Why does the motoring press seem to like Lexus so much ??
I just read the IS200 road test on this site and whilst the 'what to watch out for' is quite accurate, I cant understand why so many other articles and surveys seem to think Lexus are reliable and desirable.
I had an IS200 Sport for 18 months and I can honestly say that it was the most troublesome company car I have ever had. I had the full gammet of problems :-
Juddery clutch - Replaced unedr warranty but still juddered after
6 Speed Man gearbox crunched from 1-2 and 2-3 changes - gearbox rebuilt over 1 & 1/2 weeks still not really any better.
All 5 alloys changed due to premature corrosion.
VVTi engine although smooth had to be revved to distruction to get any performance and returned appauling MPG for a 2 litre car.
Add to this ageing styling and cramped interior/small boot, and I have to say WHY Lexus ???
On a final point though, the dealers are exemplary, I suppose they have to be !
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On a final point though, the dealers are exemplary, I suppose they have to be !
People will put up with all kinds of "rubbish" if they are dealt with courtously and promptly.
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People will put up with all kinds of "rubbish" if they are dealt with courtously and promptly.
I agree, and the reverse is also true. My BMW has been great, but I've been disappointed with the local dealers so I'm buying something else this time around.
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Not an IS owner (I drive the GS) but all I can say about those points is:
Clutch: true, they are "difficult"
Gearbox clunk : yes, well known issue
Alloys: Yep, they do. Lexus extended the warranty to 4 years on them, and these days you get a refurb instead of a new one, which lasts better.
Power/mpg: true enough, underpowered, not fantastic mpg.
Styling: well, subjective that one.
Dealers: yep, they are brilliant.
But. If you drive one and like it, you *really* like it. Lots of owners say they know all about those points, and then they get in the car and wham, they're in love.
The IS300 is auto and deals with all the above (except the alloys).
The GS is something else again: I find it a just a bit special, and is just miles above the other cars I've owned in the past.
The LS is utterly superb. Drove one couple of days ago and am now working out where the heck I get 60 grand from. Glorious.
But cars are very subjective. Just because I wouldn't at this point even consider anything else doesn't mean anyone else has to think the same way!
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Sorry to hear of your bad experience. Although *on average* (important cavaet) a Lexus will give fewer problems than most other cars this is no comfort if you personally have had a lemon.
Clearly the IS200 isn't the car for you, but many of issues you(legitimately) raise are:
1. evident on a test drive (styling, small boot, lack of torque)
2. evident from the spec sheet (MPG)
3. common in the class (small boot)
Was it forced on you?
Peter (Very happy IS200 driver)
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Yeah, it was sort of forced on me as my company made so many people redundant they had a surplus of used cars, so wouldnt let me order a new one.
To be honest I am usually a VW/Audi man myself, but referencing my earlier comments it a case of great cars & carp dealers or vice versa.
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when I got rid of my IS 200 in January (I wanted to go back to front wheel drive/hatchback format), I sent Lexus a list of my niggles - all fairly minor ones, but still irritating: "montage of clocks" dashboard layout difficult to read on move, no useful storage space around driver where items (e.g. glasses, phone) wouldn't fly about, narrow boot space entry, insignificant horn sound, disappointing engine performance (auto) and relatively high petrol consumption ... yes, all hardly life threatening, and I made it clear to Lexus that I thought their overall build quality and dealer service was superb. Customer Service, of course, came back and promised me that my comments would be sent to Japan and noted as they design the next 200, due out in 2006, I believe.
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