Just About To By A 99 Is200 Sport

Billy_Brand_Name · May 2, 2003

Hi,

Just about to buy an 99 IS200 Sport. I am quite suprised at myself because a Lexus was not on my shopping list. I have a friend in the trade and when he came up to the house with the IS200 I couldn't believe it. The spec for the price sold it straight away.

I few questions though;

I was fairly underwhelmed at the low end grunt for a 2.0L. What are my options for a bit more low end power. I don't have a problem with losing some off the top speed! Is the Exhaust and Muffler the way to go? I have no intention of fitting the Supercharger and I understand that re-chipping isn't as easy as with other cars.

Overall the interior is nice, biege/ cream leather(?), full of gadgets, however the damn dash is black/ dark grey which just sticks out like a sore thumb. What can be done with the interior to finish it off. I have found a aftermarket wood dash kit here is this the only one? Has anybody fitted them and have pictures?

Thanks for any help.

Cheers

BBN

GRiM · May 2, 2003

Agree on the poor low end grunt of the IS 2.0L engine. <_<

Probably the only criticisable feature on the car.

The engine does wake up a bit at 4K revs when the VVTi kicks in. :)

If it's grunt you want without supercharging, and your willing to buy pre-owned, then importing an Altezza is the only way.

As you live in Ireland, you'll find imported Altezza's easily available..

bloofire · May 2, 2003

This is very good advice from MR Grim.

I have had an IS200 SE for 2 1/2 years now and absolutely love it - apart from the lack of performance. I have, with the help of this forum, looked into the tuning options - supercharger kits etc. I have now decided to buy a JDM spec Altezza RS200.

It's essentially the same car but with a 4 cylinder 210 bhp engine. It revs to 8000rpm instead of 6000rpm and is obviously a lot quicker. If you're not happy with this level of performance then it is much more tuneable than the 1G-FE 6 cyl engine in the UK IS200/Jap AS200.

For more info on the differences check out Kavey's great post in this thread here.

Only problem is they are quite hard to find in the UK. However you can use a reputable importer to get one.

Hope this helps.

Billy_Brand_Name · May 2, 2003

Thanks Guys,

I would be dubious about a Jap Import as I was stung before and they don't have a good rep in Ireland. My desire for a little extra grunt is a wish not a deal breaker.

What about uplifting the interior, anybody fit a wood kit?

Cheers

BBN

bloofire · May 2, 2003

Have you looked at both the interiors - Oakham and Exmoor?

I have the black one which personally I prefer. The dash is less of a contrast also.

I personally haven't seen anyone with a wooden dash - I think it would be pretty naff myself.

Buy an Altezza - you know it makes sense!

woggledog · May 2, 2003

Saw an altezza in london today. Apart from engine, what are the major differences?

vince-com · May 2, 2003

if 99, check the CD charger, you could experienced some problems

bloofire · May 2, 2003

Saw an altezza in london today. Apart from engine, what are the major differences?

Check out this thread here

Parthiban · May 2, 2003

those wood dashes are pretty horrible

there are a few pictures in the gallery of those things - they're in carbon fibre effect, but it'll give you a general idea about how badly they fit

Billy_Brand_Name · May 2, 2003

Parthiban wrote:
there are a few pictures in the gallery of those things - they're in carbon fibre effect, but it'll give you a general idea about how badly they fit

Checked the IS Gallery and didn't see any are they in one of the other galleries?

vince-com wrote
if 99, check the CD charger, you could experienced some problems

What kind of problems?

bloofire wrote:
Have you looked at both the interiors - Oakham and Exmoor?

Since I'm buying it second hand I don't have much of a chose! I assume Oakham is biege? Heres another question It appears to be half leather/ half hide or is it cloth?