Lexus IS300 Second Car - Thoughts?

[dalli]

Hey man, i researched this car a lot when i was going to buy it. So close so close.

Anyway, its reliable and around for 5k~7k for a good one. Make sure the timing belt and water pump has been changed esp around 80k+ miles

Handling is good as well but this car is not so good on mileage in comparison to the twins.

[dem00n]

Originally Posted by weepel

Would you say it's more equivalent to an Elise or Exige?



Thanks for all the tips guys, sounds like the IS300 is the way to go. I'll post pictures once I buy it!

More akin to the Evora.

[stonewhite05]

Is300s are awesome cars! They are super comfortable for the size, the ride quality is great, fuel economy isn't too bad for a 2jz with vvti. The only problem I can see you having with it is leaving it stock!

[Atropine]

Originally Posted by dem00n

I'd get one of these instead.




Mid engine
Supercharged
AWD
Plenty of room for shopping, errands, etc.
Toyota reliability

Honestly it's just a Lotus with a lot of room....

I know you are probably joking...

But the supercharger that is on the van, can go on a 4AGZE engine and it works pretty well.

I strongly considered going that route on my NA AW-11 because I had a ton of parts to S/C.

Reason: I had a S/C AW-11 that I loved...and I hoarded anything AW-11 because I was running into replacement parts issues (hard to find...so when I found...I bought lol)

[Kelbyat07]

IS300s are nice but if you want a car for winter then go for the IS250 or 250 AWD. I am also in your position to get another car because I am protective with the FRS and I was looking into the ISs. They are very reliable as well.

[Dark]

Would simply get Acura TL with 1st gen SH-AWD.

[husker741]

Originally Posted by dem00n

I'd get one of these instead.




Mid engine
Supercharged
AWD
Plenty of room for shopping, errands, etc.
Toyota reliability

Honestly it's just a Lotus with a lot of room....

[daiheadjai]

I drove one with a CAI - the sound was something that the FA20 can never aspire to...
Honestly, if you can find one with M/T, that manual is very easy to drive, even for a novice driver.

As pointed out though, gas mileage is horrendous for the power you're getting.

[FiRStsc10n]

I came from an IS300. Loved that car. Performance is good, plenty of potential. Good looks. Reliable. I had a 2001 and it never rattled unlike my 2013 FR-S. The back seats still have limited space, but great if you slide seats slightly forward. The trunk is big enough for things, but rear seats don't fold so I could still fit longer boxes into the FR-S. But I've gone camping with it and fit all the gear. My CD player did eat my CDs and break down but I just hooked up my phone via FM player. Not sure if the later year models came with a auxiliary Jack.

[calmtigers]

I'd get a corolla.. Honestly yes not as fun but you'll have fun saving $ in gas that you can put into the 86

[weepel]

Hey guys- apologies for the radio silence. After careful thought and consideration, I ended up skipping the IS300 in favour of this:





2002 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon

Figured the wagon was more functional (the IS300 rear seats don't fold down), it's better on fuel, and it's a Subaru boxer engine (hell yeah!). Not to mention it was $1500 less than any IS I could find.

[weepel]

Here's a few "mods" done (extra horse powers):





- PlatiDipped interior paneling (I hate that fake plastic wood shit)
- JVC Bluetooth head unit

[Jegan_V]

That's a good practical choice. The EJ251 is a dependable motor, due to its age the only things you want to make sure of is that it has adequate oil and coolant levels. I was actually intending to get one of these(with a manual) but ended up with my 2004 Impreza 2.5RS. Good job!

[weepel]

Originally Posted by Jegan_V

That's a good practical choice. The EJ251 is a dependable motor, due to its age the only things you want to make sure of is that it has adequate oil and coolant levels. I was actually intending to get one of these(with a manual) but ended up with my 2004 Impreza 2.5RS. Good job!

Thanks Jegan_V - I'm pretty happy with the choice, although my mechanic informs me that its got the dreaded head gasket leak - apparently the pre-purchase mechanic and I missed it (we had it up on the lift but it is a small leak - little to no oil or coolant is pooling under the car). The good news is the gasket leak is minor, so I think I'm just going to keep the oil and coolant levels up until the engine blows, then I'll do a swap for an EJ205.