JamesIS220

I don't own an ISF so can I post here? Anyway here are my 3 cars. The 240 I have owned for 9 years and cost £350 then, and was my daily driver, then 18 months ago I bought the 940 for £250 and is my works vehicle and daily driver. I keep the IS220d for best. James

On both my Volvos I have ECP brake disks and pads. I went for Eicher premium and been on a year on the 940 all round and 2 years on the rear of the 240. No issues at all. Volvo disks are good but vey expensive and have been on the front of my 240 for 7 years now, but have had 3 pad changes. As regards to paint I'm self employed and do property maintenance and am a NVQ level 2+3 plumber and I tend to use Plumb Centre or Plumb Base for plumbing bits and when I was CORGI registered, now GAS-SAFE I used to buy heating packs from Mr Central Heating in the year 2000. I gave up the gas side a year later as didn't like the responsibility and I would test everything twice to make sure. I fitted about 5 new heating systems and installed friends and family boilers etc and found the general public wanted finance options, which I didn't want to get involved in. Paint I buy from B&Q or the customer can supply it, generally Dulux or if exterior I like Sandtex. I charge my customers for what I buy the materials for including any trade discount. I live on a 50ft long Narrowboat and my overheads are quite low and if I can earn 6-10k a year that covers me. James

The low pressure switch should stop the compressor running in the event of low gas pressure to prevent the compressor seizing. A week ago a regas cost me £45 on My IS 220d. It's lovely in this weather! When I bought my 1996 Volvo 940 SE lpt 18 months ago the AC didn't work. I had a diagnostic done and leaking from compressor and condenser. Got lucky with a used compressor, £35 and bought a new nissens condenser for £65. Fitted it and thankfully working AC last summer. Unfortunately the AC condenser clamp wept a bit after a few weeks and the 500g that put in only lasted 5 months until pressure switch cut in. It should have 950g but we didn't know how much it takes. The clamp isn't available now as car 21 years old and American ones not the same. I will get the AC man to degass the rest, change the O rings again and re-gas this Tuesday. I think it's very important to use the AC yearly to keep the seals lubricated etc. James

I would probably take it to Lexus and get a diagnostic done. They seem to have their faults on the diesel. Headgasket. 5th injector. Could be, if injecting too much fuel. DPF issues and EGR. I wouldn't be keen to get rid of the DPF as surely need it to pass MOT? Hope you get it sorted. James

Thanks everyone, some great links and info The youtube video is great. 38MPG isn't too bad as suspect the Lexus is heavier than my Volvo 940 at just under 1.5 tonnes. I have never calculated my 940 but suspect 25mpg in town and 33mpg max on a run. The thing I do like with my 940 2.3 low pressure turbo, is virtually no turbo lag and coupled to the aisin warner AW70 automatic gearbox it goes well, even with only 136bhp and with virtually no turbo lag. Spoilt or lazy driving if you like for the last 9 years! The Lexus IS220d is a lovely car but needs to be auto or a better manual gearbox and get rid of the turbo lag. It feels right at home as a long distance motorway speed cruiser rather than a town car. I bet the IS 250 V6 petrol Auto is a nicer more suited combination. The ECC was lovely to use today. James

Thanks for the info, I'll avoid 6th gear. I tend to use my petrol Volvo 940 for short trips unless getting fuel in the Lexus which is a 10 mile round trip. I try to avoid short trips and ensure the engine is fully up to temp. Would it be ok for a few short trips, so long as it has a run every Saturday? James.

I have a 2006 Lexus IS220d and wondering what things I should do to avoid DPF and EGR issues? Is driving 25 miles at 60-70mph from Staffordshire and then driving in Birmingham for 20 miles in town/stop start/ traffic and returning back home for 25 miles at 60-70mph cause any issues? I do this trip every Saturday visiting family. I believe short local trips should be avoided? ATM I have no issues and runs very well and even pulls well on the A38 in 6th gear at 60- 70mph with cruise on. Should I avoid 6th gear and keep the revs higher? It's done 175,000! Fuel MPG indicates 42-46mpg depending how heavy my right foot is on the 25 mile trip. From previous replies seems mpg readout is optimistic and 38mpg average. How much is a DPF replacement? Can't wait for July as off on holiday in it, to the Isle Of Wight, so a proper test drive for the week. I like the comfort, looks and colour. It feels luxurious. James

On my Volvo 940 the aftermarket exhaust was not bent properly and was mm from the body in one place. The garage re bent the pipe and all is well. As said the 2 boxes need to be further apart and right side up higher. Probably a good garage or exhaust shop would have it sorted easily. James

On my 2006 IS 220D it has goodyear efficient grip and they seem an ok tyre. If I turn off the traction control and boot it I go nowhere which is to be expected when I tried it! I have goodyear ultragrip winter tyres on my 1996 RWD Volvo 940 petrol turbo automatic and they are fantastic in snow and transform the vehicle. Whereas with the Summer Michelin energy savers with 6mm of tread absolutely hopeless in any snow up a slight incline. The Michelins are my tyre of choice and seem to wear very well. In 9 years on a 240 on my 3rd set and 70,000miles. Still have around 4mm left. James

Thanks for the how too. I presume I start the engine, set to recirculate then switch engine off and filter box should be able to be removed? No AC needs to be on just recirculate? Many thanks. James.

Thanks for the replies. With my Volvos I always buy a genuine Volvo oil filter and change the oil/filter every 5-6,000miles The Volvo filter contains a non return valve inside and not expensive from FRF Volvo. I'm getting a garage to service the Lexus as can't be bothered to DIY. I have bought the kit on Ebay, so I'll see what the parts are like when delivered and see what the garage thinks. If the oil filter is rubbish I'll order a Lexus one from Birmingham. Does my car have a pollen filter? If so where is it located? James

Exciting stuff! When you have it bought, put us out of our misery! James

There was a V70 on the Volvo owners club with 700,000 miles. Irv Gordon and his record breaking Volvo P1800 With 3 million miles. Yes, sorry Volvo takeover. Now owned by Geely, never had a 400series but had a 340. I like the older Volvos 240, 740, 940 as easy access in engine bay and simple to service. Modern enough to be a daily driver. Yes it's impressive. New Volvos scores fantastic in the new small overlap crash tests, which many other premium makes were poor. For a few years I have always wanted a Lexus, liked the late 90's 200 series in dark green with cream interior. Also like the late 90's early 2000's land cruiser Colorado. In 2007 my grandparents bought a new LHD Toyota corolla 1.4D4D Linea techno trim when we lived in Normandy France for 7.5 years. James

I have never had HP or credit. The thought of owing and paying monthly car payments puts me right off, what with motoring being expensive what with Tax, insurance, fuel etc. This is why I buy old bangers cheap and drive them. My 1989 Volvo 240 GLT petrol auto estate I have owned for 9 years now and cost me £350 to buy. Had done 159,410 miles when bought and now on 240.000. It's only been recovered once due to Gearbox banging and didn't want to risk damage. Tail output bearing replaced and new gearbox mounting and cross member at 220,000 miles and that is the most it's cost to repair at £400. Alternator went at 191,000 but got me home and to the garage the next day. Rest, basic maintenance and repair. Last 5 years gone straight through the MOT with no advisories. Needs more TLC due to rust, which I'll do this summer. Also have a 1996 Volvo 940 SE LPT auto estate that's great also cost £250 but spent £1k on it bringing it up to scratch and getting the AC working. Now use this as main work car, may sell the 240. 2 weeks ago bought a 2006 Lexus IS 220D for less than £1500 and so far it's going well. Has 175k and re-gassed the AC and it now nice and cold. Drives really nicely and everything seems to work, except boot release on remote fob. James

When my Volvo 940 had an AC diagnostic you could hear the leak and see the gas dripping out. In my case condenser and compressor. Follow all pipes and look at the AC condenser thoroughly and pump itself. If you find wetness or hear hissing try to find the leak. If you cant, an AC specialist can use a dye with the gas. Don't touch the gas and try not to breath it in. Use gloves. Others may know common fail points, as I'm new to Lexus. James

I would drive them both! The silver one reads like it hasn't full Lexus service history and 2,400 miles a year it's sat around a lot which can be a bad thing. Could of been a second car used for local short runs which can be bad for engines until up to temp. Ideally look for service history (oil/filters etc) every year, rather than mileage based as could of only been serviced twice in 10 years! I do like the light leather interior. The black Lexus mentions more equipment by the description and it's done a reasonable mileage to keep it in good order. If it's had regular motorway journeys much better than a car just used locally and short trips. The full Lexus history sounds good. Black isn't my favourite but we all have different tastes, which is a good thing. Do some digging and drive both and see what the previous owners used the car for and check MOT History and do an online History and HPI check. James

Yes, get it re gassed. I took it to a local garage and it took an hour and cost £45. I would think All AC systems have a low pressure switch which protects the compressor if there is a leak or through natural evaporation through hoses etc. Certainly see the low pressure switch on my IS and Volvo. The pressure switch shuts the system down to prevent the compressor running with no gas, but more importantly no lubricating oil. Ie it prevents the compressor seizing. I have just bought an IS 220D and that needed a regas as cool but not cold. Thankfully everything else was ok and lovely and cold. I use it set at 17 degrees and on auto. My 1996 Volvo 940 needed a used compressor as leaking internally and a new condenser. I bought a used compressor on ebay for £35 and new Nissens condenser for £65. AC is nice to have and great for demisting in the Winter. Use it in Weekly to keep the O ring seals lubricated. James

As you all know I bought a high mileage 2006 IS 220D. I had a look at the Lexus website and looking and building the cars on a very quick look most seem to spec black interiors which I'm not keen on. Quite like maroon with cream or beige leather. It seems the interior choice is limited. I have to say I do like lexus cars but dark interiors put me off. On my Volvo 940 I have light grey half leather and it looks nice and bright. Unless I win the lottery I'll stick with my £1500 IS and £250 1996 Volvo 940 SE 2.3 LPT and £350 Volvo 240GLT. As you can see the lexus is the most expensive car I have bought in my 19 years of driving. James

Nor me. Prefer landline number also. Could be dealer working from home! All you can do if interested is to phone and ask. James

Lexus all cleaned and got an aircon diagnostic. No leaks I'm glad to say, and now very cold! Took just under an hour and paid £45.00. I'm very pleased with the car and now ready for summer. In a few weeks I'll give it a service. James

Wise move! I hear the car has to be less than 10 years old and under 140,000. It's a good deal. The IS 250 certainly hold their value, judging by the other posters search for one! Roll on Thursday for you! James

Thanks both. Good to know people have used similar. Yes it helps as now I know roughly where it is so I can point the garage who is doing the recharge in the right direction. Looks as if I need to remove the bottom right engine cover trim. Thanks. James

I would like to service my Lexus soon and wondered if anyone has used an ebay service kit? https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/301177489473?ul_noapp=true Is it better to pay more for QE and if so any recommended suppliers and service kits for the IS220D? Where abouts in the engine bay, is the air con recharge point in the 220Diesel? James

Nothing terrible then, when you hear prone to head gasket issues. How many miles has yours done? Mine is on 185,000 and still works well. I agree 6th gear is lazy/feels sluggish from when I have used it from 50mph. I saw that the EGR valve can be cleaned DIY on a youtube video. Mine has Lexus service history to 48,000 then after new owner serviced it every year since for the last 8 years. I phoned the garage where the previous owner had it serviced and the clutch, is original (Unless changed under warranty) and he never had any trouble apart from water pump (2015), egr clean and brakes, pads and servicing. He said he used to go to Devon every year with the owner. We'll see how it goes as only done 250 miles this week in it since owning. James

What were the good and bad points from someone who has just bought a 2006 high mileage 220D? What issues did you have? I bet you love your new Lexus. James.