2002 Lexus IS 200 S 2.0

Summary:

Good handling, reliable saloon with excellent dealer service

Faults:

Alloy has corroded on the rear wheel.

Fuel filler flap stiff.

Drivers seat makes lots of creaking noises when cornering.

General Comments:

The dealers have been superb. For once they return phone calls whenever I have left a message. The stiff filler flap was sorted out at service with no fuss whatsoever.

As for the problem with the seat, the fact that I am 18 stone (110kg) and I drive the car hard may account for that.

The 2.0 engine is adequate for 90% of the time. I had the choice between a Honda Civic Type R and the Lexus in Feb 2002. As you can see from the high mileage that I drive each year the Lexus has proved to be the better choice. If you want to complain about the performance then choose something like the Honda.

One point which I do not like is the boot. The opening is too small to get anything practical in it (E.G. A new TV)

The car has attracted positive comments, but never a negative one, so the Lexus marketing seems to be working by promoting the marque as above average.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2003

19th Dec 2003, 07:37

My IS200 (V reg) has just completed 90000 miles.

Problems?

Wheel corrosion: Dealer I got the car from, second hand 2 years ago, "spray painted" them! WHY?. Subsequently got 2 sets of new wheels (first time I got the same type ie no protective coating - WHY?) First time under warranty, second time because they took pity on me!

Radio CD failed (warranty)

Aircon control PCB failed (£500.00 + to replace at my cost)

I believe the build quality is poor on the earlier versions of this model and so far I am entirely unimpressed except with the engine & transmission.

9th Mar 2005, 00:26

The alloy corrosion or paint bubbling on the wheels is apparently a design fault which the Lexus dealer should change for new wheels under warranty.

I had my wheels changed for free after a friend who bought an IS200 got his changed too.

Just don't get it done at the same time as service or they might try to hide their cost somewhere in the service price.

2002 Lexus IS 200 SE 2.0

Summary:

The best of all worlds on four wheels

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I wanted a car that had a quality reputation, prestige marque and wasn't too common.

The Lexus was an unexpected choice, but definitely the correct one. This car is more fun than my Merc, better spec'd than it's BMW, Mercedes and Audi bed fellows and better value than all three. I would never believe I would enjoy an automatic so much, but I am now a convert - what a ride!

To those who bang on about the Lexus being 'underpowered' I would venture the IS200 has more than enough - perhaps what you really mean is you've not quite worked the boy racer out of your system yet!

The straight six sounds lovely at speed and the ride, though perky, never fails to impress.

The Lexus dealership in Hatfield, Herts gets ten out of ten from me. A knowledgeable, attentive and professional team made a real difference to the whole buying experience and so far have been able to quickly deal with any concerns I have had - excellent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2002

5th Feb 2002, 06:58

That's cool.=)

But the thing is, for the same price for a is200, you can get an is300 in America which has a 3 litre engine. Sure it's cheap against BMWs of the same class with its award winning interior and sound system, but why do Americans get the better of it?

No offence Americans =)

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