PeterS

I have often left mine for 2 weeks and the longest has been 4 weeks. Always started straight away. Now that's tempting fate...

Just told my dealer about some bubbling on the inside edges of my 11 spoke alloys, when I took my 04 IS200LE in for its 30000 mile service. No problem, they said, we'll replace them under warranty. You should be OK therefore. Peter

Hi cookee, This is a well known issue - a search will bring up many relevant threads here. After my first front tyres wore out in the way you describe after 15,000 miles, I went to Tony "Wheels in Motion" who did a full geometry reset - he knows these cars well. The IS setup can be adjusted in many dimensions, which gives better results than most simple realignments. Since then I've done another 15,000 miles with even wear and (touch wood) many thousands to go. I've also been happy with the handling, although Tony will discuss the setup for the way you want to drive. And welcome! Peter

And me!!!

I went for the easy option of replacement RE040s as I was only getting the front 2 replaced but found Micheldever Tyres the most competitively priced and they did a very competent job. They quoted me good prices for a number of different tyres so I'm sure you'd find them worth a try. I had the usual problem of wear on the inside necessitating replacement at 15,000 miles. I strongly recommend having the geometry sorted out. I went to Tony at STS Watford for a full check and adjust earlier this week. Although my car is only 14 months old, it needed several changes. It now handles superbly - thank you Dr Bones!

Kev mentioned the SP Sport Maxx. I asked Dunlop about the SP Sport Maxx, which is newer than the 9000 and for which I had seen good reviews. Their reply is: "The 9000 is specifically homologated for the Lexus IS200 & would recommend that tyre. The Sport Maxx has not yet been authorised by Lexus to date thus the reason for our recommendation." Is that because the 9000 is more suitable or the newer tyre has just not been looked at by Lexus and/or they can't get a good enough deal to specify it as original equipment?

Did they say how much it would cost? The prices have been removed from the website and I wonder if that's because they're going up?

I get about 30-31 mpg on my 04 IS200 auto on a mixture of A roads, motorway, and urban commuting. If mostly in town it drops to low 20's. On purely long runs it goes up a little but never more than 32 or so. I tried Optimax for 2500 miles but noticed no significant difference in fuel consumption, just a lighter wallet...

I went to one near Reading last month. They had 35 cars, of all models. You register, say which cars you want to drive and then drive them, unaccompanied. For the popular models like SC430 it's best to go for them immediately otherwise even if you've put your name down, there's lots of waiting around when you get back from the previous drive. There was a 12 mile circuit on the public roads, marked by yellow signs at the junctions - varied from small country lanes to dual carriageway. There was also an off road circuit for the RX-300, which was great fun, especially as it had rained solidly all the previous night. I drove 4 cars, for about 20-30mins each: RX-300, LS430, GS430 Sport, IS300. Highly recommended! Peter

Claire, The Reading event also covered Bracknell, I think. It was on 5 May at Englefield House. 35 cars there, not too crowded, drove 4 cars, had a great time on the off road section in the RX-300. But you didn't want to know that, sorry... Peter

Photos and description at Autoweek site: http://www.autoweek.com/specials/2004_newy...pages/index.htm Peter

Steve, Exactly what I thought when I went in to sign on the dotted line yesterday to order my new LE and the salesman told me about the model revisions. I looked at what I would get and how much I would have to pay and decided to stick with the LE. Besides, we actually liked Kodiak Sky... (under most lighting conditions anyway). Peter

When I ordered an IS200LE yesterday I was told that the IS range was being modified to include full leather and LE-style wheels - the dealer was unsure about the headlights - at a cost of a price increase of £400. The current spec cars are thin on the ground and the new spec will be available soon. Sounds like the LE features will become standard at a similar price to the LE (very few left now) perhaps to keep interest high until a new car in, say, 2005??

When negotiating the purchase of my new car today, I learnt that the SE trim is about to be changed to full leather and Limited Edition style wheels. Don't know if any other LE-related changes are being introduced. Oh, and the price is going up £400... No doubt this is to keep interest alive until the new model in 2005ish. I ordered a new IS200LE auto. Just have to be patient now till it arrives. Browsing the forum over the past couple of weeks has helped a lot in my choice of car - thanks everyone. Peter

Thanks for your advice. Following some haggling, I've just ordered a new IS200 LE from a nearby Lexus main dealer, with a decent discount and the 3 free service vouchers offer. :) Peter