Hey! I totally get your problem. I'm Leo, more of a car enthusiast than a mechanic, so some experience but not much. I had a very similar issue with my '09 Lexus IS, pretty sure it's the same line as yours. My diagnostics pointed to DPF internally defective too. I tried sorting it out myself, with limited success. Then I turned to my local workshop. They know their stuff and handled it efficiently for me. The damage? 1550€. Yep, not exactly cheap but it got the job done. Painful, but necessary. Can I ask about your car maintenance? Regular servicing or any notable repair history? With this info, maybe we could delve deeper into the issue. It might get us closer to your solution.

Hey Leo, great to hear from you! Yeah, enduring car issues is a bit of an uphill battle huh? I always keep up with my regular servicing, which was last done around the 192,026 KM mark just a few months back. Had the engine oil, air filters and stuff changed, but nothing major. But I do remember some repairs on the exhaust system years ago, they might have messed it up again, who knows. But hey, following your experience, I'm thinking it might actually be the DPF. I also tried to handle the issue myself, wasn't really much of a success either. If it comes to it, I guess I'll just have to take the hit on the cost, too. It's days like these I wish teleportation was a thing! Thanks again for the reply Leo, cheers!

Hey again, seems like we're both stuck in the same boat with our old Lexuses, huh? And yeah, I'm with you on the teleportation thing, life would be so much easier! About the routine servicing, it's great that you've kept up with it. Your past exhaust repairs made me think though. An improperly fixed issue could potentially cause the symptoms you're experiencing. So, that could be something to consider. And I totally feel your struggle trying to fix this on your own first! I tried DIY solutions multiple times before admitting defeat and taking it to the workshop. Truth is, taking apart a DPF is really a job for the professionals, learned it the hard way. So if you ask me, if the symptoms persist, taking it to the professionals is the wisest decision. Fingers crossed it's nothing worse than DPF. If it is, then the cost isn’t pleasant, but at least your Lexus still has plenty of life left in it. Best of luck! Let’s keep in touch and keep each other updated, eh?

Hey Leo, thanks a ton! Yeah looks like our beloved beasts chose to act up, huh? Teleportation sure would've been a killer solution! At this point, I'm seriously considering just biting the bullet and taking it to a garage. Probably less of a headache and probably more efficient than me poking around under the hood. Fingers crossed the damage isn't too hefty on my wallet. And hey, let's keep each other posted on how things work out for our Lexuses. Surely they can't keep challenging us forever, right? Cheers appreciate your help!