Recently traded-in my 1998 BMW 318i with a 2003 IS200. I was getting fed-up with the maintenance problems of the Bimmer (overheated twice in a month in the middle of the road)... and it was a choice between Audi A3 and Lexus IS200. Considering that both are priced pretty much the same... the IS200 won face down. So finally, I've joined the club of Lexus owners last Saturday.
Took the IS for a spin this weekend.... involving urban roads, highways, mountain roads... and WOW !!! The driving pleasure given by IS200 is really just as good as the 3-series !!! Can't say better.... but have to say... just as good. Excellent handling, decent acceleration, very quiet, good sound system, excellent air-con.... the Lexus is just amazing.
Anyways, as a first time IS owner. I've got a few "Strange Observations" which I hope folks here could shed a bit of light.... Maybe I'm a bit over-sensitive, so it might be nothing.
1. There seems to be a rather noisy "Fan" noise coming from the hood. It's doesn't sound like engine noise. Sounds more like the cooling fan or air-con fan. It's not exactly alarmingly noisy, but it sounds like some fan rotating at very very high speed. Loud air-con?? Maybe it's a Lexus design..... never had this sound in my BMW (and BMW's are not quiet).
2. When starting the car in the morning, there are "knocking" sounds (audible even with the radio on) in the car cabin. Lasts for about 10 minutes, then it disappears. I don't think the car cabin metals need warming up.... but can't figure it out otherwise.....
3. The Reverse Radar is downright annoying. It beeps like crazy even if there's nothing in the vicinity !!!
Apart from that.... after 2 days and 200km of driving.... the Lexus IS200 is truly amazing !!! Glad to join the club ^_^