lofty

Hi m8 Lexus most certainly DO recognise this trait/fault. I had a 200se for about 3 years (sold it last year - but still drop in on here now and again) Firstly let me say that I loved the car, BUT, when I paid the thick end of 20k the last thing I expected was a clunky gearchange! It is easy to over exaggerate the problem, as it becomes a bit like chinese water torture. Every time you change up from 1st to 2nd its there. Not a CRUNCH, but an annoying little bit of resistance, and a unnerving metal on metal "noise". Mine had the "notchy" 1st to 2nd. I complained several times. The first time I complained I got a "technicians report" stating that the gearbox was fine. Eventually they agreed to change the gearbox oil for a "stiffer"one. This did improve things slightly, but still not to my satisfaction. Eventually I spoke to a really switched on mechanic at another dealership, and he showed me a copy of a document which he told me all Lexus dealers had been issued with. There were a large group of chassis numbers between "xxxxxx" and "yyyyyy" that Lexus would do something about IF the customer pestered them for long enough (or words to that effect). The course of action was 1) put stiffer gear oil in 2) strip and replace gearbox bits as necessary.(wouldnt replace gearbox - too costly) In fairness, option 2 was offered to me, but I really didnt want the hassle of having the gearbox on a nearly new motor being fiddled about with. Especially as the mechanic said he could offer me no guarantee that the notchiness would disappear even after a strip and rebuild. What also put me off was the fact that he said his team had never done this in an IS200 ! Having said all that, I noticed the notchiness on EVERY IS200 I ever drove. Including the ones supposedly out of the chassis range that the dealer showed me. Also, it NEVER got any worse over all the time I had it. But, don't be fobbed off ! Regards Lofty

Hi all Well, I've sold my immaculate "X" plate 200 SE this morning. Still only 28,200 miles on the clock! :o Still can't get over how little it was worth.... I can't tell you what I'm getting next, as you will all laugh!! Thanks for all the info over the last three years. Its been fun. Cheers Lofty. ps I may be back when the new IS comes out......... :winky:

Fuzzyfelt Hi mate Just for your peace of mind, I've had mine just over three years, and It's always had the slightly notchy 1st to 2nd, and to a lesser extent 2nd to 3rd. It's always worse when cold. I logged my concerns with Lexus from day one. Their answer was to replace the gearbox oil.!! Anyway, it has never got any worse, and is exactly the same now as it was three years ago. Cheers Lofty.

Hi Steve I've got a 200 SE "X"plate 2000 (pre isofix) and after trying a load of seats, ended up buying the Renaissance. It fits perfectly and very securely. ps. I wouldn't go to H******s to buy a bottle of screenwash! Hope that helps Lofty.

Perfect opportunity to go......Royal Sapphire :D

he.he.he This is a fun, if a bit "off" topic. :D Here's my two penneth. OK. I love my IS. I also really like a few high end beemers, and if I had the money then I'd definately have one.(330i,M3) But let's be honest here. What is the comparable beemer to the IS200 SE? It's a BM 318i. Oh dear. This is where it all goes horribly wrong for all those in the "beemer camp" IS200 SE a shade under 20,800 o.t.r. 318i £20,950 So, that doesn't look too bad 'till you check out the additions you'd have to make to the beemer to bring it up to the IS spec. Leather £1500 17" Alloys £1500 6 disc changer £250 'Leccy sunroof £895 Colour coded door handles!!!! £95 .....the list goes on. To spec the beemer up to the IS level would cost way in excess of 25 grand. Im not wanting to slate the beemers, just making a point. You can't compare a IS to (say) a 330i. They are in different ball parks. The BMW optional extras list goes on forever. Money, money, money. I always found the Lexus "optional extras" catalogue amusing........ 1) Sat Nav. ........errr, and that's it. EVERYTHING is STANDARD :D Finally, BM 318i or IS200SE.......its a bit of a no brainer, don't you think? Cheers Lofty.

Dont panic Mr.Mainwaring, we're quite safe. As aido says, "T2" is their reference code. The IS200 DEFINITELY has a Cat 1 alarm/immobiliser. Cheers Lofty.

I'm too late, but you can have the link anyway! link to IS200 cat1 Go to page 14. It's a Talm001 (for anyone who's interested! ) Cheers Lofty

Hi I don't think that sounds bad, at all. The average miles for that age will be about 50,000 and the sat nav is a real plus.(Sport - bonus!) The colour is ace. I was looking for an aztec fire or royal sapphire when I got mine. The blue came up first. Be sure to give it a good checking, as it is out of Lexus warranty.(things like corroded alloys, stereo etc. - you'll find all the things to look for on here) Get it bought. :D Cheers Lofty

They are just jealous little tit heads, who will never aspire to such a great motor, so the next best thing for them is to destroy it. Mindless trailer-trash council scum. Hope you get it sorted soon,m8. Cheers Lofty

Hmmm.... If I had to have one for 1 week only, then RX-8. Fun, fun, fun. .......However, to live with day in day out, week after week, then the IS200-definately. With the price of fuel rising as it is, I may chop my IS in for a Fabia Diesel. :o ....well, maybe next year. :D Cheers Lofty.

Consider yourself a VERY lucky man, and buy her a Fiesta Automatic! Cheers Lofty

Congratulations, mate! I've got a five month old daughter, and I never realised why people went on about how crap the IS's boot was until I tried getting all the associated "baby gear" in it! The boot size is fine, it's the gap you've got to get through! It's a right pain, so try before you buy. Also, I'll pass on a couple of nuggets i've picked up along the way. 1) Don't buy a three wheeler. (I know they look cool, 'cos I was going to get one) but one of me mates warned me about the lack of "carry space" (for the shopping and stuff) underneath. You may laugh now, but wait 'till you're coming out of Marks & Spencers looking cool, but having to carry all the bags, as there's only room for a pop can and a bag of crisps underneath! :D 2) You will be bombarded with advice. Don't listen to ANY of it.(except 1. above ) Cheers Lofty.

Ha.ha.ha Lexus are even using up the unused "kodiak" paint. (as well as the alloys and leather) Not so "LE" :D

Where's the dilemma? SPORT in Montrose Blue.........Mmmmmm, Montrose Blue. :D ...and imagine trying to clean those horrid alloys on the LE. :yack: Just my two-penneth. :P