japthree

I do remember seeing it in some of the car mags when they had their first drive - a white IS with the shark fin... how come not on the consumer models? Anyone know please?

In this week's Auto Express page 17 there's an article on how factory fitted sat-navs don't have (full UK 7-digit) postcode entry and it states Lexus don't have any postcode recognition facility on their IS250/220d. Does anyone explain the logic of not having this functionality -- is there any advantage? After having a go on a friend's new 3-series I phoned BMW about their Navigation system having no postcode entry either and BMW replied that actually postcodes change and gave an example that his address had changed its postcode in the last month -- so what's the point of postcode input!? Is this true? The postcode is the most important bit of the address for the Royal Mail and I doubt it changes unless in some extreme circumstance? (similar to phone numbers). Why does a £120 TomTom or Navman have postcode input but a £2710 Lexus sat-nav doesn't? On a different note I detest the wood trim on the SE-L; does Lexus have plans to do the SE-L without it?

Apart from commonsense of looking after your CDs and tapes i.e. putting them in their cases, etc to maintain the tape deck you should use one of those cleaning tape systems (wet type with the felt pads best) to clean the entire tape path. Hard to find them these days. Would demagnetising the tape heads be useful? I hardly use tapes anymore but sometimes there's a need. As for the CD player you can get one of those CD lens cleaners and disc cleaning micro-fibre cloths / system? That's about it?

Okay this sounds a bit daft... but the spray is quite a bit and if a thief was trying to car-jack you - you could spray him!? This would give you a few secs to make an escape!

Although now nearly 10 years in the UK; I don't see that many, usually the same 1 or 2 on my usual route to/from work. I tend to see more IS250/220ds in fact and loads of new 3 series (as well as the old one). It might be 'dated' but it's still 'uncommon' for the time span it's been out and I like that exclusivity. What do you think?

I think it's been discussed here a while back - but is it something to do with the "thin" type of paint Lexus used, in particular the Astral Black (but other metallics as well), that the finish isn't as "shiny" as other Manufacturer's "Blacks" (e.g. Audi or BMW) and scratches are a lot more "visible" because of this. So what is the best wax/polish to use for these colour(s) on the IS200? Auto Express say: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/prod...589/polish.html http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/prod...h_megatest.html

Don't people just think Lexus - it's really a Toyota and hence aren't even interested in driving it? Don't knock it till you've tried it. I was thinking a Lexus is like an Apple computer - niche market, small user base, but reliable, a bit different and more expensive than a Windows PC, etc http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/carsearc...;makeName=Lexus http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/carsearc...;makeName=Lexus check out the second link for the Sport model - in some places it's better than the E46. "...Possessing neither of the aforementioned attributes, class-conscious types find it all to easy to dismiss the car before even turning the key. To do so is a big mistake, though. By virtue of its conservative looks and critically acclaimed reliability it appeals mainly to buyers of a sensible disposition - but there's more to the IS200 than meets the eye." "...the asking price is anything but daylight robbery." A friend of mine bought the SE spec 2005 model and did he get a deal with the kit added to it before it went out of production. "Conservatively styled IS200 is a surprisingly good driver's car" It's hardly conservatively styled though? Maybe it looks Avensis/Accord in places but it STANDS out!

I recall that in a Topgear magazine survey of 2001 or 2002 the IS 200 was voted 6th best looking car by TG's readers with the Audi TT, Jaguar XK8 and Porsche 911 higher up - if I remember correctly... Considering the exterior design only what other 4-door saloons or coupes would be better looking that the IS? Even now, although I have got use to it I still can get a buzz from going up to it or leaving it and if it was a brand new design I think it is better looking than the current IS 250. Anyway I really do like the E46 3-series (face lifted) and the old 3-series coupe. The new 3-series saloon isn't that nice but the new coupe especially the headlights head-on is fresh and exciting! Audi A4 (old and new), C-Class (although new one is okay) , Jag X-type (no way!), Accord, Saab 9-3, Rover 75 (yuk), Alfa 156 (is okay), Volvo, Mondeo, etc don't particular catch my eye to be honest. It's personal taste.... What about you? Does anyone own and drive the IS because it's reliable, good drive, value for money, lots of standard toys, etc but think it's UGLY?!? If so, why please? Do you think Lexus should have done a more radical facelift to the IS after 3-4 years and to what parts of the exterior?

p.80 of owner's manual INSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR My mirror day-night change lever is diagram B but I'm sure the labelling is the wrong way round? 1 should be Night 2 should be Day In Day position the lever should be vertical and at Night lever ought to be horizontal -- whereby the image is pointed towards the rear seats, reducing the glare of the headlights of vehicles behind you? When driving at night, PUSH the lever AWAY FROM you... ...PULL the day- night change lever BACKWARD (daylight driving position).

http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/Lexus_IS%20200_...est.html?id=265 the reviewer here prefers the Lexus to the BMW: "However you view the Lexus, from counting beans to racing pulses, it stands out from the crowd. With looks enough to make grown men weep, and the kind of tactile responses that would make a night out with Liz Hurley seem like a date with a floorboard, driving the Lexus IS 200 has to be one of the most rewarding experiences I have encountered in many years."

could it be instead that if you drive in dull (no sunlight) daytime weather (especially when it is raining and/or motorways) and have a dark coloured car (according to the AA) it is good practice to drive in dipped headlights. But you can't always tell the lights are on as the dashboard lighting is hard to see -- but the green "D "would be dimmer with lights on than with lights off -- so you'd know you've got your lights on! The other thing I like about the Auto is that you have to brake sooner/more (because of lack of engine braking compared to Manual transmission) so you give an earlier 'advance warning' to the driver behind you.

I haven't driven a 3-series (yet) but anyone who has (the 1998-2005 version) does it drive/handle better than an IS? The majority of reviews online and in the UK motoring press (Auto Express, Autocar, What Car?, evo, Topgear, car, Parkers, and other mags you can think of - if any?) summed up that the Lexus is better value for money but as for driving/handling the BMW is better. The same goes for the current 3-series (E90) v Is 250/220d. "Nice try Lexus..., but BMW wins again..." Please comment solely on the E46 (and not Audi A4, etc) as that is what the IS was created to compete against. I remember "car" magazine gave a glowing final report to the IS 200 in its Feb 2001 edition. Can anyone find online reviews where it states the Is is a better driver's car than the E46? I want to prove my BMW "friends" wrong!

page 5 of Quarter 1 2008 Lexus Magazine (received yesterday): RAC OFFER FOR IS DRIVERS Lexus IS 200, IS 300 and IS SportCross owners can now get a year's free RAC cover plus vehicle safety inspection at a Lexus Centre (0845 278 8888) or visit www.lexus.co.uk Subject to terms and conditions. I don't have any cover at the moment so is there any catch? I can't see any reference to this news on the Lexus UK site though?

3 questions about the automatic: 1.When the headlights are on and dashboard is lit up why is the indicator light for 'D' (drive) a very pale green but the other gears except 'R' a brighter green? 2.When you stop at the lights and 'a pause becomes a wait' I put the handbrake on. Are you supposed to shift to 'N' or can you keep it in 'D'? 3.The Owner's manual talks about using gears 'L' '2' and '3' for more engine braking (which autos lack when compared to manuals?) and when going up/down hill. I find the car more in control if I'm in '3' going round a tight bend or windy road. Is this correct - what other times would you use these please? Sometimes I get bored that my left hand is not doing anything -- I just shift to '2' and '3' for the fun of it -- I miss 'changing gears' now. Maybe I should get a manual! Thanks!

Anyone noticed if you put a piece of paper or CD case (or anything!) in the glovebox and take it out it's covered by black felt-like stuff? Don't like! What could I do to remedy it - liner it with plastic sheeting?

Just curious if anyone has found a particular "brand" e.g. Shell, BP, Esso, supermarket of Unleaded to be optimal for the IS' engine; also if Super Unleaded (with a higher RON) is really worth the money? The (standard) IS is hardly a supercar so I doubt there's _that_ much difference?

Apart from the obvious use of SNOW mode in the snow... when is it advisable to use it and what are the benefits please? What are the consequences of using SNOW mode in the wrong situation (which are...?) ? Similarly ECT PWR mode - when can you use it + benefits and when shouldn't you - what are the consequences? For quick acceleration can't you just use kickdown in normal mode rather than ECT PWR? Thanks

1. BMW copied the taillights of the discontinued 3-series Compact 2. I parked my IS next to the new 3-series (E90) and the headlights are similar to some extent IMHO 3. The old Mazda 6 definitely got some inspiration from the IS 4. The new Mazda 6 is also similar to the new IS 250/220! Anything else? I still think the IS is stunning especially side on although I am getting a tiny bit bored of it. Were the chronographic dials a first on the IS and has any other car copied that idea? I do get 'annoyed' when anti-Lexus people just pass the car off as a Toyota - is an Audi just an up-market VW?

Please note my IS is an early IS without windscreen heated demister. I can have my IS parked in the car park and the cars next to it aren't misted up/aren't so bad but mine is! Is there a particular reason/science behind this? Type of glass used, design, build quality (thought IS is number 1 according to the yearly Auto Express Driver Power polls)? Is it common to all ISs? Applying Halfords own brand anti-mist solution many times makes virtually no difference - actually useless. Tried Rain-x Anti-mist and it has improved the situation but wasn't sure if I should completely remove the Halfords stuff off the interior windscreen and with what? Does anyone please have any tips on how to reduce misting - special microfibre cloth or a better brand anti-fog liquid? It can be hassle in the morning waiting for the misting to clear. Thanks

Just a query about the lack of creep on my IS - you really have to be gentle and steady to accelerate from idle especially on a camber/gradient; also on when reversing it can be quite scary if you are not gentle! Are all IS autos like this or is it just mine? Other automatic cars you have to use the footbrake alot more to avoid the car from moving!

Hi, my car's handling isn't as good as it used to be - especially due to a crash; anyway is it really worth the trek (4 hours) to see Tony or should my local ATS Euromaster be sufficient? How much is the service and how long would it take? Thanks!