Lexus Problems

Much to the disappointment of many local buyers Toyota Australia chose not to import the stylish Soarer GT coupe or its Lexus SC300/400 cousin, but those who still desired the sleek Japanese coupe could still own one thanks to the specialist importers who took on local compliance of the cars.Presumably Toyota believed it couldn’t sell enough of them to turn a profit on the Soarer/Lexus if it brought it in, but that simply left the door open for the importers to fill the void and satisfy the demand from local buyers. Judging by the number on the road that demand has been quite strong.Buying a so-called ‘grey’ import can be a harrowing experience, but shouldn’t be if you do your homework and err on the side of caution when you set out to buy.Recent changes to the import rules have made buying a second hand import a much safer proposition, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful.It pays to buy from a recognised specialist in these cars, one that has been doing it for some time and has a solid reputation with the people who buy and drive them. To find out about who is reliable go to the clubs and talk to members about their experiences with the car, and with the importers and dealers.MODEL WATCHToyota launched the Soarer and its Lexus equivalent in the early 1990s. It was designed in America and aimed at affluent Americans who wanted a stylish well built and fully equipped coupe.In the Japanese market it was badged a Toyota, the Soarer to be precise, and was conceived as a sporty model, but on the other side of the Pacific it carried the Lexus badges of Toyota’s premium brand and was a luxury model.The cars that come here are Japanese Soarers, but some have been rebadged as the Lexus SC300/400.Whichever way you look at the two-door four-seater Soarer/Lexus coupe it’s elegant. Its lines are long and languid its proportions are perfect.Apart from some minor styling changes during the model’s 10-year life span there is little to tell one model from another.The choice of powertrains offered either heady sports performance of a turbo six or the more laid-back effortless performance of a V8.The ST-T was the tearaway of the Toyota bunch, its 2.5-litre twin turbocharged double overhead camshaft, 24-valve straight six pumping out 157 kW at 6200 revs.When asked the 1560 kg rear-wheel drive coupe will reach 100 km/h in a little over six seconds, but will continue to pull hard well beyond that, reaching 250-plus km/h in no time at all.The progress of the normally aspirated 3.0-litre straight six GT is more sedate, it will require almost 17 seconds to cover the standing 400-metre sprint, which is some four seconds more than the turbo requires.The quad-cam 4.0-litre V8 is the same engine as sold here in the Lexus so it should be familiar to local buyers. It’s a silky smooth unit that is equally at home cruising around clogged city streets as it is at speed on the open road.Most have a four-speed electronic automatic gearbox, but the 2.5 GT-T is also available for a five-speed manual gearbox.Independent suspension was under both ends, with coil springs on earlier cars and airbags on later ones.Variable ratio rack and pinion steering ensured handling precision; the sportier twin turbo Soarer was the most precise. The luxurious Lexus rolled a little more in the interests of overall ride comfort, but none-the-less still handled with assurance.All Soarers were well equipped with a range of features, from air-conditioning, anti-skid brakes, traction control (optional), tele-tilt steering column, power windows and mirrors and a rear window demister.All had a driver’s airbag; some also had a passenger airbag, which came as part of the option pack that included traction control.IN THE SHOPThe first thing to consider is that these cars are brought here as second hand cars, some of them now with high mileage on their odometers. The digital odometer is relatively easy to alter and without a previous history it’s hard to pick, so be careful and make sure the car looks like it’s done the mileage shown on the odometer.An old car with a low odometer reading should be regarded with suspicion unless the owner can provide evidence of its authenticity. A 1991 model car would normally have in excess of 200,000 km on the clock, a 2000 model around 100,000.Many were landed in the 1990s and have been here for some time, which makes it hard to establish their early history before their arrival. That makes it imperative that you buy from someone you trust.They also have plenty of zip and being relatively inexpensive many have been within the reach of younger drivers who have used up all of that awesome performance potential.While the Toyota mechanical package is pretty robust it’s well worth having a check carried out by an expert to determine the state of play inside the engine in particular.All engines require high octane unleaded and the consumption can be quite high, especially if driven enthusiastically. Driven carefully you could get 12.0 L/100 km, but don’t be surprised if it’s more like 14-15 L/100 km.Water pumps can be a problem at high mileage and they’re expensive to replace.Power steering pumps can be a problem as well, so have a good look for oil leaks in the vicinity of the pump.Electrics can also be a problem. The headlamps suffer from condensation build-up, the central locking often gives up the ghost, and the EMV screen is another item that often stops working and is expensive to repair.It’s a good idea to check the operation of all the accessories to ensure they actually work.The leather can be a problem where fitted. It’s basically through a lack of maintenance in the car’s early life, probably because the Japanese know they’ll be getting out of their cars after a relatively short period of ownership so they don’t bother looking after them.IN A CRASHThe mix of high performance and youthful exuberance is a potent one with the Soarer/ Lexus, but thankfully it has a very competent chassis with powerful brakes and anti-skid brakes to help avoid a collision.All have at least one airbag, for the driver, and some have dual airbags providing the front seat passenger with some protection in the event of a crash.OWNERS SAYPeter Smith was looking for something different in a motor car in 1988 and settled for the Soarer due to the classic looks and exhilarating performance. He says the car is a dream to drive in and around the city, but what a difference when you put your foot down. It is a no frills, economical black beauty with 110,000 km on the clock. He has done 85,000 km in it and has had no trouble whatsoever.Frank Pettiford currently has a 1991 Soarer TT manual. It just turned over 145,000 km and is running perfectly. He has the oil and filter changed religiously every 5-6000 km and uses mineral based oil. He says he has had no problems in three and a half years, and says it offers excellent value for money in that it still appears stylish, gives 8.5L /100 km on the highway and is extremely reliable.LOOK FOR• elegant coupe styling• altered odometers on high mileage cars• accessories that don’t work• signs of hard use• mechanically robust and reliableTHE BOTTOM LINEA good looking coupe that still turns heads, but age is catching up with them now that the oldest is 14 years old.RATING60/100

There's little doubt of which car Toyota was aiming at when it designed the IS200; its looks, size and proportions all mirror the BMW 3-Series.

No, it doesn't mean a luxury version for the models they are based on are more than luxurious already. The L means long, or more correctly long-wheelbase.

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.

When Toyota launched its prestige brand in 1990 it swept through the automotive establishment like a blazing bush fire fanned by a hot midsummer northerly. The luxury LS400 was the first Lexus model to be launched and it so shook up Mercedes-Benz that they haven’t been the same since, and for that we can all be most thankful.Talking about it recently Cars Guide editor Paul Gover described it as being like the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbour in World War 2. The Japanese bombers arrived unannounced and with devastating effect sent most the American Pacific Fleet to the bottom while they lay at anchor in port. It was a huge setback to the Americans at the time, but it had an even more devastating effect on the Japanese because, as Gover said, it awoke the sleeping giant.The same can be said for the opening salvo in the Lexus raid on the luxury market segment with the LS400, which caught the established luxury carmakers unaware.Overnight American buyers switched from the star marque in particular and bought the new Japanese car instead. It was a wake-up call for Mercedes just like the Japanese bombing raid on Hawaii was for the Americans in 1941.Mercedes-Benz had so dominated the top end of town it was as if they believed they had a God-given right to the luxury market and had become complacent. When the Lexus arrived with an alternative that was just as well equipped, and had all of the technology the Mercedes had, and importantly had much better build quality, many traditional ’Benz buyers jumped ship.The German company was shaken out of its lethargy and realised that it had to compete for sales if it wanted to keep its pre-eminent position. Before long Mercedes had new, and much improved models on sale, with much higher levels of technology, equipment, and quality. For the first time in years, Mercedes was listening to its customers, and maybe more importantly they listened to those previously loyal customers who’d turned their back on the company.Mercedes response was, much like the American response in World War 2, devastating for the impertinent aggressor. Toyota was set back on its heels when the Germans counter punched, and the newcomer found itself under the pump.Proving heritage matters buyers returned to the establishment players and abandoned Lexus once the Germans lifted their game. Lexus, without the heritage to match its European rivals, than had to rely solely on its primary positives of technical sophistication, comfort, and build comfort when they were being matched or bettered by its rivals.Having given Benz and BMW the wake-up call they badly needed, the Lexus was no longer needed. Selling them became hard work, and the value of used cars dipped.If you can get past the badge value of the ’Benz there is plenty to recommend the LS400 as a prestige used car buy today.MODEL WATCHOne look at the LS 400 launched in 1990 is enough to reveal Toyota’s intended target. There are unmistakable cues that recall Mercedes-Benz cars of the time, it’s no wonder Benz buyers were enticed away from Mercedes dealers and into the new Lexus showrooms across town. Replace the Lexus badge with the three-pointed star and you could easily be convinced you were driving a car from Stuttgart.The LS400 was a conservative shape as demanded by its market segment. Its lines were smooth, but solid and substantial, perfect for executives and others wanting to convey the impression of success.If the shape was reminiscent of the big German the quality with which it was put together far outstripped anything that was being built in Europe at the time. A tour of the Lexus plant in 1994 just before the LS400 received a major makeover revealed a state-of-the-art factory jam-packed with computer driven robots able to assemble the car to the tightest tolerances. Production engineers were passionate about their ability to consistently turn out high quality, and even a cursory look at the panel fit and body gaps was enough to confirm that they were tight and very consistent. At the time it’s doubtful that there was a car being built with better quality.What lay below the superbly turned out skin was equally impressive. Suitably it was a 4.0-litre double overhead cam V8 that provided sufficient motivation for the LS400 to race to 100 km/h in a tick over eight seconds with a top speed of 240 km/h. It was fuel-injected, had four valves per cylinder, and pumped out a peak of 190 kW and 360 Nm.Silkily smooth it was barely evident at normal round town speeds, even at high speed it was totally unfussed with never a murmur to disturb the interior ambience.The transmission was a four-speed auto, again superbly matched to the engine. Shifts were imperceptible, gearing perfect so progress was always smooth.Suspension was independent all round, steering was power assisted, and ABS kept a watch on the disc brakes fitted at each corner.Inside, the LS400 was appropriately equipped with leather trim, power front seats, power mirrors and windows, seven-speaker radio/cassette sound with a six-stacker CD player, cruise control, and a driver’s airbag. Remote central locking along with an alarm and immobiliser kept thieves at bay.A passenger’s airbag was added in 1992, at the same time 16-inch alloy wheels replaced the 15-inch alloys fitted that were standard from 1990.IN THE SHOPImpeccable build quality and renowned Toyota reliability mean there is little that goes wrong with the LS400. Add to that owners who have the wherewithal to look after them, keep them clean and have them properly serviced and they can be bought with confidence.Even so look carefully for proof of service, particularly a service book with verifiable entries confirming service by a credible service agent. Check engine and transmission vitals and look for fluids that are old and in need of replacement, a sure sign that servicing has been neglected.Check body carefully for colour mismatches, crook panel fit, variable gaps between panels, which are a sure sign of repairs. Check alloy wheels for damaged caused by being driven into kerbs, and look further for suspension damage if wheels are heavily scarred.OWNER’S VIEWChris Smith bought a 1993 LS400 and loved it for its quality, engine, quietness, comfort and appointments, ride and exterior design, and has no problem with its perceived lack of prestige. His only problem (odo now says 190,000 km) was the replacement of the power steering oil reservoir at 100,000 km for around $1400. He says they are tremendous second hand value.LOOK FOR• great build quality with perfect panel gaps and fit.• silky smooth engine and drive line for fuss free motoring.• every conceivable comfort and convenience fitment.• good performance despite weighty body.• renowned Toyota reliability on a grand scale.• premium newcomer that lacks prestige of the traditional makes.

Just as things are calming after Toyota's eight-million-vehicle mistakes in the USA and Europe, Mazda is hit with a 90,000-car recall in Japan and China.Australia has again dodged the recall, which only applies to a specific model of the Mazda3 not sold here, but things are looking tougher for even the world's most-admired brands. "The Mazda3 is not affected in Australia," says company spokesman Steve Maciver. "It's only the 1.6-litre engine, which we do not get here."But Toyota Australia was forced to recall the latest Prius hybrid for tweaking of the braking system; elderly Daihatsus have been recalled - ironically, under the Toyota banner; and Great Wall was forced to recall the first batch of its Chinese twin-cab utes to rectify a seat belt problem.Even Suzuki, which has one of the lowest warranty-claim rates in the country, was forced to recall the baby Alto because of a problem with wiring to the stoplights. Suzuki Australia is still sourcing a replacement stoplamp switch and will contact owners.Then there is Toyota USA, which is hit with another cloud over the Lexus GS460. It's a heavyweight SUV which is built up from the Prado and, thanks to an unsafe rating by the influential magazine 'Consumer Reports', sales have been stopped while the company conducts safety tests. It is responding to claims the car can develop a tail slide, leading to a rollover, in an emergency situation. Once again, Toyota Australia is responding with a 'no panic' reply."The Lexus GX460 is not and has never been sold in Australia. Toyota Motor Corporation Japan has advised us that Prado is not affected by the sales stop. It has a smaller engine and significantly less weight overall, particularly over the front wheels, says Toyota and Lexus spokesman, Mike Breen. Toyota is even putting a positive spin on the Lexus development."This is firm evidence of Toyota’s stated intention to respond even more quickly to ensure quality and customer satisfaction. It shows that Toyota is taking the matter seriously and are determined to identify and correct the issue that was identified," Breen says. "Having done that, Toyota Motor Corporation has adopted its normal approach of conducting further tests on other SUVs. These vehicles have already undergone extensive testing and Toyota is confident they meet its high safety standards. Toyota is therefore conducting these tests as an additional measure to ensure customer confidence."And it's not just cheap-and-cheerful car brands that get caught up in recalls. Ferrari is also suffering after recalling more than 2000 of its F355 model fitted with a single fuel pump system and sold in the 1990s. Ferrari says it will be contacting known owners so their cars can be checked for a problem with the fuel system pipes.Porsche, meanwhile, plans to recall 152 of its all-new Panamera flagship, which sells from $270,000 to $365,000. They have to be checked for faulty seatbelt mounting points.

Toyota has announced the voluntary recall of 1.7m vehicles worldwide, including some of its luxury Lexus models, over a fuel leak.  This brings to approximately 12m the total number of recalls since 2009 when acceleration problems were blamed for fatal crashes overseas.The latest recall affects only 4844 Australian owners of Lexus IS250 vehicles built between August 2007 and February 2009.  Australian Toyota/Lexus spokesperson Laura Hill said there have been no reports of accidents or injuries here or overseas due to the fuel leak.She said only one of the 117 worldwide reports of owners smelling leaking petrol was in Australia.  Lexus will notify owners by mail to make an appointment with their dealer for the free repair."It takes between two and three hours," Hill said.  "It's a small repair; tightening the fuel pressure sensor to the fuel delivery pipe, or replacing a gasket if there is a leak."Vehicles affected overseas are powered by an Avensis engine which is not included in Toyota or Lexus vehicles available in Australia, she said.

It's the fourth time this year that the country's top selling brand has been forced into a recall for a safety problem, this time involving the Toyota Kluger and a range of Lexus models.The recall was triggered by a problem in the braking system that can lead to a fluid leak.  A total of 77 cases have been reported by owners in Australia and 17,582 Klugers and another 8201 Lexus vehicles will be recalled in a global total of more than 1.5 million vehicles.Toyota spokesman, Mike Breen, says the company is already working to advise customers and get the vehicles repaired.  The problem can occur because the Toyota braking system on the vehicles involved needs brake fluid containing lubricating polymers. If different fluid is used, a rubber seal at the end of the brake master cylinder can be damaged and allow a fluid leak to develop.  "We're only talking about a trickle of fluid. But the brake warning light can come on," Breen says.The affected Klugers were built between May 2003 and November 2005, while the Lexus vehicles involved are the RX330 SUV built between February 2003 and October 2005, the GS300 built from January 2005 to November 2005, and the IS250 built from September 2005 to November 2005.Breen says Toyota moved quickly to identify the problem, using the new global recall system put in place after the disastrous worldwide recall of 8.5 million cars last year for a faulty accelerator pedal."I'd suggested we picked it up more quickly with the new system. We had to wait for Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan to identify the situation," he says.The latest recall follows one for a steering problem in the LandCruiser, another in September for a faulty tailshaft support in some HiLux models, and one in February for re-calibration of the braking system in the Prius hybrid.The solution for the latest recall is to replace the questionable part in the braking system, then flush the braking system and replace the fluid.