First Time Poster - Introduction And Questions

[andrewtayloruk]

Hi,

I've been a long-time lurker but this is my first post. I have a few questions, so I thought I'd introduce myself. I believe a good forum is the best source of information and you only get out as much as you put in.

I suppose I better start with my Lexus history.

I had an 2002 IS200 as company car and absolutely loved it; it was hand me down when the original driver got a 330d but I loved it. It was replaced after a couple of years by a Saab, then I left the job and had an Audi A4. 3 years ago it was new car time and I frugally decided that I'd get a 220d. To be honest I've hated it. The engine has some great power once over 70, but that's not very useful. The cabin has a number of rattles, the MPG is poor, the flat paint is pretty soft so the stone chips are a nightmare. It's awful up to about 40mph as it crunches through the gears. I recently got a 10 plate courtesy car and it was much better, the new engine is a marked improvement (it's just a bit too late for me!)

In an effort to put all that behind me I'm going back to the IS200; I've just bought an auto '04 LE with less than 40,000 miles. I pick it up in a couple of weeks and it's going straight to Lexus Teesside (who are the best thing to come out of my 220d) for a full service (essential care, only £249) and the cam-belt change.

I haven't been this excited about a car change for years. I'm just hoping it's not a case of rose tinted glasses :)

On to my questions if I may:

1) Can anyone suggest a really good valet company in the North East, preferably someone who can look after my leather and provide some smart repair at the same time.

2) Is it still possible to get OEM mats; is the dealer my best bet for this?

3) Is it possible to get an OEM rubber boot liner; I've seen replicas on eBay but I'd prefer the manufacturer supplied part if I can get it.

4) What's the tyre recommendation for an IS200, I've seen a few recommendations for the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx but I've also seen a few people recommending against them. I'm keen on comfort and quietness, and I'd like as much grip as possible as my wife will be driving it.

Thanks and when I finally get the car picked up and service, I'll post my thoughts.

Andrew

Newcastle

[janey]

Hi & welcome Andrew - glad you're no longer just a lurker

I'm sure some of our very helpful members will be along shortly to help you out with some answers :winky:

[steve2006]

Hi and welcome to the LOC with the majority of members on here owning IS200s you won't be short of help.

The mats and boot liner should still be available from dealers you could always have a haggle when your service is performed,we do have an official Lexus parts guy on the forum who may offer a discount and mail order,sorry can't help with valeting or tyres.

[kam05]

Welcome mate,

Hope your IS200 gives you many miles of happy service- I'm running an 10 year old IS200 with 140k on the clock (100k done under my ownership) without any problems.

1. OEM mats are no longer avaliable from the dealers, pretty certain you can't get a OEM bootliner from the dealers either now, but I'd check...you never know...there might these items lying around in some dealers stock room?

2. Tyres- Most people for go for Falken FK452's as the Lexus specific Dunlop SP9000's are no longer available. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics are also a good tyre (expensive though), I had a set of these, very good tyres. I'm currently using Yokohama C drive's atm, they are also wearing well.

[Rory]

the best local valet company is not a company but yourself, some decent products and a few hours of your time will also give u a good sense of acheivement too when its finished, and its cheaper :D

[andrewtayloruk]

Hope your IS200 gives you many miles of happy service- I'm running an 10 year old IS200 with 140k on the clock (100k done under my ownership) without any problems.

I'm hoping it's not a case of rose-tinted glasses, I'm looking forward to a good 100K with out too much hassle

1. OEM mats are no longer avaliable from the dealers, pretty certain you can't get a OEM bootliner from the dealers either now, but I'd check...you never know...there might these items lying around in some dealers stock room?

That's a real shame, the boot on my current IS220d is a right clip. My local dealer has been good so far, I'll ask them to keep their eyes open. They might take one out of a PX for me.

2. Tyres- Most people for go for Falken FK452's as the Lexus specific Dunlop SP9000's are no longer available. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics are also a good tyre (expensive though), I had a set of these, very good tyres. I'm currently using Yokohama C drive's atm, they are also wearing well.

That's for the reccomendation; I was all sorted to put the the Eagle's on but Tony @WIM suggested the Falkens were a better bet, as you'd reccomended them as well that's what I've gone for.

Thanks for the reply

[andrewtayloruk]

the best local valet company is not a company but yourself, somoe decent products and a few hours of your time will also give u a good sense of acheivement too when its finished, and its cheaper :D

Yeah, so they say mate. I've spent days looking at detailingworld, that seems like an expensive hobby. I've got a place near to me that has detailing bays and loads of fun products to play with. Might give it a whirl.

Thanks for the reply

Andrew

[andrewtayloruk]

Thanks for everyone's replies; I pick the car up tomorrow and I've got quite a busy day.

7am Flight to Bristol

9am Pick the car up

12pm WIM for geometry check and 4 new tyres

6pm Lexus Teesside to drop off the car for a full service and cambelt change

I've got my gold membership which Teesside will give me good discount for, but, I haven't got the card yet, I"m going to try and wangle the discount anyway. I might see if I can get a print out or something confirming my payment made.

I found a local valet company that have a mat rejuvenation service, need to find some more details, but it seems like they wash and dye them, might give that a go.

My wife thinks I'm mental to be excited about going from a brand new (when I got it) IS220d to a 6 year old IS200 that's getting the best part of £1000 spent on it the same day that I pick it up, but, I can't help it.

Andrew

[Jimxms]

Welcome to the forums mate. Glad to hear you're excited about coming back to IS200 ownership.

What I'd tell the wife is that while most average cars are nearing the end of their life when they hit 10 years old, the IS200 is still a baby. With only 40k on the clock you have years of great driving ahead of you I'm sure :)

[Garthy]

7am Flight to Bristol

9am Pick the car up

12pm WIM for geometry check and 4 new tyres

6pm Lexus Teesside to drop off the car for a full service and cambelt change

I flew from Bristol to Edinburgh to get mine - probably the only time I haven't grumbled about a seven-hour car journey. Enjoy the drive!

[andrewtayloruk]

Well, I finally stopped driving (and smiling at) the car long enough to follow-up on this post.

I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw the car; I'd seen photos and I'd had a mechanical inspection done so I knew there were no serious problems, however, it was in really great condition. I took it easy for the first 100 or so miles over to WIM from Bristol.

When the guys from WIM got it up for alignment, the toe/camber were marginally out, they put this right but had to leave the caster (which had got worse) as there's no adjustment for it on the IS. They suspect something is slightly bent, they can fix it with some aftermarket parts but suggest if the car is driving straight, not to worry about it. This is all a bit beyond me but the car is straight as an arrow, so I'm not worried.

I honestly tried to drive it in a sensible manner back up the M1 to Teesside but it's just so much fun I was pretty heavy on the right foot.

When I arrived at Teesside it was dark so I didn't get a good look over the car, I handed it over to the dealer. I noticed when I was parking there was a single loud knock on full left-lock.

I spoke to Tony from WIM on the phone just to get his opinion on the knock, he would have obviously preferred to see the car but with the distances involved it wasn't possible, Tony was keen to get the dealers diagnosis and offered to work with the dealer to understand the issue. From his point of view the car was sound and his guys hadn't noticed anything that would cause a problem.

The dealer had the car two days, cambelt / tensioners changed, full service and investigation into the knock. The knock turned out to be the pad loose in the shoe, dealer managed to re-secure it. Knock gone, no charge.

They also did a full look at the car and there's no issues, so I'm pleased with that.

I went down on a sunny Saturday morning to pick it up, and again was pleased with the condition, the dealer had give it a wash and vac and there's very little wrong with it. The alloys are suffering from usual Lexus blight, but I'll get them all refurbished in the Spring.

I've driven it for about a week now and it hasn't missed a beat, I had to drive the other car yesterday (IS220d) and it's just awful by comparison. The 200 is so well balanced, the 220 feels like a tank wallowing around corners and I find myself constantly looking for another gear.

I've got an annoying rattle which seems as if it's coming from the parcel shelf, but, I only get it when I close the door/boot, so it's not as off-putting as the 220 which I'm sure rattles even when its parked.

Long story short....

Great car in great condition

Great service from Tony and the guys @ WIM

Great service from Lexus Teesside.

Great deal on Gold Membership saved me 15% at Lexus Teesside (Not to be sniffed at when the bill was coming in at over £500)

Lexus currently have a service plan which I think I'm going to take out, £20 a month for 2 years, covers 1 major, 1 minor service and 2 MOT. You can also add 2 yrs roadside assistance for £90. The level of service I received from Lexus Teesside makes this a no brainer, I couldn't find any independent Lexus specialist near me in Newcastle so this seems like the best bet.

I feel like I'll be happy driving the IS until it physically won't move any more.

Andrew