Lexus IS200
 

Thinking about one of these as my daily runner, mostly for the missus and baby. Currently have a nice Pug 306,but doesn't feel sturdy enough. I must be getting old now I use that as a factor to buy a car :lol1:

Anyway, thinking of the sE model, as it has plenty of extra's.

Any one have any experience of thse?

Budget wise, I'll be looking at the 99 - 04 model.

I had one for 3 years and about 76000 miles.

Good bits: handling, ride, interior, quality, engine note, equipment.

Bad bits: economy, performance, narrow power band, can't use CD-Rs in the 6 CD changer or they get stuck.

Overall, I liked mine but would have loved a bit more oomph or better economy, I averaged about 28 mpg but it only does 0 - 60 in 9 secs. The engine makes it's peak power practically on the rev limiter and when you change gear it drops you out of the power (VVTi) if you haven't wrung it's neck.

Cheers.
I was thinking of it as an alternative to an e46 BMW.
Economy doesn't sound great, I dont need another Scoobs in the house.

I had a go with one of these once, and I just beat it from a standing start.

Was I in a Scoob, no, a Metro GTI :D

The Metro was a turd of a car in every way though, funnily enough I was chatting via PM with an ex Scoob owner mate who now has one who likes it but doesnt feel its fast enough, I think its the power delivery, like a 320 BM, its smooth, reasonable powerful but due tot he delivery and refinement it feels slow, its probably not "slow" but it doesnt feel fast.

I wouldn't be fussed about the performance at all, as I know it would get me in trouble. I always make sure my other car is alot slower than the Scoob.
It just ticks all my other box for practicality, and all that sensible stuff.

Nice reliable car, x2 of my colleges have them both over 100k, both sweet as a nut - but as has been said juicy and slow.

As a preference though, I would have juicy and slow with safe and reliable then any other combo. Beemers are less reliable, sparce spec, or expensive to buy but arguably cheaper day to day to run?!?!?!

SE spec is the one btw :D

PS 100k cambelt change IIRC

SE is what I would be looking at anyway.
Book mpg for the IS is 28, where as my brother has a 320 and its onboard computer shows 37. So you are right, the beemers are cheaper to run.
So many of the IS's advertised have over 100k. I was guessing that they would have had a timing chain, as they appear to go on forever. Not seen any ads with mention to the belt.

Had one about 2 years ago - you need to watch out for the notchy gear changes, they all suffer from it and it feels bloody awful. I was speaking to people that had put new parts in to sort out the problem, but after a few weeks was back to square 1. Yes they are slow, but compared to my bro's bmw 320 it was quick - ish! Didn't think fuel was that bad to be honest either, but it was my first non sporty car in ten years that I'd owned! Don't think you will get a better built car for the money though, given chance I'd get an auto.

Was actually thinking of an auto also.
Whats with the speedo/rev counter clusters on these? Looks like one of David Beckhams watches.

Yep, your right - they based the speedo etc on a watch face! Looks quite nice though, and easy to read. Also check the alloys, they are prone to pitting. Nearly every one I went to look at had after market alloys, or originals that were refurb'd. I sold mine to my dad a couple of years ago, then borrowed it when mine went in for a service a few months back - absolute joy to drive, silky smooth engine and felt proper solid compared to the tin pot Subaru's.