DFGeneer

No problem, mate! As for the mechanic - I am situated in Switzerland (no idea why it is not shown in the profile info), so can't really help you with that.

Two weeks ago I installed TEIN SS with the topmounts, but without the EDFC option. It's hard to be sure, but subcetively, I think they are more comfortable than stock setup. Especially on the softer settings of the dampers. There was some clicking during the first 2-3 days, but now everything settled and the ride is perfectly smooth. Very happy with them.

I'd say this thudding noise is normal for the manual IS200. Even James May mentions it in his review of IS200 on the old Top Gear in 1999. Mine does it and it's been doing it since I have it (more than 2 years / 25 000 km now). Sometimes it transforms to 'clicking' (high-pitched/less shaking) and sometimes shift are perfect (no thudding, no clicking). As far as I know the problem has to do with quickly wearing synchromesh in the gearbox. It's annoying, for sure. So, if you, by any chance, find out the reason for it, let us know.

Oh, what a price! Here in Switzerland such car (mileage/year) goes for 17000 Fr (~9800 pounds). I am also thinking of upgrading to IS300, so I am really interested to hear some opinions of people who already did it. Is the extra weight at the front noticeably affecting the handling?

I have my IS200 manual for 2 years now. 172 000 km on the clock. I only consider an upgrade to IS300 automatic. When I find good low mileage IS300 I'll be keeping it for a very long time, so voted "forever" in the poll.

I have my IS200 for almost 2 years now. I don't think I'll ever go for something else than Lexus. IS300 or IS250 will be my next car, most probably.

Standard one all the way for me! Great job on the comparison, mate!

I'd definately go for it over any ferrari/lambo, etc. Body shape is perfect. I am a bit concerned about the headlights though... I really hope they are as the ones from the latest concept. However, they look a bit different on those latest "production" pics. But we'll see.

Thanks, mate! Good to know.

For the sake of accuracy: was it the TEIN SS kit with upper mounts or without?

For the overall looks: Granite Sky. But headlights look so nice on silver - makes them look almost like wearing makeup.

Hello guys I am asking you for advice. My Lex is 1999 IS200 with manual gearbox and about 165000 km on the clock. Last service done on 157000 km, including engine, gearbox and differential oil change. Recently it started to develop slightly noticeable rumble when the torque is propagating from the wheels to the engine, i.e. car already moving and suddenly I step off the throttle. In an instance, stepping off the throttle feels like a bang (like engine stalling) followed by the rumble. When throttle is pressed, even slightly, the car is very smooth. In fact, the two issues appeared after geometry alignment, but probably that's just a coincidence. A mechanic in a local garage advised be that the issue with the engine bang is probably due to dirty throttle body. What do you think?

Thanks, mate! I'll have a look on that.

The air conditioner on mine is doing similar thing. When it has to mix the cold and warm streams, it starts clicking. If I set temperature way too high or way too low, it stops. Haven't really found a solution to that yet.

Mine rattles on 4th and 6th. I found out this has to do with the leather cover of the gearstick and disappears after shaking/pulling it a bit.

When my fully stock IS200 was weighted, it showed 870 kg on the front axis and 700 kg on the rear. That was with two persons (I guess 160 kg) sitting in the front seats and almost empty fuel tank (around 10 littrs). Taking out the peoples weight, that makes it roughly 56/44 weight distribution on an almost empty fuel tank. Hope that info helps.

When I switched from Semperit Direction Sport to Yokohama w.drive I was... pleasantly surprised .. woow, at least 6 dB quieter. So, Yokohama all the way for me.

That same thing happened to me few months ago. However, I did the job myself and I think that was good choice I made. No one will do that with as much care as you will. However, some tools and technical knowledge is required. Could you post some pics, so we can see what's the situation?

My IS also does that jerk. Not when cold, but few seconds after start. Once the engine i properly warmed it disappears. When SNOW mode is engaged, this jerkiness is much smoother. So, good to know it's normal.

1. Bad shifting for 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd gears 2. No armrest in mine (1999, manual) 3. Clutch judder to some extent 4. I'd prefer a bit less road/engine noise Perfect car otherwise.

great then! I'm really happy for you!

so, what parts did you change and how much did it cost?

I have rattle with pretty much the same symptoms. Turned out to be the bottom side of the conal leather cover of the gear shifter. Disappears after one push, but comes back when I switch to 6th next time...

I changed the oil of the gearbox hoping that it will fix the problem, but it didn't. Well, might be a liiitle bit better, but still the clunk is there. However, in the garage they had only one type of gearbox oil. It was an OEM type, so I have no idea about the density and so on. May be a thicker oil will do better.. Rob, can you refer to a person or a thread in the forum about those cones? I'd really like to dig deeper in that problem. Thanks!

That clunk is really annoying when the car is otherwise so smooth. So in attempt to solve it I changed the oil, but the problem remained. Changing oil won't solve it.