swager

Hi All,

Well she,s finally gone but will still get the chance to drive her as Indidnthe deal with my son.

I did not go for the CT200 as the wife did not like the ride quality and opted for a BMW X1 with all the extras .Well what a balls up BMW made of the spec and the fight I have been in trying to sort out .to cut a long story short I am handing the car back today and have a loaner until the next correct spec X1 is delivered (4weeks)

Will be returning to the brand next year as the 520 is due to be replaced ,so GS250 or if the new IS is launched happy days .

Cheers

Bonny

Well we had the CT on extended test drive and to cut a long story the wife did not like the ride quality and found the mouse control difficult to use plus the difference in power between the IS 250 and the CT is big .We also had a BMW X1 on extended test and she likes it so we have ordered the new update X1 that should be with early September . So junior will have to wait to get his grubby hands on her IS until then .

When I was in the Lexus showroom Indinhave a quick look at the new GS and it's not a bad looking car ,will have to have a test drive in the New Year when the 520 is due to handed back .

Cheers

Swagger

They have been making the Ct200 since 2009 and calling it a Prius so the technology is tried and tested. Driving a CT200 is not the same as anything I have ever driven except for my wifes Prius and by that yardstick it is an improvement. Casting aside badge loyalty, its the best automatic economy hybrid car I have come across.

I have bought a CT200 because I wanted one. If I wanted something faster I wouldnt have bought it. My 38 mile drive to work is along the A1234 from Little Boring to Greater Yawning which is a tedious 40 mph road because lorries use it and there is very little opportunity to overtake. Diesel cars just get sooted up, petrol cars drink the fuel, a hybrid is in its element. The road is smooth and so harsh suspension means very little, there are very few corner which one could describe as challenging so handling isnt a consideration, its just nicer to travel in a Lexus than a Toyota or a Honda.

If I were to be commuting on my old route which was 95% motorway over 50 miles then perhaps an IS would be the way to go, however, I preferred to rough it with an Audi A4 diesel.Horses for courses.

Hi Mass,

Totally agree with your thoughts and comments on the CT200 , it suits the wife as mainly town driving ,see likes the Lexus customer care and the fact that when you walk into our Lexus dealership they in my opinion generally think about you as a customer ,even though we have not replaced our 5 year old IS250 we still get treated the same .

I could get a great deal on a BMW as we have several BMW on lease but as it’s the wife’s car she will not entertain the 1 or 3 series. Although given the chance she would like an Aston Martin Vantage. Each to their own when it comes to what car floats your boat .

Hi Guys,

Just popped a quick post up on the IS250 forum page and commented on the fact that I was thinking about getting my hands on a new CT200 – wow I got some negative views back . We had a loaner for the day when my IS was in for service and to be honest it a very good car but totally different to the IS although the ride was not as good as I though it would be . What’s more important the wife liked it and said how smooth and easy it was to drive.

Perhaps you guys can visit the IS page and comment!

Cheers

Swager

Mixed feelings then Swager, your wife loves it but you aren't so sure.

I'm interested in your comment regarding false pretences and high cost of ownership, could you expand?

Hi Exiled

It goes back a few years with me moaning about when you compare with say BMW . My IS needs new front pads and possibly disc every 20k plus it can burn oil between services . I think the front end is under engineered as my 520d auto as show on the I drive the fronts will not need changing until 56k and I do not need to look at the oil level between services 20k average .

But as I have mentioned in the past I will always grap the Lexus Keys before the BMW.

Cheers

Swager

Hi Swager. How many miles has the car done in its five years ? I managed 130k in my 220d, then the cylinder head gasket went so I choped it in for a 250c ( top down all day today with the first good day of the year so far).

Hi Duke,

Low miles ,only 40k really in good nick - full Lexus service history - really surprised that my 20 year old son wants it - street cred at last .

Like the look of the 250c hope you enjoy . Last time I was in the Lexus showroom a sales guy said they were not taking any new orders for the IS as new model due out ?

Cheers

Swager

Hi All,

Wells its time to move on as the IS is getting on a little bit !! as in previous posts I have had a few ups and downs with it but it never missed a beat and still drives like new . It’s the wife’s car and she still love’s it as I have been trying to persuade her to change it for the last few years . I still have the gripe that it was sold under false pretences as the cost of ownership in my mind is still very high . As we us my BMW 520 d auto most weekends (don’t buy one ) I think we will go for the CT200 as we had one when the IS was in for MOT and service . I still think that Lexus customer service /care is second to none having experienced BMW over the last 4 years they are head and shoulders over the competition.

Well the good news is that the Lexus is staying in the family as my 20 year old son loves it and wants to buy it ,it should be good fun trying to trade in his Hyundai coupe for the CT200 !!!! cant wait to see the sales guy face .

cheers

swager

Hi Guys,

Long time no post but thought I would give you a heads up on life with the IS250 SE-L AUTO after nearly 5 years of ownership.

To put it in a nutshell 10 out of 10 after just having the brake safety recall done at Bristol Lexus and half a tank of gas and a bottle of very expensive looking booze and a super wash and brush up I can not find a lot wrong with it . The car still drives like new and everything still works . The wife drives it day in day out and will not pert with the keys ,not even to replace it with a new IS or maybe the new CT200 .

27 mpg average in town driving conditions

35 mpg A road/motorway

0 oil consumption over a year 8-10k ,this is a major improvement as the mileage has increased

Lexus Bristol customer care and service – 100%

Enjoy your cars guys even if it costs us £6 a gallon *!~#!!x

Swager

But What Car? also says this: "Lexus buyers are a very happy bunch, with the brand coming top of the JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey for a decade, so buying and owning an IS should prove a highly satisfying experience. Owners report being particularly happy in three key areas: vehicle quality and reliability, vehicle appeal and service satisfaction". Of course, ordinary motorists, by and large, have to pay for their vehicle, fuel, insurance and servicing costs, and are not fixated on high-speed driving around narrow country lanes, scintillating acceleration, superfast gear changes and so on. There may also be proof that advertising does pay - the number of BMW and Mercedes adverts compared to that of Lexus in the motoring press seems to be in direct proportion to the favour in which those marques are held.

interesting thoughts on BMW and Merc's - had the IS for nearly 4 years now and its cost me a packet in service charges compared to my 320d M sport auto over 3 years plus all the 220 d owners could not have voted in the JD survey . as for Lexus not advertising I think they are suffering from lack of sales as their product range is so small and some what dated . I even think that many Lexus centres will merge with toyota centres because of lack off new car sales as I was suprised that a very good lexus sales guy has moved to the compertition .

swager

Hi all,

All the electrics in my car seems to work fine except the memory seat position, can anyone tell me what the process is for setting it? I assumed I would adjust seat, mirrors etc and then press and hold the first one and it would set it so that when I go in after hubbys been driving I could press that button and it would auto adjust, am I expecting too much from it?!

Set the correct seat and mirror positions, and then with the car on Park, hold down the Set button and press the number 1, 2 or 3 (which ever number you would like) and you should hear a beep to confirm that it has stored to memory

and then set your key fob memory to auto set your set position when you open door !!!

lol actually Im not a daddys boy, my dads really tight lol, I run my own business, so much better to be your own boss

rock and roll - what a tool- hmm P11d bet the tax man loves you -what type of business are you in - i bet its not manufacturing .

enjoy the car

Swager

Hi Guys and Girls....

I know this has done the rounds....

I just got had my IS250 sport serviced and back from the Lexus Croydon.

They mentioned that I would need new disks and pads. I had the pads replaced last year around April and have only done 7-8K on them and they are 65% worn already... I was quoted £420 fitted. I was also told that I would need two new front tyres soon within 3 months due to uneven ware.... I had these replaced Jan 2009 and these have only done 9K

Comes as a little shock as My Lexus is a 57 plate and has only got 19,500 on the clock. I checked the disks visually and I see a lip on the disks.

I bought the car from Lexus Edgeware Rd back in October 2008 with 8,500 on the clock.

any advice would be helpful.....

Hi,

its the same old story with lexus and the design of the IS 250 -the disc's are under engineered for the size of the car ,I had a right rant at lexus customer care when my 55 plate hit 18k some 3 years ago .in the end I was refunded the cost of the disc .

had the rear disc's and pads replaced under a recall but they do tend to replace when thay see a lip on the disc but dont state what the min thickness is before the disc should be replaced.

Just got to compare my BMW 320 M sport auto - 41k on the clock after 34 months of trouble free driving service costs to date £500 plus 4 tyres and the on board info tells me the front disc still have 7k and rear 14k to go before replacing .

IS still running well and still great to drive - its just the cost of ownership is a right pain but its going so well (thats until I wheel it in for its next service ££££££) will keep it for another year as the wife loves it .

cheers

swager

I have an 06 IS 250 and have owned it for approx 6 months , have done just under 5000 miles and used 1 litre of oil , is this about right ?

had this out with Lexus customer some time ago and had a standard manufacture reply - the IS 250 can burn (use ) up to a litre of oil per 600 miles ,I was shocked as like most of the cars I have owned do not need topping up between services .learnt to live with it over thr last few years but always worry that the engine will not last .

I`m having the same problem with Lexus at the moment..

Took the car in today with a clutch type problem and a slight burning smell at the rear.

Lexus have called back and told me that the caliper has seized completely, although it was working earlier, and

that because of this the brake pads have uneven wear in them, so that will be done under warranty.

The rear discs however are corroded and they will not cover those and to add salt to the wound the front discs

have a lip around the top and they need changing too.. but not under warranty.

The car has done 26000 miles and I personally think that sort of wear is not acceptable.

My last car was a BMW and I sold of that on 67000, had it from new and the discs were fine!!

Hi Join the club - have had 2 sets of front disc and pads fitted with just over 38k on the clock - had a big moan to lexus customer care on the first set and after a long rant had a refund for the cost of the front disc - the rears were changed under a recall and that was lucky as they told me that they would need changing after the last service .I have given up on the quality of the disc and pads that lexus use and they must know that they are undersize for a heavy 2500 cc auto ,like you I have a BMW 320d M sport auto and the on board comp tells me that after some 37k from new all I have had done is 2 oil changes and a brake fluid change - the front pads have another 13k before changing and rear 9k .and 4 new tyres

last service on the lexus cost me £2200 included 4 new tyres -front worn on inner and Lexus launch the IS in 2005 stating cost of ownership was down on the IS 200.

blah blah

cheers

swager

Not sure where all the IS250 owners are, but don't think there have been many problems with the IS250 except the dreaded rattle that many mention. There was something about an engine recall, not sure if that applied to all cars but worth looking into anyway.

Otherwise most definitely go for the auto, it is brilliant whereas the manual isn't great. But drive both to see which you prefer.

In terms of fuel it's definitely cheaper than the IS200, my auto gives me around 20-21 mpg most of the time, the same driving produced around 26-27mpg out of the IS250 auto. I would think servicing is probably quite similar.

We don't have a "prestige" version, but if it's the same as our SE-L and the Sport is the same as our Sport, then I'd always go for the SE-L as I prefer the leather seats. Other than that though they're pretty close, so if you don't want leather, or don't mind doing a retrim, the Sport might be the right choice for you.

As above, I think the main thing to look out for is rattles.

I personally don't think there is enough power, yes it's quite a bit faster than my IS200 but not quite enough of an improvement, which is why despite coming close several times, I never made the switch to the IS250.

I'm assuming you're referring to engine mods? Not sure of anyone that's actually done any over here, might be a question for the US forums as they seem to do it a lot more.

If you haven't driven one yet, I suggest doing so - it's an odd feeling as I think it handles slightly better than the IS200 but doesn't have the same feel. The steering is much lighter and doesn't give you as much feedback but otherwise it's decent.

No I wouldn't consider it a high maintenance car - in fact probably the opposite, if you wanted high maintenance the BMW 3 series is probably your best bet.

Hope that helps to get you started, I don't own one though so this is just what I've picked up off the forums and from the 4 or 5 IS250 courtesy cars I've had over the years.

dont know about you thoughts on BMW high maintenance

had the 320d auto sport from new some 2 years and have covered 36k and total service costs to date is some £395 - had the IS250 auto se-l for 3 years with 35k on the clock and between it must have cost me some £1000 plus

having said that I always grab the IS keys if I get the chance .

Just curious, has the novelty worn out - or it still brings a smile to your face?

Does Toyota or Lexus do this start-up routine in any other models? If not, perhaps it was to replace the swiss watch speedo feature on the MK1 IS to make the MK2 IS a bit different from the crowd?

hmmmm it still looks good but if after your warranty runs out your Speedo and rev counter start the ratchet sound on start up then this entertaining start up procedure will cost you some 1500 quid to replace .Just had mine replaced under extended warranty and mileage now set to zero.

cheers

swager

No doubt its been asked before, but i would like it from the horses mouth, so to speak.

How close are these two cars, taking the bmw's handling out of it, as that only realy comes in to its own when driven at a fair old pace.

Im talking about real world every day driving, i ask because i have the bmw and am thinking about the is 250, both auto.

Hi Tinka,

got the best of both worlds - run a BMW320dMsport auto on a 57 plate and a IS250 auto se-l on a 55 plate not alot in it .Its down to your likes and wants .The IS is one good looking tool with lots of toys but has high running costs - the Beama is fast great to drive -Idrive and Bluetooth great and running costs zipo compared to the Lexus . IS gets between 25-28 mpg BMW no matter how I drive it I always get 45 plus mpg

What keys do I grab on a Sunday morning hmmm its always the IS

cheers

swager

and can burn oil between services

Don't like the sound of that! I've had my 250 SE-L from new in December 2005 and it doesn't burn any oil (that is measurable on the dip stick) between annual services. Come to think of it my 2001 X plate IS 200 Sport doesn't either, and that's got around 90K on the clock. In fact like most Lexus, the oil on the dipstick always looks like it was just poured in, whenever I check it. :)

Hi tango,

yes totally agree with you but have lost the battle with Lexus on this one ,they say you can burn up to a liter of oil every 1000 miles .I have to top up every 5k .

cheers

swager

Hi everyone. My first posting

Collected my IS250 SE-L yesterday afternoon from Lexus in Wolves. It's 2009 spec, in Cadoxton Slate with full multimedia etc - just 5 months old. I traded in my beloved 5 year old IS200 Sport, which I bought new from Lexus in Chester.

As iside from a couple of paintwork niggles, which i'm sending it back for, first impressions are very good. Lots and lots of toys to play with, many of which i'm trying to figure out, especially the voice recognition.

Strangely, I only discovered this forum when I was looking to change my car. There seem to be alot of gripes about IS250's, but i'm guessing (hoping) that this is just a symptom of forums in general, ie: people only tend to post when they are unhappy about something!

Anyway, will sign off for now, and hope my first posting hasn't bored you too much.

Hi Dude,

welcome to L.O.C- good first post and you will soon get hitched into this site - and yes it is very usefull and full of good and bad comments regarding the IS250 range.From my point of veiw I have had the IS250 se-l auto for some 3 years now and I know I have moaned and groaned about it but it has never once let the wife down and always fired up first go.My only gripe with the IS was the cost of ownership and I know they say if you cant afford to run it dont buy it .From its launch Lexus published facts that dont live in the real world -the auto goes through front discs and pads like its going out of fashion - every 10 to 15k pads and every 15 to 20 k discs and can burn oil between services -compare that to my 57 B.M.W 320D M sport auto over 27k its cost a total of 180 quid in service charges and the on board comp shows that the pads will run until 40k .To cut a long story short would I buy another IS250 - you bet I would -it still looks great when clean and goes like new ( I have changed my mind over the last 12 months ) and the wife loves it .Lexus will and do look after their customes although it sounds that this depends wher you live in the U.K .

have a ball in your new car .

cheers

Swager

I have a feeling that this topic has come up before but I can't find it.

Today I received a letter from Lexus vehicle recalls relating to my 2006 Lexus IS250 Auto.

The key phrases are:- "we will check the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the electric power steering unit. At the same time we will inspect the condition of the rear brake calipers and perform a modification to prevent premature corrosion".

I have had no indication of any problem with the power steering. It seems to me to work perfectly. I have however noticed recently that when I first start the car from cold and engage a gear I get a "clonk" from the rear of the car. Could that be a caliper problem? I was about to report it to Lexus anyway so the letter was well timed.

The car is booked in at Milton Keynes on June 3rd - I will report progress.

had the power steering replaced and one new rear caliper along with both new pads and disc's - result as the rear pads and possibily the disc's replaced at the next service .I had noticed that the brakes were not as sharp as they should be over the last few months ( comparing it to my B.M.W 320M sport auto) but now the IS feels good under braking .

The bad news from this is that I have been told that the front pads and disc' will need replacing at the next service ,could this wear be effected with the lack of rear breaking force - 31 k on the clock -the front pads and disc's were replaced at the 20k service (the disc's were replaced free of charged after a a fight with Lexus customer care).

anyway not moaning as good service from Lexus Bristol - had a look and drool over the ISF in the showroom - wow what a goog looking tool .

cheers

Swager

Ive been getting a clunking noise when steering, and uncomfortable drive when doing 60-70mph the car feels wobbly like a on a windy day.

Anyone else had this problem? what have you done to fix it

Hi ,

I get a clunking at lower speeds and braking at the same time ,car goes in next week for the steering and brake recall (and a fight for a few more warranty claims ) but I think its the front brake pads moving in the calipers ,the pads and front discs were changed at 20k service so I will have to wait and see what service say.

just off topic -interesting conversation with on of the sales guy I know - latest 220d is now vey good most sold getting 45-50 mpg and not to many problems although gearbox is still not the best -Lex will drop it and go all hyybrid- new A3 hybrid due out in 2011- new RX450h very good with low co 's and benfit in kind loading - currnent 400h selling for 34k fully loaded.

cheers

swager

Please can anyone help - I have a 3 year old IS250 that when i am driving it if I slow down ie braking and turn the steering at the same time it makes a deep squeeking / creaking noise -( its very noticeable when I am braking ( its an auto) and steering slowly into my garage or when slowly driving in a car park over speed bumps but I have heard it when turning quicker . If I dont use the brakes it makes no noise. Both discs and pads where changed by Lexus about 9 months ago.

Any help would be appreciated

Hi Paulandlouise

got the same problem as you ,I was waiting to see if I was going to get the steering recall before I ask Lexus Bristol to check .I will try to get the car in next week and will let you know their findings.

cheers

Bonny

Hi,

I think I have found a suitable car at Stoke Lexus, the car has done 20k miles, however reading the reviews on here has left me wondering how reliable the IS250 is. I have already driven a couple of IS250's and like the car, just concerned about the comments on this site.

Any thoughs appreciated.

Chris

Hi Dude,

Had our IS250 sel-mm auto almost 3 years now ,the car has never let us down as it’s the wife’s car and it needs to be safe and reliable and easy to drive .She loves it and will not part with it .and all the on the se-l goodies are a blast .

The down sides in my opinion are :

1 cost of ownership – car designed to drive service cost down, front disc’s and pads replaced at 20k service.between 15-18k out of a set of front tyres

2 its been in for warranty work on rattles,CD MM replaced ,all four wheels replaced ,rattle at start up ,wing mirror replaced ,burns more oil then I though it should, fuel lead recall, and now steering rake and brake recall to come ,also its just started to have the dreaded dial ratchet rattle on start up and I don’t think the start up endine rattle has been cured.

3 breaks and steering are not as good as I would have hoped (comparing it to my 08 BMW 320d auto sport)

It’s a good car but I would make sure you get on with some manufactures warranty or get Lexus used car extended warranty (some £600 quid per year) as this is car is and will be a technical challenge for most mechanics’.

Cheers

Swager

Bad news.....

If you've read this thread you'll know that my IS250 was probably the first in the UK to be fixed (they used mine as a guinea pig to document the process as part of the engine needed to be ripped apart and rebuilt).

The car has been running fine for nearly a year.

BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NOW RE-OCCURRED.

The tell-tale rattle first re-appeared last week. Then the beginning of this week, and then again this morning.

I have booked it into Lexus Reading in a weeks time for diagnosis, but I'm convinced it is the same problem (1-2 second rattle on turnover, usually cold start in the morning, intermittent, perhaps once every 5-10 starts)

Just wondering what Lexus will do now. Another engine rebuild?

If it is the same problem, then I am really concerned about whether it will happen for a third time AFTER the warranty has run out? Assuming it is the same problem, I'll be pushing Lexus to warranty the fix for a further 3 years using the argument that if it has re-occured after a year, then it will possibly re-occur.

Has anyone else had the problem fixed only for it to re-occur? Or, like last time, am I the first in the UK again??

Hi Dude,

hmmm - had mine done in Dec 08 just before warranty ran out along with 20k service - I have got more of a faint rumbel or vibration when starting but fear the worse .Its difficult to tell as the dials have just started to give that tell tale rattchet sound when they sweep round at start up .

I will email Bristol this week to report and ask when in April I will be getting the recall for the stearing and brake issue and get them to look at all the issues in one go ,it will be a good test of the 12 month extended warranty I have .I think if the credit crunch had not come along and this dame downturn had not stepped in I would have got the wife to fall in love with another manufacture ,dont like saying it but the Beamer is spot on after 18 month 21k from new of ownwership (20k service £210)and I dont even know any of the BMW service team by first name as I never talk to them unlike lexus Bristol I know them all by their first names and exchange Christmas cards .

best of luck (think we will need it)

cheers

swager

Hi, Has anyone had problems with the mirror adjustment motors failing? I'm just about to have my second mirror fitted. Same failt each time, the driver's side won't adjust up and down (goes in/out ok though). The garage said this is a common fault but I can't find anyone talking about it.

Hi Ian,

yes had passenger mirror replace with intermittent fault - it was getting stuck facing down when reverse selected and then adjust from the door controls ,then it would free up and work etc etc

it was replaced without question under warranty

cheers

swager