What problems would you advise others when buying a IS200?

I am creating a buyers guide to help those who are looking to buy. I have some data but I would like further input please.

I will make sure your credited in the guide for your contribution.

This may take a month or two to compile so please add as many pointers as you can to this thread. I'll then place the guide up in a more prominent place when finished.

thanks guys

wow, i know they are reliable LOL

apart from all the background checks, such as V5C, engine numbers, VIN numbers, service history, you also can check past MOT records on DVLA website for free with the mileage.

now down to the car

1, overall conditions, extra attention to the give-way signs such as excess wear on steering wheel, gas peddle, seats.
2, accident/repair signs?
3, timing belt/water pump changed? evidence of changing?
4, ball joints
5, uneven ware of any tyres?
6, start the engine when cold with bonnet open, listen to it, after it warms up shut the bonnet, you shouldn't be able to hear the engine running

etc.... I only got a few mins to response to this list, I am sure others will get you a much better list, will come back to update this when I got a few mins

Felix

Check power steering by locking each way.
Check rear hub bushes.
Gearboxs in a lot of is's are poor
Check for clutch judder.
That's just a few off hand for the moment.
Reliable they may be but there are several known issues and price of parts from lexus is pretty steep.

check calipers they intend to seize as my both have and also any rattling noise's as experianced in my previous is200

Check front fogs are working - they can corrode and new ones are around £140 each

Also check for front inner tyre wear, a known problem. Can easily be corrected by a trip to see Tony @ WIM

clutch judder is a pain, but then its so common and can be throughout the life of the car, so am not sure if its a walk away thing or not.

Also, check radio works - try inserting all 6 CD's from fresh, playing and ejecting (removing fully) then reinserting. Error 3 is common issue as well as missfeeding.

Check clip is present for front drivers car mat - if there is one - this was an original recall issue on the earlier cars due to the good old Toyota accelerator sticking due to slipping car mat issue! When will they learn!

Check inner left well in the boot for signs of water - apparently there is a drain for the sunroof in there which can get blocked and the boot gets wet.

Check full size alloy spare is present - they all came with one.

Not all IS200's had isofix, so if this is important, check in the rear seat gaps - it cannot be retro fitted. Think it was standard from Sept 2001.

There is also a current recall on the IS200 from 2003 I think regarding the brake cylinder or something.

Check if original windscreen is fitted or if its a Pilkington replacement - they have a common problem with leaking around the heater cable from the bottom part of the screen and can fry the main relay/control board if you are unlucky - over £500 to replace! Pilkington/AutoGlass should be aware of the issue but I doubt they have done anything about it other than be careful when fitting. Just something to be aware of - you can check under the drivers side corner of the dash for signs of water - or ask the owner if he has ever had issues with the front lights being left one and not turning off - or with locking/alarm functions.

IS200 exhaust system is stainless steel but they are starting to get a little old now so might be worth checking the condition.

Check braking in a straight line as the frontg calipers sliding pins and lower pistons have a nasty habit of siezing.

Listen out for a scraping noise from the rear brakes - if had newish rear discs, as the commonised the parts and the inner lip rubs on the inner backing plate - Lexus rectification - grind it back!

Think spark plugs are 100k lifespan so if mileage higher than this then check they have been renewed. (denso iridium)

Inner tyre wear is common and to some extent expected of a car with wide tyres and from camber - but it shoudl NOT be excessive if tyres are not that high mileage.

Front ball joints used to go a lot, as did water pumps sometimes. Check cambelt as idler roller used to push the belt onto the cover and wear it down.

Don't worry about the fact that all the nuts/bolt heads etc are rusty to hell - that seems normal for Lexus! Grrr.

Touch wood, the only probs I've had on my 120K IS200 are:

- cd deck died;
- ball joints;
- bonnet hood rod recepticle snapped;
- fuel release flap release tensioner snapped; and

Other than that, very reliable!

[quote name='psl' timestamp='1290773174' post='739376']
Touch wood, the only probs I've had on my 120K IS200 are:

- cd deck died;
- ball joints;
- bonnet hood rod recepticle snapped;
- fuel release flap release tensioner snapped; and

Other than that, very reliable!
[/quote]
How did you fix your cd deck problem? Mine wont work. The tape works great but not the cd deck... is it costly to fix it? ive got a cd stuck in there now as well (upside down)... HELP... !!!

[quote name='Daftasrags' timestamp='1294253643' post='742604']
[quote name='psl' timestamp='1290773174' post='739376']
Touch wood, the only probs I've had on my 120K IS200 are:

- cd deck died;
- ball joints;
- bonnet hood rod recepticle snapped;
- fuel release flap release tensioner snapped; and

Other than that, very reliable!
[/quote]
How did you fix your cd deck problem? Mine wont work. The tape works great but not the cd deck... is it costly to fix it? ive got a cd stuck in there now as well (upside down)... HELP... !!!
[/quote]


Have you sorted your CD player yet?
It is quite an easy fix, once you have done it once. If you are careful you CAN remove a jammed CD from the carrier. But you need 4 hands!! Shout if its still a problem.

i have error 1 with cd player, looked at replacing with uprated cd player but opted to buy a £15 tape player/ipod convertor from argos, plug into tape deck connect to ipod/blackberry/audio device and press play on audio device, works a treat and saves spending on new surround etc.

Thanks for this great post. I'm very interested in getting a IS200 very soon and this information will help. thanks again.

Fantastic tips thanks the dawg

Exactly what I came in here to ask! Fantastic!

One question:

Can you see the ball joints with the car on the road - how does the problem manifest itself? Noisy? Notchy?

Ta.

Known issues to look for;

Replacement windscreen - They leak if not fitted correctly and cause no end of problems.
Do the headlights work correctly, or has the circuit been modified? If its modified, it will cost to get it fixed as the Theft ECU is at fault.
Stainless Exhaust system, yes they have one, but as most are now 11/12 years old, they WILL be getting tired, has it been replaced?

Alternatively, stay away. Problems they throw up are costly to repair if you are a dealer only person and hate getting your hands dirty.

[quote name='D6NGR' timestamp='1287329552' post='735400']
check calipers they intend to seize as my both have and also any rattling noise's as experianced in my previous is200
[/quote]
Hi I have a big if wobble from steering wheel at 60 and alot when I brake. Did you have this with seized calipers

Would also add the infamous 'knock', usually on the n/s/f. I've had it for a long time, am just about to get the o/s top mount replaced as that's the only thing left to change. I'll report back.

[quote name='kevin nicolson' timestamp='1301419092' post='750732']
i have error 1 with cd player, looked at replacing with uprated cd player but opted to buy a £15 tape player/ipod convertor from argos, plug into tape deck connect to ipod/blackberry/audio device and press play on audio device, works a treat and saves spending on new surround etc.
[/quote]

I have the Grom Audio iPod cable - it's brilliant! About £70, plugs straight into the back of the head unit and the connector is routed behind the dash through to the iPod in its cradle to the right of the drivers wheel, so it's all hidden. Sounds fantastic and charges at the same time - can't recommend it enough [url="http://www.gromaudio.com/store/ipd3_adapters/toyota_lexus_scion_ipod_adapter_direct_digital_interface.html"]Grom link[/url]

Oh, and the head unit can also control the iPod e.g. next/previous track etc.

Hi guys, glad to introduce myself as a possible new entry into the lexus-owners community, currently in search of the right is200 I have read through the tips in this thread, which no doubt are very useful, and make sure I will be using them. Has the buyers' guide been completed as yet?
Thanks

[quote name='Daftasrags' timestamp='1294253643' post='742604']
[quote name='psl' timestamp='1290773174' post='739376']
Touch wood, the only probs I've had on my 120K IS200 are:

- cd deck died;
- ball joints;
- bonnet hood rod recepticle snapped;
- fuel release flap release tensioner snapped; and

Other than that, very reliable!
[/quote]
How did you fix your cd deck problem? Mine wont work. The tape works great but not the cd deck... is it costly to fix it? ive got a cd stuck in there now as well (upside down)... HELP... !!!
[/quote]

That made me laugh when you said you had a cd upside down lol, you can get a replacement second hand one off ebay this one has an hour left and is cheap http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LEXUS-IS200-98-04-RADIO-MULTI-CD-CASSETTE-PLAYER-/200643598818?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eb74a59e2 as for the cd in your maybe take it apart if its dead?

[quote name='nicki d' timestamp='1310946245' post='758966']
[quote name='D6NGR' timestamp='1287329552' post='735400']
check calipers they intend to seize as my both have and also any rattling noise's as experianced in my previous is200
[/quote]
Hi I have a big if wobble from steering wheel at 60 and alot when I brake. Did you have this with seized calipers
[/quote]


This could be warped front discs. Had the same in mine - replaced with a new set of Brembo discs (£80 from web) and all good now.

Check that the Security Wheel Locknut Key is not damaged and make sure that you know which of the many variations in design of the Security Locknuts is correct for the car in question. The Locknut should be in a box complete with a label listing the design style number of the item. If the locknut is damaged - a very common fault caused by using impact air wrenches when new tyres are fitted - without this identification number you are lost and the only way to get the locknuts off the wheels is to smash them off risking damage to the alloy wheels

hi all
new member to this forum and new owner of a Lexus IS200 2002

can i join in and ask a question for a problem that has arisen.

the steering seems to 'judder' when turning. this only seems to happen when the car is started from cold. this seems to clear by the time i've reached the end of the road.

any suggestions as to what the problem may be?

thanks in advance for any suggestions

terry

[quote name='XK8BMWLexus' timestamp='1316189966' post='763531']
hi all
new member to this forum and new owner of a Lexus IS200 2002

can i join in and ask a question for a problem that has arisen.

the steering seems to 'judder' when turning. this only seems to happen when the car is started from cold. this seems to clear by the time i've reached the end of the road.

any suggestions as to what the problem may be?

thanks in advance for any suggestions

terry
[/quote]

low fluid or Air in the pas fluid?

I own a 53 plate IS200 and have done for the last 4 1/2 years or so. One previous owner and currently has 67k on the clock.

Problems when purchased (4 years ago) - clutch and flywheel replaced - all ok now but it was a very slight slip. Knocking noise on front offside - still persists (every now and then) despite shocks and top mounts replaced.

I fell for the corrosion on rear disc plates noise and ended up getting a bearing replaced ( but was refunded the cost when the problem was revealed)

No other problems - battery is getting a bit jaded but is still the original (nearly 8 years old)

Typical problem: the alloys will be flaking !

Otherwise, only needed a new battery due to the low mileage we do. It does pretty funny things once the battery is low (you get all kinds of warning lights lighting up).

Oh yes... make sure the numberplate lamps work

my first IS200, picked it up in Kent drove home to Coventry no problems, although along the way i noticed the following

AC lights up but doesnt get cold, re-gas required i think

Lights seem very dim at night

Dashboard indicator for ligths does not illuminate when they are switched on

I dont have a user manual or Fuse diagram

seems to pull to left although tracking suggests they are correct at kwik-fit

As for the cd stereo.... actually it's really a straight forward thing... take out the unit... removed the cover and clean the lens. I use my gf "cleansing toner" with soft cotton and IT WORKS.... now it's play any burns cd's format.


I myself just recently bought a IS200 Sport of 2001(after many months of searching ) .... it's an old car just need to take to garage for the timming cambelt changed now.

I'm not an expert on this but this is what i do when I bought my Is200 and a lot of tips from LOC

Hi all

Just joined as Ive just got my Lexus two weeks ago. I'm a mechancic and have been looking after the car I have bought for the last 5 or 6 years and had always told the previous owner I would buy it when he was done with it. It has done 238000 miles and feels as tight as some 2 year old cars that I work on. I have known this car for ages and know its faults so I hope this is helpful.

Power steering pump went at about 150k, the symptoms were noisy steering at rest and it felt notchy when turned.

CD unit went wrong - Ebay replacement and really easy to fit.

Front wheel bearing but to be fair its done galactic mileage but be warned they are expensive. The symptoms are a whine or droning noise when driving.

Been reading about tyre wear problems, this is probably the front lower arms, you can get bush kits but its best to replace the arm, these were Lexus only bits and dear at about £110 per arm without the fitting. Grab the front wheel and pull it toward the front and back of the car, if they are shot you will see and feel movement, it will be obvious its too much.

Front brake calipers need properly servicing else it will eat brake discs, they should be cleaned and the sliders copper slipped to prevent this. I would only fit quality discs and pads as Ive seen (not on this IS200) front pads without the heat dissipation groove and discs that rub the rear stone gaurd when the car is cornered from cheaper parts. Check for brake judder, make sure you get them hot on a test they shouldnt judder through the steering wheel.

Not known a cambelt let go on a Lexus (I know it has happened) but the previous owner never had it done on mine in over 150k miles! This was a nightmare and would have written the car off at its mileage if I had been paying a garage bill. We had to access the flywheel to lock it as the bottom pulley would not come off even with an HGV impact tool. This would be my biggest warning, check it has had its belt and idlers.

Sounds all doom and gloom but it really isnt, they are brilliant cars and I would highly recommend them.

Cheers

Tommo

Thanks[img]http://www.prettygirlsphoto.com/img/V/d.gif[/img]

Great tips guys. Used them wisely (ish) and am now the proud owner of a is200 1999, auto. 83k miles. Love it so much. Makes me smile when I drive it.

Just one problem. A knocking from the rear wheel and a metal on metal scraping noise. Only occurred after I jet washed it. Hope don't mind me posting on here.

Any ideas? Taking it to my mechanic later on today.

still no mention of the keys... the car has 3 keys... if you only have one this will be hell to replace but it is do-able make sure you use it as a means of negotiation

Wow, for a notoriously reliable car, they seem to have their fair share of common problems... I'm beginning to wonder what i've brought into.... :-/ Eeeeep. My IS200 has 92k on the clock and the cambelt is due in 8K or before as is a full service which was last done last april. I need to magic some money out of my a*se and fast by the sounds of it...

NAh if you don't have problems now or when you bought it you should be fine like i said the worst bit on the car is the keys... the rest is do-able if you are a bit handy