JDM-Fiend

17 hours ago, scudney said:

Welcome back Chan enjoy and all the best 👍 

Thanks!

3 hours ago, Linas.P said:

Congrats.... these bloody IS250s... they are so good that it is hard to replace them!

It is funny indeed, because I did similar thing 2012 F-Sport > 2010 Premium (it was US AWD, but specs wise like SE-L, but without wood grain), then 2008 SE-L and now 2006 SE-L. So spec. wise I didn't go backward, but age wise older an older.

To be fair it kind of makes sense - second generation Lexus IS250 where pretty much the same throughout the years, fundamentally the same engine, gearbox, power, fuel consumption etc. What changes was only infotainment system, minor things like indicators on mirrors, DLRs, things that honestly do not matter. Infotainment is shaite either way, even back when it was new it was outdated and now it is basically irrelevant whenever it is first or last car that rolled of the line, it would be considered outdated. So it kind of makes sense to go for older model all else (vehicle condition) being equal. 

ML in SE is indeed very unusual and weird, so if memory serves to get ML you had to buy Navigation for £1995 and only then you could put ML option for £1000 (or am I mistaken this for MK3?) So somebody saved £3,000 on SE-L, to then spend them on ML, which to be fair in MK2 makes minor difference considering standard car had 13 speakers and ML only adds 1 speaker in the centre. Sure it goes from something like 375W to 795W in power and clarity is much improved, but apart of that it is not like MK3 that has poverty line 6 speaker stereo which is awful by default. In MK2 ML is really a marginal improvement.

As for less stuff to go wrong - probably not, Lexus are not known as far as stuff going wrong is concerned. Certainly not memory seats, not wheel column - but every little helps I guess!

Yeah, I know! Tempted when we sell my wife's Accord which has been outstanding to replace it for an IS250 too!

I have also had a GS300 and a GS430 (last car) which were great, but they just didn't seem as good an overall package but I do prefer the seats in the GS. I have told myself you can't have it all, again especially with the current market and an unfortunate lower budget currently. 

I was actually dead set on getting a GS250, but I refused to take on more debt when the IS250 is largely the same for perhaps half or less than half the money. If I had the budget, it would have been a different matter! I literally think of the GS250 as the closest only step up from an IS250.

It is very strange re ML, because I have the Nav / ML and rear camera - but no parking sensors front and rear, no memory seats and no electronic telescopic steering (which I know is typical in an SE)!

I guess I was just saying figuratively, I know Lexus is solid hence me having around 5 different ones in the last 4-5 years!

Hi all, 

I'm back again with my 3rd ever IS250! My first was an 2010 IS250 F Sport, then I had a 2008 IS250 SE-L and now I've got a IS250 SE!

It's weird as I've gone a bit backwards in spec, but I'm happy this one at least has the Mark Levinson stereo which I'm unsure of it being common or standard in this lower spec model. I do miss the memory function, xenon's and the electrically adjustable steering adjustment but less to go wrong (making myself feel better!).

Happy to be back in a Lexus, especially in the current market and with my current limited budget!

I'll run the car for a little while and see what needs doing.

1 minute ago, Mike_Mac said:

Sorry, no - they were in pretty bad shape so I just re-used mine.

No worries, I'll get some new as they don't seem too pricey! 

18 hours ago, Mike_Mac said:

Links added for pictures!

Have you got the IS250 interior mats at all in Black? 

On 6/23/2023 at 5:28 PM, markwantsalexus said:

Thanks for posting.

What is the night time picture like on  the Dorman?

TIA

Hopefully this should suffice:

On 6/23/2023 at 5:28 PM, markwantsalexus said:

Thanks for posting.

What is the night time picture like on  the Dorman?

TIA

Hi there, if I'm honest I haven't tested it yet as I work pretty early and the days have been long recently. I'll try and take a pic next time I'm out at night, reversing and remember haha!

18 months on update:

The replacement rear camera has started to flicker on occasion and the quality has lowered slightly, so here I went again this morning:

Current:

New:

Fitted:

Image comparison:

Old (top) vs New (bottom)

I bought the Dorman 590-638 for £111 on 19/04/23. I'm hoping long term this holds up better as it's brand new and a slightly different design.

From further inspection of the images, it looks as though the newer one has a slightly wider viewing angle as well as being sharper. Win / Win!

Hopefully you don't hear from me again for a very long time on this thread!

😆

1 hour ago, Mike_Mac said:

Yes, they are - not because the gearbox is doing anything different - but because it’s a far quicker action to flick a paddle with your hands already on the wheel, rather than reaching down to the shifter and then physically pushing/pulling it repeatedly!

 

The wiring’s also actually quite simple - just some splicing and crimping.

That's good to know, it's the one real criticism I have about my GS430 is that the IS steering wheel is far nicer in terms of feel plus the paddles.

Thanks, I'll have a think about it. I've got a full leather GS steering wheel to fit in order to replace that horrid wood effect, which doesn't feel nice when driving.

2 hours ago, Mike_Mac said:

Back to more GS-related things, a long time back now I installed OE flappy paddles, and they actually work perfectly - see here:

 

 

Great job this Mike! I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to do the wiring part.

Reminds me of my younger days of swapping a Civic EK9 steering wheel into my Civic Coupe. Made a huge difference to the driveability of the car. 

Are the paddles more responsive than the gearbox back and forth limiter?

As already mentioned, key common issues:

• Y section of exhaust at the rear commonly has a split in it
• TPMS usually has issues (I've replace 3 in the last year!)
• Headlight height can be wrong (bracket under the car can seize or snap, which will need fixing)
• Boot can be difficult to lift (new bonnet struts will fix it)
• Parking brake can be non-existent (new brake shoes and discs will fix it, plus some adjustment)
• Check the fuel compatibility for E10, as it may not be compatible

These aren't massive fixes barring the exhaust, but quiet, comfortable and reasonably quick cars. Economical if you live in a more rural area, on a slow 60-65 run I managed to get 42 mpg-44 mpg.

On 12/12/2022 at 12:32 PM, kev dood said:

Hi All,

Wow its been a long time since I have been on here but it's great to be back!

This time, my father is looking to sell his single owner GS300 SE and before I create a for sale post I was wondering what the typical values are that they go for these days?  The car is 1 owner from new, approx 72k miles, metallic dark green (is that Jade green?), auto, cream leather (no rips or tears), always garaged and has full service history as well as having a recent cam chain change, service and new MOT.  The car is fully standard and all of the electrics etc fully work.

Being an old dodery chap he has always driven it like a limo driver and it has never been trashed or mistreated, it just rarely gets used for much as they get older and have a second car which is their daily driver.

When I am next up there (car is SE London/NW Kent) I shall get some pictures for anyone who may be interested and also when I create a for sale post.

These really are lovely comfy full spec cars and he would love to keep it but with the use it gets as they get old it is time to let it go.

Sounds like an ideal car for someone to buy!

The trouble you'll face is although it's a lovely car with 1 owner and history, the mass public won't appreciate a reliable, comfortable car. It'll become more about what someone is willing to pay, rather than what it's worth. At a guess I'd say £2500-£3000 as an absolute max, as you can get some lowish mileage MK3 GS300's which are more economical overall and a bit quicker/newer too for similar money.

Either way, best of luck with the sale. I may even be interested in viewing as I live in Kent and I've always loved that particular shape.

Nothing alarming, but mine has definitely taken a hit.

I drive 80%-85% motorway and I'm at around 25mpg-27mpg average. Usually with mostly motorway I'll see 29mpg-31mpg.

Even after a full tank, resetting the trip and doing a steady 65-70mph for half an hour or so, I'll get about 26mpg-28mpg. Used to easily get 31-33.

I'm still interested to know what I get, but it's a fruitless task driving a V8!

On 1/10/2023 at 9:29 PM, avivalasvegas said:

Greetings all.

On the lookout for a '05 GS430 Sport. Will always pay a premium for a cared for example w/ service history. 

Any leads would be greatly appreciated. Cheers! 

Hi there, I'm selling mine at the moment. Drop me a message if interested, I don't know if it's a MK3 like mine you are after or a MK2.

Afternoon all,

I've had a grievance with how crap the GS windscreen washers are due to the 'dual stream' style that they are. I've had one go bad on me despite numerous attempts to fix it.

I did some internet scouring but to no avail about how to buy a nicer spray pattern from a different model. I didn't find anything specific so I took a calculated punt. Here's the results:

Before (right washer is screwed!):

One washer changed:

After:

Very happy with the results!

Basically, the part number you'll need is 85381-12320 (sold individually, not pairs):

I bought them from Amayama and they cost about £23 inc. shipping. They arrived in less than 2 weeks too.

The washers are actually from a RX450h and they are the '10 degree higher up' version. I didn't even know there was different washer versions, but it makes sense as they are non-adjustable. Hope this helps others, as they stock washers weren't good on my GS300 or my current GS430. Well worth the money.

3 hours ago, halpulaar said:

Thanks Bob. Will give them a buzz or visit

I've used them a fair bit, Derek there definitely knows his stuff!

An update on this, I bit the bullet and had the transmission refurbished. It cost a total of £2960, but I'm glad I did it as the odd shudder and hesitation was driving me (no pun) up the wall. I used Gravesend Transmissions who definitely know their stuff, unlike some of the cowboys I've encountered! You definitely get what you pay for.

There was water in the transmission, so looks like past owners ignored or concealed it from one another, including the person who sold it to me. But, I've sorted it now and it drives fantastically well now! Very happy!

Small update - my car is with a transmission specialist who are refurbing the gearbox completely.

Turns out there was water within the gearbox, which may or may not have been related to a radiator issue. Luckily, I have an aftermarket radiator fitted to cool the gearbox - so that's a weight off of my mind.

On 9/9/2022 at 1:00 PM, Mike_Mac said:

I am neither pragmatic, nor sensible, but my 2p (having no direct experience of this issue, to be fair) is that the last two options are both valid, but depend on three things.

First, whether it’s just your Torque converter that’s at fault - in which case, replace is the simplest option.

Second, whether you can find a used ‘box that you can actually observe working before fitting, which is a big question mark.

Third, the deciding factor of cost vs benefit. A used ‘box is cheaper but more risky, whereas with a new converter you have new parts, not used, and a warranty, so more cost, less risk.

personally I like doing things once and minimize risk - so would personally go for a new converter.

/2p😉

Thanks Mike.

Pretty much echoes my thoughts, I'd rather pay more, have a warranty and know it's the best option for longevity and the 'right thing' to do.

Hi all,

I've got a 2005 Lexus GS430, which I purchased last August.

It's been a great car and I've managed to cover around 12,000 miles in about a year, so I've driven it loads. It's currently just over 117k miles, which I understand to be nothing for this engine.

Since owning it, I've found out the car has the torque converter shudder (I'm fairly certain from chats with transmission places and the internet research I've done) that I've read about that affects the LS430/GS430 and SC430 (A761E transmissions basically).

I've been going back and forth for a long time about whether to sell it as is or to fix it. I've now decided to fix it and keep the car, just because I like driving it so much. But, the torque converter issue is tarnishing the drive and general enjoyment.

The fault described:

When driving on a slight incline between 35-40mph with a gentle throttle, there's a sudden shake/judder/vibration to a varying degree - much like driving over a cattle grid. It can last what feels like 1-3 seconds. I get a much shorter abrupt version of the same issue, when driving 65mph+ when trying to keep a constant speed.

I've had the fluid changed twice with the proper Toyota WS ATF fluid, the fluid was pretty cherry reddish when changed. I also had a new OEM transmission filter fitted too. I've also had the separate gearbox oil radiator installed, which I purchased from Lexus Spares Direct on eBay as a preventative measure for the potential radiator issue that affects the 430 models. (LS/GS to my knowledge)

Currently, I drive 1000-2000 miles a month and it's the perfect mile muncher and I get 28-32 mpg which is fairly respectable in my opinion. I'd only consider changing it for a GS250 F Sport, but not quite yet.

I understand my options to be (feasible or not, they are all options):

• Go to Lexus to get it replaced (Just a new gearbox, I was quoted £6k odd without labour) - Least likely option - Total cost likely to be over £7k
• Get a used gearbox fitted (very little warranty and recourse if it goes wrong) - Total cost likely to be between £1500-£2000
• Go to a transmission specialist to get the gearbox reconditioned, which I believe in my case it would be a case of a new torque converter (I'm going to 2 next week to get a definitive diagnosis) - Total cost likely to be between £2000

The point of this thread is to but I wanted to hear some opinions (especially those who have been through this issue). I've already got a pretty good idea of what to do next, but it's always good to hear from some hopefully pragmatic and sensible people on the matter.

Thanks

I am a big fan of the GS series and I was surprised to read this.

It's a fantastic car, but I always assume it is a very niche car to own. I'd rather people didn't know, to keep the values low - although good news for the Lexus brand overall.

Hadn't had a chance to reply, sorry all.

I've changed the images to actual attachments instead of Google Drive URL's.

Should work now as they work for me in incognito.

Hope it helps someone out with a worn out reversing camera.

2 hours ago, Arqum said:

Have the pics been removed as I can't see them? 

That's odd, I can see them? 

Just now, serbarry said:

It looks very good and a great deal for the price. This one that you fitted from Ebay did it belong to another GS430 or another Lexus model? 

Yeah, it's not a bad deal. I know you can get some cheaper, but most of the ones I found were a similar age to mine.

I bought one off of a MK3 GS300.

The part number is 86790-30030 and the later MK3's had a substitution to 86790-30031 which I assume is a part revision - I didn't want to risk the newer part number in case it didn't fit/incompatible, also they were a fair bit more to buy (£70-£80) when I was looking for one.

A small update, I received a used camera off of eBay today for the princely sum of £42.50.

It was 4 years newer and looked in much better condition than my current one. I assume the weatherproof seal had gone on mine, pretty good going for a 16 year old camera I think!

Before and after pics:

Before (as you can see, it's fuzzy in the daytime. You can imagine how bad it is at night!)

After: (It's like going Full HD for the first time!)

Old camera vs new:

Happy with the results, I'll cancel the Dorman one I ordered rather than trialling it. Part of me is interested to see what it is like though, despite not being an OEM part.

On 10/13/2021 at 11:23 AM, BarneyTT said:

And expensive!........ Despite that I replaced the v-pipe/back boxes and went OEM on mine, the last thing I wanted was anything that would spoil the "waft-like silence"😉 .

I bet it's nice having the relative silence. 

I've got a custom exhaust on mine but I test drove a few GS430's with the stock system on and the acceleration catches you off guard with the quieter exhaust. I quite liked it.

The GS430 = The Gentleman's Super Saloon