oka97

You guys been so much help. I'm gonna hold out for a post '01 Sport :) Just need to save up a bit more now :arrrggg-matey:

dark_is200 which dealer is this?

hey c'mon peeps.. Atleast tell me the main differences of a '01 IS200 to an older model? Pretty please? :D

This is the kind of car and price I would go for.. What do you guys think of it? http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW/CARS_...200316086262744 Is it worth paying more for a post 2001 version IS200?

tony_hetherington you're the man :) thanks Your advice is really appreciated. I've found some real bargains from private guys.. I dunno I really want to get it from a dealer but when I see Sport's in mint condition with 20-30K on the clock going for around £13K I soon enough forget dealers! And then there's the bargaining which may mean as low as £12.5K :) Okay how about this scenario - buying a 3 year old IS200 with ~30K on the clock from private. Surely you don't need to worry about CD errors and alloys pitting etc. if it's lasted 3 years okay..?

1. My gear stick/box rattles in a very annoying manner when in 6th gear. Take the gaiter out and inspect the inside etc 2. The air coming into the car stinks for ages after the actual a/c has been turned off change your air con filter / look at ur filter behind the glove box / get a AC cleaner spray (available from halfords for about £15) 3. Something in the sun roof permantly rattles unless the cover is closed. tighten up any screws etc in ur sun roof?? These are my answers to your problems, u can ignore them if u like 'cos I don't even own an IS200! Haha.. No seriously, use the search button or something (ps. the search in this forum is awful!)

The biggest worry I have is because I want to save money and buy from private, that I buy an IS200 and find faults later Any more tips from experience 2nd hand buyers here? :) Also I wanted to ask, out of the three IS models, people seem to go for the SE. I can see why the bottom version is avoided, but what's wrong with the Sport?

Hi everyone, joined the forum today and I must say this is a well friendly and helpful place. I've read the forum over carefully and listed what I think are some things to look over when buying a second hand is200 (I've yet to buy one myself). Additions/corrections/comments welcome! -- + wheel balance / alignment - what do the tires look like when this is wrong? + paint chipping - around which areas are stone chips most likely? Seems like supaguarding your car doesn't make much diffence here. + alloy pitting / corrosion - what 'is' pitting actually? + air conditioning problems - smelly air-con and leaks. How do you know if it's leaking? + CD player problems - doesn't play CDs, eats them etc. + random vibrations and noises behind the dash etc. -- Checking for a solid car history is important.. all service stamps by Lexus etc. Would getting an AA man in to inspect the car be worth it? My guess is yes, but surely there's better alternatives? Okay enough from me for now.. what have I missed? :)