Lexus IS200, ownership experiences?

[LiamM45]

After some advice,

Contemplating a Lexus IS200, 2000ish year model. Just as a winter shed/runabout.

Can anyone offer their advice and experience with regards to owning one?

I'm worried about potential running costs. I have a feeling they may be thirsty and consumables pricey.

Anything to look out for when buying one?

[LasseV]

I did have a 2004 model with automatic. It was a very good car, running costs were very reasonable. My mileage was 9 litres to 100 kilometers. Is it like 31 mpg? Consumables are quite cheap. So it's not an expensive car to own at all. I did own it over 2 years and 45 thousand kilometers.

Steering feel, balance and build quality was a spot on. Looks good too, but is little bit of overweight. I highly prefer it over 320 beemer.

[Emeritus]

Had two both from brand new, neither of them ever missed a beat.

If it snows you won't find them the best car even though mine had a "snow" button.

Can't say what a 2000 car would be like now, but it should be good if was looked after.

[sparkyhx]

I seem to vaguely remember the diesels had some issues - not sure which year that was

Edited by sparkyhx on Monday 2nd December 10:41

[skene]

sparkyhx said:

I seem to vaguely remember the diesels had some issues - not sure which year that was

Edited by sparkyhx on Monday 2nd December 10:41

OP is referring to the earlier model, IIRC you didn't get a diesel in the earlier one.

My dad had one OP, never missed a beat and was a brilliant car for him, sounded good, handled well, was reasonably nippy (not quick) and to me look great.

It was ste on fuel and dear to fix though

[Heaveho]

Not quite the same, we have an IS300, but they're all as reliable as each other....they're fussy about suspension geometry and tyres, ours drives way better on Goodyear assymetrics than it did on the original spec Bridgestones which always wear oddly, even after the suspension is properly aligned. The original 6 disc in dash changer will break, without a shadow of a doubt. Other than that, superb cars. I used to work for Lexus, so maybe I'm biased!

[is200]

I've had my IS200 Auto since 2001 and now covered 186k. Fantastic car, only niggle is fuel consumption. Apart from that it still looks, sounds and goes great. Reluctant to change it seeing as newer cars (BMW,Audi etc) seem to have too much going wrong with them. Also, do not like the look of the last shape IS, not to keen on the new shape either!!