Buying An Is200se Auto

[hunnybear]

Hi there,

I wasn't particularly looking for a Lexus but I stumbled across a nice IS200SE auto at a trader near where I live. It is a 99V, has had 2 owners and 78000 on the clock. Fully stamped history and I can't find anything wrong with it other than he wants £6795 for it

I was intending buying something newer and am nervous about going for something this old. I read in a magazine that these are durable cars, so I am thinking it might be ok? I can't really afford a newer one of these, but I could get a much newer Corolla, Almera, or something for the same money.

Are they really that good? Should I go for it?

He also has a 00X IS200 SE manual (91000 miles and £6995) but I would prefer an auto - I am getting lazier as I get older. Are autos less reliable than manuals?

Thanks for your help.

[billyo]

Hi there,

I wasn't particularly looking for a Lexus but I stumbled across a nice IS200SE auto at a trader near where I live. It is a 99V, has had 2 owners and 78000 on the clock. Fully stamped history and I can't find anything wrong with it other than he wants £6795 for it

I was intending buying something newer and am nervous about going for something this old. I read in a magazine that these are durable cars, so I am thinking it might be ok? I can't really afford a newer one of these, but I could get a much newer Corolla, Almera, or something for the same money.

Are they really that good? Should I go for it?

He also has a 00X IS200 SE manual (91000 miles and £6995) but I would prefer an auto - I am getting lazier as I get older. Are autos less reliable than manuals?

Thanks for your help.

Hi I own a 1999 is200se Auto had it 4+ years regular main dealer servicing covered 55000 mls not had a single problem runs today as it did first day i picked it up make sure its been looked after you wont regret it

[johnboy]

I own a 2000w IS200SE, had it 3 years, 98000 miles, just regular servicing, still love it.

also welcome to the club :D

[hunnybear]

Thanks guys, really appreciate your help.

[aido]

One thing to check out is whether the car has had the cambelt changed - if not you're looking at a big expense there to get that sorted - in fact you may actually be better off buying a slightly higher milage car that has already had the belt changed, as the higher milage is indicative that the car has spent more time on motorways and has therefore had an easier life in terms of wear and tear etc :)

To be honest can't really comment on reliability issues with the autos, but most complaints people have with the IS is initially when they first get used to the manual box as it can be notchy, but once you get used to how to change gear in these cars you eliminate that anyway. Also clutch judder is also only present on the manual cars.

I now have an auto in my current car, and wouldn't go back I don't think!

[hunnybear]

Thanks Aido. That's helpful. I wasn't aware of the cambelt issue: the used car magazine I read at the weekend said it has a chain so no need to worry about cambelt changes. I'll make sure the dealer gets it done before I agree to buy!

[maneesh]

mate,

drive the is200 you are thinking of buying, then go drive the newer corolla, almera you might buy, and come back and post a comparison of the test drives. whilst the corolla and almera are competent family hatchbacks, the IS200 is a sports saloon that is in a whole different league (the straight six is creamy smooth), even though the IS you are considering is a 1999 model. the is200 auto drinks petrol for it's size though!!! be warned!!!

personally, i would rather drive a 10 year old lexus than a brand new econobox..life is too short to be one of the crowd :D

just do all the regular pre purchase checks to make sure the car aint been neglected and u will have a car fit for another 10 years..

[dibsLPG]

I thought it was a belt, not a chain :o Bought mine a 1999 Se with 135k :o yes 135 full dealer huistory 1 owner all motorway miles, rang original owner to get the lowdown, ex company dir and travel to hull every day from Selby so all morotwar miles :D + it was running on LPG, which is a less wearing fuel on the engine :D

the Sticker on th engine bay tells me the belt was changed at 83, (recomended 100k) Make sure you ring the lexus service dealers for the informaion on the car. the Hull dealers new the car well couse it use to be so many times for servicing :P

Make sure you do the HPI check and check out the owner + ring the dealers gather as much information as you can about the history of the car prior to buying it.

I Never looked backed back. auto is sweeter ans smooother.

hope it helps

Dibslpg

[hunnybear]

Guys,

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.

I rang the Lexus dealer this morning. They confirmed it is a belt which should be changed at 100k, although sometimes best to do it earlier. Quoted me £250 for that. Also quoted me £500 for an 80k service.

The dealer insists on servicing the car himself which will spoil the full Lexus history, and won't include a cambelt as part of the deal.

He wants £6795, which is quite steep for a 99V. I'd pay that if he included the cambelt and a recent Lexus service but he won't. So, I'll look elsewhere for one. I might find a slightly newer one.

I'm encouraged by the advice and enthusiasm on here though, and I'll keep you posted on what I do end up with!

[Gord]

Nice one :D keep looking im sure you will find one :D

[Noel]

Better still get an RS200 tiptronic ...... power , fun and automatic when you just want to cruise.... :D