The 2006 Lexus Is 220d, while offering luxury and comfort, has its share of potential issues. This guide provides a detailed overview of the pros and cons, common problems, and crucial checks to perform before purchasing this diesel sedan. This information will help you make an informed decision and potentially save you from costly repairs down the line.
Pros of the 2006 Lexus IS 220d
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Well-Equipped: The 2006 IS 220d, particularly the Sport trim, boasts a generous list of features for its age, including automatic lights and wipers, memory and fully electric seats with lumbar support, a premium sound system (often the Mark Levinson), auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and start, and parking sensors. A nine-mode sunroof was also available as an option.
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Comfortable Ride: The IS 220d provides a comfortable ride, especially on longer journeys, surpassing many of its competitors in terms of driving comfort and practicality.
Cons and Common Problems
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High Running Costs: Expect significant expenses related to road tax and fuel. The IS 220d falls into a high tax band. Real-world fuel economy often falls short of the manufacturer’s claims, averaging around 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Aggressive driving can further reduce these figures.
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Problematic Gearbox: The six-speed manual gearbox is a known weakness. Non-Sport models struggle to reach 6th gear at highway speeds due to low RPMs, while Sport models suffer from short gear ratios, rendering 1st and 6th gear practically useless. The gearbox itself feels heavy and clunky, with a noticeable crunch when shifting into lower gears.
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Underpowered Engine: The Toyota D4D engine, shared with the Toyota Avensis, feels underpowered in the larger IS 220d. Acceleration is sluggish, particularly in first gear, with the turbocharger kicking in around 2000 RPM.
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Engine Reliability Concerns: This engine is prone to several common issues. Fuel injectors often fail, head gaskets are known to blow, and the EGR valve can become clogged, requiring regular cleaning.
Essential Pre-Purchase Inspection
Before the Test Drive:
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Head Gasket: Inspect the oil cap for frothy residue or a milky appearance, indicating a potential head gasket leak. Check the coolant level and ensure it’s a healthy pink color and topped off.
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Fuel Injectors: With the engine running, listen for rattling or knocking sounds near the injectors. Look for any fuel leaks around them. These are expensive problems to fix.
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Electrical Functionality: Test the automatic lights and wipers. Cover the sensor on the windscreen (where the rearview mirror is located) to activate the lights. Splash water on the windscreen to trigger the wipers. Verify all seat adjustments, memory functions, radio, air conditioning, and sunroof operation.
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Fuel Economy Check: Reset the average MPG and monitor it during an extended test drive. Remember that the displayed figures might be slightly optimistic.
During and After the Test Drive:
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Brakes: Check for even heat distribution across all brake calipers. Uneven temperatures could indicate seized calipers. Ensure the brakes feel firm and responsive, not spongy.
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Oil Filter Housing: Confirm that the oil filter cap can be removed. Overtightening can make it impossible to access, requiring a costly replacement of the entire housing.
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Shocks and Suspension: Inspect for leaking shock absorbers. While not a critical issue, replacements can be expensive and sometimes difficult to source.
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Exhaust Smoke: Watch for excessive smoke during hard acceleration, which could signify serious engine problems.
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Clutch: Listen for rattling or vibration when the clutch pedal is depressed. The biting point should be within a normal range, and there should be no burning smell.
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Exhaust Fumes: Check for exhaust smells inside and outside the cabin after the test drive, which could point to a faulty catalytic converter.
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Rust: Thoroughly examine the wheel arches and undercarriage for excessive rust.
Conclusion: Consider Alternatives
The 2006 Lexus IS 220d presents a blend of luxury and potential problems. The combination of high running costs, a troublesome gearbox, and engine reliability concerns make it a risky purchase. Before buying, perform a thorough inspection, focusing on the potential problem areas outlined above. Consider the IS 250 petrol version or alternatives like the Audi A5, BMW 520d, or Mercedes E-Class for a potentially more reliable and cost-effective ownership experience. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.
