Lexus IS300 Second Car - Thoughts?

[Jegan_V]

Originally Posted by weepel

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.

You technically can run it even with the gasket leak basically forever thanks to the EJ251's design changes over the EJ25D to ensure any head gasket leak is now external. Keep the coolant bottle level at an acceptable level and you should be good. If it leaks really slowly, perhaps the Subaru coolant conditioner they used to settle earlier warranty issues will plug some of the leaks and outright solve the problem. I believe its less than $10 for the bottle.

[weepel]

Great to know, thank you! I'll look into getting that coolant conditioner and see if it improves the leak - I may still consider the engine swap at some point down the road (sh*tty pun intended), but that helps to broaden my timeline.

Now I just need to figure out if I should attempt the timing belt myself. I bought the Haynes manual and it doesn't look like it's too difficult a task, so long as I can reliably find TDC

[gymratter]

IS300 is a great pick. that motor is bulletproof.

[acg2010]

Originally Posted by 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.

A winter beater makes sense for your climate.

Otherwise I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't want to just enjoy the FRS. It's a nice sporty car, but it's not a supercar. It's not like trying to protect the paint job on a Ferrari or an R8 or something that's going to cost a small fortune to repair. It's a sub 30k sports car that most of us enjoy driving. May as well spend as much time with it as possible.

[vh_supra26]

The IS300, like with the GS300, SC300, and NA MK4 Supra are pretty reliable. My 2JZ-GE has 300k on it and its still going strong.

[MokSpeed]

I currently own an IS300 and a FR-S. Great choice for a second car but be warned you may fall in love with it. I actually bought the FR-S as a reliable and fun daily as I finish up my turbo build for my IS. I'll admit I'm starting to like the way my FR-S looks more, but then I drive my IS occassionally and remember why I never want to get rid of it lol.

[weepel]

Originally Posted by acg2010

A winter beater makes sense for your climate.

Otherwise I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't want to just enjoy the FRS. It's a nice sporty car, but it's not a supercar. It's not like trying to protect the paint job on a Ferrari or an R8 or something that's going to cost a small fortune to repair. It's a sub 30k sports car that most of us enjoy driving. May as well spend as much time with it as possible.

My buddy had the exact same sentiments. I'm getting better about not babying the BRZ and just enjoying it, but that being said I'm glad I ended up getting the Legacy Wagon - I'll keep the BRZ stock for as long as I have the warranty and the Legacy can be my project/kickaround/camping/dog transportation car. The pup has actually already christened the back seat of the legacy, so I'm thankful I didn't risk putting her in the BRZ.