Looking to purchase a Lexus IS300h

[zed007]

19 minutes ago, wharfhouse said:

I'd be very surprised if it's suspension at that low mileage if it is all original - I've done 152k miles in mine and no suspension issues (just had a service and MoT by Lexus and all good) but I suppose there can always be a rogue component. To be sure that this is resolved it does sound like you're going to have to get the car looked at by Lexus under the Used Car Warranty to get to the bottom of your concerns. 

Yeah, the earliest is end of next week for someone to take a look at it.

[Thackeray]

On 9/23/2024 at 4:44 PM, zed007 said:

Hey everyone. I noticed a few things on the car, which are not right.

One of them whilst turning and reversing . I've tried to capture some of it on a video. Is this normal? it was louder when turning.

 

 

The puzzling thing about this noise is that it happens when the car is stationary. In the video at around 13 seconds and 34 seconds the car is stationary and the gear selector is shifted into reverse, while the brake lights are still on, and you can hear the same noise as when the car is edging forward.

It seems to me that this suggests it's unlikely to be something to do with the suspension as the car is stationary. With a conventional automatic the wheels and suspension would be under pressure from the torque converter but in this hybrid the engine doesn't drive the car in reverse. It's only driven in reverse by the electric motors. While the footbrake is fully applied, my memory is that there is no power being transmitted to the electric motor on a flat road like this until the brake begins to be released. So it's hard to see how the suspension would be under any stress to make the noise while the car is stationary.

Although the noise happens when the car is still stationary, we can't tell from the video whether the noise is happening as you shift the gear selector or as you begin to gradually release the footbrake. The brake lights don't tell you when the brake pads are being released but I suspect the noise may be happening as the brakes are being released but the brake lights are still on and the car hasn't yet begun to move. It would be good to rule out whether it's anything to do with the gear selection by shifting into reverse and keeping the brakes firmly applied for a couple of seconds after doing this and see whether the noise happens as you move the gear selector or only as you begin to release the footbrake.

To help hear what's happening, make sure the engine isn't running. Switch to EV mode and turn off the climate control so that the engine doesn't start because of a need for cabin heating.

Let us know if you think it's happening as you release the footbrake or when you shift the gear selector.

[zed007]

12 hours ago, Thackeray said:

The puzzling thing about this noise is that it happens when the car is stationary. In the video at around 13 seconds and 34 seconds the car is stationary and the gear selector is shifted into reverse, while the brake lights are still on, and you can hear the same noise as when the car is edging forward.

It seems to me that this suggests it's unlikely to be something to do with the suspension as the car is stationary. With a conventional automatic the wheels and suspension would be under pressure from the torque converter but in this hybrid the engine doesn't drive the car in reverse. It's only driven in reverse by the electric motors. While the footbrake is fully applied, my memory is that there is no power being transmitted to the electric motor on a flat road like this until the brake begins to be released. So it's hard to see how the suspension would be under any stress to make the noise while the car is stationary.

Although the noise happens when the car is still stationary, we can't tell from the video whether the noise is happening as you shift the gear selector or as you begin to gradually release the footbrake. The brake lights don't tell you when the brake pads are being released but I suspect the noise may be happening as the brakes are being released but the brake lights are still on and the car hasn't yet begun to move. It would be good to rule out whether it's anything to do with the gear selection by shifting into reverse and keeping the brakes firmly applied for a couple of seconds after doing this and see whether the noise happens as you move the gear selector or only as you begin to release the footbrake.

To help hear what's happening, make sure the engine isn't running. Switch to EV mode and turn off the climate control so that the engine doesn't start because of a need for cabin heating.

Let us know if you think it's happening as you release the footbrake or when you shift the gear selector.

Hi,

I do recall the noise also coming when letting go off the brake pedal. I'll do it again tomorrow and check if it also happens when moving the gear selector.

When you mention "footbrake",  you are referring to the brake pedal right or the footbrake (parking brake)? Sorry was a little confused

Once I sat in the car I released the footbrake and didn't apply is again until the end when I was turning the car off.

 

[Thackeray]

10 hours ago, zed007 said:

When you mention "footbrake",  you are referring to the brake pedal right or the footbrake (parking brake)?

Sorry, yes, I'd forgotten that the parking brake on this car is also a footbrake! I generally call it a parking brake because you can't really call it a handbrake, like in a traditional car. I should probably have called the other one just a "brake".

[zed007]

So I managed to get the car into Lexus for a check.

They pointed out a few issues:

3 out of the 4 jacking points are crushed

rear suspension - NSR and OSR coffin arm bush worn

Corrosion around where the differential oil goes

Quite disappointed with this. Got a call back from Listers regarding jacking points and they said its big work 

[wharfhouse]

29 minutes ago, zed007 said:

So I managed to get the car into Lexus for a check.

They pointed out a few issues:

3 out of the 4 jacking points are crushed

rear suspension - NSR and OSR coffin arm bush worn

Corrosion around where the differential oil goes

Quite disappointed with this. Got a call back from Listers regarding jacking points and they said its big work 

For a 2016 car with low mileage that is certainly disappointing. Bushes can obviously be replaced (but may need the entire arm replacing as Lexus probably don't do the bushes on their own), but why they should be worn noticeably at that mileage is anyone's guess. Equally, as mentioned previously, I don't see why both front and rear discs would have needed replacing at that mileage - they would have been a bit corroded for sure but nothing unusual, and would not have been even half way through their serviceable life. If the car has been in Lexus dealership care it's entire life, how the jacking points became crushed, and not noticed, is a big question too. Given your concerns maybe it's time to look at whether to reject the car?

[zed007]

16 minutes ago, wharfhouse said:

For a 2016 car with low mileage that is certainly disappointing. Bushes can obviously be replaced (but may need the entire arm replacing as Lexus probably don't do the bushes on their own), but why they should be worn noticeably at that mileage is anyone's guess. Equally, as mentioned previously, I don't see why both front and rear discs would have needed replacing at that mileage - they would have been a bit corroded for sure but nothing unusual, and would not have been even half way through their serviceable life. If the car has been in Lexus dealership care it's entire life, how the jacking points became crushed, and not noticed, is a big question too. Given your concerns maybe it's time to look at whether to reject the car?

Update- I've rejected the and they will be collecting the car in the next couple of days and will get a refund

Absolutely gutted about this but relieved at the same time as I will get my money back. 

 

[wharfhouse]

30 minutes ago, zed007 said:

Update- I've rejected the and they will be collecting the car in the next couple of days and will get a refund

Absolutely gutted about this but relieved at the same time as I will get my money back. 

 

Frustrating as it is it sounds like the right decision. Good  that the dealer has done the right thing in the end. Hopefully you can maybe find one within driving distance to see and test drive next time if you decide to still keep looking for one.

This one might be worth a look: Lexus IS 300h Advance Saloon 2.5 300h Advance E-CVT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr - Approved Used

[Notamech]

Good decision. Its your hard earned money you deserve to be happy with your purchase. Its not everyday you spend on a depreciating asset. When you do, peace of mind and satisfaction are at least what id expect it to provide. Also cars from up north or the coast will have heavy corrosion unfortunately and the differential and areas around it are notorious for looking super rusty.

Also if budget allows i would say check out a higher spec example, one that already comes with things you need like parking camera etc.  alternatively do also check out the exec trim in the GS300h thats overall a better equipped and a more comfortable car but might cost a couple grand more.

[zed007]

I'm going to keep an eye out on the IS preferably a slightly newer one 2017+

I do prefer the GS300h but the main user is my wife and she prefers the IS so I will stick with that