Buying a Lexus IS300 - Any feedback welcome
#1
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Buying a Lexus IS300 - Any feedback welcome
I'm looking at a couple different early IS300s. I have had a crush on them since they came out, and the old ones are finally affordable enough for me to get one.
I love the 2JZGE engine big time, but I don't have any personal experience.
Can anyone give me a heads up on potential problems that are common in these cars or any other input I should take into consideration when getting one?
Thanks in advance.
I love the 2JZGE engine big time, but I don't have any personal experience.
Can anyone give me a heads up on potential problems that are common in these cars or any other input I should take into consideration when getting one?
Thanks in advance.
#2
That engine can handle a good amount of power in stock form. A friend of mine has an 04 manual and one of the big problems with the manual versions is premature clutch wear. They have a clutch damping spring that allows the clutch to slip a little when engaging so that pretty much anyone could drive it smoothly. This causes a typical average of 35,000-50,000 mile clutch life. The flywheel is also a two piece sprung unit that can't be resurfaced and has to be replaced (to the tune of $1100) if taken to the dealership and most other places we have found, for a clutch replacement.
Now there is some specialtion that the normal unsprung flywheel and sprung clutch setup would work from a supra, but i haven't seen any evidence to say for sure it would. We are about to pull his transmission and find out. No reason for it not too.
Remember that it is still a lexus, so it is not going to be really that sporty. If you are just looking for a daily driver, then it is a great car. Highway driving is very smooth.
Now there is some specialtion that the normal unsprung flywheel and sprung clutch setup would work from a supra, but i haven't seen any evidence to say for sure it would. We are about to pull his transmission and find out. No reason for it not too.
Remember that it is still a lexus, so it is not going to be really that sporty. If you are just looking for a daily driver, then it is a great car. Highway driving is very smooth.
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Ya, this is replacing a 2000 Altima as my daily. Unfortunately the wife forbids me to have a manual tranny since she has to drive them - but the Miata is a manual and she just doesn't drive it.
I'm not looking to mod it, just looking for a nice ride for the next 5-6 years.
I'm not looking to mod it, just looking for a nice ride for the next 5-6 years.
#5
I think the IS kicksass. I loved my 02 manual with lsd. I'll second the clutch wear, though mine had more miles than that. There are aftermarket companies making standard clutch/flywheel/pp setups for the car that are way less dough than anything OE... though not Miata cheap. Here's a little inspirational video of my luxury IS300 roughing up the sporty cars.
#8
No doubt - it's softer than the 3 series. When I was shopping a similar 330 was $8k more than the IS. The IS had more backseat space (lateral and longitudinal) - needed for car seats, and was the softer ride, preferred for a city car IMO (especially since I already had a Miata for a sporty car).
#10
It's not fast unless you SC or turbo it. Most common upgrade path is an SAFC, cam/cam gear, intake and exhaust. With that..expect around 205 rwhp which is a bit peppier. With an auto tranny, you will need to do a transmission valve body upgrade if you plan on throwing any power down. Turbo kits start at around 6-7k+ new if I remember, and put you anywhere from 300-700 hp (with supra bottom).
Your vendors are : SRT, PFS, and TurboEast
On the plus side, its comfortable, good looking and stupid reliable. One complaint I had... you have to remove the part of the intake manifold to change your plugs Owned one from 30k->90k with only fluid changes
Your vendors are : SRT, PFS, and TurboEast
On the plus side, its comfortable, good looking and stupid reliable. One complaint I had... you have to remove the part of the intake manifold to change your plugs Owned one from 30k->90k with only fluid changes
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Thanks guys. I'm feeling pretty good about doing it. Just wanted to make sure there wasn't anything that would surprise me in a couple years that I wish I had known about.
That's interesting that you would have to remove part of the IM to get to plugs on a L6 engine...
That's interesting that you would have to remove part of the IM to get to plugs on a L6 engine...
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I used to have problems with her not wanting a manual, especially when I was shopping for a Prelude a few years ago - she finally just said that I could get whatever I wanted and if it had a manual I should just expect her to crash it. I got an auto.
#13
No doubt - it's softer than the 3 series. When I was shopping a similar 330 was $8k more than the IS. The IS had more backseat space (lateral and longitudinal) - needed for car seats, and was the softer ride, preferred for a city car IMO (especially since I already had a Miata for a sporty car).
For what you want man, this car is perfect. Just don't get one of the yellow ones they made in the first year.
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IS300.jpg?t=1244472913
Picked her up on Saturday.
It's a 2002, just had the 90k service done (new TB, Tensioner, WP, and all fluids, iridium plugs)
Has a couple little dings and some cigarette burns on the A-pillar, and the steering wheel has a tear, but for what I paid I am very pleased with the condition. This thing purrs like a kitten. Thanks for everyone's feedback to help me solidify that I wanted to buy one.
Picked her up on Saturday.
It's a 2002, just had the 90k service done (new TB, Tensioner, WP, and all fluids, iridium plugs)
Has a couple little dings and some cigarette burns on the A-pillar, and the steering wheel has a tear, but for what I paid I am very pleased with the condition. This thing purrs like a kitten. Thanks for everyone's feedback to help me solidify that I wanted to buy one.
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