Looking To Buy An Is200

[simongibson]

Hi People,

I'm considering buying a Lexus IS200 in around 2 months time so I would like some general advice please.

I have a rather limited budget of £3500 (i'm selling my VW Golf).

Because of my budget i believe I can get an 8 year old 2000 model or arround about that.

Anyhow some questions :) :

What are the general problems with this model?

How much does an average service cost?

What should I look out for when buying the IS200?

No more for now but any replies would be greatfully apreciated.

Cheers,

Simon

[Scorps01]

I'm considering buying a Lexus IS200 in around 2 months time I have a rather limited budget of £3500

Because of my budget i believe I can get an 8 year old 2000 model or arround about that.

and its will be called "the spaceship enterprise" with a zillion miles on it.

Good luck.

[sparkystav]

If you look in the knowledge section on the homepage mate theres a guide to what to look out for there.

Welcome though.

Stav

[simongibson]

lol cheers Scorps, i had noticed some on auto trader with around 70-90k for that price range :)

Cheers Sparky will check it out :)

[WylieCoyote]

Welcome mate. IS's are pretty bulletproof reliability wise so hopefully you'll have no problem buying a good one. Loads of people on this site have '99, '00 cars with no problems. As Stav says look through the knowledgebase, or do a search, it's a topic that's been covered a few times before so you'll get loads of ideas.

Good luck with the search.

Keith :)

[Scorps01]

I know the 2nd hand prices have plummeted recently but i've not seen the IS priced as low as that but i guess thats not to say they are not around though, considering what i paid for mine back in 01 and what i was offered as a trade in against the 220d im keeping mine and will just run it into the ground and keep it for as long as i can as a 2nd car.

But as i said good luck in your search and hope you find what your looking for.

Oh and welcome :D

[Unregistered_User]

All the best with your search fella :)

Jamie

[DJ Wozza]

Welcome matey.

The budget doesn't give you a lot to play with.

Usual things on any second hand car, like checking for regular servicing/oil changes & cambelt at 60,000miles.

Good luck :D

[Spoony]

I know the 2nd hand prices have plummeted recently but i've not seen the IS priced as low as that but i guess thats not to say they are not around though, considering what i paid for mine back in 01 and what i was offered as a trade in against the 220d im keeping mine and will just run it into the ground and keep it for as long as i can as a 2nd car.

But as i said good luck in your search and hope you find what your looking for.

Oh and welcome :D

Test drive the 220d before taking the plunge. I thought they were awful - felt really heavy, sounded like a bag of spanners and only managed 37MPG on 120 mile trip with the cruise control on 70 - I can get that out of my IS200 Sport if driven in the same fashion!