2001-2005 Lexus IS300 Buyer's Guide (Common Problems, Options, Engine)

[@UsefulVids]

*OTHER REVIEWS TO WATCH*: Chevy: 1972-1987 Square Body Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWnSoJ-Kp9qDmrM 1988-1998 Silverado /Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn3WXn6NiNqWoNE 1994-2004 S10 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ7JmHaFrbxpjqM 1999-2007 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp6xZ5Krl9-sq6s 2007-2013 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYa7hZZrd6yrqa8 Ford: 2004-2008 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqaxiH13bNJpadU 2009-2014 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXrTdGCjfb5jrq8 1997-2004 F-150 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5Kul5mLh9R5h7s 1998-2011 Ranger Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHavhqyogL5ki5Y 2005-2014 Mustang Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqPJoZqwmMx_f5o Mercedes: W211 E-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6HTnYSKpZd3ibM W212 E-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4q9hKGCr8mBppo W212 Best E-Class(?): kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3-pZqOfe7GGarc W204 C-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKWmk5WoqLaEY7s W205 C-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXm5dYBtdst-nK8 W222 S-Class Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3achmOwetCKmsk Mazda: 1990-1997 MX-5 Miata: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZuxc2CCl9CBibs Nissan: 2004-2015 Titan Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIeplY2bet56pKM HardBody Pickup Truck Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y561h4B4rqublas Subaru: 2014-2018 Subaru Forester SJ Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OZameNls1shqM Lexus: 2001-2005 IS300 Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6XboIidZd-nntk Toyota: 1995-2004 1st Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXcmZyFeZ19o5Y 2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4uymXdmgLqSnaM 2000-2006 1st Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6GsqoiZe6yZasU 2007-2020 2nd Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJmrZYike9t9q6s Porsche: 2010-2016 Panamera Buyer's Guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZjMppivqNqLmrc 1999-2005 911 996 Buyer's guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKfHfq2Jbb2Xjs0

[@Soltor1974]

216k miles on the clock and still killing the streets these car are amazing. Long live the queen 👑

[@boboutelama5748]

Lexus is300 sportcross owner there. The car is good, but it is definitely a twenty year old car. it requires more care than a newly built model. In salty weather, you should wash off the salt after the winter, you should also polish the body at regular interval to prevent rust. The gaskets and harness will tend to reach the end of their lifespan after 20 year. If you buy a used one, make sure they where changed or plan to change them yourself. The handling of the car is world class. It's light and nimble on it's feets, related to a complex but well thought geometry. Be cautious when you modify height when going for coils, there are 1000's ways to setup the suspension badly, toe and specially camber can do a world of difference, but if you hit the right spot, it can offer you Ferrari levels of handling with an exciting mechanic background. I recommend going for light wheels when you change coils, it really helps the car to be more active on the road. Globally, the IS300 is a masterpiece to drive and that is his biggest appeal.

[@algebra358]

So happy to still own one! Best car I've ever owned.

[@Mackaroni_510]

I love my IS300 so fk'n much, happy to have a clean one that's not beat to shit

[@itzik8062]

Same

[@anthonybruno2147]

same here we should start a is300 group

[@dinkyvision]

I’m the original owner of a 2002 solar yellow eshift. Still an amazing car. Garage kept. Full leather. Navigation. Limited slip diff. Custom AV system (alpine, JL Audio, Diamond Audio). Greddy evo stainless cat back. SRT intake & some other minor mods. Just got a high output alternator. Great car.

[@anthonybruno2147]

very nice spec

[@jordy1172]

Selling?

[@iheartgs400]

Bought the IS300 recently off the auction for me and my wife and absolutely love the car despite being the auto it gets the job done.

[@TomWithVolvos]

You could do a Manual swap but it would be need to be In a garage for a lil bit - 2 days -

[@SuperSreggin]

I own 2 of them both factory manuals. both $4-5k with ~140k One of them I daily and drift. The other one is staying clean, getting a turbo and a ar5 trans. First car ive had, have it 4 years now pretty rusty (Illinois) but really no problems. Pretty easy to work on I know everything about them now which is why I just got the 2nd one. Which is pretty clean, no rust compared to the other, drives much nicer too, It had the motor rebuild by lexus under warranty due to a stuck valve. Guy who owned it before me was an idiot, ruined it in some ways but also threw a ton of money into it. I have paperwork with tons of new front end parts, bushings, motor mounts, wheel bearings. But yet he installed the headlights incorrectly, had wheels that didnt fit, put ebay coilovers on it, and put a loud ass exhaust and headers it sounds like garbage.

[@brianna5753]

how/where did u find factory manual ones for only $4-5k ?🥲🥲 asking for a friend

[@coesforever1735]

I own a 2004 silver auto and added aftermarket intake, chip and cat deleted and it sounds amazing and runs faster! Every time Im at a stop light and a mustang, Camaro or charger/challenger stops on my side,the drivers are very nervous looking at my beauty, specially if they hear that beautiful sound when idling 🤣

[@iiiamriot2262]

What tips do you recommend to keep it in reliable shape?

[@bobbychugs4652]

U selling? 🤷‍♂️

[@silviomanzo703]

Silence, power, quality. Best car ever had, mine is blue fm 2002 fast 20 years everything works like the first day

[@barron204]

A good low mileage example can cost the equivalent of $14k (USD) in my country. However the demand is not there for this model like it has been in the past. Most sale listings on one website are over 1 month old with many variations available from IS200/RS200 to the IS300 and in great condition, but they are over 20 years old now. Great cars especially the manual wagon.

[@harlemgreene3627]

@Badger Milk the gita with the 1gfe could be optioned with the j160 manual that's the only way to have a factory manual wagon

[@1331RECIPROCITY]

My verdict on your review.... good job...

[@johntardi6771]

Paint problems, auto-leveling headlight sensor, brake caliper holes ovaling out, post 01 sticky dash, premature lower ball joint wear, valve cover gaskets especially the one surrounding the sparkplug holes, large oil consumption, fragile radiator plastic, exhaust catalist breaking and clogging exhaust, power steering issues, fragile key plastic, manual transmission a little clunky when very cold. I've owned a 99 altezza 6 speed manual, 01 is300 automatic and a 2002 is300 5 speed manual. Great cars and not very major of problems but here is everything that happened to me so far.

[@2jzge]

That’s crazy I’ve never had any of these problems and I hope I never do, I’ve been daily driving it for 5 years already 02 manual is300

[@masterjiraiya224]

I love both my 2002 is300 manual swapped sportcross 🥰

[@robsnizzle79]

Have the Silver 05 automatic, with barely 140k on it... cars still fun to drive and don't plan on getting rid of it. Oh, as far as the E-shift steering wheel I modified mine with an 06 is350 steering wheel to get the paddle shifter and bluetooth option.

[@Quantummmm]

Bluetooth option? Does it have volume buttons on the wheel?

[@robsnizzle79]

@@Quantummmm Yes it does...

[@mikelnomikos]

The sportscross wagon is imho the BEST looking wagon - ever.

[@300IQPUG]

i love my is 300. I dont drive it much but its a great car for sure. trying to preserve it as long as I can. Im fortunate enough to own a clean one

[@Uno_Floydd]

I just bought a 85k miles one

[@ABoredTroll]

Don't let your car own you, drive it to gain seat time/experience.

[@neonreign2988]

​@@ABoredTroll I understand the sentiment of your point, but so many of these cars are beaten to shit and it's become more and more scarce to find clean ones with low mileage. I try to respect my cars and maintain them, while many people like to abuse these cars like they're a children's toy. I love my IS300, and I enjoy driving it in very good condition, I want to keep it that way.

[@2jzge]

@@Uno_Floydd been daily driving mine for 5 years and just hit 70k miles

[@freespace303]

Same, '03 Sportcross here, LOVE it!!!

[@jimmydean3453]

Mines a 2005 is 300 red with black leather, had it for 5 years and get more compliments on this car than any before “Does the have the 2jze?” “Is that for sale?”

[@carlosgarza4089]

Mines has 349,000 still running strong 💪

[@edgaracosta5691]

Do you know if they or you had ever changed the transmission fluid? I just got one and it doesn't look like they've ever changed it. It currently has 188k and I don't want it to go out.

[@carlosgarza4089]

@@edgaracosta5691 It was serviced at approximately 200,000 last time according to the records I have. I haven’t done it since I’ve had it.

[@MrRjnr]

Engine rebuilt at all?

[@carlosgarza4089]

@@MrRjnr nope, I’ve rebuilt the vvti and Replaced all the external seals but no rebuild.

[@MrRjnr]

@@carlosgarza4089 wow, excellent

[@thecommonsenseconservative5576]

Common problems: Too reliable As long as oil is in engine and coolant in radiator it will run. It's a Toyota Too many satisfied customers. If you dont want these problems I suggest you buy a 99 BMW 325i

[@MPowerSubie12]

😂

[@mr.2gr33dy7]

They are so hard to find that are in good condition and low mileage

[@Ahmed-ti2rn]

low milage i agree.. but good condition are available its just the matter kf the price 😂

[@D3ADxRATED]

I just bought one that’s never been modified with 129k miles and in good condition!

[@Ahmed-ti2rn]

@@D3ADxRATED mine is 2004 sport MT super stock with 78k miles.... i bought it 7 years ago then stored it on jacks in a basment parking under our house and covered it wit plastic cover traveled to study and when i came back i started changing all parts

[@Alextheskater91]

@@D3ADxRATED recently bought my 04 with 113k miles and pristine leather interior

[@JC-nk4st]

Found one for 58k and manual . I’m in loveeee

[@JoeyMeowMeow]

Another interior con: tan interior don't age well and didn't fit the car's personality at all

[@callmexxjacobxx]

I had cream/tan interior in my white is200. Being white i liked it, dont think it goes well in the red.

[@JoeyMeowMeow]

@@callmexxjacobxx Yeah it really is nitpicking at this point for me haha. Love my blue is300 I always have the impression that tan interiors are only for European cars lol

[@kkubo9928]

04 owner less than 30,000 miles Great car

[@eddycervantea7882]

This car is clean

[@danimal865]

I just traded my G35 for one straight up. Its got 220k miles but it runs good. It does need work but its not bad.

[@MPowerSubie12]

I have a factory manual 5MT W55 Sport Design Thundercloud on black interior with low miles, all original, and no rust(California car).

[@BryanChance]

Great review! New sub!!

[@gooo1762]

thanks a lot!

[@ICONGAMER57]

Can we get a source for this magazine- guide thingy 8:12

[@CHEVonsteam]

Is350 buyers guide coming soon???

[@unpaid_sins]

got a question if anyone wants to help out. My Ecu System is out on my 2001 is300. I can’t check what system i have in mine until a week from now (i’m on vacation). Which Ecu system would be best to replace? Is there a specific one i have to get?

[@divin3kag3242]

Me love my rs200z altezza

[@kevinsamayoa4557]

What’s the difference between 2001 vs 2004

[@kevinsamayoa4557]

Is it easy to install a turbo and manual swap a 2001 Lexus is300

[@callmexxjacobxx]

Most of this stuff i knew, but didn’t know those features on the sports cross. I really really wish they had sports cross in Australia. They are apparently every where in Europe and uk. Id be surprised it usa had any at all? Hmm

[@yungdeady6220]

Yeah the u.s got some but I see people sell them for double the price of the regular IS300.

[@Terraformin]

It's the exact opposite in sweden, if you want a sedan you have to pay a lot more than for a sportcross, there are 51 sportcrosses left (1 of which belongs to me) but only 23 sedans.

[@akhayer5594]

In the UK the sports cross is the least sort after model. Go for almost half the price of a sedan manual

[@mattfloyd3347]

I have a low mileage pretty clean sportcross in US but in the 2 years I’ve owned it I’ve never seen another sportcross driving around in the wild

[@monsieurdiecasts3393]

Only 78 Sportcross sold in Canada, very rare

[@kevinsamayoa4557]

What’s the best year for the is300

[@193322009]

2004 SportCross

[@kevinsamayoa4557]

@@193322009 well I ended up getting an o1 sedan version, the sport cross is too rare in my area and the sellers are high balling the ones that are somewhat good distance with mixed conditions

[@I.S_Lombrana]

Pretty rare to find a manual and if you do they're expensive... That's why I swapped an R154 into mine 😁

[@lilkrisp3255]

how much did it cost you in total? I’m tryna do the same in mine

[@I.S_Lombrana]

@@lilkrisp3255 about 5 grand but that's because I upgraded hella shit. done cheap about 2 grand. Just find a manual IS at a junk yard or somethin

[@lilkrisp3255]

@@I.S_Lombrana lemme buy it off of you

[@I.S_Lombrana]

@@lilkrisp3255 ppff Driftmotion sells em new, but that's big moniezzzz doe

[@lilkrisp3255]

@@I.S_Lombrana don’t hate. Lemme cop yours. 🥺

[@Mr.grubby]

Sticky dash is only 2002-2005

[@iiiamriot2262]

Great car, but criminally underpowered