PJD69

Food for thought, thank you. I think I need a clear photograph of the chip before any attempt to repair it to make an informed decision. Unless they do the screen itself. Disappointed that it had to go into the workshop for this to be noticed.

Yes not expecting absolute perfection on a 2011 car, I do want to know about any imperfections before it's delivered! I'm not sure what you mean by 'tester'? Regarding the alloys from I can make out of the grainy videos I was sent they look reasonable, the rear two may be absolutely fine, the front two are however kerbed slightly and Lexus agreed to refurb these as part of the deal. I think they should provide HD videos, I've found a lot of car retailers send low resolution videos which seems a bit silly really.. I'm going to ask for detailed shots/video.. including of the alloys after they've been done.

So... thanks for all the feedback you lovely people. I would share the listing from the Lexus website, but it's been removed because.. I'm in the process of buying it 😊 So here's a picture for now of the 2011 IS250 F-Sport. Probably a fairly pedestrian car to many posters here with bigger pockets, but for me personally.. it's a dream car! And it was all going so well and then...going thru MOT.... : Sadly this is 'Repair as soon as possible' advisory. I'm waiting to speak to the manager about how big the chip is, if it can be repaired properly so a clean MOT can be applied (presume repairs are considered a permanent fix?), or if the windscreen needs replacement. I'm pre-empting the response from Lexus, as the anticipation and excitement was building. I do hope this doesn't scupper the deal. We were potentially to receive the car on Thursday. Any comments are welcome...

Few of the F Sports I've looked at that are over a few years old had less than 4 previous owners.

I'm finding this process very exciting. I have no hair left to speak of. 😄 Lottery tonight mind you, and tbh I think my numbers 'look right'. If it doesn't mean a return to Sidcup - that works for me. I can at least see from the history that the discs and breaks have been done relatively recently! Been in that 'no pads left' situation before.. it's somewhat disconcerting. Tough call with an exhausted delivery driver on your doorstep waiting for a lift to the train station! It sounds like 'alls well that ends well' in your case, so that's pleasing.

Seems a bit hit and miss regarding prep, and I've read the thread where I think it was @Linas.P was supplied with absolutely unacceptable tyres, and another where a car was supplied with worn out brake pads which resulted in the metal on metal situation.. but most of the anecdotes I'm reading are of cars that are mechanically sound, with more of the issues being around presentation and valeting? Although there seems to be some question marks about what the 150 point check involves, and whether it's actually performed in all cases. Don't they not provide the report to customers? I do feel that Lexus would be as gutted as myself to see the car being returned on a transporter! Trust me that is exactly what would happen if it failed to live up to expectations. If it was local I could of course get my trusted mechanic to verify the car, whom I have 100% confidence in. Naturally, every car I have found that fits my criteria is hours away, with the F-Sports typically being on the south coast. Well there is this shiny example which is absolutely stunning in ultrasonic blue! IS250 F-Sport. A nice looking car for those keen on a dramatic colour, but that is, of course... even further away! To further add to the complications I'm now reading that the Essential Care program is ending? This was an incentive to buy Lexus. The car I'm looking at is just a snip over 10 years old, otherwise I'd consider the cost of the extended warranty, but if I'm not mistaken, that's only for cars under 10 years.

Hi Malc. It's Lexus Sidcup. Have considered this, but nope.. can't even. Indeed poor health is one of the reasons I've been pursuing a car with a reputation for reliability (initially I was looking at BMW Z4.. which is the other extreme) alongside pleasure - one never knows what the future holds. I'm closing in on this car now so I hope to report my happiness on its arrival. If Lexus live up to their brand reputation I'll be delighted. I've done some digging on the history and it's the usual, wear items on services and MOTs tyres and brakes etc, nothing alarming. Short of an RAC inspection or similar I don''t know what other safeguards I can put in place. Lexus have made a number of commitments for the car to be in sound order which I shall be getting in writing before payment is transferred. I have seen cases @doog442 of customers being delighted and disappointed on the forum here, but there is quite an onus on Lexus to deliver the goods - ultimately distance selling regulations are there and it would serve neither party if the car had to go back.

Well I've had a video from the dealership, and besides being grainy, these videos don't tell you much at all. It would help if the cars were prepped before being offered for sale! The car was started up.. and I didn't hear the usual 5 or so chimes, I'm searching through the manual to find out what that means! Anyone in the Kent area fancy checking a car out for a few beers? 🍺

What a nice forum. Lot's of very helpful and interesting comments! Would love to be able to do the trade this way. I doubt the salesman would though - would show confidence in the vehicle if he did mind. Loving the positive experiences it's giving confidence, but have to consider possible outcomes. A local engineer doing a pre-sales inspection would give another layer of protection. Just so happens there is a renowned Lexus specialist in the same town. (So that narrows down which dealership it is!) Is it likely Lexus would be agreeable to this? I will reveal what the car is, but honestly it's not something most Lexus fans would get excited about. @Steve67 I agree with John this could be one for trading standards if the seller doesn't budge, a defective wheel bearing can be dangerous.

Thanks John, it might be best if I put a deposit down (which I'm on the brink of doing) before disclosing the link.. I've missed two opportunities doing this before!

That's encouraging Phil. I will check your previous posts. Guys, I may be using the terminology incorrectly? I have never bought a car via a dealer. It's one of the Jemca group.

I have seen the car of my dreams.. Due to health problems the 3+ hours drive is beyond me. It is from an approved Lexus franchise not a main dealer. I'm assured a Lexus (not 3rd party) 12 month warranty will be applied (so I can take it to a nearer dealership for any warranty issues) and it would have a new MOT done, a full service (major), and the 150 point checks etc. It would be driven to my home. Under distance selling rules, I could return the car if there was a problem with it. I'm guessing I'd need to involve a third party should that happen, but the option is there. I'll be asking for certain details that were agreed over the phone to be confirmed in writing (email). Has anybody got experience doing this? How risky is it? PS I have searched for months for such an example within a fair radius locally without success, hence ....

Hi chaps.. Still struggling to find a Lexus near me that ticks all the boxes! Even started looking at imported 350s! Really wanted a white F-Sport but they are rare. Meanwhile I've located an 07 SE-L that I like the look of and is fairly priced and has a FSH with Lexus and comes with some warranty. Just wondering how much of a problem the variable timing issue is on pre-09 IS250's.. as this chap in the video below mentions a recall in America (around the 4 minute mark). I understand some of the US cars were made in Mexico, but he maintains UK cars are affected. Apologies if this has been covered before.. PJD

Road Tax is £270 apparently so less than an IS250. Fuel economy wise, it's about the same. Tempted to get an insurance quote just to see.. if I do I'll share.

Seen a couple of nice IS350 imports... not sure why Lexus didn't offer them in the UK! Anybody been down this path? I'm guessing they would need underseal doing due to the difference in climate, specialist insurance.. wondering how the IS350 is for servicing in the UK, if parts are readily available, if dealerships will touch them.. Flight of fancy I suspect.. doubt I'd follow through. Here are the links : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-IS350-Version-L-Fresh-Import-Grade-4B/284231330995 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lexus-is250-350-3-5-V6-isf-Sport-is250/284258996087

Hi @Marleez - both. Reading around seems around £300 per corner ? I'm a prospective Lexus owner trying to establish if I'll find myself out my depth as my budget is tight. Calipers seem to be a common problem, along with alloy corrosion, problems with exhausts (and carbon buildup but less common in the UK) - and spark plug replacement costly if not already done. I'm looking at cars from 07 onward - most have around 80k on the clock. Seems to me if I choose wisely I might have trouble free motoring, but calipers will definitely need regular attention as part of maintenance.

Hi. Can anyone tell me the average cost for a caliper replacement from a quality indy?