mk_lon

Nice, I had to change mine recently, I was told usually after 9 years most batteries need to be changed and mine was showing signs of weakness.

Hi James, From what I've learned the IS250 is a very reliable car which can handle high millage. There is a very good post by the member ISnewbee who highlights potential issues. Typically I would say look out for; - Exhaust (very expensive to replace if you go through Lexus) - Brake Calipers - Oxygen Sensors - Electric motor in the Folding Mirrors - Water Pump - Electric motor on steering wheel (when you turn the ignition on the steering should move down) - Spark Plugs at 60k That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

I have a 07 IS250 and I live in London, when I drive like a granny I get 22mpg, if I put my foot down that drops to 19mpg. On the a406/motorway I have got up to 38mpg. I recently tried to address this with engine cleaning chemicals (on the advice of my mechanic) and using shell v power for a few weeks. Whilst the smoothness in ride and engine response improved significantly there was no real difference in mpg...

Here's something interesting - Mine too has a crack/rattle noise from dash on the passenger side where it meets the windshield. I found the noise went away when any passenger would apply pressure (using a finger) on the dash where it meets the windscreen. As I don't have a warranty I don't want to pay a dealer a small fortune.

It's fine, but I didn't experience a massive change in economy and performance as some of the posts suggested. I been using shell v power and have noticed a difference with that.

Hi Steve, Thanks for the link, its really useful. Kind Regards,

Hi Ishaq, Sure, the garage is called BMERCS, they are in High Barnet, 020 8441 3904. I wrote a little piece about my experience with them; http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/103884-an-honest-independent-garage-my-experience/ Kind Regards, Mo

Hi Duncan, I have one I can recommend but they are North London, so I doubt that would be of use to you.

Thanks jumbojake, I agree, as a first time lexus owner I didn't know where to turn

Thanks Steve, Glad I could help :) After hearing the horror stories about main dealers I was shocked!

Hi Steve, All fixed now :)

I'm useless at car mechanics as I'm temperamental and impatient plus I have been stung by dodgy garages before and it makes my blood boil!!!!!! So when yesterday when I had a pleasant experience at an independent garage I just had to share it!! -The members on this forum have been really helpful so perhaps I could give something back..... Recently I bought a Lexus is250 SEL auto on a 07 plate from a trader and the next day the dreaded VSC light came on. Posts about exhausts/ huge bills worried me so I bought an OBD reader. Found out it was a front 02 sensor, (trader said he would fit it, but I must pay for the part ). Meanwhile I started noticing a slight sluggishness and fuel consumption at 20mpg...so I ordered the part and found a garage I could trust as I thought there could be more to this. I went to BMERCS in Barnet, North London (found out they do Lexus too). They went out of their way to calm me down and put my mind at ease! As I had the part they only charged me for 30mins labour and checked the car over to see everything was ok. They let the engine run for a bit to see if there was anything else that could trigger the dreaded VCS light after they put the new sensor on, as when one goes sometimes the second one follows on the IS250. The normal practice is any parts changed are given back to you (old ones), which is something I have never seen before. (Just google the reviews they have got!!) I was impressed at how cheap they were and more importantly how honest and professional, I had to write about it!!

Finally got it sorted this morning from the independent garage I spoke about earlier (not the trader). The garage was BMERCS in Barnet and I am so glad I went to them. They only charged me for 30mins and checked the car over to see everything was ok inc diagnostic. Just google the reviews they have got!! Sorry to go about this but I have been to con men before and know the horrible sinking feeling you get when you realize you have been done.

Hi Colin, Thanks for clearing that up :) Kind Regards, M

Hi is250 newbie, I think your right, I rang denso UK and they confirmed that the UK dox number is the correct one. I'll also ask that garage to check it out. Kind regards, M

Hi Steve, It should be fitted on Monday, the trader who sold me the said he would fit it for me free but I have to pay for three part. Kind regards, M

The dreaded vcs light came on after 2 days of lexus ownership (is250 sel auto, 07 plate, 63k miles), after panicking and searching the forum. I bought an obd reader and hooked it up (code p2195) with some great advice from is250 newbie I ordered a new front oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 1. But heres where it gets interesting. I didn't want to wait so I ordered it from a UK supplier (http://www.importcarparts.co.uk) with express delivery for around £93. When I received it this morning, as per the forums the code was not 234-9051 it was dox-0263. The part looks like the right one but the number is different. I was confused so i called the company they said all the UK denso sensor it must have a dox code to be official. I then called denso UK and gave them both numbers. They only recognised the dox-0263 number (not the other one) and told me not to worry as that part number is an OEM. I thought I would get everyone's thoughts and views in this.

Hi Is250newbie, The sensor in the link is made by Denso, I called them and they confirmed that too, it says in the description that it is for either side so hopefully I should be covered :outforcount: The trader said he would get his mechanic to fit it too, as a precaution I have also purchased a 22mm 7/8 socket - open ended sensor socket just in case.

Hi Is250 newbie, The dreaded light came on again today and I knew time was up. I searched for a Denso front 02 sensor as per your post and ordered one along with a OBD meter too. I paid £93 inc vat and shipping to a UK company import carparts, i have the link bellow, let me know your thoughts and if its worth sharing with other members. Whilst Ebay was almost £20 cheaper, I would have to wait almost a week and a half minimum, I realized I need to react fast with this trader and paid the premium. http://www.importcarparts.co.uk/parts-info?id=11426&cat=2070⊂=2080&sec=2083&var=0&dc=&gen=&searchKey=&searchPart= Kind Regards, Mo

My mileage is currently 63,000 I saw your guide and was really impressed with the level of detail you had on it. I'll probably have take it to an independent garage as I am crap with my hands. I have read quite a few of your posts and have been surprised by how many things have been going wrong on your Lexus but equally impressed at how you managed to correct most of it yourself, you are a legend !!!

Hi Guys, A big thank you for your posts and replies here. I just bought an IS250 SEL 07 plate a few days ago, turned the wipers on (as it was pouring with rain) and had a piece of rubber hanging off one blade and the other blade was useless!! I was about to folk out for a dealer price and then came across this post... phew! Kind Regards, Mo

Hi Is200 Newbie, A quick update, I went to see the trader and he plugged the OBD reader infront of me, the code came up as P2195, which he then cleared. I raised the point that its a problem with the 02 sensor, he said "listen if it comes up again, call me we can talk about it". Upon further discussion he said he is a reasonable man, he won't leave me high and dry. He will do the labor for free but I'll have to pay for the part because its not a major mechanical problem and the warrente as an independent trader is only for major mechanical etc.... then as a good will gesture he gave me tinted windows for the rear ....they are clip on. I took the approach that something is better than nothing and left. Do I have something to worry about regarding the 02 sensors? Ps I live in London so I don't drive much and mostly sit in traffic, I imagine that's not a good thing with IS250. Kind Regards, Mo

Thanks for the advice on the reader, I'll try to get hold of one asap. My mate doesn't know anything much about cars and doesn't have one. Ironically he bought one as a run around from a private seller and his brother drives it pretty harshly, they have had it for 6months and they have never had a problem!!

Thanks for the advice, I was due to see the trader today as he said he would sort it out (probably reset the thing) but he could'nt see me today and told me to come back to him on Monday .... I'll keep you updated on this. Thank you once again for your advice, you have been really helpful.

Hi Steve, I was just about to update my post and you beat me to it ☺ I called the trader and he said "its normal with the IS, you probably went over a pothole or something. Bring it down and I'll turn it off..." Hopefully that would be the end of that Kind Regards, M