Lexus IS (1999 - 2005)
IS200SE auto
Excellent reliability and quality however a hidden dark secret
Brilliant all round car and mechanically and electrically reliable . 27-33 mpg. I have a warning light on the dash but nothing serious. A classy and well built car . No mechanical problems so far except!!!
Everything else works well and no problems apart from appaling tyre wear. 20 front tyres in 3 and half years and 45k miles. Lexus deny they had a problem with this car however the Lexus owners club tells a different story, its as common as fish and chips. It is the achilies heal of this vehicle and Lexus could not sort it out. They palmed off everyone through the warranty period then it was hard luck matey. I have had nearly all the front suspension rebuilt and with 4 geometry checks showing everything is spot on it still wrecks the tyres. I have been given shed loads of advice to cure the problem but nothing yet has sorted it. Honest John has suggested changing from the 17 inch 45 tyres to 16 inch 55 tyres but this will cost a small fortune. Apparently the early models had 16 inch wheels as standard wihtout problems.
It is a real shame because this could have been a classic car. I am sure this has had an effect on the Lexus brand overall.