2002 Lexus IS300 5 Year Ownership Review - PERFECT Daily?

This is my 5 year ownership review of my Lexus IS300. It's a 2002 I bought at 125k and now has 190k. This video goes over my thoughts about the IS300 and why I still love it after 5 years, what I consider the main pros and cons for owning this Lexus, and whether or not you should buy one!
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[@CJBuilt]

Is300 is such an amazing platform, whether for a build or a daily driver Great video, captures the good and the "special" parts of an is300 haha

[@bugzyloc6]

Love my 2001 is . Still running good at 310000 miles

[@molon___labe]

Just bought 1 with 200k miles runs well for 2 grand hope it last 300k+ miles

[@xshadowxec]

damnnn 310!nice. Mines at 187

[@collinf3228]

Is yours auto or manual?

[@bugzyloc6]

@@collinf3228 it’s auto.

[@collinf3228]

@@bugzyloc6 nice I just picked up a manual back in April and have some big plans for it, glad to see yours is still running like a champ

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Yes sir, congrats on the upload, video is extremely well done, and the car is gorgeous. Can't wait to see more

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

🙏 appreciate you my guy

[@markshajumandy]

Ooh, my favourite lexus reviewer!

[@aymw9259]

Dude that is an amazing car you got. I have the same color and year as yours. I drove it from Texas to Las Vegas. At that time most of the highway speed is 75 mph. With cool air condition on; I got 29 miles per gallon on the Gasoline (My Tires air pressure was 34psi). However, in the city and highway combine, I got only 17 to 20 miles per gallon. Now is 2021 and I still own my IS300. I take really good care on the engine and transmission and others components part but exterior of my car was not as good as yours. This car actually saves my life a few times because some bad driver made mistake so I have to make quick turn and maneuver to avoid hitting them. My IS300 handling so well and its gain control so fast and my Lexus didn't flip over. Yes It doesn't have very big horse power but gaining control of your car is much much much more important in Life.

[@darechap6238]

its got enough horse. Like if you drivin the 2016 is300 they look good but not nearly as fun as the 1st generation counterparts.

[@brandonhuntton3972]

Same year, color, but manual. 170k, and going strong. Love it.

[@Still-Sitting]

Shout out from a paraplegic in Cali. Much love, man. Keep crushing it. Great video 💪♿️

[@jicez6649]

Great video! I've had my is300 for 5 years as well and still love it. Like you said just take care of the maintenance and the car will last, plus there are a ton of parts to do whatever you want to do to it.

[@Donaldtrummp]

Hope you love it bro, I bought mine a little over a year ago besides it being a crashed car I use it as a daily & I LOVE IT! Welcome to IS community 😁

[@fomoran]

It's for this reason I daren't 'clean up my subscriptions on here, quiet channels can surprise you by releasing a video and reminding you why you dubbed in the first place.

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

🤘🤘

[@dylbo420]

I've had my red 2002 for about a year now, got it with 139k miles. Auto but no LSD yet I'm going to pick one up soon though. I gotta say tho the blue is my favorite factory paint option

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Honestly I love all the colors for the IS except yellow even though I like yellow. Watch out for clear coat fading tho I think red is more susceptible 🤔

[@johnliberty6779]

How has it held up for u ?

[@marknelson5929]

When will you be doing an update on this I must say an excellent review, re sticky dash and other things you mentioned rounding off this review?

[@wilfredogonzalez9091]

My 2005 have 498657 mileage run like a champ I want to do the 1 million mileage

[@damianvill2211]

Great vid ,I owea 2017 Lexus is 300 V6. I agree very reliable, Love the look Hate MPG ⛽️

[@crimzuhn]

Watching this because I’m trying to buy an is300 but can’t find one that’s in good shape with mileage or maintenance lol I’m also trying to get rid of this LS400 and no one wants it 😂

[@monsieurdiecasts3393]

Thirsty V8 (LS)

[@miguelangellemusmorales7891]

I have a 2004 Lexus is300 and had the same code. It was not the fuel tank overflow valve. It was the fuel vapor feed pipe located in the engine bay. So I wasted my money buying the other part.

[@Still-Sitting]

6:54 hits a toolbox

[@dasgehtdichnichtsan1895]

I'm looking for that Sticky Dash Video!?! I own a 2002 IS300 Sportcross. It has no sticky dash, but would love to watch that Video

[@ttoony333]

Not sure why so many people say these are not fast. I have a 2004 Auto in same blue and just over 100k miles and I think it rips. I can give most modern a good run for their money. It how you drive them that makes them slow. Keep the is300 alive for ever it rocks.

[@Sam-go3mb]

In a straight line I guess, but the thing is for street driving can you really use all that horsepower. I sometimes miss my 94 Corolla because I could drive it as hard as I could and I would always barely be over the speed limit 😂 the is300 just keeps climbing and climbing so smoothly I barely notice. I think the is300 takes off well from a stop, then has its slowish midrange, but then seems to climb forever high in the power band, and still has surprisingly decent torque from a kickdown in the 80mph area .

[@Alextheskater91]

I am hopefully getting mine tmrw for $5800! It has slightly high mileage but the guy kept it in PRISTINE condition. Wish me luck!

[@isaiahfresh4924]

Same I found one with 60k miles 04 is300 later down the road I would want to manual swap it and drop the mk4 supra engine 🤙🏼

[@Alextheskater91]

@@isaiahfresh4924 how much are they asking for it?

[@chrismcbride4839]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was very informative. I think I'll pull the trigger. I've wanted one of these since I first saw the altezza in gran turismo way back on ps1

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

you’ll love it. i still to this day can’t think of anything else i’d rather own for $5k, nothing comes even remotely close for daily driving, sportiness, and reliability. the looks, sound, and everything else is a sweet bonus.

[@darechap6238]

I disagree on the speed. I've driven a few four door sedans even new and its no comparison for the money and a 4 door sedan you get a very decent amount of power. I mean it aint no vette or nothing but its definitely fast enough for one's enjoyment. I've had to drive new cars even a new is300 like 2016 and I'm thinking "when am I getting mines back this thing is lame" LOL and that even had more horsepower just wasn't the same at all. I hear that a lot from people on speed and yeah I just don't agree.

[@danelgegeev4144]

Sup bro You look like my character from kenshi

[@masteroogway6199]

i recently bought 1 in AUS at the age of 14 and i love it.

[@nightking1863]

Are 200k miles too much for a 2002 IS300 SportCross that was serviced at Lexus throughout its whole lifetime? There is only one for sale in Germany and I'm in love. Would be nice to know if I could enjoy it for at least a few years before it dies

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Nope, I got a friend who's at 275k and seen plenty over 300k. I would say 300k is where it would start to get more iffy but with great maintenance im sure it'll last a long time. I mean shit, even if you end up replacing an engine or transmission this car would still be worth it imo lol. its not that expensive for the car in general imo.

[@lukasbergman9566]

I just got a 2002 that has 138k miles on it and it has full body coulovers, qnd full exaust. Sadly it is auto but I'm really liking the car

[@brownboy8467]

How’s it been anything gone wrong or any major fixes or leaks. I’m looking to get an 04 Lexus with 132k mileage

[@lukasbergman9566]

@@brownboy8467 i ended up selling it sadly and no nothing at all it was the best car i've ever owned.

[@brownboy8467]

@@lukasbergman9566 damn thanks bro

[@Mr.grubby]

Nice video bro. What lowering springs did you get i might get that over coilovers cus im on a budget and want a smooth ride also

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Check out my mods video. My setup was $600 and has held up over like 40k miles

[@TallyHoTech]

The boy is back. Drive safely Woof!

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

My man!!! Isn’t that m1 insane? I picked up an air a few days ago and I’m selling my 2017 MBP 13” now haha

[@DieseIFive]

honest reviev i have is200 in europe and have simmilar feeling about this car :D

[@6shot9]

0:20 guy with cyborg legs*

[@asdqwe_9381]

What happened to ur legs?

[@williammcnally6434]

That’s funny, I have a 2000 Integra automatic as well!

[@FluffyBunnySlippers]

I used to be engaged to a girl with a wooden leg. But I broke it off.

[@EpicC64]

I got a 2001 with 30k on it. I got lucky.

[@esserdennis03]

for how much?

[@koji_sti_medo1643]

Did you drive on telegraph in Oakville, st.louis ? I own a rental property up there...and I own a 04 IS 300.. phenomenal car!!

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Indeed i did. Do you drive around here?

[@koji_sti_medo1643]

@BIONIC AL indeed I do sir.. well when I can. I work for the Army Corps, and we're going underway (on the water) here in about a week, and I'm usually gone for 10 days at a time.

[@robsnizzle7]

Have an 05 w 140k, love this car. I actually bought it for my wife and she loves the zip in the engine. Made couple changes one being the steering wheel didn't like the button shifters so I switched it out to an 06 IS350 to get the paddle shifters and the bluetooth option. Also, the rear end was a one legged and swapped out the LSD AUTO DIFF OMG I really recommend that swap if you can afford it. Other then that shes virtually stock (minus stereo system of course). Love that blue that things hella clean....

[@iiiamriot2262]

How did you do the steering wheel swap for the paddle shifters? I was thinking of doing the same? Any wiring, problems, or delays in shifting since you swapped?

[@JebidiahSpringfield]

I have an 2001 is300 and I swapped the armrest in from an 04 is300 and it is one of the best mods I’ve done haha. Don’t regret getting an ‘01 though sticky dash is a nightmare

[@jamieleanderson]

Top notch vid my dude! The IS300 looks so good especially in blue!

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

It’s no Audi 🤧

[@tokmindegy8976]

@@AlexSchwartzATV :-D HAHAHA! (Anyway, the Audi A5 coupe designed by Walter de Silva is just glorious!)

[@YOUNGGz-om5ro]

This is so werid I just bought a 2002 is300 for my first car and I live in Indiana 😂

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Mine was in Evansville! You made a good choice tho

[@YOUNGGz-om5ro]

@@AlexSchwartzATV thanks never thought I'd ever get a car with a 2jz in though but by far an amazing car

[@torreyinnewyorkcity334]

Thank you so much for you content. I thinking about buying one for $1,200. I would love to talk to you.

[@maikeru01]

i bought an e36 325i for 1000 dollars on craigslist.

[@littlesloweddown7441]

If you want a jdm is300 it only comes 3sge, 1gfe, and 2jz wagon gita

[@Misttrd]

The removable emblems was to reduce costs for the altezza grills. Having them built in meant they had to make 2 grills and not just 2 different badges

[@dandaman6223]

this actually helped a lot considering that i live in missouri too haha great vid, thanks !

[@FluffyBunnySlippers]

With an is300 in that good of shape, he sure has a leg up on the competition

[@egante]

Zing ...

[@williambittner9591]

You should do a video covering everything you have done to your is300.

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Check back tomorrow morning 👌

[@mikebishop3771]

Where's your sticky dash repair video?

[@joshuaseniours7159]

Is a 2003 IS300 with 95k for $9.5 a good price? 👀

[@oldacc5607]

Dope vid bro very informational I’m looking for an is300 atm and this video made me feel a lot better Keep rippin it bro wish you the best !

[@DEFECT-44444]

As a fellow Missourian looking for one of these, this video was very enlightening, thank you

[@quickfortune7866]

I was thinking about getting a 2003 is300 for $4000 it has about 275k kms should I buy it it has a little rust and its missing some panels idk what to do

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

hell no

[@rawsick]

These are dope reliable good lookin sedans. But they just aren’t fast like at all unless you mod the fuck out of it

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

oh yes. not fast. i test drove an rc350 and it made this feel gutless for sure and rc350’s aren’t terribly fast.

[@emotegisoda]

How would you compare the handling to an integra?

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

better for sure. rwd with LSD>fwd

[@anthonybruno2147]

im having the same issues with my lights but my wiring harness was improperly connected

[@teicar1567]

The sc300 just doesnt have vvti

[@Soltor1974]

19 years of ownership. love it, I’ve owned 3 3 series BMWs during the same period and found myself driving the is more often because it never broke 😂 216k on the clock should last another 200k

[@Soltor1974]

I still haven’t learned my BMW lesson. I have an 07 328 convertible, runs great for now but I know something wicked this way comes 😂

[@brandonnakao5499]

Did you do the timing belt and all the other maintenance like gaskets and stuff on your own or did you take it somewhere?? I just got a 2001 and I’m really excited about it

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

had an independent mechanic do it/did some of it myself. did the shocks and struts myself, bushings and gaskets and timing belt, had someone else do. still gotta do the ball joints, but they aren't making any noise so I havent done them.

[@HurkHogan]

200k miles to much for a $3800 is300?

[@sergioramirez1693]

So it’s eh when it comes to reliability & mpg in city/highway. Or it’s a great car?

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

The reliability has been 10 out of 10. the mpg is not good.

[@aaront8]

Any links to those taillights? I hate the Altezza lights.

[@sr20dett1000]

Yeah e36 are overpriced. Got a Japanrot e46 330i with zhp wheels and brand new tries for $2800. Previous owner did a lot of maintenance that I no longer need to do. Going for 2 year ownership only done oil changed for maintenance.

[@Rafa_guitars]

I got the same setup for $2500 but I did end up putting $1000 in maintenance to it. I did a cooling system refresh, a fuel pump and new brakes and rotors.

[@sr20dett1000]

@@Rafa_guitars I got lucky all that was already done along with a electric fan swap. It's auto so all autos here come with a clutch fans. When the vanos was rebuild I don't think he put the gasket on right or reuse old one cuz it does leak oil from it. I've been to lazy to change it, I just keep on eye on my oil level. The suspension does need to be refresh as no one really does that on any car.

[@Rafa_guitars]

E46 330i or Ci. You can get one for around $3000 and put about 2,000 in maintenance. And 6 speed feels faster and its way more common than the manual IS 300.

[@MrTacoma]

Dude an E46 at this mileage would need just about everything replaced. Ask me how I know …

[@Rafa_guitars]

@@MrTacoma yeah If you don't do the work yourself the bmw socks.

[@jd2rs]

Excellent video! Very well thought out review, can’t wait to see your next video!

[@davidtkachuk8015]

Putting my deposit for one tomorrow!!!!!!

[@jameswhite6069]

I Want task this man soo much question

[@thatgmguy6055]

I’m really debating between this car a sc400 or a LS430

[@MrRjnr]

WHAT DID U DECIDE? 😁

[@Creamo2GS]

Where is the dash video though?

[@jameswhite6069]

Like prusere control

[@Omarshbn]

Why is the in-car footage mirrored?

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

jdm rhd

[@metrix9125]

I have a 3sge altezza....do a comparison one of these fine days my dude

[@FluffyBunnySlippers]

I broke both my legs yesterday and now I have to use a wheelchair I really can’t stand my situation right now.

[@HenryHearse]

Yooo this is my favorite review of the IS300 to date. I have the same headlight problem where it stays on after I turn off the car. Is there a video where that shows how to fix it? Subbed!

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

it’s literally just a screw on the door sill. like whatever little screws there are on the driver and passenger side door, the small easy ones, just unscrew and brush it off a bit and put it back in. and thanks so much!

[@HenryHearse]

@@AlexSchwartzATV awesome man I’ll try it out tonight! Keep posting them IS300 videos 😁

[@bc8580]

Great objective, honest and informational review. Prefer this to the reviews by the car pros. Thank you.

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

More to come 🙏

[@chrisc8703]

Cool informative vid, awesome work

[@drainis]

What exhaust is that?

[@YaDadCam]

Love these cars!

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Unless youre a horsepower freak, how could you not 😭

[@ak47ninja1]

im looking to trade my wrx for an 01 is300 is it worth?

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Reliability wise definitely lol

[@jermainejones6752]

Pretty blue paint

[@alucard376]

IS300s are not double wishbone on the rear, they are 5 point multilink

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Thank you!!!

[@iiiamriot2262]

I thought they were all double wishbone? It says they are on the specs

[@jonathanroman4215]

At how many miles did you get your car at?

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

125k!

[@kidswei]

same bo

[@gsgcarreviews]

Looks soo clean!

[@jpleezy7082]

Ayyy I've gotta make a trip to that Dirt Cheap this weekend 👀

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Oh sHIT

[@Walkermccreight]

Dude 1 year

[@rodrumco]

Hey bro looking to buy a 2001 Lexus IS300 with 160k miles as my first car for 5k. It has a couple mods on the interior like two front race seats and some leds in the car with a new touchscreen stereo. Has a stabilizer bar in backseat for the seats and in the engine( owner uses it for drifting) I’m not sure what to look for. I just heard that it’s a reliable car so that’s why I’m interested in it

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Absolutely do not get someones previous drift car for your first car. It will not be reliable no matter what car it is.

[@eddycervantea7882]

bro once i get my car in March im going to be delivering food almost full time 100$ a day for me you recommend this daily driver for me? might get a L4 toyota if this car is not in sight or maybe a ford mustang Lol those 3 options im considering.

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

I wouldn’t deliver food with this car. It uses premium and gets bad gas mileage. Get a Corolla or something.

[@eddycervantea7882]

@@AlexSchwartzATV i seen this other video of a guy not using premium gas on his V6 Charger that it is unnecessary until het got his v8 dodge charger.

[@eddycervantea7882]

@@AlexSchwartzATV or what job would you reccomend entry level 20 years

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

@@eddycervantea7882 for an is300 you’re going to want premium.

[@602ouge]

For food delivery you want something that gets 30+ mpg..

[@LiterallyErik]

Do you have to use premium on this car?

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

yes

[@LiterallyErik]

@@AlexSchwartzATV can it be any other or does it have to be premium only?

[@ppopovich2847]

No, mine has over 300K miles all run on midgrade, 89 octane. Dont use 87 octane though. Engine will ping, then ecu will pull timing & fuel, which will reduce performance.

[@bigbrotheriswatching2680]

Older SC400s are better. Custom headers & a custom tune = 400HP with no boost, pre-OBD2 bulletproof V8.

[@georgemaxwell6482]

Why is nobody talking about bitcoin here

[@manwell8082]

You feel faster The the gtp?? Lol

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

it’s a much better driving experience and car than the GTP

[@xXEvangelXx]

@@AlexSchwartzATV you had a GTP? What was the main difference between the two, in your opinion?

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

@@xXEvangelXx it’s pretty obvious. ones a japanese sporty rwd i6 the other is a huge cheap fwd gm car lmao. double wishbone vs macpherson off the bat is hugely different.

[@2prize]

just got mine last week 😁

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

just got mine detailed two days ago. still in love with it. trying to convince myself to get an rc350 f sport since i've had this for sooo long now but we'll see

[@leftoversoversigjt7719]

6:54 get out of the road damn jwalker!!

[@cockus123]

i love my gs300