New Member

[zenzen]

Hello,

finally managed to join the dizzy heights of Lexus ownership. Just as soon as I've learned to drive the forum software I'll post a pic!!

Wanted an IS200 for a while, I had the chance to drive my friends Lex like a huligan a couple of years back and loved the way it drove.

Bought an 03 plate with 39k, SE edition in Strathcaron blue. I've been in penury hell for the last couple of years and consigned to a chav cav 1.8....in green!! THE HORROR THE HORROR!

First impressions: Took about 50 miles of trying to steer the Lex off the road, abusing the 6 speed gearbox and welding my face to the steering wheel everytime I touched the brakes before the sloppy big grin attached itself for the other 150mile drive home. I've heard a few tales about the gearbox and the engine being lazy around 2000-3000rpm, having had a chance to get used to it all I can say is LEARN TO DRIVE!! The gearbox is fantastic, pick 3rd and 4th round town and light throttle, trudles around happily. Prevoke the vvti over 4000rpm and its a drivers car again. Its more like driving a 4 pot than a straight six. The steering is sharpe the brakes are obidient. Not really pushed the handling yet but it feels tight and runs round corners on rails. So far I'm very impressed and half deaf over the standard sound system.

A couple of questions for the owners.

Just how much high rpm abuse can the IS200 take on a daily driver style?

Is the car really that well balanced or am I going to get a nasty understeer/oversteer moment at some point?

Is the airbox restrictive? And are the gains in response worth spend time arsing around getting a cold air system in?

and err hello!

[Monster-Mat]

hello and welcome......

A couple of questions for the owners.

Just how much high rpm abuse can the IS200 take on a daily driver style?

all day long

Is the car really that well balanced or am I going to get a nasty understeer/oversteer moment at some point?

yep tis well balanced

Is the airbox restrictive? And are the gains in response worth spend time arsing around getting a cold air system in?

nope the airbox and inlet trunking are not that restrictive, but with everything else improvements can be made.

there are a few "after market" induction systems available but only true gains will be got from a well designed set up including a sealed cold air box

[Adie]

Welcome to the club mate. Great car you've got yourself there :D

[peter026]

Hi and welcome :D

[Whoosh]

I had better keep my eyes open for you if you are out “testing”. I’m not too far from Plymouth and well within your testing area I guess. -:) Enjoy, and welcome to the Forums

[Gord]

Hello and welcome :)

[chips229]

Hi zenzen and Welcome to the LOC :)

[Parthiban]

Welcome to the club mate :)

Yeah I rev mine high most of the time and it loves it :D

Btw, great colour choice....

[zenzen]

HI guys,

what a warm welcome! Thanks :winky:

Yeap keep yer eyes pealed Whoosh, got to love the moors for a spot of eerrr...senic inspection. Couldn't agree more Parthiban, may I say love your paint job too :D

Take a miss on butchering the airbox, maybe I'll treat her to a decent filter and leaving it at that.

Found something else to enthuse about too, very obvious when the engine is warm, the tickover quitens down, nice touch... I may have gush for a couple more weeks sorry....

[Pip]

Howdy

[Whoosh]

Quote "Yeap keep yer eyes pealed Whoosh, got to love the moors for a spot of eerrr...senic inspection."

I had to go down to Launceston Hospital last Tuesday. As I didn’t have to rush I decided to go via the scenic route as the weather forecast was “sunny intervals”. It ended up that I couldn’t see more than 20yds most of the way because of fog. Needless to say I came back via Plymouth.

High visibility jackets for ponies & cows that’s what I say :)

[nicnac]

who the cat?

[Whoosh]

who the cat?

Just my own cat. I didn't have any other photos that were under 40k to upload.

Bit silly I guess, I'll shrink another photo down when I have time.

[nicnac]

No mate ...leave it !!! Its great! :)

[derekyau]

Hi, and happy motoring with the IS!

D.