Lexus IS200 2.0 24v

Apparently the Lexus IS300 has that little edge over the Lexus IS200. However, with speed laws how they we cannot put our foot to the metal to much. I have looked into a turbo for this but there is to much to upgrade, but I am very happy overall with the car.

The customer service of Lexus in Hull, East Yorkshire is the best I have ever recieved with a replacement hire car when my Lexus IS200 2.0 24v goes in for a service or a part fitted etc. One day turnaround on a major service, free checks and advice with a relaxing and welcoming waiting area if you need to wait.

Fast efficient and the best in the business. I would reccomend a Lexus and dealership servicing anyday. You dont have to think about the car from one year to the next. Most people think it is expensive to own one, it may be, although nothing really goes wrong apart form wear and tear items such as replacement battery or tyres and a regular service etc.

I bought my Lexus IS200 SE in January 2006 and it's safe to say it is the best car I've ever had. The build quality is rock solid, it handles brilliantly and as for the cabin, it is an extremely pleasant place to be.

The car is aimed squarely at the BMW 3-series, and just like it's main rival, it is a beautifully balanced, rear-wheel drive sports saloon. The engine is a 6-pot peach and this is it's main advantage over the BMW, which in it's 2 litre variant, only comes with 4 cylinders. The engine is smooth, refined and has VVT-i so at 4500 rpm, you get a kick in the back and the car surges forward even faster. With 153bhp, the engine is quite good for a 2 litre and has a little more power then the BMW rival. Obviously it's not a pocket rocket like a Civic VTR or Toyota Celica but the engine is more relaxed and a lot less fizzy then either of those cars. This makes it more relaxing then them as well. Unlike most Lexus engines, the engine is supposed to be heard and has a refined growl to it and you do find yourself revving it hard just to hear that engine. It's beautiful. Sadly, outright performance doesn't quite match the sound, but if you are really a speed freak, get the 3 litre model.

There's nothing to complain about with the ride and the handling either. Under-steer is non-existent and over-steer is easily controlled and never scary (unless you hit a patch of diesel half way round a wet roundabout that is) flattering even a driver like me! The tyres are quite low profile, but the ride, though firm, feels refined. The tyres are quite wide as well, so tram-lining can be a pain, but you do get used to it. I only seem to notice the car tram-lining when you are stuck behind a slow vehicle though, the car seems to get better the faster you go. Traction control and ABS are both there, and work well. Never jumping in too early, but certainly looking after you if you drive like a spanner. The car will slide at the back a little bit before jumping in to straighten things up, and when you turn the TC off, it stays off. Brilliant in this day and age, when car manufacturers want to make everything sterile. (I use the car for track days as well, so TC comes off then)

The cabin is refined, with supportive leather and suede seats. The controls and switches feeling well-made and quite able to outlast me! The design of the interior is a little out-dated, but this does mean you get big, easy to use knobs (even for the Climate control) as apposed to small and fiddly buttons. The sat nav screen is built into the top of the dash and pops up when needed and is easy to use. Leg-room in the rear is a problem, but as I only have young children this is not really an issue yet. My wife wouldn't consider the BMW's or Mercedes that we tried, saying that the quality wasn't a patch on the Lexus. That I suppose says something.

There are some downsides to this car, although, I may well be picky. The first, is the fuel consumption. I am fortunate in that my employer pays most of my fuel bill. 25mpg real world fuel consumption from a 2 litre engine is poor in anyone's book. The car won't seem to do anything more then 20mpg unless you are going downhill and take your foot off the accelerator. I find myself taking my foot off the accelerator a lot, to try and get the fuel consumption up. The second problem relates to the engine and the gearbox. The gearbox itself is fine, gear change is positive and there is no sloppiness; it's the ratios. The car has six gears, but none of them is a cruising gear. They're all designed to keep you as close to the magic 4500rpm level as possible. Even 70 mph in 6th means you are doing 3500rpm. This thankfully is fine, considering the engine is never loud or intrusive, it's there alright, but it's not overbearing. The next problem relates to the engine's red-line. 6000rpm is not great considering good performance doesn't kick in until only 1500rpm earlier. The word's stirring and custard come to mind. At least the gear change is nice. I can't help but think that fuel consumption would be much improved by a seventh cruising gear. 1500rpm at 70 would be more like it and suit the 6-pot engine very well.

Practicality needs a mention on it's own. There is none. This is a driver orientated car and forget about going shopping for big stuff with this car. There is not even a folding rear seat! The car is not wide enough to get three people in the back and even if you did, one of them would need very short legs as the transmission tunnel is huge.

Tyre-wear can be an issue and Bridgestone Potenzas don't come in cheap. The only thing I can put it down to is the fact that the tyres are all angled out to give better cornering performance. The inner walls get a pounding and they wear out well before the outer edges. You do need to keep an eye on this as if you don't you can find yourself running on illegal rubber well before you think you are.

The car is beautifully built. The engine is good and the chassis can handle more power then the engine can provide. If you like to drive, and take an interest in driving for the sheer pleasure of it, I would recommend the car, but if you have a family and need a flexible car that can be your only vehicle, then this is not the car for you.

I have had my Lexus IS200SE for just over a year now, and I could not be happier. About a month before my 1st year service was due, Lexus wrote to me to advise that it was due, and asked me to ring in with a suitable date so that it could be serviced in time. I did so, and took the car down there. They said to me that in future, not to drive the car there, that they would pick it for me and deliver back when finished.

They had given me a courtesy car - a brand new IS200, but they brought back my own car when the service was completed and took their own car back.

When I purchased the car, I also got three years free servicing, parts and labour, as well as three years free RAC. What more could I ask for?

At the same time I purchased the Lexus, my husband purchased a brand new limited edition Landrover Discovery. Their afterservice is appalling and his first year service cost him a fortune - he hasn't even done 5,000 miles yet.

Due to the fantastic service I have had with Lexus, my husband is now considering going to them when he wants to change his car.

The car is just superb to drive, and just keeps getting better. I have not had a single problem with it since I got it. I knew Lexus had a good reputation, but now I know why. The cars are just bomb proof!

I really cannot stress how excellent the customer service is - it really is second to none. I will be staying with them in the future!!

Every car I have driven since departing from my Lexus IS200 does not compare. This car is fantastic. I am going to break down the review to a few key areas that make this car so great...

Comfort

This car is super comfortable. Most cars I have driven have seats that are too hard, no support or try to rob you of your kidneys.

My IS200 has taken me on extended trips (up to 3000 miles in one week) feeling refreshed. Even on short trips or when you are stuck in traffic (think A40 on a good night), you don't feel tired or anxious...

And then there is the 8 speaker, 6 CD stacker stereo which delivers incredible sound...

Handling

The car just seems to grip the road. My car was fitted with Dunlop SP9000 215/45 17" tyres. With these tyres and the car's rear wheel drive, there is good communication with the driver. The response is ultra sharp, the car does what its told and never complains.

Reliability & Quality

It's japanese, need I say more...

Performance

Okay, first gear is a bit sluggish. Once you are into second gear, the car just moves with just a tap of the accelerator.

Fuel economy is pretty good for a car of this size. On my extra urban trips, I average around 7.5l/100kms which is quite good.

Value for money

The Sports Luxury pack (SE) comes standard with Leather/suede trim, 17" alloy wheels with ultra low profile tyres, 8 speaker 6CD stereo (including two inbuilt subwoofers), electric seats, climate control, auto headlights, metallic paint, first aid kit, 4 year warranty, first two services free, free courtesy car when servicing, and this list just goes on..

Encore Privileges..

This is just another way that Lexus looks after its customers and it doesn't matter if you buy the cheapest or the most expensive Lexus. The package includes free parking, golf days, drive days, exclusive seating in the theatre, free assistance away from home (accomodation, transportation, etc) and best of all, its free!!

Buying Experience

No other manufacturer can come close to the buying experience. While looking at the Lexus, I also considered MB C200K. The MB dealer made me feel like I was a begger on the street (even though I was wearing a suit). At Lexus, the dealer brought the car to my workplace to test drive and even shouted lunch. When time came to bargaining, he ended up discounting the car by £2000 and threw in a nice weekend away...what more could I ask for.

Is this car for you?

I would definately recommend the car to anyone who does not have more than four other people to transport at any point in time...

I have found the Lexus to be a very rewarding experience.

Before you ask, I am NOT a Lexus dealer. I am just extremely happy with the car and the purchasing experience.

The standard specification on an IS200 includes (take a breath):

Air conditioning

In-dash 6-CD player with 8 speakers

Leather/suede seats

Cruise control (on the automatic)

16-inch alloys (17 inch on SE spec)

Electric sunroof and mirrors

Automatic lights (excellent gadget that is actually useful)

ABS, traction control

6 cylinder engine

3 year warranty and RAC membership.

...and loads of other stuff I can't even remember.

I have had my car for over 3 years and the only problem was the CD player breaking 2 weeks after the warranty ran out BUT the dealer still replaced it free of charge - that is service.

Performance doesn't quite match the striking looks, admittedly, especially with the automatic (0-60, 11 secs) but it feels quick enough and the engine noise at high revs is intoxicating.

Fuel consumption is average at 30mpg overrall.

In summary, the car looks and sounds great, has loads of kit in the asking price (unlike BMWs!!) and is totally reliable - what more do you want?