memoalkati

Hello Everyone. I am the 2nd owner of a Lexus Is250 RWD . I bought the car when it had 70 000 KMs on it and now it has around 160 000 . Lately I started having few problems with the car. No audio come out of the sound system but power is present. Also got code p0420 . I took it to Lexus and they mentioned that my RH Catalytic Converter needs to be replaced and it is around $$1500 Tax in . Also suggested replacing all Oxygen Sensors in few miles which will cost around $1000 all together Tax in with labour. . I wanted to know how much can I realistically get out of the car? I do treat the car fairly well but I push it when I can. I looked for the highest mileage on a car and the highest I have seen for the 2nd Generation is 250 000 KILOMETERS.. The Rest are just for parts or have a 2nd Engine in it .I heard people saying you can get 400 000 Kms from a Toyota product (If properly maintained) but maybe does not apply to the 2nd Generation IS.. Cant see anything beyond 250 000 and the car is 11 years old. Iv seen newer models with more than 300 0000 kms. from reading Lexus Forums.I read that the 2nd Generation IS cars are probably the worst car that Lexus came out with. Issues with Carbon Build up. Misfire and parts breaking..Should I look into selling or trading the car while it is alive? Please only reply If you're a 2nd Generation IS Owner. Appreciate all your replies.

Zynthe

iTrader: (5)

Everything at dealerships is overpriced. Try and find a local mech to do the job. As for cats dying, this also happened to my previous car (1IS). You can try and find simulators that trick the ECU into thinking your cats as working as per norm. I know 1IS had something like that when I didnt want to pay $1500 for new cats.

My current IS 07 is at 260 00 KM's. And still strong. It really depends on how much preventive maintenance you want to do.

As the saying goes "Nip the problem in the bud" The longer you delay repairs on a problem, more problems will arise from it.

MWIS350

Buy O2 sensors and install it you self it's pretty easy and cost $200 for parts.

MWIS350

IS250 spark plug and labors also cost $500. Do it yourself $100 for parts.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

There was a member with 255k miles on his 2006 that used to be on here if i recall correctly. That being said, this is the argument I've made for my 2008 IS250 (now totaled) and my current 2006 GS300. While far from the most reliable cars to ever come out of Lexus, they are still extremely reliable, especially when compared to cars they compete with. You also have to remember, your car is ten years old, even if the car itself doesn't feel like it. After that long on salt covered roads, some exhaust work is to be expected, and you will have to do some larger services, but once those are completed the car should be ready to go for many more miles. . If you are in the Toronto area, I highly suggest Rick at Aussie Auto.

Bichon

Did you check for an exhaust leak under the heat shield by the Y-pipe? Extremely common problem; certainly the most common cause P0420 (and P0430) codes on the 2IS, especially in areas where they use salt and snow melting chemicals on the roads.

BlueSkyDi

Thanks so much, you guys. I have a 2006 IS 250 RW. It has been fantastic, but I took it to LEXUS just to make sure my cat was okay--it's got a little leak somewhere and the lights come on, but it is no big deal. HOWEVER, 3 months after they checked it out, it is making noise and vibrating sounding like it's coming near the attachment, up in the front part of the car. I just got off the phone with an honest mechanic--my friend says he's honest--and he's saying if it's a steel pipe, he can't weld it. Is that an honest statement?
Thanks--don't know if I can post a phone number but you can text me at 941-504-1130. TY.

BlueSkyDi

P.S. Just moved to Sarasota from Mountain Lakes, NJ myself!

aznKewlguy

iTrader: (5)

Bichon

If your mechanic can't weld it, bring it to a competent exhaust shop that can. If you bring it somewhere that doesn't weld, they'll replace the entire mid-pipe section including the two cats, a fine repair but a much more expensive way to go. The dealer gets $2k or more for that fix.

BlueSkyDi

Thanks, Bichon. He was saying he might have to take it to a guy he knows who does exc exhaust work. I'd rather not him drive my car, though! But I'll start there first.
BTW, that Lexus procedure is into $4000 now, here in Sarasota. No kidding. I asked about it when I took the car to Lexus for the initial query about the lights coming on.

BlueSkyDi

Hello again.
Okay, I looked under the car with him. At the top section of the mid-pipe, there is a 1" crack along the length of the pipe itself. Just was rusted from the inside, and thin, and driving the car caused the crack. Mechanic says can't weld it or onto it, have to replace it, and they're recommending replacing the entire central pipe. On the parts estimate, they're calling it: "Y-Pipe with Resonator" $759 plus 2-1/2 hours labor.
Think I should do it?
Car is a 2006. Pretty rusted on the bottom, but the body and shine look new. I had people at an open house comment on how gorgeous my car was, and when I told them the age, they couldn't believe it.
Thing is, I can be paying $1150 to repair, and then the y-parts could rust out and not work, and I'd be throwing more money at it.
In Florida, you don't have emissions issues. Ordinarily, I consider myself a "green" person, but in this case, I really just want to 1) stop the noise, and 2) not have the pipes fall off the car.

Please, I seek opinions.
TY

sinister2c

Bichon

My previous comment about bringing it to a competent exhaust shop stands. Your mechanic may be honest and good, but he doesn't have the mandrel benders, specialized welding equipment and exhaust fabrication skills to be able to cut out and replace the corroded section of pipe.

BlueSkyDi

Yes, thanks. And previously driving in NY and NJ all winter long, WAS like driving perpetually through salt water.