2003 Lexus IS 300 (5MT) on Blizzak WS-90s - POV Winter Tire Review

[@Affalterbach1967]

0:11 The Topher has a social media manager ? What ? The world is not ready for binaural TikToks.

[@BernonCars]

I think for WR Magazine

[@michaeltadros3151]

There's nothing more satisfying in the car industry than an old well kept Lexus.

[@jasperdilincoln2341]

I remember ordering the Brochure on the IS when it first came out when I was in Highschool back in '99. It was a cool looking car.

[@FKtooswavey]

Bro this is so weird I was just searching for this car for the past 5 hours and the only youtuber I needed a vid from DROPPED A VID!!!

[@sharonsalve1203]

Amen

[@FriedPlacentaBurger]

Watching him clap his boots together before bringing his legs into the car warms my heart.

[@user-ne3ze4zz7r]

The IS300 and especially the IS300 SportCross are such incredible cars I think

[@KT_One]

Wow look at how thin the doors and a-pillars look! Definitely a blast from the past.

[@shineything4444]

am i the only one who just wants a plain ol stock is300 with an lsd? i wouldnt even mod it lol

[@LJGaldo]

Thanks Topher!! After watching your videos a couple years ago with this is300, I got myself a manual IS in grey. It’s so nice in the winter

[@caglioso]

Back when luxury cars could also be fun cars...

[@justenzo6342]

Huh? They still are.

[@RandomlnternetGuy]

Back when luxury cars came with a stick

[@001spring]

Luxury cars now are a lot more fun. Lol

[@tonyl7286]

This comment is such a meme. If anything, cars in general have become less floaty and more sporty over the years. There's tons of "luxurious" cars that are still fun to drive.

[@justenzo6342]

@@RandomlnternetGuy The Genesis G70 actually comes with a 6 speed manual. It’s a really great car to drive!

[@MegaNinjaMonkeyZord]

Love to see one of those untouched by infantiles, same goes for any good young-timer or classic

[@cvb8778]

This was my dream car as a teenager and I owned one for several years while meticulously taking care of it. I traded mine in for a 17' Cooper S a year ago and it hurts knowing I could have just passed it to my Mom who now needs a car. Hopefully, the new owner treats it with the same care I did. If you're buying one of these look for the models with the LSD and watch out for the melting dash issue! It's a shame we will likely never get a premium compact sports sedan of similiar size ever again.

[@baldheadlogic]

I love this first gen IS.

[@AJ6spd]

I have always liked this car

[@rubbertoe.]

Love these, sad I couldn't find one manual and in good condition but ended up with a 6MT IS250

[@thivakarsaravanamuthu4744]

Nice

[@matth6284]

I got stuck in my Civic the other day, no one was around for almost an hour and the first person that passed me didn't even care. I got out after rocking the crap out of it and using my floor mats. My phone died too 🤦‍♂️If i had the money I def would get Blizzaks

[@xninjasurfer]

yeah bro same shit happen to me in my e36 m3 but some guy gave me a push I got stuck at a busy stop sign shit was kinda embarrassing no cap but hey I made it out first thing I did was look up some winter tires lmaoo im driving on summer and bald af trm. im getting the w90s on.

[@loudring6247]

😢

[@drivedb7]

These cars are criminally underrated. The powertrain in particular is impeccable. It was hard enough to find a manual IS300 10 years ago; nowadays it’s almost impossible. I got lucky though and bought my 5-speed in 2019 from the original owner with low mileage and completely stock. Very fine cars indeed. Mine doesn’t really need Blizzaks, though. It sleeps during the winter. :)

[@rightlanehog3151]

At least a decent selection of low mileage IS 250 manuals are still available in the used market.

[@henlolneh]

@@rightlanehog3151 Those are way, way newer on a completely different powertrain. It is damn near impossible to find a 2JZ-GE IS300 with a 5speed in it in 2021.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@henlolneh The IS 250 is a backup plan.

[@iheartgs400]

Lol there not underrated there overhyped and overpriced for what there going for when you have the manual TSX and G35 offering the same dynamics for less money

[@drivedb7]

@@iheartgs400 - Supply and demand is ultimately what dictates price. The TSX isn’t RWD and the G35 can’t hold a candle to the IS’s longevity. If you think M/T IS’s are overpriced, I would invite you to try finding one - anywhere - that’s in good shape, rust-free, unmolested, low-mileage and has a clean title. Good luck. (you’ll need it)

[@goaway2702]

i love how he keeps his boots clean.

[@Vertex87Productions]

I do the same thing

[@pascutia]

Those dials look super cool at night

[@clover7359]

I don't get why Lexus was so afraid to put a more aggressive overdrive in these cars, they so much torque, yet they are all (manual and auto) pushing 3000 rpm at 70 mph like a Honda Civic.

[@thomasevans5706]

I had one of these, factory 5 speed, completely stock, only a little over 100k miles, very clean. I got it for only $4000 not even 3 years ago. Unfortunately I got t boned by an Outback after only 6 months of ownership, totaling the car. I have looked ever since but have yet to find another clean completely stock low mileage factory 5 speed for a good price. It was a unicorn for sure...

[@iheartgs400]

You got lucky that car easily in California is solid 8K to 10K dollars. I hope when they totaled it insurance paid you decent money.

[@thomasevans5706]

@@iheartgs400 I got about 10k for it

[@basithph8958]

Oh man I was looking into getting an IS300 5MT as a first car But they're being so ripped off now

[@SychicGamer]

Depending on the price and condition, they’re not really a ripoff. They’re becoming more and more rare, and are now going into classic territory and appreciating in value. Sure they might be a little pricey now, but give em a few years and watch gradually continuously go up in value

[@grqmedia3489]

Have a manual + lsd myself. Probably one of the most balanced and fun daily’s ever (if it doesn’t snow where you live lol). Going strong with 100k miles 👏

[@arcadeslum5882]

100k? Rookie numbers.

[@alpacamybags118]

Time to take it out this morning with the crazy snow 😂

[@thevolvobrickchallenge5650]

This car is a complete gem. I would never trade my P80 for it, but it makes one strong statement with it's RWD manual transmission that looks so balanced and nice to daily.

[@bcvijasiu]

This was the first car I purchased. Drove it since new, 0 miles to 264k miles. I sold it for $2800 two years ago. It was obviously my daily and I enjoyed it more so than my fun day car, S2000. Now I am looking to get the IS500 but I am sad that there will be no manau option. The S2000 and my current daily, Camry, will need to be sacrificed for the IS500.

[@TiyamatFTL]

these basically don't exist in germany, sadly only very few is200 are available I once saw a Touring is300 automaticfor sale but it was in horrible condition and didn't sell for months

[@HuskyrM]

My father used to own 2001 auburn sky pearl Lexus before and I’m planning to get a Lexus is300 manual transmission after high school

[@MrCarGuy]

The old IS and Altezzas are just as charming as the old GS and Aristos were before being even more disconnected.

[@ukwnjae]

I’ve started getting into my car like that too haha

[@garrettisrael]

don't get me wrong i love my 3is but man do i miss my first gen is. wish i could have kept it as a project car

[@anemoemu3083]

I don’t even have a car but these videos are addicting

[@lil0of]

my neighbor owns one of these, and I can't help but look at it every time I go outside

[@addanashraf]

Oh yeah yeah

[@lil0of]

@@addanashraf that's it I'm changing my profile picture

[@carplay5454]

my local Porsche dealer has an auto is300 for sale. i think the price was around $12k.

[@IbrahimKhan-dd2ey]

Man... I want one of those is300s so bad but the deals are either way over priced or the cars are completely neglected/riced.

[@amacl10]

I just noticed the redesigned IS air vents are a throw back to this one

[@DotPeriodCom]

That car could really use a car wash after that drive lol

[@bdo3043]

I saw you were downshifting but didn't rev match. Did the IS rev match for you?

[@_chipchip]

Been on the hunt for one of these in Australia but they 300 doesn't come up often. Lot's of 200's....

[@bendino9016]

just a few years ago you could find these cars for as low as 2-3k... not anymore lol

[@corrodesthefilm]

Always loved these. That gauge cluster is just..mmm /chef's kiss

[@shawnballard794]

Mam I've had an 91 ls400 98 ls400 02 is 300 and 05 gx 470. By far the is300 was one of the best

[@djsthemetereman]

I tell people all the time that as long as you I have a winter tire on you can drive a rear wheel drive car in the winter any time, now I have a fwd vehicle with continental extreme contact on & they're really good, but I've never had a winter tire installed

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Gotta add that with bmw abandoning manuals on all but their top line 3 series, is there no interest in performance lux cars so equipped? Look at the demand for the newly announced black wings?

[@rampagedingo]

I love the consistency of the videos and I really appreciate it man. Even though theres a virus going around you're still going at it. Thanks man. And thanks for cleaning your shoes everytime you enter the vehicles. Unlike some people I know. Haha.

[@nonamus9947]

I own a IS300 Sportcross Wagon, bought it from Ohio and it snowed a LOT there when I got it, bought Blizzak WS-80 tires and it was 100% worth it, it also came with a Torsen LSD, also fun to drive in the snow

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

Those door sills are shockingly low, so refreshing. God I hate modern car interiors...

[@benmarcello4264]

It’s a fancy Toyota. 171k miles basically is 71k miles

[@waterfall316]

Love topher snow driving

[@Vakna101]

Man I learned to drive in my Dad's IS300. I love and miss that car so much.

[@tobywonkinoby8916]

I live in Florida, why am I watching this? Oh well let’s continue!

[@vincejordan2715]

I use to drive a 6at is300 with ws80’s! this is a nice throwback 😃 great video

[@piccininifireable]

Great review as always! I'd love to see your impressions and review video of the Vredestein Wintrac Pros! My BRZ and I are moving to Lake Tahoe, CA (Mountains/Heavy snow winters), and your videos have me excited for winter sports car driving. Trying to decide between these or the Vredesteins in 205/55/17. Thanks!

[@mdaniel444]

I'm so jelous, I've been looking for a MT is300...

[@tonychau1983]

When you do its usually all beat up

[@maple_syrup_boy_1175]

I have the same tires on my 2013 Honda CR-V but mine are loud compared to the Michelin all seasons I have

[@bretthansen8166]

I had Blizzak tires when I lived in Michigan on my 2007 WRX STi, the combination of that car with those tires made it insanely fun to drive in the winter, I miss that car 🙂 The IS 300 did very well with the new versions! Always enjoy your videos and seeing Michigan again 👍🏻

[@DrDisasta]

Almost 20 years later and still relevant 😂 such a nice sedan.

[@AviationDirection]

I have the WS90 on my Outback. Absolute champ in the snow, especially with the AWD! (They are noisier than you alluded to in this video, however).

[@corollavirus4age]

oh thats nice! quite rare too i wonder how does it compare to a 330i E46 for example since they very similar and they are from a similar era aswell

[@leonlake9063]

Love this. I have an ‘01 IS300 still running. I’m hoping to get her to 30 years.

[@IKhanNot]

Good to hear the WS90s last a tad longer. That's the biggest downside to Blizzaks. When time came to replace my winters I went with cheap Minerva Eco Stud winter tires and it's now entering it's 4th winter without any significant wear. Grippy as well.

[@buffalop32acdm23]

I know it’s old but holy rattling plastic!

[@leslie7872]

i heard the gas milage was really bad on these and they have really long gearing? And the wheels dont look stock, they look really good though , what are they from?

[@cameronsamayoa2829]

Need for speed most wanted vibes!

[@markzuckerbergette6185]

Have you done a video on a 1st Gen is300 before? I'd love to see it if you haven't

[@pascutia]

He did one on this car a few years ago. It's a great car!

[@idkwhattoputformynameyt]

Doesn’t this have the 2jz? People been telling me no when on google they say it’s the same?.??

[@2jz4life35]

Yes it does have the 2JZ-GE (naturally aspirated) The Toyota Supra had both 2JZ-GTE (turbocharged) The non turbocharged Supra was equipped with the same motor as the IS you see in this video.

[@ale8n]

talking about your wife'se Mazda CX-30, can you make a review of the new Mazda CX-30 2.5T???

[@ccvr6]

Engine has a faint whine to it. Is it modded?

[@AndreThompson925]

Where can I find me a manual IS300? That's nice.

[@drivingprophet]

I keep wondering if I should buy one of these as a project

[@lookoutforKURT]

ive been looking at one of these for a while. this video is bad for my mental health and wallets health

[@Ruluxx]

It’s impossible to find any Lexus after 2004 with a manual please prove me wrong I’m lookin for em

[@ChrisWalksFast]

2008 is250 I believe. But apparently that manual was taken from a Toyota truck and is not that fun to drive? Do your research to confirm this.

[@armanchowdhury6768]

Plz make more of a jdm car's

[@spoortifyy]

Social media manager 😶 how many managers do u have 😅

[@pilotvanquish3886]

The winding road magazine social manager not chris himself...

[@singingLeaf123]

theTopher, please do review on Hyundai sonata n line? Thanks

[@bhearing7681]

I loved my old 91 Miata with snowtires. Top down and everything. Miss it

[@Banom7a]

saw one in wagon form and with a manual once, that is really a dream car right there.

[@ImLeuff]

That Lexus is so cool, I wish they sold more in Europe so I could get one used

[@rightlanehog3151]

"No more boring cars!" declared Akio Toyoda. Where are the Lexus manuals today? Blizzaks are not bad but I'll take the longevity and quietness of Michelin X-Ice any day. Get that IS to Krown ASAP!

[@ChrisWalksFast]

Are there any alternatives to Krown in the Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts areas that you’re aware of?

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@ChrisWalksFast The Krown website indicates a location at 237 Hanover Street, Lebanon , New Hampshire tel. [phone]. Make a day trip out of it! Where I live in Canada I have at least 3 within a 20 minute drive of my house.

[@MatthewGaither]

I love the sound these cars make. Such a sweet little car and looks like a ton of fun in the snow with those Blizzaks on!

[@haziqhashim2618]

Man i want this so bad. Being rhd, Toyota Altezza is imported instead . 3S GE Beams 6 spd manual

[@toad482]

Fiesy

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Who cares about the tires! That is300 is a unicorn 🦄.

[@addanashraf]

Fahad Mustafa

[@dis6wood]

This is a dream car

[@CARLOSC297]

I got one but it’s automatic 🙃

[@GeneralOrhan]

love your content. keep it up!

[@Jerrydriguez]

Is it supercharged?? I hear like a whirring noise 🤔

[@RyanBurnsRed]

Didn't think there were superchargers available for the 2jz?

[@okallup8012]

Bridgestone makes Blizzaks, they are not a company in and of themselves.

[@MrMayes11]

What short shifter is that? Been looking around at different options

[@chrisboris9895]

It sounds like a hummus shredder 🤣

[@Genevagirls-h2x]

They are a teenagers car but still kinda nice. I've had mine for a solid 15 years and its still trucking....its a gas guzzler though, there's no denying the fact.

[@ag6371]

Best looking dashboard gauges ever made

[@ballathug8404]

Sounds like a race car compared to modern turbo 4s

[@nbadissector9130]

Clean is

[@juliaaraujo8109]

👶👶🧔👩🤠❤❤❤❤❤

[@joshuating5954]

Toyota Altezza outside the USA...

[@achmedrockefeller8336]

Altezza is actually JDM spec lexus is200s/300s. Outside of the US we only got the IS200 1GFE engine where they got the IS300 2JZGE engine in the north american region.

[@nates3080]

Luxury cars were so much better back then imo. Steering and throttle response on new stuff is too numbed.

[@austenfairbanks5604]

Most people in that area cant even get out of their driveway to go to work and he's driving around for FUN😂

[@CapFlipGaming]

I need that this morning!

[@babolot4]

Why u would choose to live in that environment....I dipped from the Midwest to SoCal to get away from snow.

[@flavortown289]

Probably because that’s where he was born and raised.