Sapphire Cam

Got my extended warranty in April 2010 through my Lexus dealer for $2,200 (for memory - think it was $2k plus GST). Haven't had to "use" it yet. There is a post elsewhere on this issue if you want to search for it. There are two exclusions on the warranty - roadside assistance/encore privledges and interior trims.

Get full accessories on (ie. so radio, A/C, sunroof etc will get power), push the sunroof button in and HOLD for about 5 seconds.....that should reset the sunroof electrics. After that all should be right. Sounds like an issue I had once, after an extremely hot period in Melbourne a few years ago.

BRAKES - get a quote from your Lexus dealer. I actually went through my Lexus dealership with my front brakes, because it was for memory only about $280, which was the same price as what I was quoted from independent brake specialists (sure you could go to Brakes Plus and get the cheap hard pads fitted for $150 which chew through your rotors) - and if there is little diff in price, then its a no-brainer to go through Lexus dealer with work like that, esp. if anything goes wrong.

According to my discussions with my dealership servicing team, DANSLEX is spot on. Nothing to worry about - there is no fault, just gives you a little bit of a scare once in a while. Nothing to do with fuel - however Lexus has noticed a correlation between these low rev dips and the A/C - the chance of a low rev 'dip' is higher when the A/C is on.

To me (unfortunately) it is sounding as a legitimate issue with the systems in question. Could an old fashioned disconnection of the battery help?! (to possibly reset the diagnostic - maybe it keeps warnings in memory) I dont have the SL, but is there a sonar/radar sensor on the front grill that perhaps you could clean / do a visual check on?!

All I've heard for new cars these days are these 3 points (for the first 5,000kms): - Not to 'redline' it at any cost - Avoid really long periods of driving at the one speed (ie. several hours on cruise control on a freeway) - Avoid really hard acceleration until the car has warmed up a bit (ie. thermostat 'kicks in', and the temp gauge gets off 'C'.

Thanks for the post Sapphire Cam. Yeah I don't expect much of a discount, but perhaps things are different, because I know they are doing deals and are experiencing a dip in sales of the IS, and the 350 isn't an entirely new model, just a different engined version. The Audi is going well, got the 2.0 multitronic... a very comfortable, solid car, but obviously has no performance at all. I also hate that transmission and hesitates madly on take off. I hope the lexus' auto is better. I also like how lexus cars come with everything you'd want as standard. Also, what's the go with Lexus finance? Good interest rates? I think I should look into a novated lease as I got FBT exemption (of around $10,000) due to where I work. Having never done it before, I'm not sure how well they work out. HA HA!! The hesitation in the Audi on take off was a real turn off for me during my test drive (of which I was given an A4 for the weekend). The transmission in the Audi is a bit overrated - I didnt think too bad. The IS250 transmission is good - instant response, but the accelerator is that 'soft style' ie. its not touchy. So on first impressions it might seem sluggish, but its how the accelerator is wired. If there is one gripe I have with the IS250 transmission is that it finds the higher gear a little too early, so as a result I drive it using the paddles to hold it in gear longer. With the 350 that wont be an issue. Audi would also do better if they cut down their ridiculous options list (an A4 variant in 2005 actually came with a remote boot release button as an option!!!) As for finance, because Lexus get their money via Japan (where Federal rates are super low), Lexus can offer very good rates. I think right now some dealerships are offering 3.9%. Unlike some other car finance companies, Lexus only charge a one-off estab fee and that's it - extra repayments can be made anytime, and you're not penalised by paying out your loan early. I part-financed (about 1/3rd) by vehicle through Lexus and found it to be seamless, painless and non-competitive (that is, no one came close to the rate Lexus offered me!). Be wary of the novated leasing situation - do your sums wisely. The companies that offer the services, typically make it 'look better' to you initially, but after you crunch the numbers its not worth it - esp. the 'residual' left on the car after the leasing period expires. If you do more than 25,000kms a year - you're fine, anything less and you need to crunch the numbers carefully (FBT exemption or not!), especially as this current Government has a habit of retrospectively applying taxation changes to financial decisions already made by the individual (I lost thousands this year through an employee share scheme, which I opted into back in 06, only for Wayne Swan to apply a tax rule change in 2009/10, eseentially wiping out any benefit I had and giving me a tax bill this year...but I digress)

Cheers mate, I bought my Audi only a few months after it was released (B8), and got offered 13% discount. Should I expect similar? And also, any rumours of an updated IS coming out? Does lexus work on a 7 year cycle? Thanks. Yeah typically a 7 year cycle, but not a given. Lexus Australia have nearly all their new releases in the last quarter of the year. I would be therefore be expecting an all-new IS range in October 2012. That's just my guess. I think the 350 and its incredibly impressive pricing is an aggressive move by Lexus Oz to get some people to consider a switch from the Euro-marques and into the Lexus stable in the hope that they'll change over to the all-new IS in 2013 and beyond. How's the Audi going? Latest is certainly an improvement on previous models. I was very close to getting a 2006 1.8T model, even to the point of sitting down in the office and talking prices with them, but fought with the dealer over a massive options bill, and I was still wasn't quite sold on the ride (worrying turbo lag and understeer and sloppy suspension) and at the last minute was dragged by a friend into the Lexus dealership around the corner to check out the IS250. Considering the features I wanted in the Audi (54k +15k options bill!!) I could get in the Lexus as standard, plus far better driving dynamics. I bought one the following week! Re. discount - you'll struggle til mid next year I think. I think Lexus will not be prepared for the demand, especially with the good finance Lexus can offer as well (through Japan and much lower rates than here!) and therefore you'll see a long waiting list (for Lexus that is!). Might be able to get a few grand off next year.

$64,800 plus orc includes EMV(nav).........WOOOO HOOOO IS250 with EMV is $65k'ish rrp on road. The IS350 has EMV standard at $71k'ish rrp on road. Its 5 & a bit thousand extra for the IS350.................. Lexus Oz should just "replace" the 250 with the 350 if there is only 5k or so difference. People with a budget of 65k I think could find an extra 5 to get the faster donk. I can't see how they are going to move many new 250s if that's the case. I'm waiting for the 'catch' - maybe they might drop the 250 (Pres) back to low 50s?! I think they'll have to. Anyway we'll see what the typically pro-European anti-Lexus mainstream media will now say about Lexus having a genuine 335i and C280 fighter for 30k less than its competitors.

Hot off the press, it looks as if the IS350 range will start at $64,800!! Dis-lex-ic's mail was right!

Evolb - you'll need to put into context the 'problems' that are discussed about the IS!! You should have a look at owners forums of other makes in the IS' class and see what comes up!! The problems discussed in this forum I consider to be 'trivial' compared with some of the electrical, mechanical, customer service and driveability issues discussed with other makes in the class (ie. A4, 159, C180/200, 320i, Passat). Us Lexus drivers typically are pedantic, fastitious and picky - which is perhaps why we drive Lexus! The 'issues' I've had with my 2006 IS are inconsequential compared with the issues that my friends and colleagues have had with their Mercs, BMs, Alfas and Audi/VWs. That goes for rattles too - with such a quiet cabin, any little rattle will be amplified, whereas the same rattle would not even be heard in any other cabin. Whereas often you'll hear of arguments and battles between owners and service centres with some of the European marques as to what work is under warranty, Lexus will typically not even bat an eyelid to a customer concern. My 2006 IS is driving today like its just come off the showroom floor. Over the 4 years, Ive had a VVTi rattling issue on occasional cold start up (fixed by dealer at service without fuss), a squeaky sunroof (fixed by dealer at request, no fuss) and a squeaky drivers seat (fixed by dealer without fuss). That's it. One other issue related to brake caliper pins they fixed to improve performance, and I wasnt even aware of the issue. Compare these "issues" with multiple colleagues' of mine with younger 1 and 3 series that have been off the road for weeks at a time, or the common electrical/computer issues you'll find in the Merc C-class where a family friend took Benz to court (and my grandfather with 3 computer problems in his C-class), the dramas you'll often find in VW/Audi drivetrains (first hand experience!) or the heart-in-mouth 'reliability' of anything Alfa. And of course, with most Lexus dealerships in Australia, you can extend your factory warranty for a further 3 years, after the first 4 year period expires (for about $2k - full factory warranty, minus interior trim). I'm not sure if the other prestige marques have the confidence in their product to do that!

Two things I can think of (scratching my head furiously, coz it beats the hell out of me).... 1. the vehicle was involved in an accident very early on (did you buy new, demo or 2nd hand) and the tracking has been forever damaged, or 2. the steering rack and associated infrastructure is faulty. It is electric steering relying on a series of magnetic/servo motors or something along the steering rack (apologies for the ignorance on the topic - Im not a motor mechanic!). There were some '06 and '07 IS250s that had their steering racks replaced under warranty due to something about one of the servo motors being out of calibration &/or being lazy under very low speeds. That could be your problem, but don't take my comments as anything more than a barely-educated guess. The other thing which comes to mind is one of your front shockers might be faulty. But again that also sounds highly unusual. Suspension and steering rarely (if at all) appear as issue 'threads' with the IS250. If I was you (if you havent already done so), is to take it to an independent mechanic for a road test and get it up on the hoist for a look. Either try a different Lexus dealership in your city (if there is one available), a local Toyota mob or even a reputable sole operator for an alternate opinion.

I would agree with ilv1004s - nothing to worry about. Crackle/sizzle sound is just the exhaust system cooling down, especially if there is a bit of moisture on it from road splash or even A/C condensate

Faulty VVTi controllers - pure n simple. Happened to me, - as soon as I mentioned it to my dealer - they knew how to correct, and ordered some new controllers for my next service. Problem solved. Get it done before your warranty expires. There should be a TSIB on the net somewhere for this issue, if your dealer is somehow none the wiser.

Hi Jimbo - Ive posted this information a few times throughout the forum, but the 4 yr factory warranty can be extended for a further 3 years (up to a total of 150,000kms on the clock) for a cost of about $2k. It is a Lexus warranty, and not a dealer or 3rd party warranty. It has the same coverage as the factory warranty, apart from interior trim and roadside assistance. Speak to the dealer about it. I got the extended warranty just prior to the factory one running out, and it just rolls over. I've got a 2006 Prestige, and the thing still drives like new 70,000km and 4 years on. Only issues Ive ever had been relatively incidental. They included a squeaky drivers seat (fixed by dealer at service), a few creaks in the sunroof (fixed by dealer) and some noisy VVTi valves occasionally on a very cold start (fixed by dealer at service). All these issues were related more to the earlier 2005-07 builds. You wont get electrical issues with Lexus (touchwood!), unlike many of the Germans (Merc are notorious for dodgy electrics). I agree with k2sty1, the X is excellent value, if you get hold of one.

I am a rattle freak - they drive me insane, and I drive my wife insane because of it - she cant hear them! The car is a victim of its own cabin quietness... My 2006 IS250 has been rattle free for a couple of years now, but there were a couple I had to address... Squeaky seat - there are some guiding washers that may need removing (they shouldve been removed in the manufacturing process). Ive attached the TSIB for instructions on how to do it - get your dealer to do it of course. Speakers - just get your dealer to tighten the packing in the door next service. Im sure it only happens when its up loud, and its not the speakers themselves, its the door trim around them. Sunroof - keep the rubber seal clean and get the dealer to look at it next service. They may have to cut little squares (about 5mm x 5mm) out of the two aluminium rails as there is sometimes a bit of rubbing between components causing the noise. They did that to mine, and solved the problem. The others I havent heard about... Lexus TSIB - Seat Squeak.pdf

I actually went for the fuel injection clean at 45k (mainly because my dealership were offering it to me for about $65). Its not just a 'flush', there is the removal of part of the fuel injection system for a physical brush to remove build up. Ive run my car on RON98 for most of its life, (it has the occassional RON95 fill up), and I did actually notice an improvement in acceleration and economy (Ive posted this somewhere else). You could argue that that may've come from the engine tune, but I didnt notice the improvement after my 30k or 60k service (only after the 45k where the injection service was done). There was no way I would've paid $150 for it, but at $65, I gave it a go. I was told its the specific design of the injectors in the IS where a injector clean is required every 45k. Maybe Im a sucker - maybe not, but I did notice a discernable change in acceleration and about a 0.5L improvement in economy. I'll probably get it again at 90k, but would be negotiating the same deal as last time, if they want me to pay for it.

Prior to the 2009 update, my recollection for the wheels is 16's on the Prestige, 18's on the Sports and 17's on the S.Luxury. Suspension set up is the the same in the Prestige and SL, Sports is officially given 'sports suspension'. Since the 2009 update, the specs have changed - check the lexus website. I checked my warranty through Melb City Lexus (was $2,220 = $2k + GST) and is for an additional 36 months up to a total of 150,000km on the clock (in total - so essentially you get a 7 yr /150,000 km warranty). Again, the extended warranty is as good as the initial factory warranty, but excludes interior trims and roadside assistance.

Agreed.... Two options I reckon - as far as best value for money / 'bang for your buck': 1. A low kms 2008 Prestige with SatNav/sunroof/Mark Levison sound and put on some 17's if you like. OR 2. Or a mid kms 2007 Sports Luxury that has all the bells n whistles. There was a (barely) facelift about a year ago, with very subtle cosmetic changes inside and out plus VDIM on all variants. If buying through a Lexus dealer, look into the extended factory warranty - which will add a further 3 years on top of the existing 4 yr warranty, and kick in as soon as the 4yr warranty expires. Costs about $2k, but its a Lexus warranty (not a 3rd party mob) and is basically an extension of the factory warranty (minus interior trims), its well worth it! Not all dealerships do it, but most. You might use this as a haggling tool in your negotiations. If its any additional comfort, I have a 4 & 1/2 year old Prestige and I still feel like I've just driven it off the showroom floor, and the extended warranty adds to that feeling. Friends and family are awestruck when they see the car and ride in it, and I tell them its over 4 years old! Even had a stranger in the supermarket car park come up to me a few weeks and say "hey lovely new Lexus - nice". I said to her it was over 4 years old, and she nearly fell over. Probably helps that Lexus generally keep the same shape for 6-7 years on each of its models. Best of luck in the purchase. I can't recommend Lexus highly enough, after initially wanting a European and following on from a brief flirt with an A4 I had for 6 months (the 1.8T). Nicely finished, but it kept giving me little issues of grief. I find the IS250 far more fun to drive and responsive that the 'pedestrian' A4 ever was.

I'm Rating 1 for life and haven't made a claim for about 7 years, and am paying $1,250 through RACV for a '06 Prestige (market value). That's not the cheapest I know, but its competitive. I only have a $400 excess and includes windscreen cover that includes Lexus factory windscreens and not after-market. I guess I could shop around and get a better deal elsewhere, but my experience with RACV (for home and auto insurance claims previously) has been first-class, so more than happy to stick with them.

I guess its a bit harder to do this in Perth (with only one dealer - correct me if Im wrong), but when I purchased my vehicle from Melb City Lexus, I was a little demanding, and just was prepared to 'walk away' if the deal didn't work out. I'd mentioned to them earlier in my negotiations that Id looked at other dealerships in Melbourne (ie. Brighton and Blackburn) so they eventually 'came to the party'. But I've always found that helps - dropping subtle hints about speaking with other dealers (or if you want to really raise their eyebrows - make some stuff up about what Audi or BMW are prepared to do for you!!) If you're going 'entry-level' Prestige without the EMV, reverse sensors are a good 'option' to be asked to be thrown in, as well as darker windows. They'll generally agree with that.

Heavily 'photo-shopped' images, so a little bit hard to tell. Exterior styling just looks like "yet another Jap-hatch", and FWD - that's just laziness on Lexus's part. I believe the excuse is because it was too hard (or expensive) to change the Prius hybrid drivetrain from a FWD to RWD. I really don't like driving FWD cars, (always owned RWD or 4WD) so it's almost written it off for me. When Id heard about the Lexus hatch, I thought it might've been an AWD or RWD and that would have me interested, but FWD - nope. Mind you, the interior looks nice, but you can see they're trying to make it look European, especially the 'mirror to mirror' straight lines across the dash - very BMW and very Audi, as well as the elevated nav-screen - looks like BMW's iDrive. But to the opposite of that, is what i love about the IS250 interior - elegant in its simplicity. The European sedans usually over-complicate their interiors.

WOW, where did you get that at? Chatswood charged around $550 for 30k. I got my 45k coming up in the next month or two; will be interesting.

Hi Karen, Well done on the purchase. Yes - I would be speaking to the doctor about it, but its more a litigious reason as to why the manual would reference pacemakers - just to cover their rear end in case there was indeed a case about pacemaker interference. My grandfather has a Merc C200 with a similiar key-fob and the car and his pacemaker have been fine in tandem for several years now, but again - just get the ok from the doc!

Guess no one is really buying the manual, and its to the detriment of Lexus big time. If they are trying to capture the driving purists, having a poor manual set up in the IS250 has done them no favours whatsoever. Widely slagged off in reviews, it probably has cost Lexus a few sales over the past 4-5 years. But then again looking at the IS-F and the LF-A, perhaps Lexus realise that the days of the old-fashioned manual gear box are numbered and that they are better off spending their research and development resources the 'semi-automatic' transmissions.