Used Lexus IS Saloon 1999 - 2005 reliability review

Name: Used Lexus IS Saloon 1999 - 2005
Rating: 4
Author: Stuart Milne

It's a likeable compact executive car that's a sensible owning proposition, but dear to buy

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What should I look for in a used Lexus IS?

There's little to worry about in the way of faults and imperfections on the IS. The car took once first place in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey, and Lexus as a company occupied that slot for many years without a break.

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Lexus's success story doesn't end there. Not only was the company in top slot yet again, it also rated as the most improved make, owners saying that customer service from the dealers just gets better and better.

One black mark is that the IS200's alloy wheels are subject to corrosion, but dealers are pretty good at fitting new sets for free if the car is still under its maker's warranty. Clutch judder is the other main problem that owners report, but again dealers are usually sympathetic about picking up the tab for repairs to new-ish cars.

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About the writer

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

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