Advice Buying Is200

[5up3rman]

Hello all

First post. Looking at buying an 2003/2004 IS200.

Looking for something with just over 70k miles on the clock.

Been reading on here at the useful tips on buying guide and things to watch out for.

However i still have a couple of questions.

How is the auto box in these cars, i'm a manual driver really but i've heard the auto's are generally good

but some of the manual boxes can be a bit rough.

Also what is the main differences in the SE and sport models.

Is there a preferential model to go for?

Thanks

[jay_russell]

yes buy one. have a look out for the is300. auto only but a bigger engine. 3lt supra motor in them and a few nice extra's like center armrest etc. very good cars and now is the time to buy them as there are a lot of people finding it hard to run this kind of car

[5up3rman]

thanks for the advice, but any info on my initial questions?

Thanks

[roger007uk]

I've had my manual 2004 model for about a year & a half now & havent had a better car or smooth box.

[5up3rman]

Which is the preffered model, the sport or SE trim?

whats the main difference?

[deckie77]

Sure someone will correct me if i'm wrong but sport has lower suspension, tinted rear windows with the sport stickers, 2 tone steering wheel, but i think the sport grille was an option so not all have them!!!!!!!

Both SE & Sport have same seats, alloy pedals, Amplified stereo with the nice rear speaker covers,

But S, SE & Sport all have same running gear.

I owned a manual, 1st to 2nd gear sometimes rough, mostly when cold, never got any worse (or better) in 3 years of ownership, but i think lexus have a great reputation for their auto box's (not that i've ever been in one) and another added bonus with auto is cruise control,

Why are you looking for one with over 70K ???? is this so the price will be less????

[lexuslloyd]

Which is the preffered model, the sport or SE trim?

whats the main difference?

Hiya mate,

Ive had an Se and a sport model. In my opinion go for the SE. The ride is super smooth. I regret buying the sport model because I dont like the ride, and the corning is only marginally better.

Both of mine have been manuals, which i dont mind - but given the choice I would buy an IS300 and have an auto (as they all are) and plenty of power too.

If you look at one, check the cambelt has been changed at around 60/70k or 6 years. make sure it has a decent service history - these cars wil go forever if looked after.

just have a quick check around and make sure all the electrics work, and take a CD with you - make sure that standard Cd player works - if it says error 3 etc, then its costly to replace.

Also check them alloys, they corrode quite badly so make sure they're in decent condition.

Hope this has helped you out :)

[5up3rman]

Brilliant response thanks.

I'm opting for cars over 70k as i know someone would have had to have done the cambelt and water pump.

If not then i can use in bargaining or stay clear.

i'm happy with an auto in theory but i think i just prefer manual.

Will be looking out for SE options from now, would liek to get an IS300

but i think insurance ould f me in the a!

what group are they in out of interest, does anyone know?

[kam05]

S/SE models= group 12

Sport= group 13

IS300= group 15

[lexuslloyd]

S/SE models= group 12

Sport= group 13

IS300= group 15

as you can see from Kam's response they are a lot lower than an equivalent BMW or Merc - perhaps because they have a Category 1 Alarm as standard (i think?)

just dont go for an S model, not worth it at all. If i were buying one again I would go SE spec.

keep us updated on your search :) and remember to Hpi etc

[Whitey]

S/SE models= group 12

Sport= group 13

IS300= group 15

That'll explain why my insurance was £500 fully comp protected this year ! (27, 8 NCB, 24 missus)

Whitey

[lexuslloyd]

S/SE models= group 12

Sport= group 13

IS300= group 15

That'll explain why my insurance was £500 fully comp protected this year ! (27, 8 NCB, 24 missus)

Whitey

lol mines 642 fully comp protected, (4 points for careless driving) just turned 24 : ) (£700 excess tho)

[spurty]

IS200 Spec sheet that i saved from here but the original link no longer works..

its a PDF file that was scanned

Spec Sheet