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By
EWAN KENNEDY
30 August 2004
The
Lexus IS range of sports sedans is aimed squarely at the BMW 3-Series.
The cars use straight-six engines and rear-wheel drive for excellent
balance and smoothness. This is an unusual driveline setup in this day
and age, but BMW thrives on models with just that engine/transmission
combination. There's no doubt to whom the Japanese maker, a division of
Toyota, looked when it came up with the concept of the IS200, launched
in Australia in March 1999.
Power for the IS200 comes from an engine with a capacity of just 2.0
litres, hence the ‘200’. A twin-cam unit with variable valve timing
it puts out 114kW. A handy output for an engine of this capacity, but
not enough grunt to match the exceptionally balanced chassis.
It took a while for Lexus to respond to requests for more power, but the
3.0-litre IS300 eventually reached us in August 2001. With 157 kilowatts
the 3.0-litre car is a lot more fun in a straight line than its
smaller-engined brother. But it is hampered, at least from the point of
view of the enthusiast drivers, by having only an automatic transmission
behind it, albeit a modern tiptronic five-speed unit. The IS200 has the
option of a six-speed manual, it’s automatic only has four ratios.
Interior space is good for a rear-drive car, but the little Lexus has
less room than a front-wheel-drive of this size would have. Try the back
seat for size if adults will be frequently using it. Indeed, it’s
possibly best to regard it as being a two-plus-two rather than a small
family car.
These cars are immaculately finished inside and out in a tradition that
has been with the Lexus marque since day one. The quality of materials
and workmanship not only makes the car a delight to look at and sit in,
but also makes for a high level of reliability.
Spare parts and servicing are reasonably priced for a car in this class.
Lexus dealers are fairly limited in number, particularly in rural areas.
Some senior technicians are trained in most aspects of the car,
nevertheless, it’s worthwhile checking if there's a Lexus trained guy
in your area before electing to buy a used car.
Insurance is generally moderate in price for a car in this price and
social class and we haven't noticed any worthwhile variation between the
major companies in normal premiums.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Look over the complete vehicle, preferably with the owner’s
handbook close handy as these are fairly complex cars, though not to the
same extent as the larger Lexus models. Test each of the functions on
the stereo, climate-control, windows, doors and so on. Take your time to
do this properly as some apparently trivial repairs can cost big money
to put right.
Make sure the engine starts virtually instantaneously, idles so smoothly
that you can barely feel it and doesn't hesitate when accelerated.
A manual gearbox should be
beautifully smooth and light in its workings and shouldn’t baulk on
any changes, no matter how fast you make them. The automatic
transmission should operate almost imperceptibly and not hold onto any
gears unnecessarily.
The brakes should stop the car surely and in a straight line and the
steering should be precise in its operation. Feel for ABS pulsing
through the pedal when you brake very hard, (check your mirrors first to
avoid testing the rear-end crash-protection ability!)
Look for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim and remember the
car should be close to immaculate in all areas. If not it may have been
mistreated by an uncaring owner.
During your test drive, listen for unusual noises and look for the
slightest sign of anything out of the ordinary.
CAR BUYING TIP
Cars designed to be driven hard often aren't - driven hard, that is.
But always be wary of one that’s been treated the way it’s designers
intended.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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