Buyers Guide

[loggyboy]

Im looking to buy an early IS200 SE/Sport. Is there anything to look out for? Apart from the obvious things like service history and getting the car HPI checked, general 2nd hand car buying things etc.

Im talking about model specific, known issues.

Cheers Dave

[sparkystav]

If you look on the homepage there's a buyers guide on there fella.

Here: Clicky

Stav

[WylieCoyote]

Hi Dave,

In general the IS is a very reliable car with few weaknesses. However, common sense aside, there are a few things worth keeping your eyes out for. In no particular order....

- Alloy wheels are prone to corrosion - very common.

- There have been some clutch-judder problems on early manual cars - usually requires a new clutch.

- Inside tyre wear - well known and much reported problem - it's not a fault with the car, it's just how the geometry is set up as standard on the car - easy to fix by having the geo redone at at specialist

- There's little to worry about in standard cars, but on a vehicle that has been modified, check for things such as condensation in headlamps indicating substandard resealing of unit, dodgy DIY wiring, illegal accessories dotted around the car and general condition.

That's almost it, other than that it's just common sense, FSH, paint condition, general condition and so on. Have a nosey around the forums - you'll find common things popping up and how they have been fixed. If you do buy an IS and something does crop up, there's usually someone on here than can solve the problem - although it's hardly ever me!

High mileage doesn't need to be a problem, a lot of the vehicles on here have done in excess of 100000 miles trouble-free.

Be aware that it's not a cheap car to run, 20mpg urban is average and you'll struggle to get much above 35mpg extra-urban, even if you drive like an undertaker, but you don't buy this kind of car to be a scrooge at the pumps.

Hope that's of some use.

Keith :)

[loggyboy]

Cheers guys, thats mucho helpful.

I was quite shocked when checking the spec sheet on here that the MPG was as bad as it was, but tbh, no matter what car ive owned its always cost me a lot in fuel because i have a heavy right foot!

[Rory]

ball joints too, check by turning full lock whilst moving slowly I think?

and faulty stereos, very common and irritating, try and get a couple of hundred knocked off for the stereo alone if it doesn't work

[Unregistered_User]

Good luck in your search fella, any questions... just ask ;)

All the best,

Jamie

[Tadcaster Gary]

Moderators Note

Only Gold Members are entitled to offer items for sale

Edited December 4, 2007 by janey
Non Gold