vs2306

Helping a friend look at an IS300. Anyone have some advice when looking at these cars? Any common problems/failures to factor in? Also how much do these cars normally go for? From what I've seen mostly under 10k for a late model. What are your thoughts on this? I don't think its a sports luxury or anything like that. No sunroof or GPS, so I assume its a standard base model. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mount-waverley/cars-vans-utes/lexus-is300-my-04-5-2jz-vvti-3-0-5-speed-auto/1124803788

I replaced the battery on my IS250 Sports Luxury about 2 months ago. Got it done at a local tyre shop which stocks Century. They recommended what the website also recommended which was the NS70L (http://www.centurybatteries.com.au/resources/battery-finder/product/ns70l). Seems to fit fine when I watched them fit it. This is the 2nd time its been replaced, prior to that it was replaced in 2013 with the same battery. I wanted to give Supercharge a go, they recommend this one (http://www.supercharge.com.au/supercharge-gold-plus-mf80d26l.html). However my Dad only trusts Century for some weird reason.

Yes. The 4th free tyre will be the cheaper one, being the 225/45/R17 (the smaller tyre). Yeah I'm also quite confident that's a good price. I just hope I can still get that price.

I am also due for new tyres on my '09 IS250 SL. Tyre Sizes: Front - 225/45/R17 Rear - 245/45/R17 Anyone have any recommendations with all the Buy 3 get the 4th one free promotions currently happening. Was quoted under $550 for Bridgestone RE003's or Yokohama BlueEarth AE50.

Anyone have any experience with DBA rotors on the IS250? If so, how do they perform? Had my mechanic replace the front pads + rotors, since the dealer were asking for too much. He fitted Bendix GCT pads, and for the rotors he wanted to use genuine and didn't trust the aftermarket rotors for the IS250. Which surprised me, as my mechanic normally doesn't use genuine unless requested by customer, or there is no alternative.

Recently changed the front pads & rotors on my parents IS250 through my mechanic. He used Bendix General CT pads, and Genuine Lexus rotors. Said he didn't recommend aftermarket rotors, didn't get to ask why, as my Dad was dealing with it. Took it for a drive today, and it seems absolutely fine. I actually think the Bendix pads engages a little better. But probably need to go for a spirited drive or something, to put them to the test.

Hey all, My '08 IS250 SL is coming out of warranty soon, so might be ditching the dealer fo servicing. Most of the independant mechanics I know generally use aftermarket filters such as Ryco. Although most mechanics I believe will use genuine on request (well my mechanic for my other cars would at least). Has anyone experienced any problems using aftermarket filters? Do you guys think genuine filters are manufactured to a higher standard?

So my IS250 has been at the dealer recenly for warranty work. I think they attended to the timing chain tensioner and VVT-i, not sure what exactly was wrong with it. But I was told that they're going to do the water pump as well under warranty. So hopefully I won't have to worry about the water pump for a while now.

Mine has done 90k kms. The water pump is fine for now. I've just heard from multiple sources, that that water pumps need to be replaced earlier compared to other cars. So I was wondering if going aftermarket would be better than the genuine? Unless of course they've improved the genuine ones, compared to the ones that were fitted at the factory. I too would also try and stick with genuine for something like water pumps. Unless the car is really old. My old man's Toyota Aurion water pump was replaced at about 140,000 kms, which I believe is about average. Told him to get our mechanic to use a genuine water pump, but he doesn't think he'll hold on to the car for a long time, so he didn't bother going genuine. I personally would have used genuine, as it was only $95 extra.

Hey all, I've heard that Water Pumps tend to fail earlier than average with these cars. Mine's fine so far, but I wanna be prepared. When its time to replace the water pump. Do you guys recommend any particular brand of water pumps? E.g. Gates, Dayco, Bosch, etc. Would it make a difference going aftermarket? Thanks in advance.

My '09 IS250 has done less than 90k kms. Last service was done around 80k (maybe a little bit less). I took it to my independant mechanic who used Mobil Semi Synthetic 5W30 (http://www.mobil.com/AP-English-LCW/carengineoils_au_products_mobil-super-2000-5w30.aspx). Yesterday I went to check the oil level, it was about 10 -15% above the minimmum level. So I had it topped up today at the dealer, as I was getting the fuel line recall done.

Might consider doing the ATF on top of the 105,000km (minor) service. Was at the dealer today, getting the recall done. Paid a visit to the parts dept, and they said they had to order in the fluid if I wanted it, service dept also said the same thing. Also, is this a hard transmission to work with? As I'm trying to decide if I should use the dealer for this, or if I can use my independant mechanic. He changed the transmission fluid on my '07 Toyota Aurion, which he used genuine fluid for (not sure if its the same one for the IS250). I'll definately ask him to order in the fluid from Lexus, assuming their Parts dept. is willing to supply it. Believe it or not, there are some fluids they don't supply such as the differential oil. However I don't think the diff oil has to be genuine fluid, therefore its not a major problem.

As I said earlier. The Lexus Dealers Parts Dept. in Melbourne don't sell their differential oil. Last time I asked Toyota for Lexus parts they couldn't help. So even if Toyota has differential oil, can they guarantee that its suited for a Lexus IS250?

When I checked the owners manual and service books. All its says is API GL-5. Doesn't say what viscosity, or if it has to be a full synthetic or mineral base. Well I don't know what OEM is. Tried calling the dealers, they couldn't give me a straight answer.

Hey all, Got the 90,000 km service (BIG ONE) coming up in the next few months, for my '08 IS250 SL MY09. Thinking of not taking to the dealer. But does anyone know the recommended specs/viscosity that the fluid should be? I keep getting different answers from different sources. Lexus dealers unfortunately don't sell their differential fluid by the litre. So I can't ask my mechanic to order in genuine fluid. Thanks in advance.

Holy crap! I really feel sorry for that guy. I'm gonna assume it was a personal cheque, as I'm pretty sure a bank cheque can't be disputed, as they deduct the money from that persons account. Mum's not keen on Coles Insurance. As my Aunt was with them, and had to pay an excess for a not at fault accident; and they took quite a long time to refund the excess. She was able to identify the other party, and had a police report I think. Yeah with most insurance companies, you forfeit the lifetime guarantee if you nominate your own repairer thats not approved by the insurance company.

Hey all, Been thinking of ditching AAMI for Mum's IS250. As AAMI don't offer choice of repairer. RACV and Allianz are looking good, as they gave reasonable quotes, and both offer choice of repairer. Was wondering if any of you guys are insured with either of these companies, and what your experience has been like? Thanks in advance!

Mum's '09 Lexus IS250 has some side scratches; little bit deep, but not dented. She wanted to leave it, however a family friend recommended to have it repaired; otherwise the car will start rusting in those scratched areas. Anyway I was wondering if anyone could recommend a panel beater in Melbourne's East, that you guys would trust your Lexus with? It would be a bonus if they were an AAMI approved repairer. My family has been insured with AAMI for a long time, and we haven't had to make a claim for a long time. So we've been trying to push for choice of repairer, as we want it repaired by a Lexus Authorized repairer (http://bmb.com.au/). However AAMI's approved repairer is quoting much cheaper, and we're very suspicious as to why its very cheap. Anyhow, my Dad complained to them, and I"m not too sure what's going on now. But Dad said he would like to get quotes from other panel beaters.

A bit of advice, considering what I went through. For those of you, considering getting the service outside of Lexus. Tell the mechanic, that the fuel level sensor is delicate and that it needs to be fitted back perfectly. After the service, my fuel level guage was saying 3/4 filled, even though I filled up a full tank. More details here: http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/12334-faulty-fuel-gauge/?p=46590 Anyway its all fixed now, so I'll just keep monitoring it.

So I took my car back to the mechanic today. Right before dropping the car off, filled it up with a full tank; and still read on 3/4 full. Anyway, my mechanic said he just dismantled everything such as the fuel filter housing, and the other things involved such as the fuel level sensor. Then put it all back together, and it was reading correctly. I'll keep monitoring the fuel readings and the consumptions.

I think I may be having the same or similar issue. Recently had the 75,000 km service done by my independent mechanic (http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/12569-2is-75k-service/?p=46462); using genuine lexus filters. When my dad went to fill it up with petrol. The gauge read only 3/4 full, even though it was a full tank. Have you sorted out this issue? If so, what was the diagnosis? I believe the fuel level sensor is integrated somehow with the in-tank fuel filter (replaced in the service). Gonna take it back to my mechanic tomorrow. So hopefully he sorts it out.

Yeah I also couldn't find anyone who specializes in Lexus. Tbh its made and designed by Toyota, only difference being a RWD as opposed to FWD Toyota's. Still a relatively easy car to work on, compared to its European competitors (generally speaking). So considering that. I decided to take it to my general mechanic who works on my other cars. I recently did the 75K service, which is a minor + intank fuel filter. Which I imagine the 150k service would also include, plus other things I assume. Here's the thread I posted in, which has the pricing and details of the service: http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/12569-2is-75k-service/?p=46462 He was more than happy to order genuine parts as I requested. Other mechanics like Ultratune tried to convince me that it was a waste of money and time. If you're very picky, then he didn't reset the service reminders on the GPS head unit. However that's very easy and can be done yourself in 2 mins, its essentially part of the calender facility. However if your IS250 doesn't have GPS, then no problem.

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. But I decided not to go that route. Coz if there's a problem with the part (or if the mechanic doesn't take responsibility), then its my problem and I'll have to sort it out. I did check the prices with lexus though, so that I could tell if he's inflating the prices or not, which he isn't. At least if he orders it in, then it should be covered under his warranty. E.g. If the fuel filter starts leaking under warranty, I can take it up with him and he'll have to sort it out. Maybe next service, which is the 90,000 km service (THE BIG ONE). I may consider taking that to the dealer, considering its an extensive service, and ask them to return the old oil filter. That may be a good indication as to whether he used genuine parts or not.

True that. I booked it in with my local mechanc, will post details on how it goes. He's done in-tank fuel filters before. Don't know if he's done it specifically for an IS250 before. I just hope he uses Genuine parts, as requested. As opposed to the aftermarket stuff like wesfil or ryco.

I have been researching into this for the past 2 months. Same car btw. Dealer wanted $900 for the service, which I felt was quite expensive for a minor + in-tank fuel filter. Went to visit my mechanic yesterday, who normally looks after my other cars. He quoted $400, using Genuine Lexus oil filter & fuel filter, engine oil flush; and the oil is Mobil 5W30 Semi Synthetic (http://www.mobil.com/AP-English-LCW/carengineoils_au_products_mobil-super-2000-5w30.aspx). Said he would reset the service indicators too, I can do that myself anyway. I also have a slight feeling about the rear brakes needing some work. So I called a local brake specialist. He quoted $280 for the pads and machining the rotors. If the rotors need replacing then $630. This is using genuine lexus pads and rotors. Now I have the following questions: 1. Are Lexus cars difficult to work on? Do they require any specialist knowledge, like a European car? Or can a competent mechanic work on them? From what I've read, its pretty simple like a Toyota underneath. 2. Anyone had any experience with this particular oil in an IS250? Now I've read different opinions on the oils, such as full synthetic is the best and that everything else is inferior. However I'm not interested in turning this thread into a debate about oils.