2001 Lexus IS200 SE Auto review from UK and Ireland

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.

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.