2002 Lexus IS300 Review - The Next JDM Icon

[@nopedontthinkso974]

Great review. I own a 2002 with 176k miles. Handles day to day along with cross country road trips with ease. It'll still be on the road in 2035. Should hit 300k miles by then.

[@talalkamran7953]

I'm gonna buy one from hopefully, but what do you think about it? Is it a reliable car? And is it in the workshop every week or month or so? Sorry if I'm asking too much, It's gonna be my first car so I want it to be a good reliable car

[@Alextheskater91]

@@talalkamran7953 no Toyota should be in the shop if the maintenance is done religiously.. these engines just don’t give up unless severely abused. Now.. suspension is another story.. that’s with any car. Ball joints give out, bushings, tie rod ends, upper control arms, axles etc. these are old cars keep in mind. The engine will be fine.. it’s the other components you have to worry about

[@NateMeyer]

Did anyone else think that it was about to get destroyed by that minivan at 13:35 lol, didn't even realize it was speed up until I went and watched it again. 🤣🤣🤣

[@punkpanther86]

that was a jumpscare fr 😂😂

[@thevoxofreason8468]

Of all Toyota and Lexus *sedans* , this is without a doubt my favorite. Really, it's the only one I would consider buying. Neat.

[@joshc9846]

Why wouldn't you want to buy an ISF? Genuine question.

[@thevoxofreason8468]

@@joshc9846 Funny you mention that model because it did cross my mind when I wrote the comment. The only real reason is that it's just not a car I really ever considered. Nothing wrong with it at all. In it's case, it's just personal preference.

[@Ant96488]

You should see a 2000 Toyota crown Jzs171 it’s. Luxury car with a 1jz gte only in japan

[@noahh.8737]

it’s just has such a cool y2k digital vibe to it if that makes sense i love it sm

[@calvinhapeman535]

What about an LS430?

[@HeyLookItsThatGuy]

This channel’s gonna blow up. The energy here is amazing

[@mikelnomikos]

Agreed - this dude's a champ.

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 2005 ES330!!! Amazing daily

[@kevinlong7515]

Lucky to be able to own one. 179k miles, smooth and quiet.

[@ttoony333]

Looks identical to my 2004 with only 100k miles and never been modified. I have the LSD Auto model and wouldn't change it for anything. She still drives like a new car or better and I don't have the sticky dash which is a real bonus. Long live the IS300. Great video keep them coming bro.

[@Alt3zza]

How’s the fuel economy, I heard that it was kinda bad…

[@TheMasterofComment]

​@@Alt3zzaacceptable

[@angelvelasquez334]

@@Alt3zzadepends where you live, mine can get 22 on a good day from going to the store and classes and what not. i’ll fill up once a week if i drive 4-5 days a week with it. and other times when i want to speed a little, i’ll get like 17-17mpg sooooo yeah

[@keatonsneed7968]

13:34 bro I had a heart attack

[@itouchipodz1000]

no lie me too 🤣

[@drivewithanam]

Got an 03 sport design with lsd myself just for the reasons you mentioned. Mine has the manual though and it's not bad for the stock engine... makes every drive an event. Planning to make a review of mine before this year ends. Great video man! You seem like an amazing guy too!

[@SGBassplayer]

Designed by the same dude who gave the world the AE86 Corolla…which in itself is very cool. When you consider all of the design quirks (taillights, gauge cluster, Phantasm orb gear knob, pop-up SATNAV, probably other stuff I’m overlooking), this thing just has personality for days. The IS250/350 that followed it was such a letdown stylistically even if they were more refined.

[@drivedb7]

The stock manual transmission in these cars (the W55) is perfectly fine UNLESS you plan on adding boost, in which case the A650E is more suited to that task. Regardless, not many IS300s with the factory M/T were sold and thus they are (arguably) the most desirable. The prices reflect this. It’s easy to find an automatic IS, but if you want to buy a manual IS - let alone a clean, unmolested factory manual IS with low mileage and a clean title - good luck.

[@JC-nk4st]

I have one just like that for sale

[@drivedb7]

@@JC-nk4st - Hope you’re asking at least $12k. Could probably ask for more in this wild used car market.

[@JC-nk4st]

@@drivedb7 I want 15 k but I think I’ll hold on to her . Only has 58k miles no rust . Clean title and it’s manual . Found a gem

[@Alextheskater91]

@@JC-nk4st hold onto it, don’t ever sell it.I bought my ‘04 auto for 7k with 113k. I only bought it because I’m now the 2nd owner. Dude was an older gentleman that took so much care of it, everything is stock and he had all of the paperwork for the maintenance he had done to it

[@iheartgs400]

A 1JZ or GTE swap really wakes this car up.

[@VegasAlex702]

I love my 04 IS300. It makes 300rwhp on 7psi of boost on a stock internals engine.

[@Alextheskater91]

Which kit did you go with? Also how much did it cost you

[@KNGKIP]

Lmk what kit it is pls

[@christiandamore4284]

@@Alextheskater91 Probably a 6766 Garrett Turbo that’s the best option for Is300/Sc300’s

[@johnwick-bx6yt]

Yea I’ll like to know the same thing homie ask

[@VegasAlex702]

@@johnwick-bx6yt it's a Garrett t04s 60-1 p-trim turbo with a .58 precision turbine housing. It spools very quickly for what it is.

[@iheartgs400]

Btw I have an 03 Automatic myself I’ve personally taken this car to Malibu Canyon Roads and Mulholland Highway E-Shift is quite impressive it did its job well 2nd and 3rd gear car had mild but controlled understeer car was fun af to drive. I’ve already ordered rear sway bars and bushings on this car, good tires and solid suspension refresh and brake pads are the strongly recommended things you need to do with this car.

[@isaiahraygoza4831]

"wont be in the shop every 45 minutes" WRONG, I cry every week

[@jacks8n]

what’s wrong with your IS dude?

[@christiandelfranco7169]

What’s wrong 😑

[@chaleej5571]

@@jacks8n they use oil like crazy when they are older.

[@Alextheskater91]

I’m never getting rid of my is300! Only way I’m getting rid of it is if someone totals it

[@detskysade2581]

As someone who owned auto is300 and now owns manual is300 I will say that manual transmission still adds so much more to how the car drives and feels. It is true that it's not the best manual transmission out there. It won't reliably hold more than 300HP and does feel a bit bulky because it is originally a truck transmission, however, if you'r not planning to make a super beast and want to enjoy only bolt-ons or small boost this is a great car.

[@solvorfoxphorous7580]

Won't hold 300hp, originally a truck transmission. I'd hate to own that truck.

[@trilliamogdlocog4986]

Another reason why the a650e automatic did so much better it help 300hp np in the gs400/gs430 etc

[@morganrandell.]

Recommend the clutch dampener delete from Figs automotive to improve the manual shifting. Also there is a similar mod to the throttle cable using just a zip tie to make it more direct also.

[@dave11686]

Those cars are so fun to drive. Especially one of my favorite features on them is the buttons for manumatic shifting

[@IS300Spartan]

My favorite feature is the clutch and shifter on mine... lol.

[@Alextheskater91]

My fav feature is owning one

[@Marcos.R.Morales]

One of the best cars ever, i got 2 and cant get enough of them!

[@Aaron.Crow512]

Can I have one 🥹 my car was stolen and while I'm grateful that a good person I met is allowing me to drive his '97 lesabre ( which is a gem in it's own regard ) this is my dream car lolz. If you're feeling generous I am here lolz

[@carlbrooks90]

its basically a 4 door supra, the mk4 supra also come with a NA engine. for anyone who is big and tall wants this vehicle is concerned about leg room and head room im 6.7 and i fit pretty well in this car.

[@Inyouremom]

Exactly lol I guess those Supra’s aren’t a Supra cuz it “doesn’t have the Supra motor”

[@GengarZ28]

Finally! You reviewed most of the cars I had…2001 Is300,99 camaro z28, 99 MGM…just need to review a new edge 🤞

[@Aaron.Crow512]

So jealous!! This is my dream car has been since Gran Turismo 2! Im manifesting a Silver IS 300 🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@jasonsutter3818]

i own a 2001 with 173k miles on it. Runs like a champ. besides the damn sun visor not staying in place since 2002.... I have to say i Love my 2JZ

[@R.O.A.P.]

Picking up a 2002 IS300 Sportcross this Saturday. I’m very excited

[@ideaynojodas]

Always considered the is a beauty. I personally have a 2000 GS300 with 98k miles. (Yes, you heard right). Same engine, and still feels great after all this time. (I believe the GS makes about 5 hp more)

[@JebidiahSpringfield]

It weighs a bit more though

[@Zeiretto]

I thought I was going crazy at 13:36. Scared the shit out of me, lol.

[@electrikoptik]

The IS300 is a great example why you can't just call every Japanese car "JDM". Specification matters. The true JDM version badged as Toyota Altezza came with different engine option like the 1G-FE and 3S-GE. The 2JZ in the Altezza was only available in the wagon version called "Gita" which wasn't as popular as the 3S-GE Altezza.

[@christiandamore4284]

Correction the same upper block is the same as the gte besides the oil squirters. The lower block has weak pistons and rods but the non vvti lower block with the vvti head is the budget gte.

[@me-69]

In 6 weeks I will be selling my current car (Mini Cooper 2003) and buying a is200 automatic. There are no words to describe how excited I am. Just 6 weeks lads. 6 weeks.

[@benjichasing7254]

I have owned 4 Lexus . I’m looking for a is300. I have a 2010 GS350 , so I can’t wait to find a clean is300. 👀

[@lavun9751]

I just bought the same one in the video but grey and 140,000 pretty hyped first car to

[@me-69]

@@lavun9751 I got it. So happy. And it’s clean The happy ending clearly

[@MaximumDIYGarage]

Outstanding work, Zach! You could fit the BFB into the cubby under the center arm rest. Funny enough, my 09 GX470 still has a tape player! Your videos are getting more and more polished! Love the subtle humor. Your subscriber and a fellow Chicagolander.

[@pinkfiffty3094]

Bfb??

[@v.u8983]

How do you like the Gx470

[@KingDrewPhilip]

I love this car. Sadly I don’t own this generation of IS. My 2008 Lexus IS250 is the model after this generation you’re reviewing. Maybe I can get me a first gen IS and keep it as my random second car. I’d have to sell my 2018 Toyota Corolla I used to drive for Uber to make that happen.

[@gioarroyo5521]

i’ve been looking for one and this is my dream build

[@02wrxfan20]

I’m selling my low miles 2004 IS 300. Same color as the video as well

[@gioarroyo5521]

@@02wrxfan20 how can i get in contact of you

[@Spacepotato9000]

Next Friday imma get my first Lexus , IS300 , anthracite grey ! Super clean + engine had a total revision/ restoring done in 2019.

[@SKOFgeno]

Tf happened at 13:35 ?

[@crabjay7086]

mine is 2003 stick, still going strong. thanks for posting!

[@jicez6649]

Great video! I love my 2002 is300 and it's even better now that it's manual swapped

[@flamuraliu8503]

Love my 2001 IS300. 216,000 miles on her and she still drives amazing.

[@FreddyPrieto94]

bought my 2004 is300 for 3500$ with 212k miles. Best 3500 ive ever spent

[@skkrrtskrrt1470]

Also my 98 Lexus 300 has 285,000 MI AC works it's always been very low maintenance you're very smooth very balanced if you go way over 100

[@josephmonteiro3190]

I also drive an 01 in auto and it still drives great considering the mileage. As long as you maintain the car its such a modern classic.

[@alexjaybrady]

Dont worry about the auto box, put it in manual mode and use the buttons on front and back of the steering wheel to shift up and down. its like a playstation controller lol.

[@theplaguedoctor142]

13:35 jumpscared the hell out of me lol! Thanks for reinforcing my decision to buy one of these as my next fun daily.

[@y0nei]

This engine sound is beautiful

[@Bigwillproductions]

This and the 1990-1993 celica are my favourite cars of all time. Other than the supra of course but it’s super expensive. Out of the is300 and the celica what would you choose? I have the opportunity to buy one or the other and can’t decide!! Both around the same price too.

[@unoriginalcopy9844]

13:36 lmao wth is that

[@thekrimsonchin6023]

scared the shit out of me, it's like that accord meme.

[@no_information_available]

Still pushing a completely stock '03 IS300 in Absolutely Red. It always draws many eyes and offers lol. I don't think I'll ever let it go

[@duyninh2907]

I got mine yesterday. Thanks for the advice and such a great video!!!

[@Soltor1974]

Got my 01 in 02 216k on the clock and still the cleanest daily around. All hail the Queen 👑

[@JC-nk4st]

These car will go up in value , they have been slept on for far to long . & ppl are now realizing the 2j ge can make 500hp easily

[@Alextheskater91]

Dude I’ve been wanting this car for the past 5-6 years. Only two years ago did I actually start searching for the perfect one and I finally found it and bought it 3 months ago!

[@trilliamogdlocog4986]

Easier then other engines but the rods and pistons and ecu isnt the best not to mention you have to upgrade the stock transmission or get something like a cd009 hooked up for high boost...

[@MattAK]

On my second IS300. Both autos, which is fine because I use my current one as my daily commuter. That shift knob is like the kiss of satan in your palm during the summer, I swapped it out for an IS350 FSport knob instead.

[@jyudat4433]

these are already shooting up hard in value, especially for clean 5spd ones

[@CardsNSleevesTCG]

The A80 Supra had 2 engine options on release. Both the 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE were available options.

[@williamfurlan9176]

And yet again here I am crying about letting go of my 02 IS300 L-Tuned Series II.

[@JC-nk4st]

Dummy :/

[@JC-nk4st]

You had a gem

[@williamfurlan9176]

Too bad you dont have any context. The surgery went well, thanks for the bashing. 👍

[@JC-nk4st]

@@williamfurlan9176 sorry

[@williamfurlan9176]

@@JC-nk4st all good homeslice, thanks.

[@albertbogoraz]

This video is fucking amazing with the rain ohh my gosh this video saved me from keeping my prelude.. LEXUS BOYS WE BACK!!! Now I gotta get a highlander to start towing blown turbos.

[@maico125]

Fantastic - reliable smooth and runs like a Swiss Watch.

[@Iamablackkid]

What years were these made?

[@kevinsamayoa4557]

Up are on the back of the steering wheel

[@trilliamogdlocog4986]

I thought the jdm supra made 220hp to 270 max and the usdm was the one that had the 300+ hp engine? Could be wrong but I'm sure alot of mk4s came with this exact 2jzge just without vvti and came with a distributor an lower compression 🤷‍♂️

[@iheartgs400]

I’ve drive a ton of manual cars from my R154 Mark 3 Supra, TSX, 8th Gen Civic Si, G35’s and frankly the manual for IS300 is way overpriced for what you get for the W55 is fine for stock applications but once you go boost your hitting the limits already unless you swap her to a R154, AR5 or CD009. If the car came stock with 1JZ and R154 combo then I wouldn’t mind paying 10-15K for it. Best deals for the IS is get a good chassis whether clean or salvaged automatic not clapped to shit but as stock as possible and you can choose to go 1jz/2jzgte or LSx/T56 swap.

[@zoom5595]

I fell for this car because of the midnight club video game, and now i own one, and i love it.

[@G.Uppercut123]

That manual comment is the realist thing, I’m glad you said it! I’ve owned 11 vehicles, all luxury/sporty or sport cars with manual transmissions. And my next one will be an automatic. And I can already hear the F*boys chirping like in any comment section lol. There’s nothing wrong with a good automatic. Absolutely I would choose a manual if the choice is present. But beaking someone’s choice of transmission is for weak minded individuals.

[@tylercurry5767]

buying one monday super excited!

[@krazyfredo6177]

same here

[@Butterking99]

take care of it dont clap it out

[@ericpelley7462]

Very nice info. Have a 2002 Is300 with the Pewter Grey loaded with only 14,400 miles. My mother hardly drove it. Likely will be posting it up as it does have a crazy following

[@MrRjnr]

wanna sell it? 😁

[@ericpelley7462]

@@MrRjnr interesting my comment keeps disappearing. But yes, likely be listing it soon unless someone is interested prior to that.

[@alonsofranco3383]

Lmao I like what you did with the van! This video makes me wanna go buy another but with super low miles and just hold it. 👍🏼

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

I drove one of these at a lexus dealer in NY in 2000.. i6 and manual transmission, was one nice car.. i wanted one so bad.. i saved and saved until they axed the manual, then killed the i6.. leaving me with an issue option that was ruined.. but I'll always remember that i6 and manual transmission feel of the original is300... edit.. drove manual for 30 years before i bought an automatic transmission vehicle.. Never drove a manual my uncle owned.. 😂

[@kevinsamayoa4557]

First manual car I was 12 driving a 1969 Chevy nova, last manual car I drove was a 1985 Toyota Mr2 aw11 mark1 and a 1997 Toyota Tacoma single cab. Never drove a 383i bmw lol but I want this car now

[@williamfurlan9176]

You won't like that shift knob in the summer.. legit burns your hands

[@gamingwitchango1786]

i take mines off when i leave it in the sun lmfao

[@williamfurlan9176]

@@gamingwitchango1786 pro move +1

[@pinkfiffty3094]

@@gamingwitchango1786 or put a sock over it

[@paul--b]

Or just use the stick below the knob

[@williamfurlan9176]

@@paul--b you need the leverage when you don't have syncros left🤣

[@Gone_Rogue300]

Lexus for older? Wtf? So the LFA is for older people? Makes no sense! Lexus is Toyota! And Lexus is pure fucken badass! I love my 03 IS300

[@Rogue.Rider0]

I owned a black is300 and loved every bit of it.

[@meep2253]

I am clueless about cars and my husband owns one of these old cars and I kept telling him we needed to sell it to the junk yard because it is 20 years old and we could buy a newer car. Now that I have watched this video maybe I changed my mind lol I always thought nobody would even buy these cars!!

[@noduh736]

Ya you should definitely keep it or let someone buy it for a good price because these cars are great and they are only going up in value and there's people who want one but can't afford to pay grand or more for a used Toyota I got mine from someone like you I got it for a grand it's got crap paint but perfect interior and it only has 100000 miles and I got 2 new sets of tires helluva deal

[@meep2253]

@@noduh736 now I see why he gets so upset when I tell him to sell the damn thing 🤣🤣🤣 at least it still runs but I don’t drive it because one time some guy kept yelling at me to race him

[@noduh736]

@@meep2253 they are wanted by alot of people

[@An1mosityX]

Absolutely love my IS300

[@xdaydreaminx]

Found one for sale for 3k only needs control arms and power steering hose. Sound system and wheels come with it

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

My good friend Jason who also races spec miata daily's a manual is300.. Nice car.

[@williamfurlan9176]

Manual was fine, if you don't like any syncros whatsoever.

[@zentoxeon1818]

I live in Germany and I believe in the potential of the IS300, but unfortunately they are very rare over here. Does anyone have any tips on buying one here in Europe?

[@zentoxeon1818]

13:35 got a fking heart attack

[@KNS_Racing]

Had one and it rode nice but the thing drank more gas than a corvette. Would turn 4500rpm on the highway going only 80mph.

[@Kaandacan]

my w55 is about to blow up :) I got a w58 off of a mk3 supra also the auto in the IS300 can easily hold 400whp! I love mine!

[@jzflsrtis300]

Nice ride and very clean man.

[@boobbutthole9537]

I have a 93 volvo 240 limited edition unbelievable clean stock up for a review if you want.

[@ShootingCars]

Email me! [e-mail]

[@cesargonzalez9557]

Have a 95k miles 5 speed such a gem !

[@isaiahfresh4924]

I have a 85k mile one auto but still fun

[@fabyrbl8177]

i really wanna buy one 😭 even an is200 but they are out of my price range and the fuel economy is 💩

[@Alextheskater91]

Yeah I am definitely paying a lot more in gas but to be honest it’s worth it. This car drives and handles like a dream. I dare say it drives smoother and nicer than my bro’s 2017 370z

[@GG-tv4tb]

Sorry to blow the bubble here but can’t really call the IS a JDM. As the true JDM version of the IS300/IS200, is the RS 200 (Altezza) which is ONLY sold in Japan, fully exclusive to the Japan market. 2.0L 3SGE

[@doob5427]

Dont know what this guys talking about, i daily a 5 speed is300, would take a sub-par manual over a “ better “ automatic

[@brendanbray6164]

Thats what im sayin i had a gs400 with the auto and i couldnt imagine the auto in my 5 speed is300. wouldnt be the same car

[@enricod2061]

They’re rare

[@iheartgs400]

However mods wise the stock W55 MT is weak af you’ll likely need to go R154 or CD009.

[@ppopovich2847]

My IS with PLP shift lever has great shift action. It's snickety, quickety & precise. Mine's very nicely modded, but still NA. Plenty of street performance, but not enough raw power to damage the r55 tranny. Besides if the tranny should blow, swapping in a used tranny from a salvage yard is cheap and easy. Plus, you have several Toyota model transmissions to choose from if you want to upgrade to something stronger. Any way you slice it, this car is infinitely better in manual trans form than auto. It's a wicked fun car to drive!

[@Aminmotors]

The supra was also available with the same 2jz-GE engine as the is300.

[@Macho_USI]

I rlly wanna see a review on a w204 c300

[@JiggyonFiggy]

Must be nice having traction during the rain, every time I floor it in the rain my car tends to spin tires

[@JoeyMeowMeow]

aside from the beige interior and auto transmission, cant really complain about my 05 blue is300

[@blazedxjan]

Thats a lot to deal with lol

[@JoeyMeowMeow]

@@blazedxjan no joke dude it gets really dirty

[@Suddsie]

my dad owned one last year and it was 900$ we fixed it and sold it which i was sad about but we sold it for 6750 and bought a black dodge neon for $500 and a couple days ago we actally just traded for another is300

[@orangefroggg]

Hi Zack, looking to get an 03 IS300 of my own. I really like the exhaust setup this owner had on it. Any chance you could contact them and find out what it was for me please?

[@An1mosityX]

IS300 GANG

[@Soltor1974]

The is300 is a 90’s chassis we didn’t get them until 2000, but it’s still a 90’s car

[@himself]

They’re getting pretty hard to find in a manual. I’m getting scared. Saving for one

[@noahh.8737]

the interior so UN-lexus but in suchhh a good way i love it

[@timothyr9243]

Really good video ima sub

[@christiandamore4284]

Sc300 is the next to blow up

[@davidjanvier3236]

I got an 04 manual is200 sport for the reason that the is300 is nowhere to be found and they were above budget

[@GReLLz2497]

A 04 with 173k was just listed near me for 6500. What would you say it's worth? It looks fresh off the showroom floor n 20 yrs of service records

[@ghostmarshmello5893]

up to you man

[@apparelxkicks]

13:34 lol

[@rileyallen7604]

I have a IS300 drift car and before I gutted it and all of that it was a super fun car to drive. Even more fun now 😏

[@Butterking99]

put the interior back in and drive it theres not many left and soon you will regret it being a drift missle

[@hondacivic.japanese8265]

The Lexus is a very nice car. That type of car is hard to fine can maybe find one for 3500 or more Japanese cars don’t stay around very long specially the Lexus and the GS Lexus GS.