Hi, Looking For Advice On Buying An Is200.

[James84]

Hi guys. I'm planning to buy my first Lexus in August, so just trying to cram as much research in as possible so I don't end up with a duffer.

As stated I'm after an is200 and I've seen plenty going for around £1500 with about 100K on the clock.

I've already been told to ensure the car has had a timing belt change for every 60,000 miles, and check for signs of the water pump leaking, but apart from that I've been told reliability in these cars is amazing, so not much else to go on so far.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[steve2006]

Hello James and welcome to the LOC.

Yes service history is one of the things to look for, as is low amount of previous owners.

Listen for knocks during the test drive indicating worn suspension components and uneven tyre wear which can be a problem if the goemetry is incorrectly set ( easily sorted though by WIM).

Brake calipers have a tendency to seize so check carefully.

Look for correct panel alignment and paint match incase it has been involved in an undeclared accident.

Take your time and you will find a good example.

Feel free to post up links of potential candidates and we will provide input good or bad :)

[aly-g]

Hi James, welcome to LOC, my advice for buying a is200 take your time and don't let your heart rule your head , there are plenty of nice cars out there so make sure the car you buy is the best that you can get for your money, .....the cam belt change is not only at 60k but also every 5-6 years , so if the car has say 80-90k miles but the belt was changed 6yrs ago it will need doing again, bottom suspension joints wear, brake caliper pins seize, but overall these car are pretty bullett proof if they have been serviced regulary, keep us posted how you get on with your quest, good luck.....

Allan

[James84]

I'm getting conflicting information regarding road tax.

Government page says £230p/a for pre March 2001, and £285p/a for later models.

However I'm reading elsewhere that post March 2001 can be as much as £430p/a

Which info is right?

[aly-g]

I know someone who has just paid road tax on a manual is200 and that was £230. For 12months, when I taxed my is250 in April it was £285. For 12 months but that's a auto I know that a is250 manual is about £470.00 ...I don't know if a is200 auto is cheaper !.....I still don't understand why the 250 auto is cheaper than a 250 manual cos it's got the same engine.....??????

Allan

[true blue]

Hi ,just as a guide I pay £280 per year on my manual IS 200 2003 reg ; all good points raised on what to look out for,I would just say make sure you have a decent long test drive as it is not unknown for a dealer to turn off the engine management light and you get it back on half way home,and you need to get the engine good and hot .A good braking test from 60+ will show any disc /caliper/pin problems with vibration through the steering .Finally check out the CD multi changer they are prone to problems and the only real cure is a new aftermarket unit ,well documented on this forum

Good luck Dave

[andyk134]

Welcome to the club. Lexus owners in the main look after their cars so there are some very good ones out there. It is worth spending the extra for full history and lower mileage. Mine is coming up 10 years old now with 64k on the clock and is still the best car I have ever owned and have no intention of changing anytime soon. Take it to a specialist when you get it to check it out and if you look after it, it will last for years. Good luck.

[IHgs300]

Good choice as a first lexus, Have you had a read here?

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/69388-what-problems-would-you-advise-others-when-buying-a-is200/

[James84]

Picking up my Lexus on the 9th August. :)

Will post up pics when I get it, cheers for all the advice guys.