Residual Oil Around Turbo Charger - Cause For Concern

[Melanie White]

Hi,

I'm hoping to buy a 2008 2.2 L IS220 Lexus, I had the AA do an inspection on it and they reported one defect.

They spotted residual oil around the turbo charger assembly which they advised should be cleaned down and monitored. Not much good if I've already bought the car and it turns out there's a problem with the turbo charger.

Can anybody tell me if this is a cause for concern or if it is normal to have a residue of oil around the turbo charger assembly in a 4 year old car. It has just over 40k miles on the clock.

Thanks

[steve2006]

Hello and welcome to the LOC.

No it's not normal and could be an indication of other problems.

I would search the IS forums for more information but there have been problems with the engines in the 220d which have had to be rebuilt/replaced, head gasket problems, EGR problems and turbo problems.

If the car has done under 110,000 miles which your potential purchase has and has a full Lexus service history Lexus are apparently doing any required work under warranty but given the problems mentioned I would think very carefully before buying.

[Melanie White]

Thanks for the advice Steve

[BenIS]

Yeh this should start the old cogs ticking and wondering if something else is wrong.