Lexus IS 200

[v0n]

IS200 is not for people who wanted 3 series but couldn't stand the badge, but those to whom Avensis was too poverty and too lardy. It's for people who think "affordable luxury" and 3 series doesn't even cross their mind (and it shouldn't, there is very little luxurious about 3 series).

Having said all that - brilliant interior, really well done as well, way ahead of it's rivals at the time and looking at equipment levels at 5k they are bargain. Downside is - engines are just too uneuropean - thirsty but no particular poke, unless you go straight to 3 litre, but even then, there are better engines around.

 

[Zip]

unless you go straight to 3 litre, but even then, there are better engines around.

ISnt that the UZ series that your talking about in there? I would love that engine

 

[Saytan]

a friend of mine has one. he hosed the clutch and needs a new flywheel, leading to him bidding a fond farewell to £1600. they also drink like a glaswegian alchy if given some shoe.

 

[gjc10212]

A close friend also has an IS200 - overall it seemed ok, the interior very dated looking and felt cheap, buttons were tacky the plastic vast and overwhelming.

He said it was slow too, his words ' his old Passat td was quicker ' . Still he was lured in by the gizmos it offered over the Passat - silly old fart (and he's only 31 )

 

[Hate]

TDI powertuning dropped a supra twin turbo engine into an IS200, well it was more shoe-horned.

Don't bother if you want to tune them, they require a lot more than bolt on parts. if you can find the Toyota Altezza (basically jap version with 200BHP 4cyl BEAMS engine) thats quite fun

 

[v0n]

A close friend also has an IS200 - overall it seemed ok, the interior very dated looking and felt cheap, buttons were tacky the plastic vast and overwhelming.

Let's take a reasonable approach - let's all have a look and judge it:

I don't claim to be up to date with bleeding edge of interior design and most certainly don't subscribe to Bang & Olufsen leaflets but when I think "dated", "cheap" and "tacky" IS200 rarely gets close to the definition...
Perhaps it is also worth noting we are talking £5 grand car here? Do we see that many better interiors in that price range?

 

[Slinwagh]

I would advise against buying an old IS200 - around Liverpool they are being snapped by chavs and small time drug runners as high mileage ex fleet cars are available fairly cheaply. This will no doubt catch on elsewhere in 6 months time.

This applies to BMW's too !!!!

 

[MrCake]

A friend of mine who is a mechanic had one and hated it. It cost a bomb when it went wrong which it did frequently, and he has replaced it with a new shape focus. He is much happier with the Focus and say it feels in a different league to his IS200 as far as ride and performance and overall satisfaction.

 

[Seigal12]

Thanks for the info, I think this may not be my sort of car. Thing is, this has started pushing me in the BMW direction.

Other then a BWM (which is probably out of price range) what else can you suggest? Another option I was given was a Skoda Octavia vRS.

See, I want something with some kick in performance, but with loads of electrics and luxury goods like ESP, Climate Control & ABS. Without going to the new Ford Focus (don't like the shape).

 

[ajgoodfellow]

For cruising, Rover 75

If you don't mind sacrificing a spot of comfort for handling get an MG ZT

 

[Phil W]

Do we see that many better interiors in that price range?

/awaits [TW]Fox with the BMW images

 

[ajgoodfellow]

Do we see that many better interiors in that price range?

Rover 75:

 

[v0n]

Oh phleeeeeease, and why you had to pick the picture with that awful white trim? Change it to the half alcantara and black leather dude.

 

[ajgoodfellow]

Oh phleeeeeease, and why you had to pick the picture with that awful white trim? Change it to the half alcantara and black leather dude.

Just picked the first result from a Google Image search

 

[Morba]

i like the shape of the is200, probably more than the e46 in equivalent form.

a nice black one with tinted windows and carbon bonnet and anthracite alloys was at weston wheels last year, looked very nice.

 

[JiBeRjAbEr]

Thanks for the info, I think this may not be my sort of car. Thing is, this has started pushing me in the BMW direction.

Other then a BWM (which is probably out of price range) what else can you suggest? Another option I was given was a Skoda Octavia vRS.

See, I want something with some kick in performance, but with loads of electrics and luxury goods like ESP, Climate Control & ABS. Without going to the new Ford Focus (don't like the shape).

Why dont you take a look over at the lexus owners club for more info Certainly some of the info you will get on there will be honest about what to look for etc

 

[Firestar_3x]

Why dont you take a look over at the lexus owners club for more info Certainly some of the info you will get on there will be honest about what to look for etc

The words 'Owners Club' & 'Honest Opinion' don't belong in the same sentance

But i do agree if you want further tech info thats the best place to ask.

 

[Conscript]

"Since owning a Lexus, it's amazing the number of Lexii you see around"
"Lexus is like the Japanese Mercedes".

Don't do it.

Are you wearing Lynx?

 

[D4VE]

Probably more reliable than a 3 series, but obviously not as classy.
Interior is a bit boring on the IS200 really, Id say the new Accord is nicer inside.

 

[JiBeRjAbEr]

The words 'Owners Club' & 'Honest Opinion' don't belong in the same sentance

But i do agree if you want further tech info thats the best place to ask.

hehe, but if you read what I said I was refering to them knowing what to watch out for when he looks at one