2002 Lexus IS 200 Sport 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nice, but....

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

A nice car in many ways, but I have some reservations.

The gearing does not seem ideal, but I can live with that.

My real problem is with the ride. It is very nice on a smooth motorway, but the car seems to fidget and fret all the time on country roads that are anything less than perfect. I don't sense any problem with the way in which the tyres grip the road, but I have never felt so aware of surface undulations, even when driving a 1995 Celica GT with fat tyres and a very firm suspension.

I have carefully adjusted tyre pressures to 33 psi, and experimented with 32.5 and 34, but it seems to make little difference.

The car is still under warranty and came with full RAC check etc. Should I ask the dealers to look again at the shock absorbers, for example? Or is this how all IS200s ride on poor surfaces? Should I just learn to live with it?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th October, 2003

24th Jan 2004, 17:07

I would say that as the car has such big alloys (17-inch) and thin tyres (which improve looks dramatically), it's something you'll have to live with. The bigger the wheel and the thinner the tyre, the firmer the ride, the more road noise and the more surface imperfections the car will pick up. On the plus side, it is aesthetics and handling that benefit. The IS200 is otherwise an excellent car, much better than a BMW 3 series or Audi A4.

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2002 Lexus IS 200 S 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good handling, reliable saloon with excellent dealer service

Faults:

Alloy has corroded on the rear wheel.

Fuel filler flap stiff.

Drivers seat makes lots of creaking noises when cornering.

General Comments:

The dealers have been superb. For once they return phone calls whenever I have left a message. The stiff filler flap was sorted out at service with no fuss whatsoever.

As for the problem with the seat, the fact that I am 18 stone (110kg) and I drive the car hard may account for that.

The 2.0 engine is adequate for 90% of the time. I had the choice between a Honda Civic Type R and the Lexus in Feb 2002. As you can see from the high mileage that I drive each year the Lexus has proved to be the better choice. If you want to complain about the performance then choose something like the Honda.

One point which I do not like is the boot. The opening is too small to get anything practical in it (E.G. A new TV)

The car has attracted positive comments, but never a negative one, so the Lexus marketing seems to be working by promoting the marque as above average.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2003

19th Dec 2003, 07:37

My IS200 (V reg) has just completed 90000 miles.

Problems?

Wheel corrosion: Dealer I got the car from, second hand 2 years ago, "spray painted" them! WHY?. Subsequently got 2 sets of new wheels (first time I got the same type ie no protective coating - WHY?) First time under warranty, second time because they took pity on me!

Radio CD failed (warranty)

Aircon control PCB failed (£500.00 + to replace at my cost)

I believe the build quality is poor on the earlier versions of this model and so far I am entirely unimpressed except with the engine & transmission.

9th Mar 2005, 00:26

The alloy corrosion or paint bubbling on the wheels is apparently a design fault which the Lexus dealer should change for new wheels under warranty.

I had my wheels changed for free after a friend who bought an IS200 got his changed too.

Just don't get it done at the same time as service or they might try to hide their cost somewhere in the service price.