Lexus IS 250 (2007) MOT failures (May have to sell car)

[Joolsd]

Hi All. 

I have just had my MOT and failed on two exhaust leaks plus failed on Lambda readings. Also a leaking suspension. One private mechanic I saw just now gave me a quote for £845. He got it up on the ramp and said that the central part of the pipe would need replacing. (It has catalitic parts to it I think). I asked him if welding would be a cheaper alternative to buying whole part and he said slightly. Maybe a couple of hundred off. To make matters worst, he could not garantee that the car would pass the Lambda test, if the work was done. He said he was 95% it would pass, but he didn't want to hold it to that. He said it was possibly the holes in the pipe causing the high Lambda readings. 

I love this car but, I am not sure what to do.

Are there any private mechanics who specialise in IS250s from (2007) who might be able to give me a better price for the work? 

Will it still fail even if the work on the exhaust is done? Has anyone had experience of this. 

I was thinking of using webuyanycar and got a value of £1500. Are the cars reconditioned or just scrapped? It seems a bit of a shame to have to scrap it.

If I was to sell it could I sell to a potential Lexus enthusiast, with mechanic skills, at least it would be appreciated. And they would be better skilled to deal with random faults. 

I was thinking maybe I could keep it off road for a bit and declare it SORN, until I get my life on track. Since the Pandemic I have been freelancing as a video editor, but it has been tough getting the regular work and I just don't have the money I used to have when I first bought this car (And a few health issues which is causing anxiety).

Any ideas welcome 😞

Best regards 

Julian

 

[samplify]

You could try looking for an exhaust system from a breaker's car, although no guarantee that that exhaust isn't also full of holes. 

[doog442]

Lambda will without doubt be related to the leaky exhaust. 

Shock absorbers are cheap £90 will get you a pair or £60 single....I'd research exhaust in the search function on here. I recall a company doing reasonably priced stainless steel but someone with more knowledge will help. 

Every reason to keep the car, even if you have to SORN and take your time to fund the repairs. You'd struggle to replace it at the moment with anything approaching the quality..best of luck. 

[Joolsd]

14 hours ago, doog442 said:

Lambda will without doubt be related to the leaky exhaust. 

Shock absorbers are cheap £90 will get you a pair or £60 single....I'd research exhaust in the search function on here. I recall a company doing reasonably priced stainless steel but someone with more knowledge will help. 

Every reason to keep the car, even if you have to SORN and take your time to fund the repairs. You'd struggle to replace it at the moment with anything approaching the quality..best of luck. 

Thanks, 

Well I think the section of the exhaust is LEX5005H. Brand new it is about £350. Is it wise for a mechanic to weld the hole if it is not the catalytic part? 

[Mr Vlad]

Very sorry to learn of your personal issues and of your car.  Think if it this way.  Sell your car to WBAC and what do you get for 1500 quid? A pile of %*#@. 

As for exhaust look on eBay. Don't bother welding as the exhaust is old like your car. Replace with new or used part.

As for rear shockers. £140 I think gets you tieks brand. 

Perusal of the gen 2 IS section on here will answer questions on exhaust and shock absorbers. 

You've got a superb car and yes it's old now but there's nothing out there anywhere as good. Get your car back on the road and drive it and enjoy it and I'm dure it'll get you back in a good place in your life. All the best Julian. 

[doog442]

3 hours ago, Mr Vlad said:

Perusal of the gen 2 IS section on here will answer questions on exhaust and shock absorbers. 

You've got a superb car and yes it's old now but there's nothing out there anywhere as good. Get your car back on the road and drive it and enjoy it and I'm dure it'll get you back in a good place in your life. All the best Julian. 

As above.  Best post on this forum @Joolsd ...loads of experience on there (apologies I didn't realise where this post had appeared)

https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum/127-lexus-is-250-lexus-is-250c-club-lexus-is-220d-is-200d-club/

 

[Joolsd]

20 hours ago, doog442 said:

As above.  Best post on this forum @Joolsd ...loads of experience on there (apologies I didn't realise where this post had appeared)

https://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum/127-lexus-is-250-lexus-is-250c-club-lexus-is-220d-is-200d-club/

 

Is it possible to move this thread there? Or should I re-post?

[Mr Vlad]

I think a forum moderator can do it but I'd copy and paste your first post in to the main body of the gen 2 part of the forum. 

You posted in the gen 2 section but in the Maintainance sub section.