Repairs and parts for IS200

[Bill G]

Hi 

I own a very clean IS200, 2003 silver, exmoor black upholstery, with just 80k on the clock and its second owner. 

The MOT this year brought up rear sub-frame corrosion issues that hadn't been flagged in previous years and its failed. Before I scrap it, can anyone recommend a repairer in the West Somerset / North Devon area to take a look at it. Parts for required will be pricey too, so interested in what other members have done - sourcing parts for these cars. Happy to discuss the details - but ideas, suggestions very welcome here. Thank you 

[rich1068]

Hi Bill.

Do you trust the competence of the MOT tester you used? Unless you've started parking it on the beach it's a little surprising that the corrosion has appeared and ruined the car in 12 months. Some fairly nasty surface corrosion can be found underneath many Lexus of this era but that's all it is. However, a weak point of the IS is the sill at the front of the rear arch. Did they mean this rather than the sub-frame?

[Bill G]

Hi, the vehicle was tested in 11/03/2019 - by Somerset County Cars (Toyota dealers), at 79,868 miles and passed - with advisories on brake pipe corrosion, rear brake backing plate corrosion and service brake binding (not excessive) 

Then tested at Stanbury Motors, Dulverton on 07/09/2020 with 84980 miles and failed on brake pad wear but also subframe mounting corrosion on near and offside rear, brake disc wear and brake pipe corroded. All fails  plus a further six advisories. So something has gone wrong. The Toyota dealers are more likely to know the cars and I think they have been more relaxed on some points, than the other garage. I could ask the Toyota dealers for a second opinion. I am surprised the cars condition has deteriorated so much with barely 5000 miles (it sat for week undriven during Lockdown) 

 

 

[steve2006]

I think you have met an over zealous MOT tester, brake pads, discs and pipe OK but rear subframe mountings? I have just looked at the exploded diagram and cannot find a “rear subframe” even listed. Any input from IS200 members for this part?

Personally I would pay the fixed price MOT fee after repairing the brake defects and take it to a Lexus dealer.

We could do with some pictures of the affected area.

[Bill G]

Many thanks - I had a more helpful discussion with the Toyota dealer that did the MOT in 2019 and they are going to take a look and offer a view. I'll share some pictures when its been on the ramp. If it is a case of a tester getting carried away this might be helpful to share with other owners. 

 

 

[rich1068]

Good stuff Bill. And I totally agree with Steve.

It would be a shame to lose another older Lexus.

[Spacewagon52]

On 10/2/2020 at 5:18 PM, Bill G said:

Many thanks - I had a more helpful discussion with the Toyota dealer that did the MOT in 2019 and they are going to take a look and offer a view. I'll share some pictures when its been on the ramp. If it is a case of a tester getting carried away this might be helpful to share with other owners. 

 

 

Please keep us updated Bill.

[Bill G]

Hi all, well the Toyota dealer has had a good look. The tester that looked at the car 18 months ago no longer works there. The engineer who did the visual check confirmed some findings of the MOT tester (at a different garage) when it was inspected in September. He over-ruled some and found one or two new ones. 

Long story short, this car needs £2000 to get past the MOT - much of which are the high cost parts. So I am planning to dispose of it. 

Its a great car - serviced and very clean. So I am open to offers and hope an enthusiast would like to take it on and keep it on the road. If any member wants to get in touch they are very welcome to get in touch here. I'll add some pictures shortly. 

 

 

[rich1068]

Hi Bill. 

I'm still sceptical but now due to knowing how much a main dealer (ie your Toyota dealer) would charge for not very much work. And I find new car dealers aren't that interested in older models. Not knocking them, just saying how I find it. I appreciate you may not have a trusted independent near you but if you like the car, it owes you nothing and it's going to cost £xxxx to replace I still wouldn't write it off just yet.

But that's me. I'm daft with these things 

[2ddesign]

Hi I have a IS200,2001 vintage, with 178,500 miles on the clock, I belong to a FaceBook group that is dedicated to keeping these cars going.see below!

One member "Ricky Smith" breaks cars and sells various parts, (based Birmingham) will post small parts or will fix the parts in his garage. I have had suspension parts and 

various parts that cost from Lexus £200 new £29 posted, great guy!

 

[Bill G]

Many thanks for letting me know this. I'd like to keep the car on the road, if it makes sense to do that. So I'll check this out. Cheers, Bill

[Shada]

If you decide to sell it as is I'd be interested. Drop me a pm with a price.