Lexus Nerd

Love the new front bar.

Thumbs-up from me too - hopefully, all variants of the 250/350 might lose the wide black plastic appendage that you once had to have for holding even narrow licence plates.

I notice that these high-res pictures match some of the low-res ones found in "leaked" images, such as that shown here:

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/50498/2011-lexus-is-gets-modest-updates-revealed-in-leaked-brochure

I could never trust the authenticity of earlier "leaks", but these images from dis-lex-sic confirm that the interior has a few additional bits of silver grey trim, particularly on the steering wheel and the glovebox. "What was wrong with just black trim?" I hear you say.

Dan, Lalo, great shots.

Project, there's always next time for the group photo Perhaps you'll be there?

Saw this IS250 near Sydney airport last month:

http://www.queenstsmash.com.au/qs-custom/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=1

Unique, I'll say. But it kinda looks like woodgrain to me ... so opinions are bound to be, well, polarised.

How about marriage?

...

'Cos the buyer of any of those plates would need to be a relative before display rights can be transferred.

(Well, alright, being an employee, employer or related company would also suffice.)

Awesome pics, Chris! Love the effects, like the startburst effect on your foglamp and the monochrome effect on the five-car pic. And you'd think Danny's car has been detailed ... Oh, and I haven't seen my own car looking so good

Thanks guys, I had a ball. Good to have put faces to names and get some inspiration for future mods!

Dont mean to put a downer on it all but rain is predicted and AFL on at homebush on sat too.

The Bureau says "mostly fine", while Wunderground predicts "trace amounts" of rain - so no real problem there. An AFL match in Homebush could be a problem tho'.

Ok, I'm in.

I'm interested in the sticker ... now, if only I could get a black-on-yellow bumper sticker for my clapped-out 1989 Pulsar ... "MY OTHER CAR IS A LEXUS"

3. What would be the cost of maintaince per year?

The first year/15,000 km service is free. It'd be great if anyone can comment on the typical cost of other scheduled services ...

There's an existing forum thread that discusses the cost of replacement tyres.

I'll just add to ilv1004s' excellent response ...

1. There are slight differences 06-08 same 09-10 differences is bars side mirrors, nav units etc (theres more)

The latest incarnation in mid-2009 is most noticeable by the 'L'-shaped reverse lights and the indicators mounted on the side mirrors. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels come as standard (earlier Prestige models came with 16"). The latest Prestige model also comes with a USB jack and iPod capability (in addition to the 3.5 mm Audio In jack) and VDIM (previously only on higher models - Google VDIM for details). The highly-acclaimed Mark Levinson audio system is not available as an option on the latest Prestige model, but might be found on older used models (thanks dis-lex-sic).

2. getting a good used example is good for your budget you can even get a decent SL or a X for that price

3. Cost in a year depends on how much you drive it pretty much just service

4. So far for me i have no problems with electrics

5. for the same priced 3 or A4 (320i or 2.0L A4) the is250 is much better car interms of performance and options

There's a running joke amongst Lexus owners (within this forum and without) about the standard features - or lack of them - in BMWs. The number of standard features was always a major factor in the numerous awards that the IS250 picked up in the couple of years after its release in late 2005.

6. IS250 has great fuel consumption for it's weight and engine size. (around 600km combined but on the freeway iv done max 1100kmish (a tad over) on a 60L tank

Yes, for its weight and engine size. The IS250's current class rivals (e.g. 320i) feature turbo four-cylinder engines, which are more frugal with fuel. But then, you're not getting a six. B)

7. YEs and warranty is transferable unlike other car makers, Lexus actually takes there customers seriosuly and carry out warranty work if the factory warranty still applies, they even give you a loan car for the day.

Reason: Greater contact area with the ground at the rear, and less at the front, reduces oversteering or, perhaps, induce a little bit of understeer. I understand that a slight understeer is preferred in performance driving. The larger rear wheels can also improve stability in crosswinds - one of the main disadvantages of RWDs.

Well, it's been 4 years since this thread was updated, but I figured I'd add my experiences in case anyone else encounters rattles.

I also experienced a rattle, probably similar to what Rap03 experienced but emanating from the front passenger side. It only happened often on bumpy, unmaintained roads; unfortunately, no such roads were encountered on the test drive with the Lexus service guy. The car was in the shop for two days, and I don't know whether the Lexus service folk ever ended up hearing the noise for themselves. They did, however, fix three areas which may interest others:

1. Added foam near the pollen filter at the back of the glovebox. This was their first attempt in fixing the problem and, judging by the UK forums, must be a common source of rattling noises.

2. Added foam in the B pillar. No surprises there.

3. Apparently, a common problem with the IS's is that the door seals can become dry, causing parts pressed against them to rattle. Lubricating the door seals can fix the problem. I think this was the most likely solution to my problem, since it sounded like the rattle of a glass panel (a bit like the window panes on old train carriages).

So, the next time you hear a rattle (and particularly if the car is out of warranty) ... Consider the door seals!

Lexus Australia have just updated thier Website with new financial year pricing.

The biggest change - if not the only change - is that the stick shift is no longer available.

For MT owners: Perhaps your resale value has just increased?

For potential IS buyers: Perhaps bargains are for the taking on any stock that's left?

yeah i think your allowed 5 fav destinations that you can have set up with a short cut key which you can access while driving, you just cant enter a new destination while driving, you still get your guidance, just means you need to pull over every time you need to enter a new place to go, i must admit i dont mind the actual nav system, just wish i could enter the address while driving, apparently the new model rx 350 uses a mouse to enter info, no more touch screen..

This might help, if you're game!

http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8169

No, I'm not a mechanic, but ...

When getting my last two cars serviced - both Toyotas - I used to get the offer for a fuel injector or other form of engine clean every time. I wonder if Toyota Australia (including Lexus) service consultants are trained ask if you want fries with that - or, should I say, "You NEED fries with that!"

Since buying my second Toyota, I resolved never to accept the offer to clean such build-up; instead, if I continue using premium fuel with added cleaners, that should be enough. According to Caltex, you just need two consecutive full tanks of Vortex to significantly clean your engine. Seeing that I almost always used 95-98 RON fuel on my engine (even though it could take 91 RON), I got good power and a clean engine to boot, without needing cleaners or additives at servicing - at least, that's the theory ...

Nowadays, all premium fuels sold in Australia contain cleaners (as well as Shell 91 Unleaded). Question is, have you always been using premium unleaded in your IS, as recommended? If so, then either the Lexus service rep is lying, or my theory doesn't (always) work.

As for the aircon re-gassing - not sure there. I've never had problems with Denso aircon over 13 years.

Cheers

thanks for the reply...

still unsure what the point of this satnav is IF i can't utilize while driving ??? :)

although.. until 2 weeks ago, i had never owned a navman/tomtom [tax reasons], so ... what would i know.

From what Duff is suggesting (and from my own experience with V16), it's not that you can't obtain guidance from the sat nav while driving; for (good) safety reasons, you just can't perform certain types of searches - such as typing in a street name - unless the car is standing still. You can, however, request guidance to favourite destinations like your home.

What's the cost of the latest maps???

available to buy online anywhere??? would like the latest and greatest for an IS300.

A$295:

http://www.whereismaps.com/buy-map-updates_built-in-car-navigation_product.aspx?view=13&country=AU&device=88

:)

Thanks so much for your reply...well guess what have a look at the attachment, would this help?

Howdy, ok not a mod...yet! But wondering if someone can have a look at this and advise if this is easy to do or if I would need an auto electrician. I have X and want to install a switch that closes the mirrors when I turn the ignition off and opens the mirrors when I start the car. Not to sure about the wiring diagram so any input would be appreciated.

it is possible. the wiring diagram makes sense to me im an electrician tho, is this something you can buy?..

BUT!! im not sure it will really be worth the time it takes to do it.

depends how bad you want it really. but its would take a few good hours or more at an auto electrician and probably longer to diy. BUT!!!! if you can get IS250 wiring diagrams somehow. it will half the time to do it.

It helps, but it would be nice to compare it with a diagram of that for an IS model variant that has the auto folding mirrors as standard :D

Without it, my guess is you'll need an SPST Normally Closed automotive relay switch. The relay coil goes across the orange cable (pin 8). One of the relay contacts are connected to the power supply for the power windows, and the other to the green cable (pin 9). When the power to the accessories is turned off, but the power to the windows is still available - as is the case when you have just switched off the engine - the relay switch will close, causing the mirror's retracting motor to fold the mirror.

This is just my guess, but I hope it helps.

STEPS

1. Hold down the INFO button (to the left of the screen)

2. Whilst holding the button turn the lights from off to on (not auto) and back to off 4 times until the menu appears

To access the reverse camera, press the MENU option at the top right of the screen and select the CAMERA CHECK option. To exit the diagnostics screen, press and hold the DISPLAY button until the system reboots (you'll get the "I Agree" screen again).

The process for accessing the reverse camera in my '09 Upgrade IS250 Prestige is slightly different. The following process will presumably work for all MY10 vehicles and MY09 vehicles with the '09 upgrade:

After After Step 2 above, two menu options will appear. Then:

3. Choose the second of the two menu options. You will now see another menu with numerous options.

4. Choose the menu item that refers to the camera (“Camera Check” or similar words). You will see a low-resolution menu, again with two options. (Note: This menu is not accessible in ACCESSORY mode.)

5. Choose the second of the two menu options, but press and HOLD the button until you see the screen change. You will see a camera diagnostics screen.

6. Choose the Next button on the bottom right-hand corner. You will see the video image from the camera, plus a number of buttons to allow you to adjust the guidance lines.

Since much of the video image initially shown is obscured with buttons, and it’s risky to leave this screen open, press the NEXT button in the bottom right-hand corner. You will see the video image from the camera, together with the guidance lines and just a couple of buttons on the bottom. You will now be able to drive around while continuing to view the video image on the screen.

To access the camera with one less step/screen:

1. While the engine is running, press and hold DISP (instead of INFO).

2. Whilst holding the button turn the lights from off to on (not auto) and back to off 4 times until a diagnostics screen appears.

3. Press the “Camera Check” button on the top right-hand corner of the screen. You will see a low-resolution menu with two options.

5. Follow steps 5 and 6 as above.

A number of people on the Internet have said that changing the Bluetooth mic sensitivity (accessible through the first method) works really well.

Originally in the IS250 prestige if you optioned Sat Nav it also got ML Audio.

For IS250's from December 2008 production onwards that no longer applied.

Ah, that rings a bell now. Thanks!

I see Bartek wrote his posting over seven months ago, but I noticed something that warranted clarification, and I was wondering if anyone would know the answer for certain.

Bartek writes that he bought an IS250 Prestige with EMV and moonroof, and that he absolutely loves the Mark Levinson sound system.

Now, nothing I've read in any advertisement or car review would suggest that the 13-speaker system in the Prestige model is a Mark Levinson-designed sound system, nor can I find anything to suggest that the ML 14-speaker system is available as an option in the Prestige (even in series prior to the '09 upgrade). Can anyone tell me to the contrary? Are the speaker cones in the 13-speaker system also made using the same wafer-thin paper as those in the ML 14-speaker system, using water sourced from a 200-year-old spring also used to make premium sake?

Hi Everyone,

I'm a proud owner of a brand new IS250 Prestige and this is my first post to these forums. I can't tell you about modding, but I can hopefully share my insurance experience.

I'm 36, live in Sydney's north west and pay $1073 with CommInsure. This was a significantly better deal than Lexus insurance, Allianz or NRMA (all between $1200 and $1400). NRMA wanted to charge me so much, even after a 10% Years of Insurance discount and a 12.5% Multi-Policy discount. Be aware that NRMA is far more agressive in their move into Queensland so, LEX51S, don't expect them to do the "match or beat by 10%" like they did with col in Brisbane.

AAMI also came close to - perhaps even slightly beat - CommInsure's premium, but AAMI doesn't give you a choice of repairer. That means that Lexus genuine parts may not be used. That was a deal-breaker for me.

The main downside of CommInsure is that they don't have a "maximum no-claim discount for life" reward. So I paid an extra $100 or so (included in the $1073) to preserve my maximum no-claim bonus.

I hope this helps most readers. As for LEX51S, I'm not sure if CommInsure will be the cheapest. I created some hypothetical quotes on CommInsure's Website for you. I assumed DOB 1/1/87. Judging by your photo, I guessed 2008 IS250 Prestige, $2k for the non-standard wheels, $8k for the other accessories. I was quoted a premium of about $2200 if you lived in NW Sydney, but $3000 if you lived in Fairfield! NRMA was around $2200 to $2700 depending on location, assuming you had CTP with them too.

A final thought - I have my doubts as to whether companies like youi can help save the average person $$ on car insurance, but maybe they could help you save if you have suburb location and age working against you?

Cheers

Post Script: I now see LEX51S has already sorted out insurance, but I hope someone's found this post useful anyway.