Newbie

OCRX8 · March 8, 2008

Hello everyone,

I'm looking at an IS200 for my next car, and hope to have one by the end of August. I currently drive a Ka (no laughing!) and I've had it for the past 3 years - loved it, but the rust is taking over underneath and I have a sneaking suspicion it's not going to pass its MOT in August - hence the new car.

By August I will be 20 (probably a lot younger than the average IS200 owner!) and I can get insurance for around £1200. I know it’s an unusual car for someone my age, but I’ve loved them ever since they’ve come out, and now that I can afford it (recently started a rather well-paid job), I just thought f*ck it, I’m only young once.

When the opportunity arises, I will be going for a SE/Sport model around the £6000 mark. I’ve been looking around long enough to see that that can get me a 2002 model with around 50k miles. I know there is a cambelt change due at 60k - will be hoping that the car I get will have already had that done :winky:

Is there anything that I should be looking for, on cars of this age? I’m well aware of Lexus’ reputation for reliability (lets hope that holds true!) and the only problems I’ve heard is with the CD changers failing. What can I expect MPG-wise? I'm sure I've read on here that 35-40mpg is possible on the motorways.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Owen.

sparkystav · March 8, 2008

Welcome mate,

I had a Ka before my Lex as well.

As far as MPG it depends on your right foot. I average less than 20 most of the time but that's due to the charger as well lol

Stav

bridgerippa · March 8, 2008

hi and welcome to loc. theres a few threads on here if ya do searches but something to look for generally is the ecssesive tyre wear on the front tyres. its something to do with lexus geometry settings which wera the tyres rapidly!

ive had my 99' se for 2 years now and not had any major reliability probs just general wear and tear things.

make sure ya get one with a good s/h and ya should be fine!

there's a guy called jamie on here that was in the same postition last year and done loads of posts and threads on buying an IS200 - maybe useful to ya.

personally i'd go for a sport if i had the choice again!!