Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I bought this car as a replacement for my Mazda Xedos, as there was nothing else Japanese that looked good.

The styling is nice, if wedgy and far from sleek, and the big alloys help. Like the Mazda, the engine, gearbox and reliability are brilliant, and I know high mileage will be a guarantee.

A little disappointed with the interior, although it's well equipped the quality seems poor. The dash board is made of very hard cheap plastics all over, the dials though swish lack immediate clarity, there's no digital climate control or middle armrest. Very surprised with this naff interior, the Mazda was so much better in this respect.

Very refined and fairly quiet with decent performance but thirsty. My 2.3 supercharged Xedos was quicker with better mpg, although the Lexus has a smoother gearbox.

Was hoping it would be a massive advance over the Mazda because the design was 8 years newer, but although a good car, I wouldn't say it is. Would I buy a German car instead though? Absolutely not!

Faults:

The alignment has gone out three times.

I went through a set of tires in 10,000 miles. The set was brand new at the time of the purchase.

General Comments:

This vehicle has been one of the best purchases I have ever made. Apart from the alignment issues, I have had absolutely no problems. I bought the car used, and for a good price. Nearly one year later I already owe less than its worth. Superb value.

The car is fast, stylish, and has one of the best stock sound systems I have ever heard.

The original brakes where replaced at 62,000 miles, and I only replaced them because my family owns a brake shop.

Lexus stamped its quality all over this car.

My only complaint is that the center console is too low for most male drivers to rest their elbow on.

Faults:

Rear shock absorbers squeaking.

Rear anti-roll bar bushes replaced.

Air conditioning unit faulty.

Front brakes required shims to stop knocking.

E.C.U. required reprogramming to increase performance.

Folding wing mirrors stuck.

C.d. player jumps tracks.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and well engineered, providing a relaxing ride.

Apart from the 7 faults in under 3 months the car does what is required.

The big gripe is the reliability, every two to three weeks it's back in to the dealer for repairs.

Faults:

Broken front support spring (caused by repeated bumping up curbs - I now have a dropped curb!)

Slight pitting to the alloy wheels - a known problem with the IS200 - rectified on later models.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute gem.

The 6 cylinder 2 liter engine is willing, although slightly underpowered. It cruises beautifully at motorway speeds, and gives a growl of excitement on kick-down with the auto box in Sport mode.

Although some critics hate class the interior styling as excessive, I think it looks great, and unlike anything else on the road.

The car has been incredibly reliable, and returns a regular 30mpg which is a combination of 50% central London driving and 50% motorway cruising.

If it wasn't for CO2 emissions making it a now uneconomic choice for a company car I'd have another one like a shot. So far I've test driven a Mercedes C180, MG ZT, BMW 318 and nothing has come close to the enjoyment I get from the Lexus.

For a private buyer I would find it hard to recommend anything else, and if you can afford the tax as a company car, it does feel great to stand out slightly in the car park.