qaisser

I love my Lexus IS200. When I was seraching it was a choice betwwen a BMW 3 Series, an Aidi A4 or a Lexus, so I went to see each one in that order. The BMW was boring, common and a flop in the interior. The Audi was better but still a yawner. Then came the Lexus. A car I'd never really thought about but wondered 'what if?' I loved the ride, the interior was fabulous especially the circular dash design and all those gadgets. I bought the car without wondering why. That was 4 years ago and I still look out of the window just ro see the Gunmetal and sparkling alloys smile back at me. I actually bought it as a wedding present to myself and now my 2 yaer old sees it and yells 'daddy's car!' even though it's only a 2002. I'm used to faster cars as I'm used to the kick of a turbo and the tickling in my tum-tum as the tress wave by - the Lexus isn't the rocket but if you know how to drive you'll know how to get the thrills out of them. I love the way they handle, take corners and feel. Up against anything with a scoop in the hood, well, sit back, out the flat cap on and pass on by. They are one heavy car though. I recently changed the brake discs and they alone were a two hand carrying job. But then I have the SE which means heated seats and in the Winter any fronted seated passenger receive a bummy delight as they wiggle and soothe into the warmth. It's always passed it's MOT without any to do lists. The only things I've ever done on it is service, tyres, break pads, and petrol. I bought her a new set of alloys as the others were pealing and kerbed badly and that's made all the difference - it's a wonder what a new pair of shoes makes. And that brings me to why hate her so. Everyone has a wicked side and this one likes to drink... alot! Even with the petrol prices and the offer of a company car I'm still doting over the Lexus. I've learnt how to drive her economically from a slower pace of driving, turning the Snow mode on on the motorway, changing the air filter regularly, adding injector claener to the fuel - so it adds the miles. From a full tank of about 70pounds I get just over 400 miles. I would love a Lexus IS200 with LPG. Anyway, just thought I'd share my thing-thing. I enjoy all the questions and queries on here, it helps with bits and bats. Obviously I had nothing better to do so thought I'd harp on a bit. Enjoy your cars guys. <a href="http://s934.photobucket.com/albums/ad181/amberrani/?action=view&current=IMG_3274-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad181/amberrani/IMG_3274-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

As most of us have experienced, or are experiencing, the standard Lexus IS200 five spoke alloy wheels are a fantastic look and design BUT quite often peel and scab away. They then look black and drishevelled! I have a 2002 Gunetal Grey which is gorgeous but the flaking and blotched alloys let it down - makes it look older. What is the best way to bring the alloys back to their former glory and that is cheap and quick to do? Any suggestions please...

If its a case of low power and increased consumption and hoofing out white smoke at all occasions i'd be very worried if it was normal. Wasn't sure if it was MAF or MAP on the IS but that clears it up. If the smoke smells "sweet" then its definately coolant Yeah I agree... I will check the smell and all the fluids and get back to you. Thanks again.

Oil and coolant are not dropping although I will check first thing in the morning.

Thank you everyone (especially legendswraith), keep the suggestions coming, I will follow all avenues.

white smoke can be caused in several ways. If you aren't losing oil and theres no smell from the smoke then that discounts oil. That leaves air/fuel ratio which would be indicated by high consumption and low power (is the car choking constantly?) and the other one is coolant burn if theres a crack or a gasket leak burning coolant will produce white smoke as well. Are you topping up the rad alot or losing coolant at all? Hopefully its not the coolant one in which case i'd look at the MAF and the lambdas to see if they were functioning correctly. Have you taken it to have the codes read from the OBD might save alot of time 'HIgh consumption/low' power is correct - the rad is not losing any coolant - that leaves the MAF and the lambdas but what are these??? And what's the OBD? As you can tell I am not too literate in these terms - thank you for you help, further assistance would be great, thanks.

I have a 2002 Lexus IS200 which seems to have lost its power - For a 153 BHP it is very slow...- with 115k and FSH - there is continuous smoke coming from the exhaust, it is misty white and is thicker when I press the accelerator. I have had a full service with new filters, oil and plugs but hasn't solved anything. It is not losing any oil. It starts and drives fine but everytime I look in the rear view mirror, especially stationary, the smoke is there and obvious rising like a menace, especially when I look at other cars exhaust and they dont smoke like mine does. Maybe the oil/petrol mixture is off or the CAT is faulty or something - can someone please help me understand what the problem is as I would really appreciate any feedback. Thank you.