Possible 200 Looker

[Cotswold Pete]

Starting to think about getting the wife a 200 to replace her tired old Honda Accord. Got 170K on the clock and in my view she needs to get shot of.

As a LS400 Mk4 0wner, I know that a Lexus is going to be better built option with more comfort than most of the the other choices.

Questions; Economy - seems like the 200 will do around 36mpg extra urban (is that about right), and is a bit of a guzzler in urban (The Accord 1.8se is pretty rubbish in urban - as low as 22mpg) - seems like the VTEC engine loves high revs too much, so you need to over-rev to get going from standstill and it is now guzzling oil - though been serviced regularly.

If I were to look at a 10 to 12 year old model what should I look out for, and is there a particular model/type that is going to be best.

Seems to me that 200's are like the 400's very undervalued and generally well looked after.

Sure it will take me a while to persuade the wife - but thought if I start making noises now, she may take the plunge before the end of the year.

So any advice appreciated.

[matt-c]

Bit optimistic with the MPG. You'll get 30/31 motorway, but as low as 20 around town. Obviously, it does depend how it's driven, but the 200 isn't quick, or powerful, and does need pushing to coast along nicely. So don't expect much more than mid 20's, with a light foot.

[Cotswold Pete]

Bit optimistic with the MPG. You'll get 30/31 motorway, but as low as 20 around town. Obviously, it does depend how it's driven, but the 200 isn't quick, or powerful, and does need pushing to coast along nicely. So don't expect much more than mid 20's, with a light foot.

Cheers for that.

I took my 400 up the M6 the other day - all the family, full boot, air con on at 80mph, and was getting a shade under 30mpg, so bit surprised the 200 is no better.

[IHgs300]

I have been able to get 40 mpg on along journey with cruise set at around 60, Mines an auto is200.

[Stuart Aspey]

The IS200 can be driven economically, but it will take a lot of work. And permanent use of the Snow Mode. The ride and build quality are superb, as an LS driver, you know that.

:-)

[Stuart Aspey]

Also, sounds obvious, but if you're trying to think economy, stay away from the sport. The ride will be firmer and the accelerator response will be quicker and thus, the fuel economy will be worse.

[Cotswold Pete]

Thanks for the advice.

All sounds a bit like the Honda in terms of coaxing miles out of it, ride style and oomph, but as you say a Lexus is a better built car, and the good lady only likes small cars.

Guess I ought to test drive one when I can find the time.

[petayV8]

Not sure i agree with matt. mine can quite happily potter around town and never go above 3000rpm and mostly between 2000 and 2500. Not like a vtec or any other 4 cyl below 1.8 that will normally need upto 4000 to just keep up with the crowd. then again mines a auto so not sure if the torque converter has a play. Not saying its powerful but compared to a 4 cylinder its quite a different driving experience

MPG wise you'll see similar figures to your accord maybe slightly less but fractional and for the comfort and ide pay the few quid more in fuel bills personally.

Im sure you accord will go for a while yet tho, my wife had a 2.2 vtec well into the 200ks and sold it on with no faults. great motors and a 90s accord before that hit 300k+ until the transmission packed in