Lexus is200 se
Discussion
Cookeh said:
Subjective indeed, but there is a lot more to a car than its bhp figure... Oh, and lets compare like for like shall we, the competitor for the 325i and the 330's was the IS300 - with 217bhp...
To boot, I find the ISs to be more involving, with the IS200 having a much better gearbox than any of the BMs, coupled to a engine that wants to worked and pushed. I also find the ride to be superior, and much prefer the interior.
I don't think the IS300 really was a 325/330 alternative though, given that it was only ever offered as an automatic (and "only" had 217 bhp when an E46 330i had 231 bhp). To boot, I find the ISs to be more involving, with the IS200 having a much better gearbox than any of the BMs, coupled to a engine that wants to worked and pushed. I also find the ride to be superior, and much prefer the interior.
But then you say the IS200 had a better gearbox than any of the BM's - was that the manual one that you couldn't have on the "like for like" IS300?
Or did I miss something?
Mr Tidy said:
Cookeh said:
Subjective indeed, but there is a lot more to a car than its bhp figure... Oh, and lets compare like for like shall we, the competitor for the 325i and the 330's was the IS300 - with 217bhp...
To boot, I find the ISs to be more involving, with the IS200 having a much better gearbox than any of the BMs, coupled to a engine that wants to worked and pushed. I also find the ride to be superior, and much prefer the interior.
I don't think the IS300 really was a 325/330 alternative though, given that it was only ever offered as an automatic (and "only" had 217 bhp when an E46 330i had 231 bhp). To boot, I find the ISs to be more involving, with the IS200 having a much better gearbox than any of the BMs, coupled to a engine that wants to worked and pushed. I also find the ride to be superior, and much prefer the interior.
But then you say the IS200 had a better gearbox than any of the BM's - was that the manual one that you couldn't have on the "like for like" IS300?
Or did I miss something?
The two cars would be bought by two different types of customer when new as well...no doubt the more focused drivers would buy the BM but I've no doubt the Lexus would be the better cruiser.
I can definitely say though that given the choice between the OP's IS200 or a 325Ti, I'd take the Lexus on looks alone....(and I own two BM's)
Looks like a great car op - following with interest!
Edited by col1983 on Monday 26th June 17:10
Cookeh said:
Subjective indeed, but there is a lot more to a car than its bhp figure... Oh, and lets compare like for like shall we, the competitor for the 325i and the 330's was the IS300 - with 217bhp...
To boot, I find the ISs to be more involving, with the IS200 having a much better gearbox than any of the BMs, coupled to a engine that wants to worked and pushed. I also find the ride to be superior, and much prefer the interior.
Absolutely no way. I had both and the IS300 didn't really handle, the engine was mute and felt flat.To boot, I find the ISs to be more involving, with the IS200 having a much better gearbox than any of the BMs, coupled to a engine that wants to worked and pushed. I also find the ride to be superior, and much prefer the interior.
Mr Tidy said:
I don't think the IS300 really was a 325/330 alternative though, given that it was only ever offered as an automatic (and "only" had 217 bhp when an E46 330i had 231 bhp).
But then you say the IS200 had a better gearbox than any of the BM's - was that the manual one that you couldn't have on the "like for like" IS300?
Or did I miss something?
217bhp in a car weighing 100kgs less than the BMW with 231bhp, hardly significantly in favour of the BMW, if at all. I stated the IS200 has a better gearbox (it does), and given the OPs car, and the car being discussed is the IS200 clearly you have missed something. If its any consolation, you are right (partially - US markets got a 5speed manual in 2001-2003 I believe) that the IS300 only came in auto, though that truly has no bearance on my statement of the IS200 having a better gearbox now does it? Beyond that, there's just your personal belief that the IS300 was not a competitor to the 325/330, despite being designed, marketed and sold as such.But then you say the IS200 had a better gearbox than any of the BM's - was that the manual one that you couldn't have on the "like for like" IS300?
Or did I miss something?
In any case, can we kindly save the BMW is bestest stuff for a differing thread and stop cluttering up the OPs thread with such trivial debates.
_Nathan_ said:
Absolutely no way. I had both and the IS300 didn't really handle, the engine was mute and felt flat.
You're the first person I've come across that can describe a 2JZ as "mute" and "flat" OP, car is looking great after that machine polish. How did you get what appears to be a Windows OS onto the dashscreen, though?
Awesome little cars, We have had several and always seem to be my "go to" car whenever we need a cheapish reliable car. My wifes current is200 is coming up for 18 years old and still looks and drives fantastically.
Not sure what to make of the Autobox as its only 4 speed and I find it a little unresponsive compared to the box in our LS and the thirst is insane however what you pay at the pump you save in repairs (At least thats what my wife keeps telling me)
Yours looks lovely with the cream leather too!
Oh, And before you do anything else, take the cambelt cover off and check the cambelt, They are prone to premature wear. One of the tensioners goes lopsided with age and the belt literally wears through until failing. (2 out of 3 that we have owned have done this so worth a quick check)
Not sure what to make of the Autobox as its only 4 speed and I find it a little unresponsive compared to the box in our LS and the thirst is insane however what you pay at the pump you save in repairs (At least thats what my wife keeps telling me)
Yours looks lovely with the cream leather too!
Oh, And before you do anything else, take the cambelt cover off and check the cambelt, They are prone to premature wear. One of the tensioners goes lopsided with age and the belt literally wears through until failing. (2 out of 3 that we have owned have done this so worth a quick check)
Edited by CDB1983 on Tuesday 27th June 06:03
Cookeh said:
You're the first person I've come across that can describe a 2JZ as "mute" and "flat"
OP, car is looking great after that machine polish. How did you get what appears to be a Windows OS onto the dashscreen, though?
I bought the satnav housing off ebay and gutted the screen. I bought a cheap 5 inch satnav off ebay and put it in place (it fits perfectly). It's add a fused to the ignition so it comes on and goes off with ignition. The housing is motorised so goes up and down with ignition. Works really well and has a lot more features than just the nav part.OP, car is looking great after that machine polish. How did you get what appears to be a Windows OS onto the dashscreen, though?
Thanks for all the positive comments this car is a massive step up for me from a 1l saxo.
miken2k8 said:
I bought the satnav housing off ebay and gutted the screen. I bought a cheap 5 inch satnav off ebay and put it in place (it fits perfectly). It's add a fused to the ignition so it comes on and goes off with ignition. The housing is motorised so goes up and down with ignition. Works really well and has a lot more features than just the nav part.
Thanks for all the positive comments this car is a massive step up for me from a 1l saxo.
That's a smart and tidy solution, cheers man.Thanks for all the positive comments this car is a massive step up for me from a 1l saxo.
miken2k8 said:
I bought the satnav housing off ebay and gutted the screen. I bought a cheap 5 inch satnav off ebay and put it in place (it fits perfectly). It's add a fused to the ignition so it comes on and goes off with ignition. The housing is motorised so goes up and down with ignition. Works really well and has a lot more features than just the nav part.
Thanks for all the positive comments this car is a massive step up for me from a 1l saxo.
Great - I hope you keep enjoying it! As you say, quite a step up after a Saxo. Thanks for all the positive comments this car is a massive step up for me from a 1l saxo.
The IS200 is staggering value for money, my brother bought his (the Y reg) for £750 , 2 prev owners 110k full lexus service history.
Then about a year later I bought the X reg one for £600, did a deal with my brother to swap the TRD grill and 18inch alloys (worth £600 alone) and then gave the car to my dad.
Both cars have been utterly faultless and are surprisingly good to drive!! It really makes me want to try a Altezza with the BEAMS engine in it or a IS200 with a turbo/supercharger conversion. I expect circa 300hp would be very satisfying!!
A free flowing exhaust an intake pipe really make them sound good to. if the clutch ever goes, a single mass lightened flywheel conversion makes a lot of sense and should improve the engine response significantly
Then about a year later I bought the X reg one for £600, did a deal with my brother to swap the TRD grill and 18inch alloys (worth £600 alone) and then gave the car to my dad.
Both cars have been utterly faultless and are surprisingly good to drive!! It really makes me want to try a Altezza with the BEAMS engine in it or a IS200 with a turbo/supercharger conversion. I expect circa 300hp would be very satisfying!!
A free flowing exhaust an intake pipe really make them sound good to. if the clutch ever goes, a single mass lightened flywheel conversion makes a lot of sense and should improve the engine response significantly
Edited by aka_kerrly on Thursday 29th June 21:22
Great cars, I preferred mine in many ways to the E46. Comfortable, loads of equipment and really well built just a bit thirsty for the lack of performance. As mentioned if you haven't had a look at the cambelt yet then do it! When I checked mine took the cover off and it was full of black fluff and the belt had less than 10mm of width remaining.
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