warranty work, given the hard sell on servicing I got a couple of weeks ago. Like you say, Lexus uk are my next port of call if only just to confirm. On a side note, my seller (massive company) have authorised rad replacement. Not sure if I should just reject the car and get my money back

No, according to Lexus Edgware Rd, mines outside the warranty at 108,000 - funny how they asked my mileage, then said 107,000 is the limit.

Phoned Lexus edgware Rd and had it confirmed that the goodwill warranty extends to 107,000 miles and not a mile over, and definitely not 111,000 miles

You're not scaremongering at all, quite rightly you're just being realistic. Just wondering if Lexus charge you for checking your HG.

Thanks for your advice Chris, I think you're right. Another thing is my mpg - its dropped from 42mpg to low 30's with me driving like a sunday driver.

Garage appointed by seller are saying radiators leaking, plus there is some oil on underside of engine, adding that it may just be from oil change - bit concerned though as I wouldn't have Lexus techs down as messy, and leaky rads don't seem very common, unlike waterpumps.

Unfortunately the price of genuine parts are based on what value it provides to the owner and is related to the initial value of the vehicle, not what it costs to manufacture. yes, or you could say, Lexus charge whatever they can get away with, simply because their customers can afford it.

Thanks for the update, and for the link - why can't Lexus just do a sensible price?? I've contacted people who sold me the car (only bought last month, so well within my rights) and just waiting for a response from them.

Cheers Stu, Yes, hoping its just the water pump! Only had it less than a month, popping down to see sellers in morning to see what they have to say.

Many thanks Ishaq, thats very useful, will definitely mention you!

Hi, Hope you dont mind me asking, but where is your ex Lexus tech - only if he's near enough, I'm thinking it makes sense to get him to check mine too.