5 reasons you DON’T want a Lexus IS300

Hey guys welcome back for another video! Today I let you guys in on a little secret and share 5 reasons you don’t want to own a Lexus is300. ( don’t get me wrong I LOVE the car) just thought this would be a fun video for you guys!
Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

[@cmlmed1a]

Hey guys! Thank you so much for watching today’s video! If you haven’t already please go ahead and like the video! It really does mean a lot to me and I really do appreciate it! Thanks! And don’t forget to subscribe!

[@theplaguedoctor142]

Fortunately these are all things I know and don’t mind about owning the car. Here’s hoping I get my is300 in the next couple weeks!

[@cmlmed1a]

They’re still amazing cars don’t get me wrong I love mine, just thought this would be a fun video!

[@theplaguedoctor142]

@@cmlmed1a I think the video is a fantastic resource! I always like to research a decision before I do it, so for the past few weeks since my GTI blew its motor (RIP) I’ve been looking into a few different cars and the is300 came out on top for me.

[@cmlmed1a]

@@theplaguedoctor142 haha glad you enjoyed it man!

[@wantdatcadpat44]

Did you end up getting one?

[@theplaguedoctor142]

@@wantdatcadpat44 yup. Sport design with a 5 speed manual. My specific one had the precats fail and that was a headache but I finally registered it today after buying in June

[@xcl_godsend_822]

Hey, 2003 5MT IS300 Owner here! Just wanted to share my thoughts on this :) 1. Gas Mileage is terrible; 100%. It's so funny watching my mpg gauge go up and down while I accelerate knowing it means absolutely nothing because it'll always be around 16mpg (OR WORSE) 2. Slow. Yes, definitely slow. I love going through the top of the rev range and slamming gears only to be passed by a 2013 Malibu. 3. It's not the Supra engine. Yes, it isn't. However, the biggest difference's between the Supra 2J and Lexus 2J is forced induction, VVTI, and in the is300's case, much MUCH weaker rods. The Supra could come factory with a 2JZ-GE non-VVTI and made less HP than the VVTI variant. In order to make power you HAVE to turbo it, and parts add up quick. You'd basically have to tear down the entire engine to swap rods anyway.. 4. The cupholders suck. Yeah, they do. However, I've never seen your cupholder thing before. I have a plastic insert that turns the cubby into two cupholders. No, it can't hold large drinks beside each other, which sucks, but it's better than getting a face full of cupholder thing plastic. 5. Maintenance is hard. I disagree with this entirely. If you're mechanically inclined, these are some fun cars to mess around with. I'm sure when you meant 'oil changes are hard' you meant getting the oil filter off without oil going all over the place is hard. It isn't if you put a ziploc baggie on the filter as you're taking it off. Getting to the filter is awkward but easy enough if you have skinny arms/small hands like me....however it's really not much harder than most older cars (new cars w filters right on top of the bay don't count). I do however dislike that the most common fail point is our emissions systems. Seems every is3 has at least 1 emission code. I have 2, for the canister. Passes emissions so I haven't worried about it. Also, the overflow job is super hard...unless you remove your backseats and cut directly above the tank area (Mine is already cut so it won't be hard to replace if I have to) otherwise it's quite the annoying and extensive job. I wish luck to you on that lol. Thanks for reading if you did, nice to see people still clearly interested in the Supra's weird underachieving cousin! lol. Absolutely love my is300 despite it's cons, don't think I'd trade it for the world. Have a good day/night!

[@bigjdm5460]

I believe the ge non VVTI pistons are a different piston than both VVTI ge and gte. The compression ratios are different for all them. I have a new GTE piston and a VVTI ge piston and the dish height is different. Haven’t seen a a non VVTI ge piston up close but I’m sure it’s different too.

[@cmlmed1a]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts man! I really appreciate it! So you did go through with cutting the hole to replace the valve under the seat? I think I’m gonna go that route! Any advice?

[@carlbrooks90]

It's still better than driving a low quality Chevy that's FWD😂

[@marcosbravo87]

I did not do that to my 02 red manual is 300 I dropped the fuel tank to replace the valve I meant lowered it enough to get access yes 🙌it takes time but worth it .

[@cmlmed1a]

@carlbrooks90 possibly lmao

[@rafahrynkiewicz8274]

1. Gas mileage - yup, it's bad in the city, but on the highway, circa 100-120 kph it's still decent. At 100kph I've got like 28-30 mpg. Not great, but considering, it's NA, RWD, port injection, has a hydraulic 5-speed auto, no hybrid etc, not that bad. 18-19 mpg in the city, so it could do better. 2. 215 -bhp - not a lot, but again, it's a fairly simple setup, 3.0l NA engines from that time usually didn't make more than 240 bhp, but the 2JZ has a but more torque though the rev range than let say a E46 BMW 330. Plus it sounds way better. 3. Well, it sort of is, since many supras came with the GE ;) Yep it's not a GTE, but block is still the same, same as the crankshaft. On stock, it could handle probably up to 400 bhp, but it has to be done really well. Plus have you seen prices of GTEs recently? For the same money you can buy an NA and tune it to levels beyond what stock GTE can handle. But yeah, it's not the famed version. 4. Cupholders are bad, granted. 5. Yeah, some maintenance is hard, but other is fairly simple, since it's an inline. Although spark plug change is a lot more hustle than in 1G-FE IS200. Still, it's okayish considering the size of the damned anvil fitted to the engine bay. 6. (mine). Huge shame it didn't come out with the j160 6-speed manual that was used in the IS200. Here in Poland people throw in 2jz's into IS200s and it does the job really well, having short shifts and short travel between gears, a really neat box. Would improve acceleration no doubt. Generally not offering a manual for the IS300 in Europe at that time should be considered a criminal offence.

[@Magnettik]

Are you saying the 2JZ-GE can be paired with the J160 ? I've always heard they could not. Meaning you would have to get a five speed if you wanted to put a 2JZ (or even a 1JZ for that matter) in an IS200.

[@Kacpa2]

@@Magnettik It can, but it needs adaptor plates. Its only viable option in europe, they never offered 5mt here. It works pretty well. Still cheaper than hunting usdm one and importing. And it can be easily done to the sportcross too. We also had manual sportcrossed with 1g-fe and official aupercharger kits for these to create midgrade option Toyota didnt bother to do, say with 1jz-ge do 2.5L inline 6.

[@Waxerer]

If you aren’t into cars, its a good car, it doesn’t need to be fast, it’s nice and it will last a long time because the 2J is bulletproof. If you are into cars it takes little to no work to make it fast, the reasons you specify it being slower are false, the compression is all that needs to change and a low end turbo and ECU is all it takes to get up past the 300hp mark, as for you saying 300hp is not big by todays standards are you talking about engine output instead of power to weight ratio, because theres a big difference in dividing by 1.5 (lexus in tons) and dividing by 2.3-2.6 (average car weight in ton that make 300+ hp from factory) Pistons are weaker than the 2JZ-GTE but can still handle up to 350hp easily, the same can be said for the rest of the internals. Chassis from an altezza, amazing for track with few mods goes from the 54-46 to 50-50 weight distribution Im not calling you anything or being a d*ck just highlighting how the points you have made (In my opinion, everyone is entitled to their own, including yourself) I personally disagree with when I think about them.

[@cmlmed1a]

I agree with everything you’re saying here. I made this video kind of like a joke. I think this is a great car, great to modify and have fun with and it’s used in multiple forms of Motorsport. I just thought it would be fun to point out my least favorite things about the car though I absolutely love mine

[@garudabravo1733]

About the cupholders: There is a JDM one that works a little better and is designed to be adjustable. If you look really close to the top of it there are three notches that mark how forward or backward you want to set it. Of course, it's still really small, but I find it much more preferable to the USDM one shown in your video.

[@cmlmed1a]

I had no idea. Doubt I could find one though haha

[@CDN296]

There's also a 3d printed cup holder replacement, files free and it fit in my is200

[@cmlmed1a]

@@CDN296 ohhh okay dope

[@BloodlinesB]

I have this adjustable one!

[@anthonyllenrof]

My friend have the Lexus sc300 and he does the oil change with the dialysis method. On the oil dipstick a machine takes out all the oil from the oil pain and then you refill it again without taking any drain plug.

[@cmlmed1a]

Ohhhhh okay that seems way easier

[@jpnicosia4028]

Btw I have found that the easiest way to remove the oil filter is to get a K&N oil filter with the nut. It is great and has cut my oil change time in half I have an 04 is300 manual

[@cmlmed1a]

Thank you!! Also I wish I had a manual bro

[@jpnicosia4028]

@@cmlmed1a love your content! Keep up the good work. Btw the arm rest on my 04 is much much higher than urs. It's basically 1 inch above the shifter

[@Jonnyyyy.Trannnn]

I unscrew mine and let it drop from the top and fish it out from the bottom 🥲

[@venom3256]

But you still can get a good amount hp off of a NA-T with stock internals, regardless its still cheaper than building a Honda civic 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@cmlmed1a]

@venom3256 oh absolutely! Definetely can hold good power.

[@devanjobe8923]

Dude it's nice to see you still running with the Lexus

[@wingitreview]

I’m always curious of them Lexus is 300 cars but never get one

[@codys_fab]

I have intake, header, full exhaust with a quantum autotune ecu (performance tune and 7250rpm rev limiter) and cd009 six speed. I regularly get 21 mpg and my foot stays down, shifting at 7250 first through third. I shift into 5th gear at 100mph. The transmission combined with the 3.91:1 diff ratio sure makes it feel fast 😂 but you know what they say, it's fun to drive a slow car fast. I highly recommend the xcessive manufacturing throttle lock to take full control of your throttle.

[@cmlmed1a]

Better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow🫡 yessir!

[@jouseff_1293]

for the oil filter, you can get an oem toyota filter on which is longer than the stock oil filter (for reference i think the OE part number for the short (the one that the car already has) oil filter is 90915YZZD1, the longer oil filter is the same thread and everything, i think its just an inch longer, for reference 90915YZZD3 (this one has a 3 as a last number, not a 1) they cost like 7 or 8 bucks XDDDD)

[@richardmmoulds]

I enjoyed that. Totally agree about the MPG and yes, oil changes are a pain. But let's be honest, who cares about cupholders? 😉

[@cmlmed1a]

I’m a dude who likes large Baja blasts man😂 cup holders are a MUST😂

[@richardmmoulds]

@@cmlmed1a lol No idea what a Baja blast is but my UK model doesn't have that frame you showed. The 2 centre cupholders under the lid have an adjustable centre spacer to allow for tiny British cups of tea or massive bins of colonial coffee 😁 I'm told by an ex-Lexus Master Tech that the trick with the oil filter is to wrap a bag round it before taking it off. Tried doing that with my 2JZ GS300 and the oil still went all over the place... Now back in an IS300 I bought in 2017 from a Lexus dealer that I then passed on to my dad when I moved on to something else. It was too good to sell. He's had to stop driving so here I am again. 72k miles, full Lexus history and still so tight compared to BMW, Mercedes etc.

[@cmlmed1a]

@@richardmmoulds oh it’s a drink from Taco Bell here in the US haha Mountain Dew baja blast.

[@DakotaStone]

Great video man!

[@cmlmed1a]

Thanks brother! I really appreciate that! Means a lot coming from you!

[@killswitch6673]

Best car ever made ya just made ya don't have it. I have this car turbo charge 700whp for years no issues.

[@cmlmed1a]

Damn that’s impressive my dude! Love to get mine that fast one day but we’ll see🤷🏻‍♂️

[@killswitch6673]

@@cmlmed1a takes time my guy but once she's done RITE u will have lots of fun with her

[@cmlmed1a]

@@killswitch6673 oh I bet! Thanks again!

[@immito]

what are you running

[@el2.828]

Hey thx for the shoutout man. I'm Eleanora, ur superfan :)

[@cmlmed1a]

Haha of course! Yea my dad said you were a super fan! Thanks for all your support! I appreciate it! Follow me on the Instagram as well!

[@Aminmotors]

I agree with terrible on gas (premium too!), very slow even though mine is catless and intake, I agree that the cupholders are pretty useless, and that maintenance is a pain. Oil changes, spark plugs, everything is so hard. However, this engine is actually the same 2JZ as the supra. The Supra turbo did have the 2jz-gte, but the normal base model had the same 2jz-ge. And before you say the supra had the non-vvti version, it was sold in japan with the same VVT-i version as the is300 has. In america it never got that motor because they stopped selling it here. Overall great video, keep up the good work.

[@cmlmed1a]

Yea man I know all this, I was just saying it’s not the same “dream” Supra everyone wants with the turbos. I know they had the NA supras

[@modushausa]

Just to add some clarity to your comment, the USDM VVT-i 2JZ-GE came with weaker rods (which he mentions in the video) and no oil-squirters built into the block at the bottom of each cylinder. These oil-squirters (literally just holes tapped into the oil galleries flowing through the block) spray oil up onto the bottoms of the pistons helping them stay cool. These two elements are the reason the power overhead is nearly twice a high on a stock GTE long block. GE non-VVT-i (like in an early USDM SC300) came with stronger rods, but no oil squirters and NA compression of 10.5/1 vs the turbo compression of 8.5/1. This, like this GE VVT-i, is what ultimately limits power in boosted applications.

[@quacko11]

the same block minus the oil squirters and extra cooling channels.

[@804MRMAN]

​@@quacko11There is no extra cooling channels!

[@dulos69]

You don't need to use premium gas in this car since it has no turbos, regular gas is okay.

[@Max2JZZX10R]

Mine is an '03 IS300 SportDesign Black/Black,Gray. My gas mileage went up from 12mpg/tank to 15-18 mpg/tank after installation of an oil catch can and seafoaming the shit out of the intake, and adding seafoam to the crankcase and fuel tank. Clean the MAF, replace the midpipe for the intake with aluminum pipe and silicone cuplers, easy af. Next is cleaning the throttle body and the gas pedal mod to get rid of the spongey feel. But yeah I know the pain. After all this the car has power. And at cruise speed on the freeway I get 20-40mpg. And that's with 87 octane, because of the oil catch can no oil in intake stream and in cylinders = cleaner combustion. No misfires or detonation so far.

[@cmlmed1a]

May have to try that man

[@Jack-gl1tw]

This was a really good video bro that’s all I gotta say

[@cmlmed1a]

Thanks brother! Appreciate you! Share the video on your socials if you liked it! I’d appreciate it!

[@maniac_2jzgte319]

the block is the same you change the rods your golden other than that the only difference in the engine is the head. gte has larger intake ports and the ge has larger exhaust ports wich some builders absolutely love

[@djd3fiant954]

Plus you can bore out the intake if you really wanna push limits. Ge is better than gte, billet ge and bullet head

[@animaze86]

oh and the fact it has oil feeds are totally non-exsitent, plus it doesn't have forged pistons... it's exactly the same o_O

[@RockX_Chris]

Actually it technically is a Supra 2jz! They also had a base natural aspirated 2jz model. So there was a Supra model with this exact engine!

[@cmlmed1a]

I said that. Yes technically it is the Supra engine just toned down and has weaker rods and springs and internals and of course no turbos. They had na supras. They also put the na 2J in the sc300 as well. And other cars. I just forgot to explain alittle further in depth of the other cars this engine came in. But thank you for the info!

[@yung_king_tweety4277]

What year is yours? Mine has some cool cup holders, and it ain't bad on gas, atleast compared to my other car

[@cmlmed1a]

2001. My cup holders are ass. I know they redesigned the interior in the 2003/4 model. I have to get gas every 3 days. Really bad gas.

[@safwankhan5066]

what year is your IS? curious about the spoiler.

[@cmlmed1a]

Mine is a 2001, apparently it’s after market or from a later model.

[@bebeslife4519]

It does look like it has a premium driving experience and a super smooth drive train. I drive a 93 beat Corolla to college and work and I'm usually the slowest car around. The car vibrates and has tons of body roll making high speed turns uncomfortable. But the engine purrs very smoothly and the 4 speed transmission shifts are predictable and relatively smooth with 250,000 miles. I imagine the IS300 has all the good qualities of my car x 10. It sucks seeing all my coworkers and classmates driving around fun cars or their dream cars. But I don't worry about my car messing up and I get 27+ mpg. I just need to check oil level every week. I could probably get 30+ but I like to keep up with traffic. Car has sentimental value and I plan on redoing it when it is time. I could not manage

[@cmlmed1a]

Hey We all gotta start somewhere, the Corolla will do you wonders. Keep it as a daily and save up and buy a fun car you like. Set your goals and keep at it.

[@noduh736]

I love mine I paid 1000$ for it with less than 100k miles and perfect interior and straight body un modified with 2 sets of new tires they are great cars that can do whatever you want and if left stock will probably last forever with proper maintenance and contrary to what this guy says they are pretty easy to modify and even 20 years old still looks good

[@cmlmed1a]

I didn’t say they couldn’t be modified. I said it takes a lot to make them fast. But I agree with every word.

[@noduh736]

@@cmlmed1a the worst thing about them is I wanted one when I was 20 and couldn't afford one till I was 40

[@cmlmed1a]

@@noduh736 deprecation is crazy😭 got mine for 7K

[@noduh736]

@@cmlmed1a when I offered mines old owner he said let me ask my wife it's hers she just got a new civic she will probably sell it I gave him my number and started looking at prices on the web I thought he was laughing at my offer a month later he texted and said if you have a 1000$ you gotta get it tomorrow but it needs a battery and there's a extra brand new tires in the back seat and trunk in the condition its in and low miles and work I've had done I could get 7500 easy there's good ones still left you just gotta look and ask

[@mazpr2025]

@@noduh736 WTF, is English your second language?

[@bc8580]

Thanks for sharing about your dad teaching in Indonesia. How cool is that? It’s also inspiring seeing a younger generation having an interest in this early 2000 compact luxury car when Lexus was at its peak. Peak sports sedan that is. No disagreements with your 5 dislikes. However you don’t buy this car for gas mileage or power. It’s the world famous in-line 6 iron block engine that’s bulletproof and an eargasm. Plus it’s naturally aspirated. Toyota/Lexus no longer make in-line 6 or iron block engines sadly so this is gonna be a keeper. Thank for sharing the “enthusiasm”.

[@cmlmed1a]

Thanks for the support I really appreciate it!

[@senanfoutchedjev2401]

Hi, not bad at all. Do you know what the other cars maintenance is? Not like this you described. Thanks.

[@cmlmed1a]

Come again? What other car? I’m confused

[@atf-2229]

Hard to do oil changes???? Getting the oil filter out isn’t nearly as hard as some people make it seem. You have to angle it up and pull it out right at the front right side of the intake manifold

[@keereshsathron7262]

Yeah.... Same here lol.. I have the 2.0L 1GFE similar style.. There is a way but it is not the end of the world. Lol people will always complain about every single thing. The reliability is there for me that's enough. Maintain it well and it will be much better than a brand new high tech car

[@cmlmed1a]

@keereshsathron7262 1000% accurate

[@paul--b]

You can get a later model cup holder insert which is much better

[@Zayla1029_]

litteraly from the exact reason ur engine light is on to the slow shi this vid is so real😂

[@cmlmed1a]

😂😂

[@TheTacoNinja809]

1. Very Terrible on Gas. Especially since it’s so slow. 2. Yes. Very Slow 3. GEs aren’t that bad tbh🤷🏽‍♂️ For how much money GTEs cost, building a bottom end GE isn’t that bad lol 4. I don’t like the cup holders, but the one under the arm rest isn’t that bad. Idk tho mine is a 2004 model maybe it’s different? 5. After 4 oil changes, I found the sweet spot taking the GOD AWFUL FILTER OUT. From up front, which doesn’t make sense but it works. Also… drop the tank, it’s not that complicated and getting it done the right way will give you piece of mind. GREAT VIDEO BRO!

[@cmlmed1a]

Thanks brother! Appreciate it. And yes the cup holder/arm rest is different from the 01-04 is’s

[@vatoloco6857]

Is a g37 Sedan better im not sure with car I want

[@cmlmed1a]

@@vatoloco6857 depends on what you’re looking for my dude. Faster? Yes. More space yes? Harder to make look good but when you do nail it they look fantastic. I know a few people with G 35/37 sedans. That are bagged or static both look really good.

[@gettricksdietryin]

Filter relocation kits are cheap

[@Fordakias7]

how even possible is slow with 215 horsepower stock ? Its really decent horsepower

[@ILikeCars888]

You can change parts in the engine to make it a 2JZ GTE replica but yes it’s expensive

[@cmlmed1a]

Yea Ik. That’s not my plan tho. But it’s nice that it’s possible!

[@club1fan552]

Mate we're watching you in Australia too! Is it a manual? Might have missed that. Would love a manual. Great to know what pisses you off about it as some reviews tell you bugger all about this sort of stuff.

[@cmlmed1a]

That’s fantastic man! Glad to see I’m getting around! And sadly no it’s an auto but I do plan to manual swap some day

[@gabrielkinslow6351]

You say it’s slow even if you go catless and put a cold air intake in it like that’s supposed to add a bunch of horsepower. The only real way to ad significant horsepower to a car is to put a turbo or blower on it and to do stuff to the internals of the engine like put forged lightweight rods and pistons in it

[@cmlmed1a]

That’s not necessarily true. You can take a 350z or some other tuner car these days throw in an full exaust system, Intake, go bigger fuel injectors walk into a tuner shop. And you can find a significant bump in power. I had a friend with a base model 3000gt. Bone stock. They go like 179HP stock. He did a full exaust system, intake, headers, Evo fuel injectors, harder clutch. No forced induction in anyway. And somehow managed to to get up to 300 HP just from those things. And that was all without a turbo or supercharger. Saw the dyno sheet and everything with my own eyes I was blown away. For some reason. The IS just doesn’t do that. You simply have to go forged induction.

[@99trev2jzgena-t8]

Lol best car ever i owned over 30 of them and currently have a stock 5-speed and a 900whp 6speed is300 and my car is a full 2jzge vvti 😅 lol and oil changes pretty simple lol

[@cmlmed1a]

Impressive my guy. They truly are amazing cars

[@immito]

specs?? i’m tryna get mine like that

[@carlbrooks90]

Gear ratios play a big part some have tall gears some have short gears. I was lucky enough to get short gear ratios

[@notsoaveragejoe2JZ]

Nobody buys these for the mpg, yea they arent crazy fast but unlimited potential, like half of mk4 supras made didnt have a turbo and were automatics, yes the cupholders are useless and ill agree the oil filter location is stupid but i wouldn't trade my IS for anything else 😊

[@cmlmed1a]

Same I love my is

[@SammyWingz420]

Appreciate you.😎

[@simon0077007]

I own an 03 factory manual with 135k miles I just got the wheel bearing replaced, car runs great now

[@cmlmed1a]

That’s dope man

[@DhatLex]

Shit what made me throw the turbo on mine was when I lost to a Dodge Promaster 1500 I believe. At that point, I knew I had to boost it 😂

[@cmlmed1a]

It must be done 😂

[@2jzge]

A few of the 1000hp+ 2jz’s are built on the ge platform tho 😬

[@cmlmed1a]

That’s wild. I do like the GS’s too.

[@Jorge_cpm]

my dream car is a Is300 and im just coming to like so the video gets recommended and people put prices cheaper for me 🔥🗣️🗣️

[@cmlmed1a]

Haha they truly are great cars brother! Despite what I don’t like about the car! Definetely reccomend picking one up! If you can find one in manual do it. But the auto ones are coming down in price!

[@juliangiraldo7372]

Love mine, 243k miles. Runs perfect.

[@cmlmed1a]

That’s sick man, these engines really are tough

[@serrkk]

Awesome video dude! I have a GTE swapped IS300 and I absolutely love that car. Nice IS btw!

[@cmlmed1a]

Thanks man!

[@thegraggs]

This is the worst review ever. I owned a 2001 IS300 new through 200k miles. 1. gas mileage, it is by far NOT the worst. On the highway I averaged 26 mpg. Lots of cars do far worse! 2. Not slow, it’s appropriate for its class, 4 door sedan with 215 HP, 0-60 mid 7s. If you are looking for 400-500 horsepower then you made an ignorant purchase. 3. It’s NEVER EVER been promoted as the Supra engine! 4. If you base a car purchase on cup holders, you need to seek help. 5. Maintenance on mine was flawless! Zero issues for 200k miles. Oil change was simple. Only the filter was addressed from the top by the side of the headers. There are far far far worse cars out there but this is not one of them. If you want a car that gets great gas mileage, with 400-500 horsepower and zero maintenance, good luck with that.

[@cmlmed1a]

Completely your opinion and that’s fine. No I never intended 400-500hp I knew what I was getting into. Yea the people that run around saying it’s a 4 door supra. Are incorrect. But it still has the 2jz so people mix them up. However the sc300 also had the 2jz as well. The cup holders are terrible and you’ll never Ben able to convince me otherwise. Congrats for having proper maintenance. Mine is a rebuilt salvage title is300. For the 2000’s the HP was appropriate for its class. I was simply stating that in todays age of cars it’s slow. But you don’t buy an is300 to go fast. But again. It’s your opinion. Thanks for the input

[@thearizonaranger7376]

Yeah, the MPG gauge is useless if if's not a running average. Oh great, I get 80mpg coasting downhill and 5mpg under throttle. Very useful info. But I don't really agree that the car gets bad MPG. I daily mine and drive decently hard and get like 20-24 mpg. Or maybe that just seems good to me, since my other car gets like 14mpg lol.

[@cmlmed1a]

For my daily work commute I have to get gas literally like every two days haha. Mine could just have an issue idk lol

[@xZKrYpTiK]

i have an 03 sedan is300. i relate mpg and power together. enough power to have fun and enough mileage to take long trips plus the tank is pretty big. autos dont get as high mpg as manual cars also keep that into consideration. keep your foot out of the pedal if you want to conserve fuel. if you care about the long term carbon or sludge buildup on your cars then premium fuel is worth it. this is a lifer car for me. i dont mind running 93 here in ohio 93 is at every gas station. my car has 5 cupholders and yes they are big enough. maybe not for you biggie fat size wendys cup but for normal drinks and water bottles they are perfect. the oil filter is the only thing i dont like but once i did the change for the first time i know how to move the filter from the top. it sucks its like a puzzle but i just spray under the filter with brake cleaner when im done. if you dont have brake clean and you work on cars what are you even doing. these cars are so slept on it makes no sense. not every supra is turbo. seems like you didnt know that. that means it is the same engine as a base model supra 2jzge. they make crazy power when turbo and properly tuned. "if you can find a tune"? no flash tunes for me. they arent very good. with gte pistons and rods in a 2jzge motor im pretty sure you can put down 800hp with other supporting mods.

[@cmlmed1a]

You’re trying to make it sound like I don’t know what I’m talking about. Maybe the 03’s have more and better cup holders cause I only have the 2. And they suck. I have considered running 93 yea. Gas is just really expensive as it is right now. And I have to get gas like every 3 days. So in my opinion.. MPG really sucks. Idk how many times you have to get gas but I’d have to disagree with that one. Of course I know there were NA supras. They have a have to have a NA model of a turbo charged car for sale. I’m saying the internals aren’t as bullet proof for forced induction like the GTE’s are. And you must be in an area where tunes are readily available because where I am. There are no tuners, no flash tunes, no nothing anywhere. Just a bunch of Honda/ STI, and FRS/BRZ tuners. I know they are amazing cars. I’m not sleeping on them at all. I love my car. This video was just to be kind of silly. I was saying you wouldn’t make power with just a intake and headers and an exhaust. You HAVE. To add a turbo or supercharge or you’ll get nowhere. But with a turbo and upgraded internals. Yes you can make really good power. I know all of this stuff man.

[@monstercookie6043]

@@cmlmed1a dude don’t listen to him videos great you know your shit just got mine 3 weeks ago cars great everything you pointed out in this video is literally TRUE regardless love the car and this is with a messed up o2 sensor I can’t wait to see how it really acts when it’s driving fine shoutout to you love the vid

[@cmlmed1a]

@@monstercookie6043 thank you

[@fuji_airsoft2738]

FYI Unless you find a one owner Is300, less than 80k miles, always cared for and maintained grandma owned, you will most likely be replacing ALOT if not ALL of your suspension components at some point. These things are irl and they show

[@cmlmed1a]

I plan on replacing everything. I’m aware. It’s a car from the 2000’s of course it’s going to need maintenance.

[@fuji_airsoft2738]

@@cmlmed1a Absolutely. I’m just saying that in the sense that many people buy Lexus with reliability in mind. These cars are one of the few black sheep in terms of reliability

[@cmlmed1a]

Yeaa I gotchu

[@nevercomfortable3407]

Thanks for saving me from my time being wasted

[@cmlmed1a]

In what way?

[@nevercomfortable3407]

I would hate to waste time on a car that I need to put a ton of hardwork into to have fun while I'm still here so thank you for showing me these 5 cons let's me know this isn't the car for me great deal of help

[@cmlmed1a]

@@nevercomfortable3407 this video is meant to serve as a joke. They are fantastic cars! Super reliable, easy to maintain. Would highly recommend one. You can build them and make them really fast. You can make them show cars, track cars, drift cars. The possibilities are literally endless. Mines a 01 with now just over 170k miles. No issues, no problems.

[@nevercomfortable3407]

@@cmlmed1a oh I didn't realize you were joking good to hear that I've had fwd & awd before now I would really like to experience a reliable rwd car now as long as the work I put in shows through the performance anyways thanks again for the reassurance and restoring my faith in this car im new to the car scene by the way

[@cmlmed1a]

@nevercomfortable3407 yea I just saw so many videos of “why you should by the Lexus is300” I wanted to make a video about some of the things I dislike about the car. But don’t get me wrong I absolutely love my car! If you find a manual is300 you’ve got yourself a true gem!

[@silviomanzo703]

Love mine. Sportcross (break) is 300 160000 km (only 100000miles) 21 years old. And sooooo reliable

[@cmlmed1a]

Dude I’d love a sporticross they’re beautiful cars

[@804MRMAN]

If you look into the engine bay of a IS300 you'll say "This engine doesn't belong in here" look into the engine bay of a GS300 you'll say "There's so much room, something is missing 🤔"

[@CharlesDowiot-qv7pp]

They give a nice ride good car not good in the snow THE engine is a straight V 6 Still Running well 2001 to 2024 it is High maintenance

[@tagmstr02]

A straight V6? Lol

[@CharlesDowiot-qv7pp]

@tagmstr02 it's got a 6 cylinder engine I own the car I know what is in it LOL

[@tagmstr02]

@@CharlesDowiot-qv7pp there is no such thing as a straight v6. It's either a straight 6 or a v6.

[@CharlesDowiot-qv7pp]

@tagmstr02 4 cylinder 4 spark plugs 6 cylinder 6 spark plugs 8 cylinder 8 spark plugs 12 cylinder 12 spark plugs ✨️

[@CharlesDowiot-qv7pp]

@tagmstr02 a 6 cylinder is 6 no matter how you put it

[@Lexboul300]

Get the OE cup holder insert, or use the one under your arm rest…

[@cmlmed1a]

I’ve thought about getting the insert. And there isn’t one under my arm rest in my mine bro. The later years like the 04’s and 5’s have a different center console/arm rest setup. It looks a little different. And the arm rest is raised.

[@hurrh.6335]

bro oil changes are hard?!? literally an arm down and you can take the filter off, also I did a timing belt job on these myself, on a gs300 same engine but NOO these engines are NOT hard to work on, mostly everything is facing you, all the belts and tensioner are facing you, inline engines are the easiest to work on imo

[@T5_T-Rell]

Oil filter relocation kits exists for these 2jz engines

[@cmlmed1a]

Oh that’s good, I’ll have to look into that

[@andrelariviere9425]

Mine thankfully has none of these issues but I also have a rare unicorn

[@cmlmed1a]

You’re lucky haha

[@qn3734]

This car was for people who had a good or decent salary. So, gas was affordable for those people. It wasn’t marketed to teens or 20 year olds. It would be the same as if I was 18 or 20 and my dad bought me an E46 M3 and I complained about gas and maintenance.

[@eoinenglish5221]

ahhhh, it´s not that slow, and gets nearly 700km to a tank if on the highway doing 60mph/102kmh. oil filter is like tetris to get out...

[@wolfbilstein6685]

I wanted to know how the engine is going It's very whiny, it breaks down quickly, I just want to know the performance of the engine, I love the physical shape of the car, that's why I would buy one, and then it would be putting a turbo on it, a long term project, regards from Mexico 🇲🇽🔰❤

[@cmlmed1a]

Decent engine. Reliable. Love how they look. I want to turbo mine one day as well

[@wolfbilstein6685]

@@cmlmed1a very well thank you very much for the information, so if everything goes well I will not buy, although they are very scarce here in Mexicali Baja California xd, there are more in the United States and more spare parts haha, thank you very much greetings brother🔰🇲🇽❤

[@quacko11]

hard to find a tune for a 2JZ GE? wat???? you do you the GE black is the exact same casting the only difference in the blocks is the oil squirt nozzles under the bores and more drilled cooling channels. my dude you can easily get 600 hp reliably without much worry as far as the block is concerned. you dont need a GTE block as i said they both have the same casting process and mould. youll probably need a vvt head swap but you should be able to run easily double power without changing internals

[@cmlmed1a]

Yea man no where around me will do it.

[@imgorgeweregorgeanimatedgo2155]

Gas is bad I know but it’s fun to drive ! Yes, it’s not a fast and furious car but it’s fast enough and very fun to drive in a simple and most efficient luxury car

[@cmlmed1a]

Agreed haha

[@denverwenyika917]

Hie from Zimbabwe. I got an RS200 qualitat edition. Dammm the 3sge motor is way fun than the 2jz and l also have an Aristo

[@cmlmed1a]

That’s awesome man! Thanks for the support!

[@denverwenyika917]

@@cmlmed1a I think you should do video about the whole altezza generation. I know people would be interested in learning how many there are the special editions etc. It would be a great informative video

[@cmlmed1a]

@denverwenyika917 that would be cool!

[@cali562ify]

Saying 500 horse power isn’t a lot is insane idk why people say that😂😂

[@modushausa]

Fun video man, subscribed, keep more IS300 content coming! The worst thing for me has been sticky dash, having 2 SportCrosses and 1 manual sedan, I can say it's worth redo-ing properly, but a pain in the neck. My next interior video will include the how-to on the sticky dash removal and repainting.

[@cmlmed1a]

Thank you so much man!

[@cmlmed1a]

I don’t have a sticky dash. I keep hearing that. Idk what it actually is though, Must be a later generation thing.

[@raymundorubio2375]

Aftermarket spoiler Lexus never produced these spoilers the only spoiler was on the Sport Design model which was a premium option

[@cmlmed1a]

I bought mine this way from a dealership. I figured the spoiler came on the 01’s. Cool to know it’s an after market tho! I’m going to run a duckbill soon! Not really a fan of the current spoiler.

[@desmondprice2323]

He still learning…

[@cmlmed1a]

Correct learning everyday. New platform for me

[@coreymartin1619]

If you want a fast 2jz you have to build it… a stock na 2j is kinda ass

[@cmlmed1a]

Correct

[@Zayla1029_]

let's talk about our center console tho

[@emrahkirkayak7768]

This man is so wrong when he said it's not a supra 2jz and when he said you need a gte swap to get high power. A 2jz is a 2jz and some supra's actually came with this motor and cause it's a vvti na 2jz it doesn't mean you can't put gte parts and put a single turbo, and ge and gte barely has a difference in them.

[@cmlmed1a]

No I’m not wrong man. I understand that there are naturally aspirated supras with this engine. It’s also in the sc300 as well. I understand that. I’m saying don’t buy an IS300 if you think it’s going to be turbocharged from factory because it has a 2JZ. It’s not the same engine that EVERYONE wants it to be. And yes you’re right you can swap GtE parts into it. But the only way you are going to make BIG power out of this engine is if you go forced induction. You can’t just slap an exhaust and headers on it and expect to make 500hp you need a turbo charger kit or supercharger. So yes I’ve made some mistakes in this video. But I also said some good points as well. You’re clearly very knowledgeable in this car as am I. I was simply stating to the people that maybe don’t understand the difference between a GE and GTE 2JZ. But thank you for the feedback you’re absolutely correct bro.

[@NR-cr762]

MPG gauge should be an oil pressure gauge

[@EledziGt]

Bro you dont know what is hard if you say is300 is hard to change oil on, its just a bit mess when you change oil filter and thats it, on other cars is twice as hard to get that filter out

[@cmlmed1a]

That’s all I’m saying the oil filter is tricky. Yes there are other cars probably more difficult to change no denying that. I should’ve picked my words more carefully when making this video. Mb

[@obrodriguez2459]

I had one not to long ago I want another one tbh😢

[@cmlmed1a]

I love mine

[@KingDrewPhilip]

I have the generation after, this 2is. 2008 IS250. Also slow. I wish it was an ISF or an IS350 instead lol.

[@cmlmed1a]

I like the is250’s you can make them look really cool! And yes we all want an ISF haha

[@USDM2JZ3OO]

Easiest car to work on in my opinion . Wide bodied, manual swapped and I’m building another 2jz ge vvti with forged bottom and fully built head. I had no previous experience other than wrenching bolts on cars before I got my project. I think your list is pretty self explanatory, it’s a 20 year old car. All the seals and stuff is going to need to be replaced so if you plan on staying stock I don’t really see why you would want to get into this platform, cause of the cost.

[@cmlmed1a]

After owning it for a little bit I agree with every word bro. Easy to work on. I absolutely love mine and can’t wait to dig deeper into it

[@enricod2061]

Which seals?

[@USDM2JZ3OO]

@@enricod2061 rear main seal, cam seals and valve seals. All the rubber seals that have contact with oil don’t last forever. The get hard and leak

[@josueleyva413]

400 whp is a lot in any era . You don't need 500+horses to have fun .

[@pocohlocoh8536]

What's your insurance rate

[@cmlmed1a]

Uhh. It’s not great because I’ve been in 2 wrecks. So it made my insurance sky rocket. It’s like 800$ every 6 months. Or something like that.

[@DeivixLV]

Does this apply to is200 as well?

[@cmlmed1a]

Is200 I believe is a different engine. I think it’s a 4 cylinder instead of the 2jz here in the states

[@user-pe8ce7kg5n]

​@@cmlmed1a My is200 is 6 cylinder......jap altezza has the 4.....

[@xxdullah]

I really want to buy a is300 as my first car and my daily. But once you said the gas mileage is bad that broke my heart lol. I love the car so much, it has been my dream car for a long time now. I don’t know if I should buy a stock one or one that is already modded. What do you think?

[@xxdullah]

This or an e46 I can’t decide.

[@cmlmed1a]

Brother, don’t let what I said change your mind on the car. Remember at the beginning of the video I said I absolutely loved the car. Just no one makes videos talking about the negatives? All cars are going to have pros and cons. They are still amazing cars. Yes get one stock. And do not buy a bmw unless it’s a m car. German cars break. A lot! Especially bmw’s.

[@cmlmed1a]

It’s never a good idea to hop into someone else’s project car

[@xxdullah]

@@cmlmed1a you’re right thanks

[@cmlmed1a]

@@xxdullah no problem man

[@d3adlyshadows838]

ive seen Supra's with a 2jz-ge its not as common but it exists

[@cmlmed1a]

Oh yea there are definitely Na supras. They’re out there!

[@Grafyte]

2:46 that's just a vacuum gauge. It has no idea what mpg you're getting

[@cmlmed1a]

Ah okay, thanks

[@josephmccoy6885]

The Chevy SS looks oddly similar to the IS 300

[@carsarehere4946]

It has block of 2jz so you can change just parts

[@cmlmed1a]

Yeaa and a lot of people 1Jz swap them. Sometimes a 1.5JZ

[@carsarehere4946]

@@cmlmed1aall i want is just beat challanger charger mustangs with her so im thinking to buy her as my first car🥲 for long term plans

[@carsarehere4946]

@@cmlmed1ai dont know what am i doing i want rear wheel so i can learn drifiting and all other shit under 5k

[@cmlmed1a]

@@carsarehere4946 honestly bro. Go on Facebook go on drift group pages see if anyone’s selling anything. Rn e36’s and 46’s prices are dropping out of nowhere. I’d look into that.

[@leolion4347]

If you get is 300. You need engine swap to make it fast .

[@cmlmed1a]

You could do that route. Or just get the correct internals, a GTE head. Injectors and a turbo kit and you can make power. Or yea just another engine swap would give more power too

[@matthewfaulkner4323]

I don't think Tintin should do anymore reviews.

[@xCkillaxC]

My 5.0 v8 ISF had better mpg than my is300 lmao. I love both cars tho

[@cmlmed1a]

Lmao ikkkk it’s awful😂

[@sunnyvale104]

I still want one

[@cmlmed1a]

Do itttt!!! This video was mainly a joke/information doesn’t mean the car isn’t a great car! I love mine! Every owner is gonna have an issue with their car no matter the make.

[@MarthinusAlbertusNortje]

dude the is300 is a 2jz non turbo motor. 3.0 how can you complain about gas with big motor like that? any 6 cylinder engin is heavy on gas

[@cmlmed1a]

I’ve had other cars with v6’s and big motors. And this one is by far the worst. Ask any IS300 owner this car gets horrible gas mileage especially for a Toyota which usually gets good gas mileage.

[@MarthinusAlbertusNortje]

ok you have 1 so i will believe you. im from south africa and im saving to buy the Altezza is200 6 cylinder so hope it will be beter becouse i love the Altezza body line

[@cmlmed1a]

@MarthinusAlbertusNortje truly beautiful car. The design line was ahead of it’s time back in 2000. It’s style a timeless classic of the 2000’s to this day. Highly recommend getting one!

[@robsnizzle7]

Granted the GE engines a slug 215hp isnt exciting BUT 300HP is easy to reach, this car has a lot of FUN potential.... CUP HOLDERS SUCK, TRUE. This CAR WAS MADE FOR SINGLE FAMILIES who COULDN'T afford a 3 series BMW. However, this car as a WHOLE (mines the '05 auto WITH THE AUTO-LSD rear diff option which I installed) HAS ALOT OF POTENTIAL, an I don't mean HAVING TO SWAP the engine. I would SWAP RODS OUT THOUGH (STOCK RODS ARE ONLY GOOD FOR 400HP). This cars light as hell, AND if you wanna mob around if you live outta CALIFORNIA (WHICH REGRETTABLY I DON'T 😢😢).... A BASIC TURBO SETUP FROM CX RACING WILL GET YOU ENOUGH POWER TO HAVE SOME FUN.... YES, IT'S NOT A SUPRA (it's a SEDAN WHAT'D YOU EXPECT).... THE GE ENGINE HOWEVER is highly tunable... THERE'S STROKER KITS for it, CX RACING MAKES A TURBO KIT (as i stated earlier) FOR IT. Also, getting that AUTO-LSD rear diff HELPS ALOT TOO.... PULL OUT THAT RESTRICTIVE EXHAUST MANIFOLD an tossing a header in it (which are very inexpensive) WILL HELP AS WELL. The dam things got 3 cats on it's exhaust system.... AS FAR AS OIL CHANGES GO, JACK IT IF UP REMOVE the bottom dust cover and the filters WAY EASIER TO GET TO.... EVERYTHINGS ELSE IS "ON TOP". I'VE owned mine for the last 5 years and it's been nothing but oil changes BASICALLY PROBLEM FREE.... "IT'S A TOYOTA".... DON'T BUY ONE FROM A KID WHO LOOKS LIKE HE'S BEEN GOING TO DRIFT SESSIONS every chance he gets, swap the STEERING WHEEL FOR A 2ND GEN I.S. (there's vids look it up), and enjoy it for what it is.... stop STARING AT THE HKS IS300 we drooled over WHEN I WAS A KID BECAUSE YOU CAN'T AFFORD IT and enjoy it for WHAT IT IS OR PULL OUT YOUR WALLET.... ALSO!!!!! BE HAPPY IT'S NOT A FART CANNED 4CYL HONDA. NO I'M NOT BAGGIN ON HONDAS (I OWNED A '99 EM1).... OH, BTW!!!! I SMOKE SLOW ASS SCATPACK an RT CHALLENGERS IN my "STOCK" IS300 all day.... those boat anchors are over priced an slow as hell.

[@cmlmed1a]

I agree with everything you’re saying man. I’ve heard some bad things recently about the cx racing turbo kit tho.

[@robsnizzle7]

@@cmlmed1a The CX isn't a greddy turbo right.... but for the AVERAGE driver who loves to rip around every know an then it's a good start as a "WHOLE" to get what you want for the PRICE$... or piece together a kit (HELL ID USE EBAY FOR THAT ROUTE). My ISSUE is I'm in CALI and have to SUPERCHARGE my vehicle.... but for $1200-1300 for the kit (if outta CALI of course) its NOT a bad start.... Problem is people think the GE is a trash motor... IT'S NOT, it's the SAME BLOCK AND CRANK as the GTE MOTOR, MAIN DIFFERENCE is the head an rods (which are weak as hell @ 400hp MAX) but it DOES has oil squirter THOUGH. I'VE CHANGED my RODS to the GTE now hunting down the S.C......😉👌

[@cmlmed1a]

@@robsnizzle7 yea I may still get the kit once I manual swap my car

[@devo4016]

since when is 500hp not alot?

[@cmlmed1a]

I mean yea it is! But in this day and age a couple bolt on’s and a tune for a 5.0 mustang you can easily be in the 600hp range. Some Audis S cars have 650hp from factory. When someone mentions 500 HP I think of like 3-5 years ago not present day, if that makes sense?

[@etiennetremblay7966]

Does the 2jz gte from de supra fit and what model of 2jz is in it

[@cmlmed1a]

Yes you can swap a GTE from the Supra in the is300. The Supra also had a NA version with the same engine as the is300. You can also swap the 1JZ in as well. That tends to be a popular choice

[@wbwright79]

great video for clickbait views. i've owned mine since 2004 (new), and yes it gets only 20 MPG. no, it is not fast, however it is a swift handler since the suspension is so good. but note that the 2004 has the Supra engine (minus the turbo) so it can be tuned out the ass. yes, i get looks, compliments and offers to sell. but the real reason you recommend not getting this car is not even in your video. and no, its not the plastic timing chain maint.

[@cmlmed1a]

All facts!! I agree with everything. They can be tuned and they handle like a dream even if they are slow as balls bone stock.

[@cmlmed1a]

And I don’t actually recommend people not getting this car. I think everyone should own something with the 2JZ GE platform. Whether it’s a is300, sc300, or GS300. All great fantastic platforms for show, drift. Whatever your goal is. And they run FOREVERRR. I made this video as a joke because all I saw was “reasons why you should buy this car” I saw the opportunity to make a fun video just saying something things I dislike about the car. But I don’t hate it at all. Love the car

[@Justmi4YU]

There is Indonesia guys😱

[@Itzallgoood]

If you don't like so much. Just sell it and be done with it. I thought going give some valuable info. SMH

[@cmlmed1a]

Need I remind you at the beginning of the video I said I love the car. Every car on planet earth has things owners don’t like about it. This was a fun video to make and have a laugh. I love the car and will never sell it. Sorry the info didn’t help🤷🏻‍♂️ this is all my opinion anyway. Everyone can have their own.

[@clapped_6367]

Are you related to chase on 2 wheels?

[@cmlmed1a]

Negative ghost rider

[@marioandultrachap]

Nah I disagree with that 500whp-600whp is gonna blow the doors on most cars on the road maybe not 400. But yeah these are turner cars they're made to be built up and then tune not really something you'd want to keep stock anyways. Plus the supra did come with a GE as well NA as well as some of the people who designed the supra designed this. Yeah its not the 2jz gte slap a turbo get 1000whp off the gate but to the NA one you can technically call it the 4 door. But like I said they're great tuner cars you can turn these into a supra pretty much and it'll still be way cheaper than buying one.

[@cmlmed1a]

Once I boost it I’m only gonna go 350-400. Idc about going fast that much really.

[@marioandultrachap]

@@cmlmed1a I'm guessing you're not touching the internals then?

[@cmlmed1a]

@@marioandultrachap yea man. I don’t know a lot about mechanics yet I’m scared I’d break the car trying to take it apart and put it back together. But I’m sure I can install a turbo kit. Intake, fuel injectors, Get a tune and be happy with 350hp. I like looks over speed.

[@marioandultrachap]

@@cmlmed1a there's plenty of people who can build 2jz it's not something you'd have to do yourself but up to at the end of the day. Most 2jz builds run like 6k.

[@cmlmed1a]

@@marioandultrachap wdym? I never said it was hard to build up. I said it was hard to find a tune for the NA 2JZ’s or at least were I’m located there isn’t.

[@R.A.N.B.I]

Lmao car has been good to me since I've owned it for 5 years u just gotta have the money mainly for maintenance and most u can do at home

[@cmlmed1a]

Fr they reliable af just gotta work for it

[@R.A.N.B.I]

@@cmlmed1a he'll yeah if u don't know how to work on a car or then yes it will be hard plus it's a older car stuff breaks over time

[@tru_edvards2029]

"its slow" *me who is gonna get an is200*👁️👄👁️

[@cmlmed1a]

Haha same

[@dashonh1214]

The Supra cane with a ge😂

[@cmlmed1a]

The Supra has the GTE. I know there are NA supras if that’s what you’re meaning??

[@YOUARETHATDUDE]

they had 2j na supras built

[@cmlmed1a]

Yea I know. Toyota put the 2J na and turbo in a lot of cars

[@NR-cr762]

Not all supras are turbo