BaddBoi70

can we use regular instead of premium in the lexus is250/350? My friend has been putting regular for 2 years and no problems.. Doesn't the ECU adjust to the lower grade gas? I mean is it just a loss in performance?

There are other historical threads on LOC regarding this topic. My recommendation is to do a search on the topic as there is a lot of great info in those threads. IMO I would not use the mid-grade or low-grade fuel as it will eventually cause your engine to "knock", which could potentially cause piston and/or crank shaft damage due to the premature ignition of the fuel on the upstroke of the piston (IE: knock). But, I am by no means an expert!

How much is your gas at the moment? Here in Sweden it's $8.60/gallon :(

WOW - Gas here in Colorado varies from $3.89 (suburbs) to $4.59 (mountain, tourist areas) per gallon (91 Octane, which is premium in Colorado - gas stations do not have 93 Octane due to our elevation of 5,000+ feet).

How have your food prices been affected by the increase in Petro prices?

I added a couple other choices to your first question, I hadn't considered any of those options so I figured in the least there should be an option that selects that.

Unfortunately for me I drive a lot for business, and its my own business so I have to expense myself! I drive the Lexus really only for work now, we drive the Prius on the weekends and on trips. I've also considered switching cars with my fiance because she doesn't drive nearly as much as I do (she drives maybe 4 miles a day. I drive a minimum of 35, and thats if I only drive to the office and back, usually its more like 50). But she doesn't want to do that because she loves her Prius...and I don't want to do that because I don't like driving it...

Its a real conundrum. I can't drive any less...

Thanks Steve :)

Out of curiosity, please take a minute to answer the questions on this quick poll regarding gas prices.

Thanks,

BaddBoi

But, but we aren't that far behind you. They are talking about $10 per gallon here in the not so distant future.

What are your sources Smooth1? The highest estimate/prediction I have seen is $6/gallon, which is a far cry from $10! IMO, if gas hits $5/gallon as a NATIONAL average I think we will start to witness riots in the streets and strikes by the Teamsters Union :( I don't even want to think what would happen at $10/gallon!

here it is what do you think?

I just had 3 dents removed from my 06 IS 350 by a paintless dent repair shop and the guy did an AMAZING job! Not certain if this repair can be made, but if they can it will look brand new.

Good luck :)

Yesterday I was driving my ES and noticed that radio display was blank the car had been garaged

all night so it was not caused by heat. Later own a bunch of wierd symbols appeared and I then

noticed non of the controls except the vol control on the unit would work, however almost any

button you pressed on the unit would cause the cd to eject a disc, But later on the unit started

to work normal.

Im going to try to wait untill the unit fails more often before I take it to the dealer but the stereo

in my car has had intermitten issues from almost day one, When got the car two years ago

the cd player would sometimes not work then it was the vol control on the unit that sometimes

would not work and now this.

Ira,

I had this issue with my CD Player (intermittent issues) and the dealership replaced the CD Player - I haven't had any issues since.

Check out this forum: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showforum=10

Just got my 2008 IS 250 AWD this weekend. I think I'm going to love it! :D The warranty is 4 yrs / 50k miles. I can buy the warranty up to 7 yrs / 75k miles for $1900. I am tempted, but not sure. They are also offering a pre-paid service plan (oil changes, etc., all routine maintenance), for $1,815 for the first 5 yrs / 50 k miles. Somewhat tempting, but probably will pass. Any thoughts on either? Anybody do these? Thanks!

7/75 for $1900 is a ripoff.

Knightshade is correct.

Here's an email I received From Troy.

Also keep in mind these quotes are sales tax free if you live out of MA.

I bought a warranty for a Camry from him.

Hi Joe,

Sure, here is all the info and quotes:

I am currently offering the Lexus Platinum Program for 7 yrs / 100,000 miles

w/ $0 deductible for $1415.00 and the 7 yr / 75,000 mile plan for $1130.00

on the IS250.

Most of the details on the Platinum plans can be found directly at the

Lexus website at the following link, including all the various terms and

options available, just let me know if you would like a quote on a different

plan.

http://www.lexus.com/models/IS/warranty/ve...protection.html

Here are the purchase instructions if / when you decide to purchase.

I would need you to mail me an original signed letter indicating the exact

current mileage on your vehicle, and a copy of your current registration.(If

you are in a state where you don't get your state registration right away, I

can also use a copy of the bill of sale, purchase contract, or some other

official document which shows the owners name and address, along with the

vehicles VIN)

Sorry, I know its a little inconvenient, but its the only way we could come

up to cover ourselves on the mileage and VIN verification. After I receive

your letter, I can call you for credit card info, if that's how you choose

to pay, or you can include a check, money order, or the credit card info

with it. Also, make sure that the registration copy is legible (I have

gotten a couple of them recently that I couldn't read or had part of the VIN

chopped off on the copy).

Mail to:

Toyota of Greenfield

12 Olive Street

Greenfield, MA 01301

Attn: Troy Dietrich

Please call or email me if you think of any more questions. My phone number

is (413) 772-0989.

Thanks,

Troy

WOW - that is a GREAT deal. Hopefully, Troy wil still be there in 2 years when I will need to add my warranty :)

You are far better off with a "clear bra".

I just did this Saturday. Just take a hairdryer and heat up the brake pedal and the pedal will get oily.(they must add oil to the pedal when its manufactured) I removed the whole gas pedal assembly....knocked the pin out with a pin punch. The dead pedal just pulls out and the new snaps in after you remove the white clips on the end.

uh wow, ok dudes how much would it cost to get it done by the dealer?

They will most likely charge you for an hours worth of labor, so it depends on what your dealer's hourly labor rate is and what type of tech they assign to the task. You should be able to complete this yourself - very easily. You should at least give it a try and if you are not successful, then take it to your dealer.

Did they happen to mention what pads they used as an OEM replacement? I was just curious.

Per my Customer Invoice, the new brake pads used were part #: 04465-30400 (Description- Pad Kit, Disc Brakes). I hope that helps. I no longer have the significant brake "dust" issue and I definitely have NOT noticed a considerable difference in my braking capabilities! I would concur that it "might" have reduced my stopping capabilities by 2-5%, but definitely not the 20% the dealership claimed!

Most of the non-OEM pedals require you to drill into the metal part of the pedal to mount them (NOT recommended). I would definitely stick with the OEM pedals from Sewell. In fact, I am ordering some this week for my '06 350 :)

I have the black color, I was driving in very tight parking lot and I have some minor paint scratches which are visible from close distance. I've never owned a car before not sure what I'm supposed to do ;0 Is there something I can buy to repair this or do I have to go to a dealer or body shop?

If this is your 1st car I would suggest seeking out as much advice as you can before you attempt to repair this yourself. There are several scratch "repair" kits in the market; however, you can potentially do more damage than repair, if you know what I mean, if you are a novice with car paint and finishes. You could severally damage the "clear coat" on the vehicle. I would recommend taking it to an "expert" for an estimate. It may only cost a couple hundred bucks and be well worth the professional finish.

Just my 2 cents!

OEM blades are definitely the way to go! You can also try applying Rain-X to the windshield to further the lifespan of your wiper blades :)

On the 06 models the set 2 isn't reading anything unless you install another set of tires with TPMS and have them coded into the system.

Bartkat -

Thanks for clarifying the model year - forgot that part.

Pretty slow compared to the IS350.

Don't egg him on! This guy is the type of driver that ends up killing himself and possibly someone else b/c he was irresponsible.

Also make sure you have the appropriate setting on the dash control. If you look to the left side of the steering wheel there is a button controller for the the display. You can swtich to winter or summer setting for the tire pressure there. In winter you might wanna lower your tire pressure and during the summer raise it, so there is a dual setting there. Just make sure you have it on the right setting if you were in there recently and may have made some changes.

Just to clarify, as explained to me by the dealership, this option is for 2 sets of tires (winter and summer) both of which must have the TPMS system installed and registered with the on-board unit.

First, I’ve owned Toyotas for many years, also owned Mercedes, Corvettes, Chevys, and Hondas. I’m 60, so I’ve owned a few cars and trucks. I’m currently driving a company car – 2008 Camry, which I really like.

I purchased a 2006 IS250 automatic for my wife in Sept 2006 – metallic red with chrome wheels, NAV, blue tooth system and rear spoiler. She drives it mostly, so I only drive it occasionally on week ends.

I wasn’t happy with the car from the start.

The brakes are way too sensitive and are not smooth when braking easy or hard.

The clear coat scratches very easy – worse paint I’ve ever seen on a vehicle!

Since it was new, something has clunked when backing out of the driveway when the tires run over the little 1.5” cement curb. Dealer can’t find anything loose - it could be the brake pads, but no one seems to have a clue!

When we bought the car, we both purchased new cell phones (same best model that was posted on Lexus dealer site) so we’d be as compatible with Bluetooth as possible – but the connection is intermittent and too frequently when I call her in the car, I can hear her saying hello, but she can’t hear me. When we do connect, sometimes (about 1 out of every 4 calls) there is a squawking sound mixed with her voice. Deal can’t find a thing!!

The driving lights suck. Way too dim for night driving. Checked to see if we could pay to upgrade to the Xenon, but dealer says “Not an option”!

Because the front wheels are a different size than the rear wheels, we can’t rotate side to side – consequently the tires don’t wear evenly and the fronts wear out twice as fast as the rears. The front tires started making noise (tread cupping) about 20K miles. The car has 33K on it now and I’ll have the front tires replaced at the 35K service. Not going to buy Bridgestones, I’ll try the Michelins unless someone has a better, longer lasting tire. We’re in Arizona, so I’m not concerned about wet or snow traction issues.

Power wise, it’s a little anemic for me. I should have bought the IS350. Unlike my sister (she drives a 505 HP 2007 ZO6 Corvette), my wife is not hot rodder, so she’s fine with the power (or lack of).

Fuel mileage is good at 28 to 29 average, but the cost of premium fuel cost offsets the good MPG number.

The maintenance at the dealership has been somewhat disappointing. Two times someone (technician?) has scratched the paint. One time, a line completely across the hood. Looked like someone dragged an air hose clamp across it. The scratch was deep enough that the dealership offered to have it “professionally” fixed. I opted to try my luck with some good wax at home in my garage, rather than risk someone really !Removed! up the paint!! It’s not out entirely and it’s too deep to rub out completely.

Since we don’t take the car through a car wash, I wash the car myself, so I know every square inch of the car, every nick, scratch, and ding.

About 10K miles ago it started doing a little thing where I’d push the start button, it would turn over once and stall. It sometimes would do it 5 of 6 times before it started. At the 30K service I told the dealer about the problem, but can’t find anything!! Apparently, there are no codes to check and naturally, they could not duplicate the problem.

The brakes squeal when backing out of the garage almost every single time.

The heating controls suck. I have yet to figure out how to get the fan to blow high for max heat. The fan won’t blow hard when you want to get the max heat, so it takes awhile to start getting hot/warm air when it’s cold out. Luckily, we don’t have a really cold winter here.

The NAV map is so outdated it doesn’t have highways that were built 5 or 6 years ago!! We got a Lexus post card stating that we can upgrade the map data “for only $265”!!

A close friend bought his wife the same car (2007) without the NAV and chrome wheels and they are both disappointed in it. They have multiple issues with it.

Overall, for a $38K luxury car, it’s a little noisier on the road than I think it should be.

I’m disappointed enough that I probably would not buy another IS. I might consider the ES350.

I think Toyota dropped the ball on the IS250.

Sorry for the long post, it’s my first post, so I wanted to get out all the things that have been bug’n me.

Randy

Check out www.LexusTSB.com, there is a TSIB posted for your complaint, "The brakes squeal when backing out of the garage almost every single time."

Have you already had the dust TSIB done?

If not just have the dealer do that- free pads and they do the labor :)

No, I didn't know about this until about a month ago, when I registered here as a member. I was going to have it done by the dealer at the 35K service, which it's up for. But, I decided that I would try to do some of this myself. So I decided to replace the front pads, buy the tires from Discount Tires rather than have the dealer install new ones, AND have the alignment done by an independent import shop. I guess the inconvenience of leaving car there all day was kind of a "wash" in my mind vs. the purchase of the pads and doing it myself. Besides, I wanted to start getting familiar with the "hands-on" maintenance issues on the car, so I can reduce my costs.

UPDATE: 4/18 11:25AM MST.

I removed one front caliper and discovered, surprisingly, that the front pads have about 1/4" of material left. At the same time I discovered that the Lexus parts guy gave me the wrong pads (obviously they don't do a lot of PARTS business). I returned them for credit. I mentioned the Tech Bulletin and he said I need to "complain" about the dust and they will swap the pads at no cost. So, when take the car in for the 35K oil change, I'll complain about the dust and see what happens.

After examining the tires, I believe the excessive wear on outer edges may be caused by under inflation. Although it could be a wheel alignment issue. It seems odd to me that both the outer edge and the inner edge wore excessively compared to the rest of the tread. I've checked the tire pressure regulary and have kept the pressure at spec (35 front, 37 rear). With the new Conti's I'm having installed next week, I will increase the pressure up to about 40 psi in the front and watch the tread wear. The rear tires seem to be wearing fairly even. I also think that if the fronts had not worn down the outside edges prematurely that getting 30K to 32K out of these tires is not bad, compared to many posts about the short life of these UHP tires. If the new Continental Extreme Contract tires get 40K, I'll be satisfied.

UPDATE

Randy,

I just got my car back this morning from the dealership. I had them complete 4 TSIB's, including the Brake TSIB. The service tech called me to state that the replacement pads would effectively reduce my braking ability by as much as 20%, because they are made of a harder material. I told them I didn't care, I couldn't stand the brake dust they generated and so they replaced them, no questions asked (I have about 10,600 miles on the car - '06 IS 350).

In addition to the Brake TSIB, I also had them complete the following TSIB's:

TPMS - http://faqlexus.com/attachments/20/PG001-07.pdf

Driver Front Seat (squeak) - http://faqlexus.com/attachments/26/NV001-06.pdf

AUX noise issue - http://faqlexus.com/attachments/47/L-AU001...oise%20TSIB.pdf

The service tech asked me where I found this info and stated that he was unaware of the AUX TSIB and that it was approximately a $400 repair! They were great about all of my requests and didn't push back on any of my requests :)

I would definitely recommend the BRAKE TSIB - I have not been able to notice a 20% decline in my braking capacity as the service tech had claimed.

Randy -

Where are you seeing a rating of 280 for the F-1's? Everything I have seen has been 400+.

OK ri*BLEEP*hen7 Here's a video on how to drift. This is the way we did it when I was a young lad.

http://www.planetvids.com/html/Amish-Drifting.html

Bartkat -

TOO FUNNY!!! All the drifting classes should start by showing this video :) Maybe it would save some "DUDES" life!

Also, Ri$*BLEEP*hen7, we are not old, just much wiser than you. We've already learned from the mistakes you have yet to make in your young life. Try listening and you may learn something!

Such a tragedy and a completely senseless loss of life for 5 young men! Several insurance agencies now offer video monitoring and GPS tracking systems that alert parents to their child's driving habits. IMO - It should be mandatory for ALL drivers between the ages of 16-21 to have these devices installed on their vehicles. And for those that argue it is an invasion of one's privacy, I say, TOO BAD! If it saves a young person's life, then it is well worth it.

Luckily, my 350 is garaged at all times (home and work), unless I run out to lunch or to the store for something. The Denver sun wreaks havoc on the interior as well as the exterior of your car

Thanks for all the tidbits and tips! I will stop using the 2 spaces technique. Most of the other tips I do try to employ, except for the airport situation, as I have no choice unless I pay the astronomical price they charge for Valet parking. So, I will be looking for a reliable airport parker vehicle once my travel starts to pick up later this fall.