Miss my IS200

johnyt · 27 Apr 2017 at 21:15

I miss my IS200.

Keep thinking I should get another or maybe go for the IS250. I have a E320 estate at the moment which has the petrol 3.2 V6. Its quite quick but I miss the IS200s handling the merc just isn't as fun to drive.

Or something else sporty of a similar type?

almoststew1990 · 27 Apr 2017 at 21:58

I think it was an e46 competitor so... e46?

Havana_UK · 27 Apr 2017 at 22:08

I like your trousers

Dis86 · 27 Apr 2017 at 23:19

I like your shoes.

mccarf · 27 Apr 2017 at 23:55

Car throttle on youtube are doing a project on one of these atm. Never been that interested in them before but the car actually looks, sounds and goes pretty well now they've modified it. Get another!

LeMson · 28 Apr 2017 at 00:36

Jazzy getup!

Logsi · 28 Apr 2017 at 06:54

Altezza RS200. Were they quicker? Seemed sporty.

wingman · 28 Apr 2017 at 08:37

mccarf said:
Car throttle on youtube are doing a project on one of these atm. Never been that interested in them before but the car actually looks, sounds and goes pretty well now they've modified it. Get another!

Yeah I saw that, very interesting videos actually, despite being sponsored by eBay!

Looking forward to the rest.

Cookeh · 28 Apr 2017 at 08:43

I loved our IS200 too, my uncle had an E46 320i at the time too and I preferred the IS in every way.

They're becoming really rather cheap now, and they do have a SportCross (estate) version; it's not the largest of boots but certainly a step up from the saloon if you need the space.

Logsi said:
Altezza RS200. Were they quicker? Seemed sporty.

They were, but they're much much rarer and command a several thousand pound premium.

Concrete · 28 Apr 2017 at 08:48

I've owned my IS300 Sportcross for coming up to 5 years now.

Nothing has ever really gone wrong with it, utterly reliable.

Reasonably practical, and just enough bhp + LSD = fun.

Best car I've ever owned.

Glanza · 28 Apr 2017 at 08:56

mccarf said:
Car throttle on youtube are doing a project on one of these atm. Never been that interested in them before but the car actually looks, sounds and goes pretty well now they've modified it. Get another!

Won't be too long before he super charges it. Laughable mpg but they don't half shift once done.

I had a standard spec for a year and it was possibly the most comfy car I've driven.

Will Gill · 28 Apr 2017 at 09:04

I would expect the OP to reply to this post in approximately 4-5 years time

wedrum · 28 Apr 2017 at 09:16

i reckon 5 years time

Uncle_Gravy · 28 Apr 2017 at 09:44

I really like that generation IS cars, but never understood why the IS300 never had the option of a manual.

inflames · 28 Apr 2017 at 11:21

I am on my 2nd IS200, first one was a 1999 and the my recent one is a 2003 plate. I had a E46 BMW 320I Touring and one other car between them. The IS is good car just the right amount of BHP to have a little fun, but i really wish it has lots more. The biggest issue now with the IS200 is rust, they are a fairly old car now and a lot on the road are rusting. I would like 3rd get GS300 or GS430 next, but i really need an estate.

dacads · 28 Apr 2017 at 16:28

Aren't these terrible on fuel?

I.e doesn't really match the performance

agw_01 · 28 Apr 2017 at 16:38

My mate has had a couple. An auto RS200 and a manual IS200 which he ended up supercharging. With a welded rear diff, it was a lot of fun.

He started to put a 3S-GTE (I think) into an IS200 for a friend but said friend messed him about so he handed the car back.

IS200 has an inline 6, RS200 has an inline 4.

Clarkey · 28 Apr 2017 at 16:41

Yep, G and JZ series engines were awful on fuel, especially with an auto trans behind them. The GR V6 engines which replaced them are hugely improved. My old GS300 with 2JZ averaged 20mpg, the newer Mark X with 4GR does 34mpg and the performance is about the same after dropping to 2.5l.

When it comes to XE10 chassis the only choice is the 6 speed Altezza RS200, all the rest are kind of junk including the auto RS200.

dacads · 28 Apr 2017 at 20:54

Yeah wouldn't mind a 3rd gen GS300 with the 3.0 V6, not that I have any need but great bang for buck.

Insurance rules out most options ATM though as I'm not willing to pay £1k+

shahpor · 28 Apr 2017 at 22:49

I have had my IS220d for almost 2 years now. It is not as good as the petrol version, but I still love it. Almost 20k and it has been comfortable and reliable.

What makes a nice change for me is the dealers. Lexus main dealers are not cheap, but the service I have received from them has been excellent. In fact, I went there today for a problem; Last week, I had 2 front calipers replaced under warranty (They gave me a nearly new IS300h for 6 days while they sorted it), but I noticed my brakes started to squeal afterwards. Spoke to them and they told me to bring it back in. So, while I waited, they took the pads out, noticed a few high spots, sorted it out along with greasing the back, and gave it a wash. It didn't cost me a thing, and they have some rather nice coffee as well

I am thinking of a GS450h next since I hear they are rather rapid.