Hi Scotty,

Everyone keeps telling me I should have bought the IS250, but I bought the IS220D diesel 2AD-FHV engine over here in the UK. It's like I'm gonna be driving down the road one day and find myself in a Gremlins 3 movie the way people go on. Head gasket, carbon buildup -- you name it. It seems to have the reputation of a Lexus-made brand new junker.

It's the inline 4 turbo with a 175BHP 2.2L engine and I know the NA engines are better. But it was £3000 with 60,000 miles and 15 services at the Lexus dealership - so maybe 5 total if I'm lucky.

In retrospect I probably should have got the IS250. But it's the 2006 model with only the EGR and no DPF. I maintain it religiously and although I still haven't got around to changing the fuel filter (and its probably never been done) it runs like a champ.

Lexus are unaware of any head gasket issues, but they did mention carbon buildup (trying to get the ATS carbon oil cleaner stuff over here in the UK). I'd like to leave it as it is, but some recommend deleting and blocking the EGR valve. I remember you saying in a video that the EGR cools the engine, so I'm reluctant to do that.

I bought this to see me through a year or so until I can get the funds for a better Lexus/Toyota engine. But if it runs and drives without blowing a head gasket once a month, I don't see why I shouldn't keep it.

All the best.

Alex