Iggy

Mine take about the same time...fairly long time compared to other cars. Not sure if that was intentional, generally speaking the quicker the car reaches its working temperature, the better the economy.

The rotors on my IS with 50k need changing as well, so it seems like that's all the kms you can get out of them. I was looking a doing it myself and the part will set me back $400-500 so $767 seems reasonable especially if they are using OEM parts. Are they going to change the whole diff for that money? I can't image it being more that couple of hours of work + 2 x $50 seals, but it could be a more complicated job than I think. Here is what it takes to do it: http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/IS_05-12/rm0153e/repair2/html/frame_rm000001rhx003x.html

Give this a try: http://bahamutcars.free.fr/workshop/IS_05-12/rm0153e/repair2/html/frame_rm000000qdv00fx.html

you can get 4 x DENSO plugs from rockauto.com for $71.78AUD delivered

its a good thing you're getting it from a dealer, I think you're entitled to a 3 month/5,000 km warranty. The ticking noise may be from a low oil level or the injectors, just remember that direct injection cars normally have a little louder injectors that normal injection. Can't offer any advice on keys, the only thing I ever did was replacing the battery, however the car did display "remote battery low".

It is interesting, I happen to own a TJ Magna which I bought 8 years ago and purchased an IS250 a year ago. In terms of comparing just power, in a IS250 you will not get the torquee low down response of a Magna but you will get a decent accelration once you rev it up. And when you do rev it, you get the most rewarding sound (almost a muted V8 sound) which will make go there again and again and again. Although the Mitsu 3.5 were smooth , it is not even comparable to the smoothness of a Lexus 2.5, its pure silk at at any rev range. You will be plesently surprised about how economical it is, I get constantly 8.5-9l/100km compared to 15.5l/100km in a Magna for the same weekly route. In my opinion, the IS250 is the best balance between Power, Handling and Comfort. A very good package. Good luck....

The discount is more that 3c/lt, usually normal premium 95 octane fuel is 10-15 cents more that 91 oct and the United's 95 ethanol mix is at least 3 cents less than the 91 oct fuel, so it works out to be at least 13cents saving. looking about $175 per year, is it worth it?

just to put in my 2 cents: I have just noticed the same issue last night and early this morning, but they work fine in during the day? I am thinking it may have something to do with condensation which gets moisture to settle into the connection and causes the sensor to go off. Maybe the connectors are a little loose and do not seal well. I'd love to put it appart and have a look, but then I thought stuff it, let Lexus worry about it.

Redbook is a good guide of what the car is worth, even if the figures don't look 100% right it will give you a good guide on the price difference between the 2 models