24th Jul 2006, 11:38
Tyre problem is a known fault, in that the active camber of the suspension is not set correctly. It has two settings, unloaded / loaded and is a balancing act by Lexus on ride quality versus handling. Some Lexus dealers have been known to swap the tyres of cars at service without charging the owner on return of the car.
Otherwise check out web suppliers of tyres, you can get Avon ZZ3's for 60-80GBP delivered (then pay about 10GBP to garage to fit them) or the Lexus IS specific Dunlop's or Michelin's for 100, not 150-180 as per main dealer mark up.
Most important, note mileages when fitting and get the camber checked. If in doubt, visit www.lexusownersclub.co.uk for hints. Why let this spoil a perfectly good car, e.g. my sister's has the problem, mine doesn't - both identical IS200 of same year.
14th Nov 2006, 04:01
Give up and buy a 3 series! You all know you want one!! I would think that 25,000 from as set of tyres is fair enough.
5th Jan 2008, 16:27
I own a Lexus IS200 which I bought 3 months ago. I test drove a BMW 3 Series a number of times before buying the Lexus.
The BMW may have slightly better handling and look that little bit more stylish, but these cars are so common on the road it put me off the idea of owning one.
In all departments with the exception of the two mentioned the lexus is equal to the Beemer in every respect. In fact the IS200 is more comfortable on poor roads and sounds better.
BMWs seem to be driven by people who aren't concerned about what they are designed for. Driving.
19th Mar 2004, 11:43
I too have a Lexus IS200 SE. I don't see the corrosion problems other have seen. However, I definitely seem to be burning rubber on the front inside of the tyre and the service dept tell me this is normal. After 25,000 miles I have already replaced two front Bridgestone RE040Z tyres, and now I'm ready to change all four. At over £150 a tyre I feel they should last a fair bit longer.