Well, I finally stopped driving (and smiling at) the car long enough to follow-up on this post.
I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw the car; I'd seen photos and I'd had a mechanical inspection done so I knew there were no serious problems, however, it was in really great condition. I took it easy for the first 100 or so miles over to WIM from Bristol.
When the guys from WIM got it up for alignment, the toe/camber were marginally out, they put this right but had to leave the caster (which had got worse) as there's no adjustment for it on the IS. They suspect something is slightly bent, they can fix it with some aftermarket parts but suggest if the car is driving straight, not to worry about it. This is all a bit beyond me but the car is straight as an arrow, so I'm not worried.
I honestly tried to drive it in a sensible manner back up the M1 to Teesside but it's just so much fun I was pretty heavy on the right foot.
When I arrived at Teesside it was dark so I didn't get a good look over the car, I handed it over to the dealer. I noticed when I was parking there was a single loud knock on full left-lock.
I spoke to Tony from WIM on the phone just to get his opinion on the knock, he would have obviously preferred to see the car but with the distances involved it wasn't possible, Tony was keen to get the dealers diagnosis and offered to work with the dealer to understand the issue. From his point of view the car was sound and his guys hadn't noticed anything that would cause a problem.
The dealer had the car two days, cambelt / tensioners changed, full service and investigation into the knock. The knock turned out to be the pad loose in the shoe, dealer managed to re-secure it. Knock gone, no charge.
They also did a full look at the car and there's no issues, so I'm pleased with that.
I went down on a sunny Saturday morning to pick it up, and again was pleased with the condition, the dealer had give it a wash and vac and there's very little wrong with it. The alloys are suffering from usual Lexus blight, but I'll get them all refurbished in the Spring.
I've driven it for about a week now and it hasn't missed a beat, I had to drive the other car yesterday (IS220d) and it's just awful by comparison. The 200 is so well balanced, the 220 feels like a tank wallowing around corners and I find myself constantly looking for another gear.
I've got an annoying rattle which seems as if it's coming from the parcel shelf, but, I only get it when I close the door/boot, so it's not as off-putting as the 220 which I'm sure rattles even when its parked.
Long story short....
Great car in great condition
Great service from Tony and the guys @ WIM
Great service from Lexus Teesside.
Great deal on Gold Membership saved me 15% at Lexus Teesside (Not to be sniffed at when the bill was coming in at over £500)
Lexus currently have a service plan which I think I'm going to take out, £20 a month for 2 years, covers 1 major, 1 minor service and 2 MOT. You can also add 2 yrs roadside assistance for £90. The level of service I received from Lexus Teesside makes this a no brainer, I couldn't find any independent Lexus specialist near me in Newcastle so this seems like the best bet.
I feel like I'll be happy driving the IS until it physically won't move any more.
Andrew