Who owns or has owned a Lexus IS300?

"Viggen" (viggen37)
08/26/2016 at 18:49 • Filed to: None

Had a guy text me today offering to trade his ‘01 IS300 for my Miata. Beyond the fact that it’s got a 2JZ I don’t know much about these cars. Educate me, Oppo!

DISCUSSION (23)

Batman the Horse > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 18:53

2JZ wants all the boost. That is all I know.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 18:57

As with most used cars “Depends”. Good cars but at this point it is 15 years old and these things were hugely popular with the tuner crowd I'd be worried about modifications and sub standard parts.

Viggen > My X-type is too a real Jaguar
08/26/2016 at 18:59

That’s why the interrogation has begun.

Matt Nichelson > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 19:01

Depending on the year, it may be prone to the material on the dash melting if it hasn’t already.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 19:01

I haven't seen a stock IS300 in 5 years or so every one I see has paid a tuner tax.

Viggen > My X-type is too a real Jaguar
08/26/2016 at 19:03

I barely see them at all. Most tuner fans around here have Evo Xs or STis.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 19:08

Cool cars but stateside at least they are pretty much all autos. Nice ones are pricey since as someone already mentioned, since most have been modified. They’re handsome cars but definitely not fast.

they-will-know-my-velocity > Matt Nichelson
08/26/2016 at 19:08

Well that doesn’t sound good. Is it made of heartfelt wishes and dried bubblegum like old GM products?

Matt Nichelson > they-will-know-my-velocity
08/26/2016 at 19:22

I don’t think it was as big an issue with the first two years, but ‘03 on had several complaints on it. Yeah it was pretty much crappy material and over time the dash would get sticky and nasty looking.

Viggen > Noah - Now with more boost.
08/26/2016 at 19:27

I’d prefer an auto for my next car.

Trunk Impaired 318 > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 19:39

In Gran Turismo 3, you could race one in the Toyota Altezza championship as thats what it was sold as in Japan.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 21:12

See that’s what I thought lol. And it’s nice in traffic on my commute... but after a year I’m dying for a third pedal again.

feetinesamady > Matt Nichelson
08/26/2016 at 21:14

That’s for ‘02+

feetinesamady > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 21:14

What do you want to know? They’re great cars. Plenty reliable, but there isn’t a ton of aftermarket support.

JasonG0705 > Viggen
08/26/2016 at 21:15

I would love to find an IS300 as a daily. They are reliable as hell. There are tons of 200K+ mile IS300's out there for sale. Timing belt changes are crucial as it is an interference engine. The ‘01 models did not suffer from the sticky dash syndrome.

Matt Nichelson > feetinesamady
08/26/2016 at 21:16

Gotcha. Couldn’t remember if it was ‘02 or '03.

feetinesamady > Matt Nichelson
08/26/2016 at 21:19

Other than a few colors, I belive most if not damn near all of the changes to the line happened after the first model year. And I think the Sport Design option was offered starting in ‘03, but was just an appearance package.

Matt Nichelson > feetinesamady
08/26/2016 at 21:26

Yeah. The first year seemed to escape some of the flaws. Kinda odd since it is usually the other way around. And iirc when they switched to the 250/350 body they still had issues with the dash. You would think they would have learned the first time!

feetinesamady > Matt Nichelson
08/26/2016 at 22:56

Damn. I didn’t know the 2nd gen had the issue too. Mine was an ‘01 so I didn’t know about the dash thing til I read about it on the IS forum. From what I understand they went to a soft-touch material on the dash, but I guess they didn’t find a coating that could withstand the UV and heat.

Matt Nichelson > feetinesamady
08/26/2016 at 23:08

Indeed. Just Google ‘IS350 dash melting’ or something close to that and you’ll see what I mean. Wasn’t just those either. Last year before I bought my 328 I considered buying an IS, so while researching I came across the whole melting dash issue. I think there was even a lawsuit filed as well.

Yeah the softer material ended up being a mess. It wasn’t enough to warrant a recall in Toyota’s opinion, but it obviously upset a lot of people.

Tapas > Viggen
08/27/2016 at 01:18

I haven’t driven or owned a Miata (I know! I wish I had too)

But I liked my IS300. It’s was quick and comfortable for a 13 yo daily driver, capable of carrying 4 people. It had a steering rack that was a bit fast for me.

And it will hold most of its value, if you don’t like it.

kanadanmajava1 > Viggen
08/27/2016 at 15:42

My friend has one. It’s an US spec model but it has been imported to Finland couple of years ago. It has some parking lot paint damage but otherwise it’s in pristine condition. I helped him to change one worn out ball joint from the rear suspension.

Tapas > Viggen
11/14/2016 at 14:48

They are nimble, fun cars that can carry 4 people. Steering is direct and rack is quick (and on the twitchy side at higher speeds in my opinion). Auto transmission feels dated when you put in in manual mode but down shifts kinda “kick in”, which I liked :)

All in all, I’d recommend it and it works as a fun commuter.