Future Classic Friday: Lexus IS200

It's worth remembering that before 1989 Lexus didn't even exist. Yes, it is the luxury arm of Toyota rather than a whole new company, but Toyota took it very seriously.

The LS400 might not have been much to look at, but behind it were 1.7 million miles of testing, two years choosing the wood and leather, and tyres filled with argon all in the name of superior refinement.

For the European market at least, a bigger nut to crack was the compact sports saloon with our old friend the BMW 3 Series being the key player.

As if its intended target wasn't clear, Lexus took the decision to equip the IS200 with a 2.0-litre straight six only, rather than the 2.0-litre four available in Japan.

It also looked sharp. A short front overhang and a rising waistline delivered the desired sporty feel, although the chromed rear lights went on to be an aftermarket hit in the modified car scene, inexplicably.

The interior probably had a bit too much regular Toyota switchgear, but the chronograph-inspired instruments really set the tone.

With only 153PS it wasn't fast, but the six-pot engine was keen and the rear-drive handling might not have beaten the 3 Series, but it was fun and capable - let's not forget Toyota knew how to make good RWD cars.

When it comes to owning one, while it wasn't as successful as the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 it was still a popular alternative to the big hitters, so there's a good number around to choose from.

It still has something of a following with the modified scene too, so unless that's your bag you might want to avoid anything that's been fiddled with.

You can also buy with confidence. The fact that the IS was built by those fine people at Toyota means there's not a huge amount that goes wrong with them.

Front ball joints and brakes need looking at, while cars with sunroofs can develop leaks due to blocked drainage channels. Clutches can also be problematic, but a full service history means you can buy with confidence.

It's also eminently affordable. We found a 2002 SE with all the toys, lots of history and barely run in at 95,000 miles for a very reasonable £2000.

If you're really keen you'll want a Sport spec as it comes with a limited-slip differential, but expect to pay a bit more for one.

We even found a couple of examples with low miles and five figure price tags but that's missing the point. These are reliable, well-built cars, so pay less attention to mileage and go for one with the right paperwork. Find a Lexus IS200 for sale