2000 Lexus IS 200 SE Auto 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

1st Class motoring

Faults:

New battery Needed.

Bulb in the dash has blew and you can't see the speedo at night. (blown)

Rear brake pad pins loose and rattle when you hit a bump.

Drinks a lot of Fuel.

General Comments:

One of the best cars ever made.

Will just keep going and going forever if you service it regularly on time every time.

Still drives like one which I test drove with half the mileage.

Some people say it is not that quick, but it feels a lot quicker than my previous Alfa 156 2.0TS because it has so much torque.

I have beaten a BMW 325ci and a MG ZT180 of the lights and they just couldn't keep up, the Lexus is a lot quicker than you think.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th July, 2005

15th Jul 2006, 09:46

There is no way an IS200 (2 litre straight six, 153 bhp, 144 lb/ft torque) will be able to beat a BMW 325ci (2.5 litre straight six, 192 bhp, 181 lb/ft torque) in a standing start or on the move, the driver of the BMW almost certainly didn't even bother to race you, either that or he/she can't drive)

Plus the MG180 should be able to beat the is200, also I haven't driven one and can't vouch for it!

14th Nov 2006, 03:41

I agree. The IS200 is gutless. Smooth, lovely to listen to, but utterly gutless. To suggest that it would beat a 325i is madness - I doubt it would even out run a 320. Also it is very severe on fuel for a 2 litre car.

2000 Lexus IS 200 Sport 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good, but too many problems

Faults:

Developed a knock when the engine started. The dealership acknowledged, but couldn't resolve it.

Then developed a hesitation when starting sometimes, again the dealership acknowledged the problem, but couldn't resolve it.

It developed a juddering on the clutch when setting off.

There were noises from the suspension.

The ignition barrel collapsed while on holiday and we had to be towed home.

General Comments:

The car was beautiful and drove brilliantly.

The interior was lovely and comfortable.

The sound system was great.

However because of all of the problems detailed above we couldn't rely on it and we had to get rid.

We have since had nothing but trouble with the dealer to try and sort the situation out, alot of the problems have been fixed under warranty but 2 problems remained unresolved when it went back. Not once have we had an apology for the problems we have had by the dealership at Hatfield, Doncaster, and they have done nothing to restore our faith in Lexus, we will never have another becasue of this. It has been a big disappointment.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th October, 2002

14th Aug 2007, 12:17

Sorry to hear that. I also own the IS200 Sport (2000 year model) and have been simply delighted with the car's quality and reliability. In the 7 years that I've owned this car, the only thing I had to take it back to the factory for the CD player, which seemed to skip easily over small bumps. The dealer replaced the entire unit for me and now it's almost impossible to make it skip. Other than that, all I've had to do over the last 7 years was to add petrol, change oil, change wiper blades, and regular changes of brake fluid and coolant. This car is amazingly reliable. Very sporty and can out-handle most so-called "sports cars" on the road with its superb grip. Power is a bit on the low side, but with 6 speed manual and working up to 3000 - 5000 rpms, you can really make this car hustle and keep up with larger displacement cars. What you might lose in the straights, you more than make up for in the turns! Overall, an excellent commuter car for work, and fun car for weekends and late night runs!