Ask an expert

Hi. A friend of mine needs to get a new car soon. He is looking at a 1999 Lexus Is200 (which I always refer to as no different to a toyota altezza). The car has no visible signs of modification, and has done 157000kms, and shows the cambelt was replaced at 155000kms. My friend is concerned after seeing the carjam report that the car has been "clocked", and the odometer graph shows it goes from 97294kms down to 16445, but the next reading it jumps up to 102651, and I dont really think it has been clocked because why would I car be clocked in one period, just to jump up 85000kms the next?? The car jam report is this link. http://www.carjam.co.nz/car/?plate=crf288. Could you please tell us what you think. Here is the link for the car on trademe. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/lexus/auction-743443189.htm. And also (i know I must be being a hassle today), tell us a bit about what you tink reliablitly wise for the lexus/toyota, against a 2002 Subaru Legacy 3.0 non-turbo with 94000kms or a 2005 subaru legacy 2.0 with 88000kms?
Thanks :)

This would appear to be simply that a WoF inspector has entered the details wrong in the NZTA system when a WoF was done on 27th May 2006. Only 2 weeks earlier a WoF inspection showed 97,294, and all the other entries are consistant.
One thing to note is that this car was imported from Singapore, where the hot and humid climate can sometimes cause electronic components to fail and we're often cautious about Singapore imports. However, this car has been in New Zealand for almost 10 years now, so I don't see this as being an issue.
With reference to the Subaru models you are caomparing with, this car (the IS200) would have a better reputation for reliability than a similar age/mileage Subaru, but the Subarus you are looking at have done considerably less mileage, so potentially may be lower risk. A word of caution with the 3.0 litre Legacy though - being a large capacity engine and AWD, they are very heavy on fuel.

I'm no expert, but I have driven a 2000 IS200 for the past four years. Awesome car. I've kept it longer than I should (really I need a wagon), but it's such a pleasure to drive. Note that the interior specs on the Lexus are very different to the Altezza, although both vehicles were available with various trim levels so it's hard to generalise. And there are several different engines -- I test drove an Altezza with I think a straight-six engine and it drove nothing like the Beams engine in the Lexus I bought. The safety features on the IS200 are very good and it handles beautifully. Also very well thought out in terms of driver comfort -- love the heated seats in winter. I'm about to sell mine and can't believe the new owner will get so much car for so little money!

To be even-handed though, I'm sick of paying for premium fuel and sometimes the parts are pricey.

I owned as200 which is typically same as lexus is200 as well as rs200.

Lexus is200 was badged for europe with more safety features but they both shares same engine. Heavier on fuel but very smooth. Rs200 more sportier in 4 cylender which has more hp and you feel it's quick. Not as smooth and better on fuel.

Lexus badged offers some cool features however :)