First 5 things you NEED to do to your IS300!!

[@Hartbreak1]

Another few to add, if you don’t have proof of when the timing belt was last done then change it (this applies to any car you buy that isn’t new or has a higher mileage than the belt change interval). An IS300 specific one is to change the lower front ball joints if the car is over 100k miles and you don’t have proof they have been changed. When one of these ball joints fails completely the whole suspension on that ball joint’s location also goes with it, which can end very badly, search “IS300 ball joint failure” to see what I mean. I would check the whole suspension at this point because other than spring and shocks the rest of the suspension is often neglected.

[@RotaryDaddy]

Pin of truth 📌 All good points 🤘🏼

[@jbm0866]

Excellent advice, most prosective buyers wont think worn ball joints are a huge deal, but it IS...especially on cars that have likely had lowering springs/coilovers and wheels that arent factory spec with spacers etc. All of that stuff can slightly throw off the balance of the excellent engineering Lexus put into these things and cause them to wear much quicker than normal. I'm not one of those "stock only" guys, (I've modded several of my past cars including all of the above mentioned) but top quality parts and knowing what you're doing goes a long way to ensure happy daily motoring versus perpetually on jackstands for something or the other.

[@Andres-300]

Respect the hell out of you for this. “Maintenance over mods” spoken by a wise man

[@mockemperor953]

It's not bad it you do both to like going to a aftermarket intake

[@zakkrick]

I changed both of the catalytic converters, radiator, engine seal, timing belt, water pump and the O rings when changing the timing belt, stage 2 clutch and high performance fly wheel on my is300. 245k miles and still running stronger than most new cars in 2022

[@RotaryDaddy]

These things are absolute units. Mileage doesn't mean anything as long as you've got the maintenance 💪🏼

[@jooso8278]

Yo I just got a lexus is300 with 269k milage I can hear the car leaking somewhere in the near the engine when I stop and turn it off any advice on what I could do ?

[@syzeification]

Bro you got super nice energy I love that you went maintenance over mods. I know all of this and I still watched until the end

[@RotaryDaddy]

Thanks bro! We'll get into some cooler stuff later TRUST ME 😈

[@paul--b]

Probably the best IS300 video I’ve seen. Especially the diff method and wiper/cabin filter recommendations.

[@RotaryDaddy]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@nickmontanabass]

I have an 01 i bought last year. Right now at 259k miles. Bought it as is and still runs perfectly. Just bought a new cabin air filter too and i plan on getting it re-painted from the peeling. I absolutely love this car and hope it can last until the end of the decade

[@RotaryDaddy]

Hell yeah bro! As long as you keep up on the maintenance it should definitely make it!

[@andyguous]

I recently got a 2003 Lexus IS300 and got the oil changed, power steering flushed and replaced, radiator flushed and new coolant, new air and cabin filter, changed the canister purge valve solenoid, new MAF sensor, new spark plugs, new transmission fluid and filter, and still working on fixing up the car. Timing belt and belts are nice, the sensors are decent but might need a new O2 sensor haha. Am very excited to get all the maintenance out of the way to start making the car really mine, aint gonna rice it out tho lmao.

[@andypowell4702]

Just got an IS300 and got real lucky. I work at a body shop that has in house mechanical. Car was the shop owners daughter and has been maintained perfectly since her mom owned the shop. She was also the original owner and there were only 137k miles on it when I got it. Perfectly stock 04 thunder cloud metallic grey sportdesign model. Unfortunately is auto but for the steal of only a 5k price I got a great deal. Love the car and can't wait to do some mild mods to it.

[@RotaryDaddy]

That's such a good deal! Love finding cars that have been taken care of well. If I'm being honest, getting an auto as a starter car is the better choice when it comes to is300s I might make a video about that. Anyways stoked you got one bro! 🤘🏼

[@andypowell4702]

@@RotaryDaddy I've had maybe a dozen other cars in my life, few civics (two I have built into fully caged racecars), 85 300zx 5spd, 85 celica gt 5spd, 86 subaru gl10 turbo and a few muscle cars. Still have my high school car that i got senior year in 03, 1970 plymouth duster that is manual 3 speed with no power steering or breaks and is drum breaks on all four corners. IS300 is so nice compared to all that.

[@Lnb_Elemental]

i got my is300 a couple weekends ago and i LOVE IT. doing my maintenance on it, gotta do my body work and i’ll be golden❤️

[@Bellgrande]

Dang that’s a super helpful info about the windshield wipers, definitely switching over to the Scion wipers. Thx 😁

[@RotaryDaddy]

Just edited description to include part numbers! 🤘

[@Bellgrande]

@@RotaryDaddy awesome thanks bro!!

[@jonathanm4085]

just picked up a is300 that needs work and ill be starting with these THANK YOU!

[@RotaryDaddy]

Hell yeah bro! Hope you enjoy it! 🤘

[@tracerghost00]

I like how every single thing you listed is like the typical buying a used car practices and you make it sound like it's just for IS300's in your title. I assumed I was on a first car buying guide but this is what every rwd front engine car should get checked after first time buying. I'm over here looking for common problems with used IS300's like a diff issue or spark plug leads or even like adding a mod to cool the engine oil better.

[@Fatdude3522]

Good to know we can get a charcoal cabin filter for the IS300. Nice video

[@RotaryDaddy]

Definitely glad I found one! Thanks bro!

[@flankspeed007]

@@RotaryDaddy Thanks for including the link in the description, I just went and bought one for my 2005 IS.

[@amaralshehari9323]

Great video would love to see a video more on sensors, solenoids, tensioners pulleys etc to keep the Engine running reliably. Cheers!

[@RotaryDaddy]

Might be a bit much for one video but how about a bunch of small in depth explanations of each one?

[@teadoughh8915]

I agree Amar :D

[@richardstewart1282]

Crazy I was able to buy my Is300 sport Design with well maintained . I bought it with 180,000. Super clean too. I used Japanese oil from Japan. Super stock IS300

[@RotaryDaddy]

Gotta love getting a clean stock car to start with! 🤘

[@johnconnor7501]

What kind of Japanese oil did you get?

[@jouseff_1293]

what brand of oil did you get? i know that there is japanese made castrol but what brand of oil did you get? idemitsu?

[@mr.cookie7308]

I bought an IS300 ten years ago at 165k miles for $6,000. I drive it until 200k and it drove perfectly, smooth, trouble free, no rattles, one of the best cars I've ever owned. I only sold it bc I needed something bigger so I bought an RX. Ive been looking for a manual IS300 to buy as a fun car and they are so hard to find.

[@aznbrian_]

Good stuff, I scooped up a higher mileage Is300. Had to replace all the seals and reseal the lower oil pan on top of maintenance and now no more leaks and everything looks fresh again.

[@RotaryDaddy]

Very nice! Gotta keep these cars on the road for as long as possible! 💪🏼

[@bluebucksjohnny8878]

Love the videos buying a Lexus IS off my homie cus he got the wagon version he putting all The parts on the wagon so jus waiting these videos got me Hyped !

[@RotaryDaddy]

Oooooh sportcross??? Hell yeah man that's dope!

[@bluebucksjohnny8878]

@@RotaryDaddy I got it bro 🤞🏻 need a lot of maintenance 😂 these videos gonna be clutch

[@RotaryDaddy]

@@bluebucksjohnny8878 hell yeah bro stoked for you! Let me know if theres anything else you need me to cover! 🤘🏼

[@trulya1613]

You’re a superhero! Thank you for your time 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@CharlesDowiot-qv7pp]

I got a 2001 and keep up with maintenance 🙄 got to say Fantastic engine running like New✨️😊

[@thomastea]

irvin i just discovered your channel. i must say, i am impressed. not only that, but i appreciate your videos so much. thank you for making a difference bro for real. cheers from houston my friend

[@RotaryDaddy]

Hey bro, I appreciate that do much! Glad you're liking the videos! Hope you're prepared for the wild ride 🤘🏼

[@ezpzmtb9939]

Loved the video brother. I’m an owner of an 2001. Loved your wheels so can you tell me what brand they are? Specs?

[@RotaryDaddy]

Thanks man! They're Cosmis Racing XT006R's 18x9 + 30 all around 🤘

[@Samus5164]

If it's over ~125k I highly suggest doing a trans flush as well. I did my SC400 at 135k and it was *bad*.

[@matt8144]

Love the video bro!! I would like to recommend one thing, just from experience and also what I’ve heard from technicians at the dealership I work at.. I wouldn’t recommend filling your oil all the way to that top dot only because oil will expand when getting hot so it’s best to just fill it around 3/4 of the way😏

[@marcustvchannel5885]

Keep uploading Lexus is 300 is the best

[@RotaryDaddy]

More to come!

[@Alextheskater91]

I’m swapping out my diff for a brz one so I will just run this one to the ground lol. Great vid tho!

[@RotaryDaddy]

Definitely a good choice! I'm probably going to be swapping this one out at some point too but I haven't decided on what to put in it yet. I appreciate you watching!

[@Alextheskater91]

@@RotaryDaddy since I’m auto and NA the brz diff is a great option. Gives you a lil more torque. But I plan on manual swapping my car in the future and eventually putting a turbo so I will go with a 3.7 ratio so I don’t go thru my gears super fast

[@KrayToxic]

Ultimate drift car. Daily that ratio will eat gas

[@Alextheskater91]

@@KrayToxic the 4.1 will? How much mileage do you suspect I would lose

[@isaiahraygoza4831]

@@Alextheskater91 rpm at highway speeds is 1k higher

[@LuckyMoua]

It's unfortunate that it's rear wheel drive, and I live in Minnesota. Basically, it's not the best to drive in the snow, but I heard adding weight to the trunk can assist the traction for the rear wheels to the snow (besides driving in winter wheels). Still a beautiful car though.

[@RotaryDaddy]

They do have a snow button 😉 but yeah I feel it bro sometimes you do gotta be a bit more reasonable with your choices lol

[@jameelrashad]

Thanks for the content! Im currently looking on the market, i got about 10k to spend. What year and mileage is acceptable? Im a greenhorn when it comes to cars but im looking forward to learning more as i watch your channel. Thanks!

[@michi-bi]

Hope you're able to find one! Check the kelly bookvalue for the price My auntie sold me her 2004 IS300 for $6000. It has 57k miles on it

[@AKB47ANCE]

I’m ngl , yes the worst thing I hate about my is300 is the stubborn oil filter . My maxima I had to take off the passenger wheel to access my oil filter . lol my two caprices from the 80s are so simple .

[@mgbcreatur]

We love to see new upload 💙

[@bakihanma7247]

Great video man Thanks. I have a question.. What do you think of changing the Transmission Fluid?

[@RotaryDaddy]

Thanks! It's definitely important to keep up on but since the manual and autos are so different I thought that deserved its own video.

[@bakihanma7247]

@@RotaryDaddy Hell yea good idea. Some people have told me not to change it when the fluid is really bad that it'll cause slipping but idk about that. I'd love to watch that video too. Great content.

[@HalfmoonVIP]

Awesome thanks for the advice, what exhaust system do you use

[@rolfdog2k1]

Ive owned my is300 for 16yrs(120k) i replaced the ball joints, upper & lower control arms, all struts and engine mounts. Car feels like much better but i didnt use OEM parts, my car vibrates at a stop or red light. The Transmission mount looked different than the OEM, I didnt think it would've mattered. Now i gotta change the transmission mount to an OEM. We'll see what happens.... always buy OEM!

[@RotaryDaddy]

That's awesome bro! These cars are great when you keep em running and driving well and it sounds like you're doing it right 🤘

[@bailey9395]

How’s it man, How’d you get your LED taillights to work? I’ve currently purchased and installed what looks to be the same ones but my tails don’t work, only reverse indicators and brakes Cheers

[@RotaryDaddy]

Have you tried swapping the polarity of the connector? I remember mine when I first plugged em in they didn't work but I just rotated the bulb connector 180 degrees and everything worked

[@bailey9395]

@@RotaryDaddy cheers for the reply dude, just started watching ya vids, good stuff 👌🏼, all sorted now, pays to check the fuses doesn’t it hahaha

[@speedfiend925]

Thanks for the info I am shopping these vehicles. Question: How much power can you coax out of one of these without blowing up the engine? I had seen in various videos that the engine is a Supra engine but with weaker internals? Assuming I want to leave the internals stock how much power can be gained via mods without modding the internals?

[@RotaryDaddy]

So to start out, these car's don't really gain much power from bolt ons unless you are talking forced induction. That being said the 2jzge vvti has the weakest internals of all of the 2jz family so pushing them past 350 gets a bit sketchy. A common thing people do is swap pistons and connecting rods from the gtes or even the non vvti ge if they want to make more power than the vvti internals will hold

[@diamondsfroze2377]

@@RotaryDaddy so if I found upgraded piston rods would I be able to put a small turbo on it and push 400whp safely? And are these piston rods hard to find and/or expensive?

[@diamondsfroze2377]

And I guess while I’m here I’ll ask, what’s the maximum mileage an is300 could have for you to still consider it? Im looking for my first car and first is300, I’m also wondering if manual swapping it would be worth it considering finding a factory manual is getting pretty hard in a clean example

[@shadow105720]

@@diamondsfroze2377 ge vvti rods are hilariously small. Just get a set of Manley rods for 700 and some arp head studs and a MLS head gasket. Stock height gets you 9.5:1 and thicker brings you down to 8:1 compression. That's all the bottom end needs for those kinds of numbers and since you're getting that work done the mileage shouldn't matter.

[@shadow105720]

@@diamondsfroze2377 stock manuals won't hold that power either but it saves you having to find and install the clutch pedal. Is that worth the money and time to find a stock manual over an auto, not really. If you have an auto car then just swap that to manual.

[@IGOTNOSBOI]

First thing I needa do is get it started😂

[@rosariodorantes4719]

We need moreeeeeeeeeeeeee like what type Of transmission fluid is good for a is300 pleaseeee

[@RotaryDaddy]

I'll get a list going of a few more and make a part 2! 🤘

[@morganrandell.]

If a manual transmission then use Redline MT-90

[@alfioarcidiacono1668]

Question: You said you used 6 Liters of oil because you used a larger than stock oil filter, but wasn't that the stock OEM oil filter?

[@michaelzepeda4816]

Is that an frz diff ? If so you should do a video explaining how you put it in and the differences it makes .

[@isaiahraygoza4831]

Shorter gearing so better acceleration but worse gas mileage, 4-5k rpm on highway

[@RotaryDaddy]

It's a stock lsd but there will be a diff video coming out!

[@lexmartinez3871]

How Many miles do you have on the IS 300? Just wondering cause I see you using 5W30 Oil.

[@albertopatlan7078]

10/10 video!

[@RotaryDaddy]

Thanks bro!

[@yumaautospa793]

There is an easier way to do oil change and where you don’t leak your filter oil all over your motor mount. Il make a video on it since it’s easier to explain that way. I used to be a Lexus tech and was taught this way. 😊

[@RotaryDaddy]

Link me the video when you make it that sounds awesome!

[@alexjaybrady]

great vid man thanks

[@kevinporter9444]

I am buying an L-tuned IS300! 100 thousand miles is this a good buy? Or keep my 2019 Toyota Camry

[@jb9192]

Is changing the differential oil mandatory?

[@RotaryDaddy]

Like I mean nothing is technically mandatory lol but yeah I would keep fresh oil in it every 60k. Helps a lot with life of the differential.

[@spachuladgaming651]

to me yes when a car is new a crap ton of metal shaving are in there so if hasnt been chamgedbit could cause excessive wear or damage

[@RotaryDaddy]

@@spachuladgaming651 exactly! Any fluid in your car will degrade over time so if you want it to last they need to be changed at regular intervals 🤘🏼

[@wsmaga]

Awesome 🤙🏾

[@RotaryDaddy]

Thanks! 😁

[@vegancartel4943]

Good vid

[@Skreamies]

Where did you manage to pick up the fresh crush washers? OEM?

[@RotaryDaddy]

Toyota and Lexus dealers keep em in stock and they're usually a few cents 🤘🏼

[@Skreamies]

@@RotaryDaddy Good shout! Honestly never thought about this, my Grandad passed away at the end of 2021 sadly, though asked about his IS300 in Electric Green Mica. Thanks for the video as it's good to know a few maintenance things for when I get it shortly as I want to keep this thing around for the long run :)

[@revvhappy]

Thank you 😅

[@dbsleez.5798]

whats your thoughts on cold air intakes on the is300

[@RotaryDaddy]

I personally think they're a waste of money, the only thing you're really changing is the sound so if that's what you want then go for it but don't expect any power gains 👍

[@mgbcreatur]

does all 04 is 300 takes 6 qts for motor oil too?

[@RotaryDaddy]

5.7 is the spec for all is300s 🤘🏼

[@itslalohs]

new vid who thissssss

[@TupacShakur69]

I love this car since this the first one you get on NFS Most Wanted.

[@tnutss]

next, take out the spring on the throttle pedal to take out vagueness

[@davisweyant3908]

My dawg 😎

[@paul--b]

Have you done the auto trans filter? (Assuming it’s an auto)

[@RotaryDaddy]

Mine is actually a factory 5 speed which is why I kind of glossed over anything auto trans related 😬

[@jasonren4518]

interested in an Atelzza can you clearify which years of is are considered Atelzza and what are the pros and cons for IS200 and is300

[@ggm8049]

Hey bro need subscriber here✌️what's your opinion on a cold air intake should I get it or leave my factory setup alone?

[@RotaryDaddy]

Hey man glad you like the content! So I personally will never put an intake on my car. Most aftermarket intakes marketed towards naturally aspirated cars aren't engineered to do anything other than give you induction noise. If that's all you're looking for then more power to you, just don't expect any power gains from putting an intake on. I have seen them make less power than factory intakes and cause a bunch of driveability issues so I try to stay away from them.

[@ggm8049]

@@RotaryDaddythanks for your response. I'm getting my is300 in a few days so I've been looking at your videos to get a good idea of a what to expect and what I can start working on right away! Keep up the content, i look forward to seeing more videos.

[@coesforever1735]

@@ggm8049 . I have AEM aftermarket intek, a cheap chip, and I separated the exhaust tip from the cat and the sound is beautiful! Also, the pop outs I manage to do they sound beautiful! Yes using aftermarket intek does not make this beauty faster unless you buy a cheap turbo which costs around 2k

[@Raulm96]

Hey Irvin quick question how would I know if my Lexus has limited slip differential.

[@RotaryDaddy]

I'll have to make a video on this! Easiest way is to call the lexus dealership parts department with your vin and ask them. Otherwise you can check the vin sticker on the door jamb. look for the part that says "A/TM" You'll see designations like B02A, B02B, B02C A=no LSD B,C = LSD That all goes out the window if it's ever been swapped so I'll make a video to show everything! 🤘

[@jbm0866]

The fact there are at least 3 of these still apparently being used as dailies just in my suburb alone should speak volumes about Lexus build quality. I frequently see a white one on my morning commute, another white one (different wheels, carbon fiber trunk spoiler) sometimes at the grocery parking lot and then a blue one I've seen 3 or 4 times just out and about. I really wanted one of these back in the day (couldnt afford new or even newish at the time) and in recent years it's crossed my mind to hunt down an example that has been fairly well taken care of and not modded so much it may as well be something else. Seems they're either all taken or been passed around a number of F&F wannbes these days...sigh. (no offense to this channel, I'd buy one he owned..even modded)

[@RotaryDaddy]

The owners are usually the biggest downfall to these cars, that's why I try to spread as much information as possible to hopefully keep as many of them on the road as possible 🤘🏼 although I wouldn't not call myself an f&f wannabe lol

[@jbm0866]

@@RotaryDaddy You maintain and use quality parts, thats next best thing to bone stock. Lexus built those things well enough to hold up to some brisk driving😁

[@TattedTommysTv]

I gotta 120k red one in Dallas and a 01 titanium metallic

[@pchae1]

Do you know if the Genuine Toyota Sightline wipers work the same as the OG ones you linked?

[@RotaryDaddy]

No they don’t, the sightlines are the cheap alternative to the oe wiper blades and they don’t sell inserts for them. Still not a bad product, just not my preference

[@pchae1]

​@@RotaryDaddy Thank you for pointing that out. I actually went to a Toyota dealership tonight and they tried to push the Sightlines on me, but I never heard of them so I walked away. I am glad I did now. Thanks man.

[@Abegon02]

Explain the diffs please all of them please 🙏

[@RotaryDaddy]

I'll get on it 😎

[@TattedTommysTv]

I get my wiper blades for 5 bucks at the dollar store rain x to

[@most-hated-54]

Look Bruh it's first time watching your videos on IS 300, First I don't live in USA, but I'm looking for a IS300 and where I live at I only See Automatic and I know the manual is harder to come by here but any tips or suggestions to know about the Auto IS300, I'm trading in my Nissan Sentra SE-R for a 2004 Lexus IS300 any problems I should know, please check out my question just trying to know a lot about the car before I get to have it.

[@RotaryDaddy]

There's not really too many issues with the autos specifically other than the transmissions. When they start to get high in miles if they haven't been maintained they can start to get unhappy but it all depends on the previous owner. I'd say just check the fluid level and make sure it's a nice red color. If the fluid is black and smells burnt it's a good indicator that it hasn't been changed often enough. Other than that my buyers guide shows you all of the leaks and stuff you should be looking for engine wise! Good luck 🤘🏼

[@spachuladgaming651]

i have an 04 auto i mean check for 02 sensors they go out alot lol make sure timing belt had been changed and check the tranny dipstick to see if the fluid doesnt have metal or rlly burnt then you should be good not many problems

[@jacobbennycollins1834]

what are you wheels specs? thanks.

[@RotaryDaddy]

18x9+30 all around

[@m.b8257]

Nice car !

[@ndpk97]

Wiper blade part #'s?

[@thearmedgardener]

Does the LSD effect me and my 01 300?

[@sebastianmartinezmorales4052]

This transfers to GS right? 😩

[@RotaryDaddy]

Yup! I'm not quite sure about Wiper sizes and filter part numbers but the processes are the same

[@NA-uv9hs]

please what are your wheel and tire specs

[@juanrico352]

Pretty much any car

[@rhrynq]

So it's just basic maintenance applicable to any vehicle.

[@RotaryDaddy]

Yup! You're definitely right. I'd be lying if I said that title wasn't influenced by seo 😂

[@MrSmitty1992]

I've had my IS300 for 8 years and never replaced the Diff Oil. Whoops 😅

[@RotaryDaddy]

Never too late to start I guess 😂

[@phabeondominguez5971]

F@ckKk, same, haven't done anything beyond oil changes..

[@Rs3mocha]

I wanted to buy a manual 03 is300 but there's none on market😂

[@pobrichi]

Anybody have a solution for 1st gear? 2 thru 5 are like nitros infused, but 1 lags real bad. Is there a qoverner on it or something?

[@noelherrera4159]

Whats that exhaust set up?

[@RotaryDaddy]

Greddy revolution rs cat back 🤘🏼

[@jeffreymasker6067]

Look good

[@rhianGT]

Don’t buy rubber wiper , buy silicone ones by PIAA. The last wiper you will ever purchase. 😏

[@josephreyes-p2b]

as if these weren't the same recommendations for every gas car ever

[@RotaryDaddy]

lol I assume the people watching a video like this aren’t certified mechanics, should I make one for people who are?

[@josephreyes-p2b]

@@RotaryDaddy this is basic maintenance for every car, you don't have to be a certified tech to know this. people need to know common issues with this car in specific. minus the oil change everything else can be skipped.

[@RotaryDaddy]

@@josephreyes-p2b sounds like I’m making a common problems video 🫡

[@AMIRACLEISME]

Watched this video, then realized it said IS309 not ES300 😭

[@mitchellkarjasemita8336]

Can have ur email Irvin. Thanks in advance.. i need some answers about my is300

[@supershadow230]

old and prices too high fuckkk

[@sirjared21]

First thing to do: sell it and buy a real man's car. The end. In all seriousness, love my IS.

[@LeWeedMonke]

what are the rims i need them for mine