Trade in for an IS300?

[Kenny_LongWrench]

I came from a MT 1IS to the BRZ.

I put about 70K on my IS300 with no issues at all. The NA VVTI 2J is reliable and I managed to get ~27mpg, combined.

I ran Koni/GC as well as some other supporting mods. Handling was similar(for the most part) to MY BRZ.

Hop on my.is forums and do a little research. If you need the extra space, these are a good option. If you're referring to the third gen, They're a bit more refined, but do your research.

[theparagon]

I had an IS250 that I sold about a year ago. It was... fine. Handling was too loose and it felt heavy. But, if you test drove the 300 and like it, go for it.

[DeeezNuuuts83]

The OP is talking about the first gens though

[Speed2th]

I had 2002 5MT IS300 with some mod for 5 years. The car is reliable, comfortable but slow and takes a lot fuel. expect 18 mpg and any camry can possible spank you. The car is pretty slow ... did a race with scion CT and cannot pull away. later i replace it with a G35. It is really depends on what you are looking for. the automatic version i believe does not have LSD. 2jz is a reliable motor but not enough for the heavy car.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Speed2th

the automatic version i believe does not have LSD. 2jz is a reliable motor but not enough for the heavy car.

Depends on the option package, if it has traction control it comes with an LSD, all the wagons were spec'd with TC + LSD because they were only sold in a higher trim.

You can email Lexus with the VIN and they will give you a pretty pdf of the options list as the car came from the factory for free, did that on a wagon I almost bought a few months back and forwarded it to the seller.

Power/weight isn't too far off a US E36 M3, it isn't awful, especially for the time. A Mustang GT of the time was only making 260 hp and carrying about the same, if not a little more weight.

[max20s14]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Depends on the option package, if it has traction control it comes with an LSD, all the wagons were spec'd with TC + LSD because they were only sold in a higher trim.

You can email Lexus with the VIN and they will give you a pretty pdf of the options list as the car came from the factory for free, did that on a wagon I almost bought a few months back and forwarded it to the seller.

Power/weight isn't too far off a US E36 M3, it isn't awful, especially for the time. A Mustang GT of the time was only making 260 hp and carrying about the same, if not a little more weight.

idk mine has traction control im pretty sure... but I called lexus and they said mine did not come with an LSD






and while im here... I prefer my FR-S over the is300. be prepared to replace every seal and o-ring on that 2jz. Everyone I know that has one has some kind of oil leak. I replaced front main seal, cam seals, valve cover gaskets and now my vvti gear leaks...


Spark plugs are probably more of a pain to get to than on a FR-S/BRZ too.


I also think its really annoying the rear seat in the is300 does not fold over. making the utility of the fr-s about the same as the is300 for me...


that said my car has 260k now and I know someone that has one with 350k+ now

[rin]

Do it! I actually sold my IS300 for the FR-S. I love how its becoming more of viable platform (in terms of drifting) but the rarity of manuals are kind of dumb. They make easy swaps though and a lot of bits and parts fit onto this car. GS300/JZX100 and a lot of dudes in the scene that are really pushing the platform and drowning out the sea of S Chassis and BMW's

[Packofcrows]

I'd rather buy a older WRX. Is300 too old now to be called reliable imho. Especially if you buy from stranger. Maybe from a friend.

[driftartist]

If I found a legit clean and fair mileaged is300 then I would happily trade. That would be a fun project.

[rin]

Originally Posted by Packofcrows

I'd rather buy a older WRX. Is300 too old now to be called reliable imho. Especially if you buy from stranger. Maybe from a friend.

A WRX being more reliable than a no frills, bullet proof, 2jzge? IDK mane.... I've owned 2 IS300's and my last one I traded/sold had 220K and runs like a champ with no leaks or oil burning that I drove from NYC to Austin twice in the Winter. But than again, I just realized what I said a WRX in the winter does sound more reliable but still, lol!

[DeeezNuuuts83]

I guess it depends on how old of a WRX packodcrows was talking about.

[Packofcrows]

Originally Posted by rin

A WRX being more reliable than a no frills, bullet proof, 2jzge? IDK mane.... I've owned 2 IS300's and my last one I traded/sold had 220K and runs like a champ with no leaks or oil burning that I drove from NYC to Austin twice in the Winter. But than again, I just realized what I said a WRX in the winter does sound more reliable but still, lol!

True.

My argument is to choose a Subaru over Toyota because they are more expensive and less abused. A 145k is300 I almost bought had so many issues with cpu and engine whereas a 2006(?) Impreza wrx with 220k just had a leaking oil pan. Chose a FRS instead.

If I bought one of those really sought out for Lexus vehicles, I'd only purchase from a known/reliable close source. It's chat roulette otherwise.

[DeeezNuuuts83]

You don't think WRXs get abused?