chuuza

Having been disappointed with the two IS 200's for sale locally and privately, and having read a little more on here, I have now begun considering an SE, and the Auto option, along with the sport, and additionally I am thinking of sticking to a Lexus Dealer. Our local Lexus guy has a 2000 "X", 25K, Mint (his words) that he'll "let go" for £13K ..... Now if he gets to nearer £12K he'd most likely have a sale. ;)

Jim & Colin.... That's good news I guess, as long as the spoiler and grill are not from the "Carlos Fandango" school of Add ons I can live with it :o).... As for fitting, the skirt looks bolted on, or rather it is under the wheel arches, AKA the way mud flaps go on. I doubt its bonded, as it's flimsiness comes from the fact that at the front it can be pulled away with ease from what I assume is the original bumper. Ignore the pic that makes the car look derelict as it was raining and the rain drops look like a million stone chips..... http://www.boomspeed.com/thundering/trim004.jpg ..... Note the thin greyish rubber sealstrip (akin to that on some shower fittings) that I think takes up the slack and negates the need to fit "properly"

Firstly, thanks for allthe suggestions, all of which are taken onboard. Well.... I had a quick "drive by" visual on the "X" plate, sport, with 26k (and snapped a couple of pics) before i view later this week, only to find a non standard vehicle with a non standard spoiler, grill, and a *** awful "skirt" thingy (sorry, just not up with the jargon) On the plus side, having seen the standard of parking, I was pleased to be told during a phone call earlier in the day, that the new alloys had not yet been fitted!!! http://www.boomspeed.com/thundering/trim001.jpg http://www.boomspeed.com/thundering/trim002.jpg http://www.boomspeed.com/thundering/trim003.jpg Now... A few questions, overall, the car looks good, (wet so reserving judgement for a dry day) no apparent panel dinks, very minor one or two stone chips, but that skirt thingy appears to be all round, tacky, plasticky, and flimsy, so, how much damage do these things cause being installed? are they simply bolt or clip on? ............. But more importantly...... Are they easily removed? Given that the seller is in a "must sell" situation and willing to negotiate, sub 12K, is this piece of TAT a big deal? or does it simply require a far more professional fit? removal? replacement? Should I see it as a big minus? Not understanding the "aftermarket" business, I see the skirt "Add on" as detracting from the cars value.

OK... Having saved hard, ended up the wrong side of 40 and cleared the kids stuff out of the garage, it's time to finally stop driving wrecks and treat myself to a quality car... And to that end I have set my heart on an IS 200 Sport and am in the early stages of educating myself about my quarry. I have read a great deal on these forums, finding the site to be a wealth of useful information... So "Two Thumbs Up" to all those who run the site and contribute. Which brings me to my question... Where can I find the most accurate price guide to used IS 200s? I have tried the likes of "What Car", "Parkers" and "AA", and they vary a fair amount, therefore I was wondering if any of the above were deamed to be the best guide? Or is there a Lexus friendly guide elsewhere? My budget stretches to £12,000 and when I part with it, every last crisp note, I'd like to think I got a good deal, which is why I am trying to fathom the best price guide. Dealers cars are in greater numbers than private cars locally, and there are few (if any) private vehicles, however there is one that looks promisng. A 200 Sport, Sept 2000 "X", 26K on clock, full lexus service (serviced 1 month ago), Brand New replacement alloys 2 weeks ago (under warranty), described as Immaculate (heard that before). No extras. (eg sat nav, parking, metallic, styling kit). Now, I concede I am a mechanical nugget, and any car I view, I'll be viewing with my friendly mechanic, and making any offer (if i do) based on a satisfactory AA inspection. So... what kind of price should I be paying for the car above? Naturally I know the asking price, but based on the info above, lets assume the car turns out to be immaculate as stated.... What sort of price might I expect to pay? What would be a good deal from my point of view? What would be too much? What would be a steal? (I wish) Well...... Thanks for reading this far, and any comments received.