daniel

SQ...you have been raped!

Lexus Nottm quoted me over £150 for a 20K service........but refused in advance to stamp the book purely because I do my own oil/filter change every 3-4K miles. So I told them to spin!

My 20K will be done by UPAuto......who will charge me 2 hrs labour (at 1/3 less than Lexus) and know a goddam more about performance cars than the grunts at Nottm ever will!

I was wondering where to go in Nottingham to get a service - I might check UPAuto out next time. Cheers mate!

Must admit, the Mazdas have caught my eye too. Let us know how it goes, warts and all ;-)

Cheers

Daniel

Hello guys and girls. Both my father and I own IS250's and some little S*** in norhumberland has kicked my dads off side wing mirror out from the folded position while parked up outside an Italian!

My question to you people is, can the cogs be replaced/repaired in the mirror or does it all have to be replaced by the dealer? He's had a quote for the complete motor and everything.......£525....!!!!

Has anyone had to go through this before?

Cheers in advance. :D

Sorry to hear about that. Same thing happended to me with my is200. Have you got protected no claims?

I'm sure one of the administrators will be along to sort out your problem

BTW welcome to LOC  :D

Notts rules!

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Cheers!

Actually, Ive been lurking here for the last year, but I thought Id become a bonefide member!!!

Daniel

Hi

Sorry for posting here but its my last resort

I tried to go through gold membership registration, but the web site comes up with an error.

So I went to the help desk to report the problem, tried to register there and got this email:

daniel,

A help desk account has been created for you.  To use this account, you must first verify your account.

URL to verify: {url}

----------------------------------
Lexus Owners Club Helpdesk
[url=http://www.globeserve.net/lexus/]http://www.globeserve.net/lexus/[/url]
[url=http://www.lexusownersclub.com]http://www.lexusownersclub.com[/url]

i.e. no URL to click

I went to the HELP forum but can't post there, so Im here.

Can someone please take 25 quid off me and send me a membership

this is my first rwd and although i have only had the car 5 months i will never go back to fwd as its just to much fun drifting round corners and roundabouts sideways with the look other drivers give u when they see a lexus coming round the roundabouts sideways with the tyres smokeing

HAS TO BE RWD

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What is it about drifting - is it a fast way of cornering, or is it just for show?

@Kazdul,

I am embarressed to let friends drive mine because the first thing they notice is the crap gearchange 1st to 2nd and say that its dreadful for a semi luxery car.

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Ive got no complaints about the change from 1st to 2nd on my IS, other than 1st gear's ratio seem a bit low. There seems to be a gapping chasm between 1st and 2nd. Once you get past 2nd, all the gears feel very closely spaced. Ive heard other people wineing about 1st gear, and I presume its this problem. Maybe its for pulling caravans up steep hills or something

dan

That seems to be the concencus! 

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Its well documented that their management technique of putting their people first has put them where they are today. All the modern management speak about 'empowerment' etc over the past decade or so originates from them.

Hmmm thats quite a serious post. Better add a smily :D

boy oh boy oh boy was that glossed over!!!

no mention of the lexus being in the top 3 for almost as long as the survey has been going............

they really don`t like anything other than the usual bm/merc/porsche/ferrari mix do they?

Still it is called Top Gear and not Realistic Driving i suppose.  :D

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Well judging by the survey at least the readership/viewers take what they say with a pinch of salt, and make their own minds up.

Dan

I assume you have read through the 'wheels and tyres section here'  if yes  :D then you can understand there is a set-up issue on the IS200/300/SPORT and SC, anywere can resolve this for you but only with the 'new data', do you want help with that data?

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Hi Dr

'Wheels and tires section'? There is alot to read - an on going project

Set up issue with the IS200 ? I've gleened that the IS has a negative camber that helps with performance, but scrubs the inside edge of the tread - so its your duty to throw the car around corners and get two wheels to lift off the ground in order to even the tire wear :D .

Help with that data? Yes please, sure, but how much is it going to cost me :winky:

Cheers

Dan

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Advice costs..... nothing! .... without trying to make your eyes bleed with information. 'yes' the Negative camber is for performance but the problem is the active range?

Any set-up does need personal habits and areas but is.... and has been conclusive here.

do you want a 'personal' set-up writen?

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Dr,

Costs nothing!! I like that

I would most certainly like a 'personal' setting. I've PMed you everthing I could think you might need to suss me out

Cheers pal

:D

Hi Daniel, are you talking about the alignment centre in Basford? I have been to the one in Basford....I think it's called Nottingham Wheel Alignment Centre. Put it this way, after my car came out of their if felt and drove so much better. They did a great job...not sure if it was exactly right! But I was happy with it :)

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Thats the one

http://www.alignment-services.co.uk/

They have a place in Basford, and another one in Colwick. Glad to hear that they sorted you out. Im going to take mine there next week :D

Cheers Matey!

I assume you have read through the 'wheels and tyres section here'  if yes  :D then you can understand there is a set-up issue on the IS200/300/SPORT and SC, anywere can resolve this for you but only with the 'new data', do you want help with that data?

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Hi Dr

'Wheels and tires section'? There is alot to read - an on going project

Set up issue with the IS200 ? I've gleened that the IS has a negative camber that helps with performance, but scrubs the inside edge of the tread - so its your duty to throw the car around corners and get two wheels to lift off the ground in order to even the tire wear :D .

Help with that data? Yes please, sure, but how much is it going to cost me :winky:

Cheers

Dan

Hi

In my year of so of mostly lurking here Ive noticed quite a lot of us IS 200 owners live in Nottingham.

My front tires are scrubbing on the inside, and prompted by reading the archives here about wheel alignment, Im about to get mine checked. Has anyone here used Nottingham Car 4 Wheel Alignment Ltd, and if so what are they like?

Ta

Daniel

Yes, but if you keep off topic long enough, one of the moderators may send a very ammusing thread-kill post. They make me laugh all the time  :D

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How about a very amusing ban ? ;)

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A ban? Don't you have to wait until I say that a BMW is the bestest ever car in the whole world, even better than a ferari, and anyway my BMW dealer is going to go round to your Lexus dealer and beat him up cos Im going to tell him what you said?

:winky:

Like I said in a previous post - unless we are comparing like for like, all this talk about blown IS300's is meaningless and 

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and that's why i'm trying to understand some peoples points

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Yes, but if you keep off topic long enough, one of the moderators may send a very ammusing thread-kill post. They make me laugh all the time :D

regarding the cost.... maybe if you stopped swapping cars so much, you would save a bit of money ;-)

BMW - don't like off set pedals, low spec and sister as M3 cabriolet, so didn't want to get

Japan like the UK is right hand drive as well. This means that in a Jap car, the engine is set off slightly to the right, giving a better weight distribution when there is only the driver in the car. As you indicate, if the car is designed for right hand drive, when compared to a car designed for left hand drive, a driver in the UK will also has a better driving position and more space

Daniel

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That not a bit of a generalisation ? I had a 3 series and yes peddles off set but never felt like it was compromised due to being RHD....

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Yes of course its a generalisation ;-) It wasnt a comment directed at the 3 seriese specifically. I havent been in a 3 series for ages, so I don't know if it is true for a 3 seriese or not

BMW - don't like off set pedals, low spec and sister as M3 cabriolet, so didn't want to get

Japan like the UK is right hand drive as well. This means that in a Jap car, the engine is set off slightly to the right, giving a better weight distribution when there is only the driver in the car. As you indicate, if the car is designed for right hand drive, when compared to a car designed for left hand drive, a driver in the UK will also has a better driving position and more space

Daniel

If I remember rightly, the avarage age of an IS200 diver is 28, which is at least a decade younger than the average age of a 3 series driver. Not a reason to buy an IS200, but perhaps more of an indiation of what the appeal is.

My old man drives a BMW - why would I possibly want to buy an BMW? ;-)

Think I might treat myself to this copy. Interior looks lush on the new ones. Very simular to the new GS.  :D

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I had a quick shuffty at the cover while the missus was doing the shopping ;-). It said something like "3 reasons why its cool to ride a Japanese car", with a picture of the new Honda Civic type RR, the new Masda MX5, and the new IS250.

You can read the Evo review of the IS350 (dated September 2005??) at:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/driven/archive/?id=58809

Seeya

Daniel

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To save you the trouble of clilcking on the link.....

From EVO:

Lexus IS350

All-new and much improved in every department, could the 'baby' Lexus be getting closer to the 3-series?

There's no doubt about it, the all-new IS350 is the most exciting four-door saloon we've yet driven from Japan's biggest car maker, at least on the evidence of a first drive at Toyota's secret proving ground on Japan's northern-most island of Hokkaido.

Tired of being likened to a certain German manufacturer in terms of looks, Lexus is reinventing itself. Known for its uncompromising, class-leading quality levels and silky smooth performance, Lexus has up until now been associated with very reliable but unadventurous models which stayed well within the traditional design envelope. But with its new crop of vehicles, especially this IS, Lexus is breaking away from its old habits with bolder, sportier styling.

The new IS range is also slightly bigger than its predecessor in every dimension and has a useful extra 60mm tucked into its wheelbase to improve cabin space and help with the ride quality.

The new IS sticks with rear-wheel drive, but it's a completely new chassis and drivetrain. The other big change is that the IS no longer uses straight-six engines but has moved to V6s. The flagship IS350 has a 3.5-litre unit, the IS250 a 2.5-litre. The bad news, according to Lexus, is that the 3.5 will not officially appear in UK showrooms, though you can bet that the 'grey' importers will be on its case.

The 2.5, meanwhile, is expected to arrive in November.

Engine specs haven't yet been finalised, but we managed to coax some impressive-sounding figures out of chief engineer Suguya Fukusato. Apparently the new 2.5-litre generates around 220bhp (but a comparatively weak 184lb ft of torque), while the new 3.5-litre pumps out a very healthy 310bhp and 258lb ft. No official acceleration figures are available, but my stopwatch clocked the IS350 at an impressive 5.9sec for the 0-62mph sprint, with the 2.5-litre running a 7.3sec time.

Power comes in instantly and builds progressively, offering a far more compelling experience than in the old models. The 3.5-litre pulls hard all the way from 2000rpm, and coupled to the creamy-smooth and fast-acting paddle-shift six-speed auto 'box, provides plenty of torque at just about any speed.The car's exhaust note has also been given a meaty note to lift the perception of sportiness.

On the road, the IS's rigid chassis and taut suspension - front struts and rear multi-links - combine to provide some of the best handling in the sector. The dominant characteristics are nicely weighted steering, a torque response that beckons a heavier right foot, and a rear end that stays firmly planted. The IS turns-in quickly and accurately with just a hint of understeer at the limit but we reckon a little more feedback from the road wouldn't go amiss. Thankfully, the company's VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system, which incorporates VSC, ABS and TRC, isn't too intrusive, while the brakes deliver firm, well-balanced stopping power. And as you might expect from a Lexus, ride quality is excellent while refinement is a match for the very best in the class.

The comfortable interior's soft flowing contours, superb materials and exquisite 13-speaker Pioneer sound system give the required luxury feel and there are neat touches like illuminating rings inside the speedo and tacho which inform the driver when a certain speed or preset rev count has been reached.

The IS also comes fitted with the world's first 'twin chamber' airbag for front passengers. This airbag's new 'omni-support concept' employs two airbags opening in unison to form a V-shaped indentation that captures an occupant's head and shoulders.

The all-new Lexus IS range is so far ahead of its predecessor that it could have been given another name. Unlike previous Lexuses, it certainly looks far more stylish. It also handles superbly, while offering the expected high comfort and quality levels. Maybe this time the littlest Lexus could become a genuine threat to Bimmer and Benz...

Words/Pictures: Peter Lyon

Think I might treat myself to this copy. Interior looks lush on the new ones. Very simular to the new GS.  :D

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I had a quick shuffty at the cover while the missus was doing the shopping ;-). It said something like "3 reasons why its cool to ride a Japanese car", with a picture of the new Honda Civic type RR, the new Masda MX5, and the new IS250.

You can read the Evo review of the IS350 (dated September 2005??) at:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/driven/archive/?id=58809

Seeya

Daniel

If you read the Top Gear Magazine at your local newsagents, he calls the LS430 a BMW3 series beater.

This week's Top Gear had the old fart talking about "torques" as though he knew what "torques" was whilst James May referred to the "inter-web"

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I think that "torques" thing was to tongue in cheek, as was that "inter-web" reference. The whole program just one big ***** take come to think of it, though sometimes quite ammusing

Dan

I got an S with 40K for 9.5K quid last year. A lot of car for the money. You cant go wrong with one. Just drove 700 miles this weekend - so glad it was in an IS!!

Cheers

yeah all sounds good i got a quote from elephant for the sport at 900 squid which i thought was pretty good considering what i have payed for the 216,

hi, dont jnow your circumstances regarding insurance, but im 21 with 0 year no claims and have my girlfriend on the policy and its only 900 for me on the IS 200. thats with norwich union. maybe its worth giving them a try if you have not already.

as for the IS 200. personally i dont think you will find a better and more reliable car for the money.

good luck!

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Thats a "LEXUS BLANK SERVICE BOOK WITH LEATHER WALLET

LEATHER LEXUS WALLET CONTAINING BLANK SERVICE BOOK ECT"

If you stamp the service book a few times, Id give you £500 for it :winky:

Here you go, this may come in handy!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...4519893669&rd=1

J

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Hi mate

The price does seem pretty good. Im going to wait to see how well they fix the faults before recommending them to anyone else, but so far so good. I test drove 3 lexuses there before I went for this one. It was supprisingly difficult to get a test drive of a 2nd hand car at the lexus dealer, hence I went elsewhere.

The car supermarket does an HPI check for you. That reminds me - I should get a copy of it next time I see them. Thanks (and to all the others who replied) for the advice

Cheers

Daniel

That's a cracking price! I part-ex'ed my 3 year old IS200 for 11k last week (that was an SE with only 27k and flsh but it's still a good deal). Did you have it HPI'ed too just to make sure there's nothing wrong?

Seeing as it doesn't have any service history I'd go for the local garage option - it depends how good they are and how much you trust them. I can't see it being too much of a problem for the majority of garages anyway.

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