Any wisdom from IS300 owners? How bout Miata or S2000 owners?

[Ocean-Grown 86]

Due to some complicated circumstances (that I would rather not discuss), as well as after a reassessment of my life's priorities, I'm considering getting rid of my Scion FR-S. Too bad really, since I really do love this car as it has perfectly suited my each and every need. It's very rewarding to drive hard, yet was easy enough for me to learn real car control on. Now though, I need to move forward in life so, I'm considering replacing my FR-S with an IS300. As a driver, I would prefer an S2000 but it's just too impractical. Thus, I figured something like an IS300 would make a happy medium.

My question is: for those who have owned or own an IS300 and an FR-S, how do the two compare as far as driver's cars and as an overall ownership experience? How about running costs? Aftermarket parts and support? Is it easy to work on? I do plan on dealing with most of the maintenance in classic DIY fashion.
Any insight will be appreciated! Thanks!

Edit: Out of curiosity, if there are any previous or current s2000 or Miata owners, please chime in on your thoughts! Much appreciated!

[Kimsey47]

I loved mine and thought it was a great sports sedan; however, it was expensive to maintain. I didn't do any work myself so I'm not best suited to answer how hard it is to work on.

That being said I don't think you'll be disappointed with a 300 at all... Great choice!

[SikCee]

Hey,

Had one prior to the FRS, loved it till the day it was written off and even at this point if the right one comes along i'd buy another.

my.is is a great site but sadly part are increasly harder to find and maint. is a real pain.

[Speed2th]

yes i had 2002 5MT one for 5 years. did some mods
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/album.php?albumid=467

Pro:
1. looks good
2. ride comfortable.
3. fun to drive
4. 2JZGE is very solid and reliable.
5. the car is very reliable. common problem that i know of is catalytic convertor and oxygen senor.

Con:
1. fuel efficiency (with 5mt, i average 21mpg, my friends' auto gets 16-19)
2. slow. with intake and exhaust and 5 speed manual. i am having trouble to to pass scion TC or RSX. i end up sold my car and got a G35 coupe 6MT. a lot of IS300 owner went this route.
3. back seat cannot fold down
4. no LSD besides 5MT model. saw and know bunch of auto spin out with bad tires or raining days.
5 it needs 6MT, when i cruise on freeway at 70mph i think my rpm would be around 3500-4000 (i cannot recall correctly, i sold the car over 4 years ago)

[azian_advanced]

I'd only get one in manual, but they're really hard to come across since only a few thousand were made.
They have a decent amount of torque for nice launches, but are heavy for the turns. They ride smooth and quetc typical of a Lexus. The 2jz NA is bullebulletproof and the car overall is a nice balance between sports and luxury. The worst part about owning one is the horrible fuel economy.

[underpowered]

I had an ap2 s2k and the only other car that is similar as far as the way it drives is my brZ. The s had the power I wish the brz had. As far as practicality unless you haul midgets or are one yourself the back seat in the twins is a joke. The fold down seats are nice though. If you pull the spare out of the trunk of s you can fit more than you would think it can. I fit my weber gas grill in the trunk disassembled along with a propane tank. I also managed to fit my bike in the trunk with spare removed. If you take off both tires and the seat it will fit. I autocrossed mine frequently and managed to fit a spare set of wheels and other junk in the car by sticking two in the trunk and two in the passenger seat wrapped in towels. You just have to be more creative with an s2k. I am not sure what your situation is but if you can afford the s2k and make it work with your lifestyle I would highly recommend it. Maintenance cost was barely more than my wife's civic for the 60k I had it. S2ki is a good forum to check out.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by Ocean-Grown 86

My question is: for those who have owned or own an IS300 and an FR-S, how do the two compare as far as driver's cars and as an overall ownership experience?

They don't compare. The IS300 is like a base model BWM 3 series. It is meant to be sold to girls/women who just want to own a "luxury" car.

[Kimsey47]

So did the US model only come in a 5 speed? My UK model was a 6 speed so I guess that is a huge difference... I'd struggled to have enjoyed the car as much with only a 5 speed.