John C.

Bought mine in December 2001 and still enjoy it. I constantly think about changing it for something smaller but it drives so well, wahes up like new and has all those nice 'extras', like the heated seats, sunroof and electrically folding mirrors, that it came with, and all of which cost extra, or are not even available, on smaller alternatives like the Golf, Focus or Auris. This is the longest I have ever kept a car but I guess it is not going to get changed for a while yet.

I have just had a call from Lexus Bracknell to remind me that the annual service is due on my IS200SE. Because the car is now 6+ years old they are suggesting I should have the timing belt etc changed at the service. I have looked at the previous postings on this topic and can see that this suggestion makes some sense but my car has only done 34000 miles! I have had it from new and it has a FLSH. I am seriously considering changing the car in the next few months (for something smaller, like an IS100 - oh, bother, they don't make one of those!) and wonder whether I really need to get the belt changed at such a low mileage. It is extremely doubtful whether I would get the cost back when I part with the car so have to decide if it is worth it. Any advice?

My much loved 2001 IS200SE has 26500 miles on the clock. The original fit Bridgestones have been showing serious signs of uneven wear to the inside edges, front and rear, for some time. I had the geometry checked at Lexus Bracknell at 16000 miles but this seemed to have little beneficial effect. A dig round this forum suggested it would be worth me travelling to Watford to get Tony at STS to have a look. I went there last week and Tony fitted four new Goodyear Eagle tyres and sorted out the geometry. What of a revelation! :D The steering is now so much more positive. I no longer seem to be having to make constant small corrections to the steering, particularly on rural roads. I had put it down to Berkshire's rapidly deteriorating road surfaces but now know it was the poor old car. I will definitely be back in the Spring for my free check! :D