New Is200 Owner In Inverness

[lexuskev]

Hi all, my names Kevin and i've just bought my first Lexus. Its a 2001 IS200 SE in Aztec Fire with 71000 miles, full service history but no record of timing belt been done, so had that done today to be safe. alloys are the only fault i can see as they are all bubbled under the paint, so that will be the next job. Anyone know what I should expect to pay to have them redone?

[Elena H. Mendoza]

Welcome,

I joined here to share my experience.

[bio]

Photo artist & color mixer socialist of combined technology.

[steve2006]

Hello and welcome to the LOC.

That was a good find with just 71,000 miles, very wise to have the TB done with no history of change.

I don't know of any local wheel refurbers in your area but no doubt more members will chip in with recommendations.

Average prices are around £40.00 a wheel for a full strip and power coat, once done get some decent wheel wax and apply regularly, I take mine off the car every 3 months and wash them then rewax but htere again they are Mitsubishi Evo 9 wheels not Lexus.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Hi and welcome. Rare colour that, only ever seen 1!

What Steve said about your wheels :)

I get mine done every 2 years!

[darkoracle]

Chris:

Do you mean that you have the wheels stripped and powder coated every two years?

Do they really only last that long?

Nice motor Kev - enjoy.

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

They start to bubble again after 2 years in my experience yeah. Not cracking but looks unsightly and I can't stand it. Makes the car look a bit of a shed! We have 2 IS200's, one is the mrs. Only had mine for 4 months and the wheels are good on mine but my wife's we've had nearly 3 years. Got the wheels done when we first got it as they were terriable and again 2 months ago so yeah they are really bad! however they might be an extreme bad example as even the guys that re furb them say we'd be better off replacing them but we can't afford a new set and they only charge £35 per wheel. They also say they get a lot of buismess from Lexus owners of any model.

I have the Aero 6 spoke on mine and I have 1 bubble patch on 1 wheel so maybe these are better wheels than the 11 spoke? Also you cant see the bubbles from distance on the Aero's but you can on the 11 spoke! :)

[lexuskev]

Thanks for that guys, there is a new place opening in town, so will get a quote from them now I know what others are charging. Looks like the spare has never been on the car so will only need the 3 done just now.