Lexus IS200 S

[Jakestar]

Due to a slight mishap with the e36 (tree pingpong) I needed wheels quick and although I wanted something a little slower and steady I didn't want to go boring, so keeping my search to a easily-accessible 10mile radius I happened across this IS200:















To be honest, either I'm missing something or these are mega good value these days.

Shes a 2000 "S" with 153,000 and has the following:
- FSH
- 6 months tax and MOT
- Reversing sensors
- Electric Mirrors
- 17" alloys
- recently replaced discs/pads/calipers/springs
- 2 previous owners, the chap I bought it off had it for 10 years and is only selling as he's bought a new lexus
- No clutch judder whatsoever
- Gearbox is actually amazing (see below) rather than a weak point (banded about on the forums)

All for the princple sum of £770. There are a few imperections as expected:
- Slight bubbling to the rear of the sill both sides
- Dent to bottom of the drivers door
- Painted chipped on the rear near-side arch
- When idling the engine does make a slight vibration noise (I've been told they should be silent so something is a miss - but there is no issues at anything other than idle)

But I'm really surpirsed that 2 days in and I actually prefer her to my 328...! Either I had a lemon of a 328 or these arn't bad cars:
- Engine sounds decent and has enough go to keep it interesting without trying to kill me with my lack of ability
- Brakes exellently
- Corners well
- Solid ride and the seats are much comfier than the leather seats in the 328
- Gearbox is the best I have ever had the pleasure using (better than my previous MR2 turbo aswell - and people complimented that gearchange) the short-ratiod 6 speeder is like engaging a rifle bolt - short and sharp, there is really no play in the box at all which is such a surprised given it's mileage.

Sufficed to say I'm chuffed with a car that was half the cost of the one it replaces but I feel I've got more car this time round!

Edited by Jakestar on Sunday 1st September 22:31

[problemchild1976]

bargain!!! very nice.

JJ

[Rumple]

Looks nice OP, I have always liked these, how does it compare to the E36, also have you any crash pics.

Just read the OP's post properly, bks.

[patmahe]

I seem to be developing a bit of a thing for these lately. Just the fuel consumption reports put me off, would be interested to see how you get on with it op.

[anonymous-user]

I ran one of these for just over a year and nearly 50k and can honestly say it was the best car i've owned, Fuel consumption isn't really that bad, They sound amazing and much prefer it to the e36's and e46's i've had.

Never went wrong either! Great buy

[Ruskie]

Had one for 4 years.

They are slow for the MPG you get but a nice smooth drive to compensate.

£770 is a bargain to be fair. Just be aware of the parts prices as that's why I got rid of mine in the end.

[iacabu]

That looks a great car for the money. If I ever get around to fixing and selling my car one of these will be on my list to look for.

[rigga]

Had my sport a year and its great to drive, 25mpg is the only downside but I do relatively little miles so I can forgive that ...they are such a bargain these days.