Lexus IS 200 centre console - upgrade options?

[IAmTheWalrus]

I would like to buy a lexus on the feedback I received on their reliability. however these cars for the price tags I am thinking of, look a little outdated on the inside, is there anyway of putting in a nicer more modern look outfit?I can see on here it has a tape deck, a cd deck is good however would like option of usb port.

[IAmTheWalrus]

Also does anyone know what kind of mileages the car would do before the head gasket is likely to fail? And what kind of mileages can these do before the engine starts to fail?

[swampy442]

What car is it?

Yes you can change the stereo, there’s double din adaptors and conversions out there I’m sure

[IAmTheWalrus]

swampy442 said:

What car is it?

Yes you can change the stereo, there’s double din adaptors and conversions out there I’m sure

As per title its a Lexus IS 200, however someone just told me to swerve the ls 200 like the plague, its so confusing getting advice from people online, everyone has their own opinion on whether something is good or not with certainty and its doing my head in.

[swampy442]

They’re slow, the engine is as old as the hills, if you could find a 300 that’s a much better prospect.
I don’t know if they’re known for head gaskets or not but should it go, it’s not a massive job

[IAmTheWalrus]

swampy442 said:

They’re slow, the engine is as old as the hills, if you could find a 300 that’s a much better prospect.
I don’t know if they’re known for head gaskets or not but should it go, it’s not a massive job

I would have thought a car with a 2ltr engine wouldn't be slow? I'm more concerned about reliability.

[Midshipracer]

IAmTheWalrus said:

Also does anyone know what kind of mileages the car would do before the head gasket is likely to fail? And what kind of mileages can these do before the engine starts to fail?

Having owned one, things to note about the IS200
Pros
They are VERY robust engine wise, this HG talk is a first for me.
Very smooth engine
Well built car.

Cons
MPG is well to be kind, challenging, unless on the motorway.
Not very fast, 153bhp you'd think would do more, but it's quite a heavy car.
In just 12 months, the price of a good one especially a 'Sport' has shot up

[RedWhiteMonkey]

IAmTheWalrus said:

I would have thought a car with a 2ltr engine wouldn't be slow? I'm more concerned about reliability.

I had one for a short time just over ten years ago. I wouldn't call it slow but it isn't fast either, what I found was the fuel consumption seemed to exceed the performance too much. The engine should be pretty much bulletproof as long as its been looked after. The traction control also seemed very crude compared to the similar era BMW 3 series I swapped it for.

Swapping the head unit is simple, I did it when i had mine as the stereo was borked.