2001 Lexus IS200 SE Auto from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

I forgot to mention the built in Stereo - a dashboard mounted 6 CD autochanger supplied by Alpine, with possibly the best sound I've come across from a standard fit system.

The level of bass is superb, and the clarity on par with the more expensive £500+ options for BMW or Mercedes.

All in all, you won't find better value.

I think you would really love the Toyota Corolla too. Forget the 3 series or C Class.

I think the lexus is the best car on the road I have owned mine for 6 years now and it still turns heads, but I agree with the bad fuel consumption issue.