5 Things I HATE About The Lexus IS300 Sportcross Wagon

What's it like to drive the Lexus IS300 Sportcross station wagon? Well it's pretty great! Jake and I spend a few minutes talking about his car and I drive the Sportcross for the first time to get a feel for it. The 2JZ engine power delivery is smooth as butter and there's enough to get you moving, as a bonus the transmission shifts when it should. The suspension does what you expect and nothing more.
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#Motovlog #LexusIS300 #Sportcross

[@TheMADTATER]

Actually pretty funny that his number one thing he hated was the "impossible to turn off" traction control. I actually bought this exact sportcross from the guy Jake in the video and the first thing I did was put a switch in to turn off traction control and stability control. Not that difficult.

[@Kacpa2]

Yeah just like in subaru you can do a fuse bypass.

[@derjoh1986]

Straight to the five things he hates 10:32

[@Menga213]

Thanks the rest of the video was useless. It had great potential but they never show much of the car or the engine? Just chatter box 📦

[@Omair_Murshed]

Thx

[@robertwfetech8691]

I bought a new I S 300 sedan in 2003 keep it for 11 years , the only thing I did to it was oil changes ,tires and changed the timing belt . When I sold it still had the original battery, brake pads and never once did a check engine light ever come on . The only complaint was the drivers seat was uncomfortable on long drives . What a great car all my friends with German cars they were always in the shop for something , as Scotty says endless money pits

[@MattAK]

I miss my IS300. I've liked all the cars I've owned but so far that's the only car I've loved and was really sad to get rid of.

[@SupramanTRD]

I drive an altezza gita with 40,000 miles. I love this car. But have to decide between this, and cashing in on my Lancer Evolution 6

[@elvergalarga3182]

Those IS300 wagons are getting rare. I'd love to own one of those

[@Triippy]

Just bought one today for $2800 in great condition!

[@leslie7872]

@@Triippy but was it manual 🧐

[@Triippy]

Leslie The sportcross only came in a automatic 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[@stanshaud6168]

ELVER GALARGA I have one

[@chrischrin]

Triippy you can change to manual

[@svtjonah3329]

I have an 04 sportcross and I can go 2-3-4-5 with the button shifters.

[@cadenwilliams6647]

You can upshift btw, I have one and yes you can get very sideways by turning off the traction control

[@RevLexus]

ohhh

[@MrChase187187]

FYI there is another way of disabling the VSC on the IS instead of pulling the fuse. I wired a switch to interrupt power going to the steering angle sensor. This way you will disable traction control and stability control while keeping your ABS.

[@TheMADTATER]

Ayy, I bought the one in the video and I did that too

[@F6HemiCharger]

Mention 2JZ and everyone loses there minds. 😂

[@WatchJRGo]

What!? Supra! Where!? 🤙

[@aenoymotors]

If it has stability control you have to hold down the traction off button for a few seconds and that will shut the system completely off.

[@aaronbays4]

Had a 1992 Lexus SC300, 2JZ-GE, factory 5 speed for years, sold it last year with 100,000 miles on it. Beautiful car, comfortable, reliable as the sun coming up. Really wish Toyota had given us the cool engine option here in the USA, Japan only was the 1JZ-GTE, that was just a 2.5 liter displacement version of the legendary 2JZ-GTE in the Supra, same sequential twin turbos, forged crank, rods, etc Oh and you weren't kidding about the 2JZ being thirsty, 18mpg city/23 highway in that car on 93 octane. Driving a Tundra now, the fuel bill is cheaper on that beast than the SC300.

[@willr69420]

It's hard to go wrong with a Lexus, they are generally a very reliable car.

[@SupramanTRD]

they are the most reliable brand...period

[@mrjohnnyk]

Auto transmissions from this era were always kinda iffy for anything sporty, they didn't start to get good until we got the 5 speed sport-shifting transmissions. I always considered this kind of a cool car but it would be a big project to turn it into a proper turbo.

[@Kacpa2]

It can be easily swapped for 5mt from sedan is300 or j160 from jdm/eudm is200.

[@fryer209]

2014 IS350 F Sport 143K miles (highest mileage lexus for the year I know of) 0 issues and it has your LFA inspired gauge. No way in hell a BMW would run that long with no issues.

[@Kacpa2]

Modern bmws are hediously bad in terms of reliability, just look at all issues and stupid design in all N series engines like N54 or N55.

[@cpscps2679]

If there is a sensor in the master cylinder reservoir, unplug it to turn off the traction control. Easier than fishing out the fuse.

[@watchjaredwork1487]

😂😂😂 3:20 I didn’t know if we were racing or not, but I won.

[@WatchJRGo]

🏎 race truck flyby

[@lifeofpo00]

I couldn't see in the video, but was Jared in the rampage?

[@WatchJRGo]

@Life of Po Zack was on a RAMPAGE, Jared did that fly by in his Silverado.

[@lifeofpo00]

@@WatchJRGo fancy! He was going fast! Whoops mistyped

[@kennyduarte783]

I came very close to buying one back in the mid 00’s as I was looking for a sporty sedan.... it was in San Diego and it was very much what you’d consider a ‘factory freak’.... I forget the exact year it was but it was the sedan with the manual, cloth seats (actually what I wanted honestly) and it had factory navigation... that wasn’t all though, it was that odd amethyst purple color, that was the reason why I didn’t pull the trigger on it, I couldn’t get past the color of it. I eventually found a black ‘02 Maxima SE 6 speed, it was fast, but it wasn’t built very well and I ditched it at 100k. It goes without saying that the Lexus would have been the better car but I just couldn’t handle its purple exterior and tan interior.....

[@jkiu6013]

Can you provide details on the Volvo gas strut mod? What year and model?

[@fulltimeweirdos]

Do you know what year and model those rear hatch Volvo Struts are off of? My struts no longer hold the hatch’s weight and comes down on my wife’s head while she gets stuff out of the back.

[@jerseygirljay78]

I love my 2004 IS300 I've had it for 3 yrs I'm the second owner it's black on black it's my baby!

[@xrmerkur]

A salute to the Tuner Car culture with an attache briefcase strapped across the chest. This car is available in standard transmission and factory yellow paint, awesome! Lexus was building market popularity and making a statement while competitors focused on big motors and bloated bodies.

[@193322009]

My wife drives a 2004 Lexus IS300 Sportcross and loves it! One of her all time favorite cars. I drive a 2011 Lexus IS 5.0 and sometimes I get a kick at how well her car handles. As a former race driver, I think I have a good feeling about car handling and the IS300 is amazing and reliable!

[@RevLexus]

amazing

[@tkflex2332]

Thank you for making this video. I currently have a 02 Is300 Sedan 5 speed Manual LSD (3.9) and I cant find myself to sell her? It has 345Km (215k miles) but all maintenance is done. I think I am going to just send it! Yes gas is not the best but you can not find a RWD in manual now a days :)

[@spachuladgaming651]

You can upshift with the buttons too i have one lol

[@robjohnson59]

Number one vehicle regret.... trading in my ‘86 MR2.... Number two, my 2002 IS300 SportCross

[@Drip2SG]

Can I put a turbo on these with stock everything else?

[@DStabs720]

I saw a Sportcross on Friday. I kinda forgot about it until I saw it. I like the uniqueness.

[@100PercentJake]

Number 1 question I get in it: "Is that some kind of Subaru?"

[@DStabs720]

Don't non car people drive you nuts!

[@WatchJRGo]

The first time I saw a Sportcross I remember thinking "No way, why, and that's really cool"

[@mrj-charles6383]

There is a Gold Plymouth Scamp the sister to the Rampage on FB Marketplace in PA. I had a 78 Subaru Brat with the rear seats that I would take over the Rampage and also a 80 VW Rabbit truck I used to off road with.

[@RichieRouge206]

I really like the IS300. Something about a fast wagon. 😆

[@SupramanTRD]

not too fast, but very reliable, simple, and well built.

[@charliewilson3528]

Got a like for the pro tip. Volvo tailgate shock absorbers. Great classic sleeper wagon.

[@risingembersgaming7740]

I really want one as my first car, 2JZ-GE manual, and a wagon. What’s not to love!

[@arunmanickam1709]

Rising Embers Gaming exactly lmk!

[@805NAVE]

This car is just amazing. One of my dream cars! I think I’ll end up getting an is300 sedan eventually though.

[@WatchJRGo]

I'd go for the sedan as well, it was one of my early dream cars! 🤙

[@arunmanickam1709]

Feral Bear really!?

[@arunmanickam1709]

Feral Bear these wagons are getting rare so I would love to know kore

[@arunmanickam1709]

More*

[@watchjaredwork1487]

Lol 0:52 Haha I miss having an exhaust on my truck. You can barely hear that new one!

[@WatchJRGo]

Need to grab one for sure 👊

[@stanshaud6168]

I have a 2002 is300 sports cross and was wandering if anyone can give me any good mod ideas for it.

[@dasgehtdichnichtsan1895]

Manuel swap 2JZ-GTE Make power looking stock and build a sleeper out of it.

[@ChristopherSimmons]

Love my SportCross - original owner IBP 2002; less than 10K original miles, totally stock. People still check it out when they see it, and a Ferrari club on PCH did selfie of my car next to his (!). Rear hatch shocks never an issue for me; but I added Bluetooth and SatNav (Garmin), which were more important for daily use. With Pilot Sport tires on, you can totally toss these cars around. No turbo - more fun.

[@thenadlad]

10k original miles???

[@ChristopherSimmons]

@@thenadlad yep !

[@drivedb7]

Christopher Simmons - Sell it to me when you’re ready, okay? 😊👍

[@jvsyoutube3298]

..i have a s60 with a spaceball, and that shifter, its the same as the manuals in the 200 sportcross

[@lifeofpo00]

Guy at my gym drives one of these, and the exhaust sounds awesome! Also, you gonna be in DFW?

[@WatchJRGo]

Hard for a 2JZ to sound bad I guess! I'll be in DFW this upcoming weekend picking up the Jaguar transmission 🤙

[@lifeofpo00]

@@WatchJRGo too bad won't be there..

[@WatchJRGo]

@Life of Po well come to 2K in March!

[@lifeofpo00]

@@WatchJRGo all right👍👍

[@RevLexus]

Id love one of these next

[@tcbgarage2845]

Shame these never came to Australia. I like the sedan but the wagon practicalities would be nice. Needs the manual though

[@Ghosty-RC]

Which Volvo struds did you use?

[@dasgehtdichnichtsan1895]

I would love to know that as well!

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Here in GA I see more v70r I actually see both sedan and wagon at the dealer sale a few times a year. They bring stupid money

[@ml_kng]

Altezza gita cluster same speedometer is biggest dial.. but later 01+ rs200 altezza with beams 3sge has bigger rev counter 👍

[@adambuffington7491]

going to clarify it has dyno to rear wheels stock 175hp without upgrades if you have every single possible na upgrade you could think of you might get close to 210hp i only know that due to doing it once

[@Kacpa2]

It was never meant to be an M3. What "3 series fighter" is meant against 318i to 330i bmws so all body style of normal e46 3 series. And spiritually especially jdm Altezza RS200 with 3sge motor was ment to be AE86 spiritual successor and smaller equivalent to Toyota Chaser.

[@austinXDFtw]

As an owner of two sportcrosses I've never heard of that Volvo strut mod. I'd love to know which struts to get if anyone has the answer.

[@193322009]

As an owner of a beautiful black 2004 Sportcross, I updated the rear struts with new stock ones and it works just fine. It's my wife's car and she loves it . . . me too ;o)

[@streettosky5983]

Let me know when you want to review the Forester XT

[@WatchJRGo]

Oh dang, I forgot you had one! 😎

[@unstablebobgable]

You guys should have been passing the fat Woolford back and forth while you were driving. Lol

[@WatchJRGo]

Next time we'll be ready 😂

[@unstablebobgable]

@@WatchJRGo Lol 😁

[@packroyliao7561]

Huh my traction control does turn off I guess this one has the VSC option

[@100PercentJake]

It does, but oddly my '98 LS400 also has VSC but I can turn it all the way off (keep eyes out for a future video with that thing!)

[@MrTacoma]

How much do these go for with 150k miles?

[@rileysullivan841]

About $10k manual swapped (clean titles) have all gone above $12k, I got my 02 rebuilt title 150k for $6k

[@fryer209]

More Lexus!!! ;]

[@MrPatatu100]

Should I get the sedan or wagon as a first car? I love the wagon but I don't want to look like a grandpa driving one, does it look sporty in your opinion?

[@WatchJRGo]

I think the wagon looks extremely sporty but I really love the sedan so it's hard to say. The wagon is far more unique! 😎

[@MrPatatu100]

@@WatchJRGo Cheers mate! I've always loved the 86 hatch and really want to drive its spiritual successor, also great little review and vlog!

[@alexander1485]

JR hasn't ever seen a Vector W8TT "gauge"

[@wmalden]

It’s the Subaru Outback that’s the biggest selling wagon. The Forester is a crossover.

[@XenoRacing]

Kind of a shame that only Japan got the AWD models, but the gearbox they used wasn't one of their best for 4wd applications.

[@RodderFiles]

wagons are making a come back

[@josephmcclary9667]

Traded my Magnum R/T towards my Challenger. Missed it so much, had to get another one. Albeit faster. Got the MSRT8 and still have the Challenger.

[@kesando84]

V70R is on Shifting Lanes Channel

[@WatchJRGo]

Such a great car, I'm a big fan of the S60R and the V70R! 🍻

[@DougsCars]

“He said Rampaging” haha

[@WatchJRGo]

I had to, that was too good 😂

[@DougsCars]

WatchJRGo indeed 😂

[@truthseekerdanny]

I remember when that car came out how everyone tried to copy those back lights. I admit I did it with my 93 accord back in the day.

[@WatchJRGo]

Oh man, we all wanted clear tail lights! Then the manufactures gave them to us and we all hated them 😂

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Torsen diff? That's impressive.

[@WatchJRGo]

Right, it has all the right bits. Seems like quite a few of them have turbos now as well! 💪

[@timmyskante7681]

Honda element has the rubber shift boot

[@turbogears900]

More of the sportcross

[@gearheadted5110]

The 2JZ makes it cooler for sure. I don't have 75k or 100K to drop on a Supra, but the more I see the 2JZ in different Toyota and Lexus cars, I really want one now. A manual transmission would be best, most are autos. What do you think of the 90s Lexus SC300?

[@WatchJRGo]

I love the SC300! Beautiful car 😎

[@bcastro2798]

I think you could modify it. Start by putting a turbo. Then later put a manual trans mission. We are talking about the 2JZ GE SC300 right?

[@jicez6649]

Get the sc300 with the non-vvti 2jzge, this version has stronger pistons and rods which is good for boost later on.

[@dasgehtdichnichtsan1895]

The SC is a damn nice Car! I've got a 94 SC400 1UZ-FE and its NICE! I'm in for an IS300 Sportcross as a daily tomorrow. I've you want to make power, get an SC and build that. Lots of place under the bonnet and lots of parts from the Supra are "Bolt On's". 2JZ's are really nice. The way I would go to make power: Get a god SC Body (blown Motor would be best) and swap a 2JZ-GTE in it (or an LS...)

[@paki8000]

you definately can drift it without pulling fuses ;)

[@supershadow230]

Fr

[@risingembersgaming7740]

CLICKBAIT wait, this thing does have a 2JZ. Instant like.

[@WatchJRGo]

Haha, I tricked you! You've gotta know by now I never clickbait 🤙

[@louisvidalinc2678]

It's Altezzas Gita in Japan not Ghia

[@WatchJRGo]

That is absolutely true 👍

[@Kacpa2]

91aki(95ron) is lowest octane fuel we have here in europe.

[@garbage854]

Nice 😀

[@WatchJRGo]

Thanks Michael! 🍻

[@garbage854]

Welcome 😀@@WatchJRGo

[@Kamelo2001]

The ultimate Matrix

[@pnwvibes_]

Reads title OK Mr watch jrgo virgins

[@WatchJRGo]

😂 big facts, if it works it works!

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

You guys didn't mention the newer F31 BMW wagons, I got a 2015 328d awd wagon, get like 35 city and 41 highway regularly with 180hp/280ft lbs. I love the IS300 but man the rear of the wagon is what I'm not a fan of, otherwise nice car.

[@timothyharrison8953]

2JZ engine... no shit! This thing will dominate! ALL SUVs are wagons!

[@WatchJRGo]

I tried to keep the F&F jokes to a minimum... when Jake opened the hood I quoted the whole thing "overnight parts from Japan, if we have to!" 😎

[@senanfoutchedjev2401]

Hi, Actually, I like all the bad thing you said about the car. Great car. Thanks.

[@MichaelD8393]

If only Lexus offered the SportCross with a manual; practical Supra right there!

[@tokmindegy8976]

Lexus definitely offered SportCross with manual transmission, I mean here in Europe it is not a big deal to find a proper one...

[@MichaelD8393]

@@tokmindegy8976 Yeah, but not here in the states; only the IS Sedan had a manual option. Talk about missed opportunity.

[@tokmindegy8976]

@@MichaelD8393 OK, I see and sorry for that...

[@MichaelD8393]

@@tokmindegy8976 That's alright. I plan to get a European model once they're ready to import.

[@d4ve587]

Rare exotica car wagon you don't see them. I nearly purchased one then realised parts and service nitemare there like saabs expensive unless you have deep pockets or can fix it yourself. Cool tho 😎💪

[@WatchJRGo]

Let's not talk about SAAB (except the 97X it's just a good looking Trailblazer) 😂

[@austinXDFtw]

I own two sportcrosses, and although the wagons themselves are rare, all the parts from the forward 4/5ths of the car are easy to find thanks to it being near identical to the sedan, and many shared with other lexus models.

[@danrowley6934]

With the cars owner sitting right beside you you tell the world you hate 5 things about his car. Either you 2 are are the best of friends or he agrees with you. Gave you the list?

[@WatchJRGo]

They were mostly all the things Jake didn't love about the car. We both agree it is a very good car and we're being nit-picky! 🍻

[@danrowley6934]

@@WatchJRGo Well, hell, what are good friends for. Hope he never gets married. 😬😬

[@hiroshis.9754]

Subaru legacy wagon gt

[@RockX_Chris]

The Outback is more of a wagon than the Forester

[@saintpreferred9223]

Hopefully you've grown up in the last 4 years.

[@100PercentJake]

WatchJakeGo.

[@WatchJRGo]

Sup Jake 😂

[@larrywelchko6136]

You guys have to be good guys one of you has a Boston. Kiss mine badly

[@meowrage9165]

dam these thing feel more rare then a supra

[@RubMySchmeat]

When your wife says we need a family car:

[@sonyfxi]

Search VT Bobby, he's converted IS300 Sportcross to manual transmission

[@josephmcclary9667]

It’s kinda oxymoronic to say “automatic only option”.

[@WatchJRGo]

Well that is true, the sedans did offer the manual option which is what makes the whole thing confusing 🍻

[@cat-em3mj]

@Jesus Is SATAN Yes they did but it was rare

[@mikelnomikos]

Do you have any idea how many people would love the chance to hate anything about their own IS300 wagon?!

[@danielmcauliffe6442]

Ih

[@WatchJRGo]

🥇 boom!

[@peterdaniel66]

small as hell..

[@dalecomer5951]

Toyota had all the pieces to make something great. They didn't. They won't.

[@Fm_1055]

first

[@WatchJRGo]

🥉 sorta close!

[@Fm_1055]

@@WatchJRGo nooooo but thanks

[@herbiehusker1889]

2 Jay-Z? Good thing it's not a 2 Kanye.

[@Guitarpiper]

#6: It's by far the ugliest sorts sedan/wagon available at the time.

[@Toyota4Life]

Ian Darrah your a jackass and blind