IS200

[Mojo]

Hi,

I'm new (as you might have guessed)

I'm thinking of getting an IS200 SE or sport and wondered if I could just get some info about your experiences of ownership?

I'm interested to know what the running costs are... mpg, servicing (costs and intervals)

Any other relevant info would be much appreciated.

Mojo:D

[Blue Thunder]

Hi and welcome. I run an SE, get about 350 miles between fill ups (Thats not empty to Brim), but works out to about 30-35 to the gallon on my type of journeys.

Service every 10000, the first cost me £170. I run the car on Shell Optimax, which means a fill up is about £42 (it does run better on this stuff)

The Insurance is good for a car of this class,(although some insurers rate the Sport 1 group higher than the SE,) because they have excellent standard security.

Yes they do have some problems and I am sure you have seen all sorts on these pages, but there aint nothing finer on the market for the price!!

What are you waiting for sign on the line and get driving!!

[Mojo]

Hi Blue,

Thanks for the reply.

I currently have a UK Impreza turbo and must admit to having quite a heavy right foot making fuel consumption crazy!!:o

I was hoping a Lexus might be better.

10k service intervals sounds better too, 7 1/2k for my current motor.

Do you know what insurance group the SE and sport fall into? lower than my Subaru?

Are the differences between the sport and the SE worth the extra cash?

Mojo:lol:

[Blue Thunder]

I had a Subaru too!! Totally mad motor. I think the SE is a group 12 and the sport a 13.

My last renewal on the Lexus with full protected bonus was £370, so do the maths!! Cant answer the question re difference as I had set my heart on an SE.

Others out there will be better qualified to answer, although I would have liked the dark tinted windows

[Mojo]

Ah! as an ex Scooby owner you're the perfect person to talk to...

I know the performance is not going to be there, but does it handle well and what's the traction control like on the IS200?

group 12?! cool!!

I'm 25 at the mo and pay *cough* for my insurance.

Why did you get rid of your Scooby? (if you don't mind me asking)

[Blue Thunder]

It doesnt handle anything like the Scooby, but I dont really miss it (lie lie pants on fire)

Taking into account the looks, style, comfort, interior space and size of boot, the fact that no body is trying to steal your car to use for a ram raid, the fact that the Police leave you alone (get the picture) I have no hesitation in recommending the car.

The traction is good, I only provoke the traction control occasionally (but I am older than you!!) but remember it doesnt accelarate like the Scooby and low down torque is quite poor, but the engine is smooooooooooooooth and it makes a lovely noise.

Why did I lose Scooby, well it was a company car, loved the car hated the Boss.!!

Just after I lost the Impreza a new Dealer opened just around the corner from where I live, so I see new Subarus every day. I still think about my car which was more or less the same colour as Lexie and I did check out the new model before buying the IS, pound for pound the Lexus won, in my book but it is chalk and cheese. If I could afford a second car, it would be an Impreza, guess this hasnt helped much!

[Mojo]

thanks blue, I think it might have helped a bit. It's good to talk to someone that's owned both.

My main reason for looking to change is because I had an attempted carjacking on Wednesday. Managed to get away unharmed and car undamaged but it's got me thinking.

Every other car I think of changing to is in the same category though... EVO etc

I'm hoping an IS200 wouldn't attract the same low lifes

[Blue Thunder]

Hey man thats bad news glad you are OK,See that goes into the why I dont miss the Scooby box! I have not had any agro in the 12 months I have had Lexie, I dont worry about parking it and all I have to put up with now are the arses in BMWs who always want to take me on, In the Scooby they allways seemed to be XR2s and 3s!! Better class of wally when you have a Lexus!! You will enjoy teh Lexus experience

[Mojo]

I'm very lucky this time, but is is worth it?

I'm going to pop long to local dealer at the weekend and see if I can have a play with one.

BTW, does the SE come with a sunroof?

And what stereo equipment does it come with?

[Blue Thunder]

Lecky sunroof, as well as Climate control.

6 Stack CD radio cassette as standard (It is a double DIN size fitted in the dash and all 6 discs load through 1 slot)

Electic windows all round The kit is generous. Remember Subaru spent all the money on engineering, which is why it goes like stink but isnt the pretty. Lexus spread the money more evenly, which is why the car is really pretty is nicely specced, but has an issue in the "puff" department. It does have 6 smooth cylinders though!!

[Mojo]

The spec does sound nice.

Why does it have such poor mpg then? Is it very heavy?

Oh, and what's it like in the snow? Cos I've found the Scooby turns into a very expensive sledge when you try to go down hill in winter :(

[javadude]

30-35mpg! :o I get 25-27mpg :( (but I drive like a nutter down the M4 in the rush hour )

[Blue Thunder]

Wow Java gotta give mine some extra stick cause I must be tooooooooooo gentle.

Mojo dont forget its got 6 little pistons going bang and to get the V V T to cut in you need revs, and once you use them you never go back, hence the consumption.

Never driven in snow with this car but I have a button on the dash that says snow, cant work out if it makes it snow if I press it, havent been that brave...no seriously it allows easier traction in the snow when you move off, someone with a bit more knowledge can explain it, it eithert remaps the engine or changes the traction control, help!!

[Mojo]

fair enuff... I'll be happy with a drop in insurance and servicing to be honest.

And not having b@stards trying to part me from it in busy carparks

Snow button? That's almost as good as the Scooby's Bright button :smilegrin:

[Blue Thunder]

Let us know how you get on and your first thoughts. I would be interested to hear if your thoughts were much the same as mine

[Mojo]

I certainly will

How much do you think I should be looking to pay for a V/W reg SE with about 30-40k on the clock?

[Claire G]

Hi, if it helps, I've got an IS200Sport. I get @30-35 mpg and it costs me @£40-£45 to fill up the tank. Insurance is a group 13, I'm 27 with no no-claims discount and it costs me around £650 to insure.

Driving a Scooby you'll notice the difference in performance but it's a lovely ride

[Mojo]

Hi Claire,

Pleased to meet you :D

So, you're pretty happy with it then? Anything you'd say I should look out for when buying a 2nd hand one?

[Blue Thunder]

All I would say is paint and wheels.

You will have read the threads about paint quality, and also fact that early cars have problems with wheels.

The rest is mechanical and Im sure you will get advice from someone better qualified in that direction.

Oh yes I also like the fact you were happy to talk to me about this until a pretty face came on the scene!! TUT we men are al the same so predictable!!

[Mojo]

coming from owning a Scooby I can't see how the paint could be any worse.

thanks for the advise though. what exactly was wrong with the early wheels then?

[Blue Thunder]

The laquer falls off and they get very pitted, can be expensive if out of warrenty. I have had 6 new wheels in the first 10 months of ownership, but the latest ones are fine. If you are buying from a dealer get down and dirty to give them a good look.

Tyre wear at the front can be heavy (again lots of stories on that) so have a good look.

Aside from that the usual "rules" about buying a car apply

[Mojo]

right, have Lexus admitted there was a product defect with earlier wheels or are they just *****?

I was thinking of buying from a dealer to get 12 months warranty, sounds like I may need it.

As for tyres, you'll know that Scoobies get through tyres quick, but all 4 at once.

What tyres do they come with? I kind of like the Goodyear F1s I've got one my Scooby

[Claire G]

Originally posted by Mojo

Hi Claire,

Pleased to meet you :D

So, you're pretty happy with it then? Anything you'd say I should look out for when buying a 2nd hand one?

Hiya, I agree with Blue Thunder - definitely check out the paint and wheels. Apart from that if it's nice and clean outside and in, there doesn't usually seem to be an issue. They tend to be well looked after :saint:

I love my car and if I can help it, (or I win the lottery!) I won't be driving anything but Lexus in future :smilegrin:

[Claire G]

Oooh, how rude of me....pleased to meet you too! (ANd you Blue Thunder) :bounce:

[Mojo]

I love my car too

it's just getting too dangerous to own it :(