Fellow IS250 & GS300-50
Fellow IS250 & GS300-50 owners...
I've got bad news -----
I recently spoke with a very reputable & well known lawyer & law firm out of Los Angeles, who has successfully taken cases and won & currently has a couple cases, against various large auto manufacturers. He looked at our thread / this page and a couple others on the web pertaining to the carbon build up issue prior to reaching out to me for out appointment. He also had me obtain a copy of the " 9 yr Bulletin" Lexus issued for said issue so he could view the wording, etc.
He shared, that although there is clearly a manufacture / product defect, in the court of law and how the laws are written, when interpreted by every judge he has had a case against for various defects & issues, should a new car / truck properly function for 4 to 5 years max from the date it is purchased, the car / truck "lasted" / did it's job and the auto maker rarely is or can be held responsible.
So, he said that although there is clearly a defect, and it sucks Lexus is not standing by its cars, being the full issue, pistons failing, misfiring, build up and challenges etc., does not occur in most cases until the 9 year mark / Bulletin time frame, we do not have a case or in his words, one he feels comfortable taking because he knows it would be a losing battle.
The above said.... for my situation & car, instead of dropping a dime to "repair" the issue, even though Lexus "offered" to cover the parts ($1800-2500)... I requested they cover the top engine cleaning (retail cost $300-600). Lexus agreed and honestly, my car has never ran smoother.
Yes, it is a Band-Aid and eventually (probably 3-5 years) the issue will come back AND I didn't plan on buying a new car for another couple of years.... the top engine cleaning works(ed), allowed me to clear all the check engine lights etc, and when I find the next car I want to buy.... I can & will still get full KBB trade in or private sale value.
If you haven't done so... I would recommended you do the same. Sorry I struck out!