2000 Lexus IS 200 Sport 2.0

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!

2000 Lexus IS 200 SE 2.0

Summary:

Great value, excellent build quality - almost perfect

Faults:

Nothing at all has gone wrong with the car. It has been utterly reliable.

General Comments:

The car has the potential to be smooth running, but the ride is let down by "designer" alloys with 215 45 ZR 17 tyres which may look good do the ride no favours - particularly in London, England! My model is the SE. Why didn't lexus make this a comfortable cruiser and the Sports model the one for the more adventurous driver? Mercedes get the plaudits for ride comfort which is easy to understand when you consider smaller engined C classes run on 195 65 R15's. So Lexus do us all a favour and seperate the models more by making a proper executive model and a sports model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2002

2000 Lexus IS 200 SE 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Best in its class

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car.

General Comments:

The IS200 is well built, comfortable, good looking, and lots of fun to drive.

While the car is not lightening quick out of the blocks, it does get a surge of acceleration at high revs. It's adequate for me, but if performance is critical to you, you probably want to look at the IS300.

The handling is excellent, helped by the 17" low profile tyres.

The 6-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use, flicking through the gears.

I expect the reliability to be excellent. I have only had mine for 2 years, but haven't had any problems.

It is good value for money, compared with other cars in its class.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th January, 2002