The 2001 Lexus IS 300 was Japan's Attempt at a Better E46 BMW 3 Series

[@stevenhanaford4340]

I have an 01 Auto with 120,000 miles, silver, black alcentera interior and heated seats. And an 02 Manual with 130,000 miles, red, black interior, navigation and heated seats.

[@BernonCars]

Sweeet! Nice duo

[@TheHoodGuru]

I love seeing our cars in youtube now a days. Way back in 02 nobody posted that much. Now we see these nice HD videos. I got the 02 manual and its 22 years old now. I drive it every now and then.

[@BernonCars]

Yeah right!

[@TheHoodGuru]

@@BernonCars Just posted a video on my channel of my car.

[@BernonCars]

Nice I'll peep!

[@lrod312]

These ‘01 IS models looked pretty modern compared to other cars of its age. It has the aesthetics of early 2010s especially the exterior.

[@BernonCars]

They’re very timeless!

[@promiseonwuachu]

You're right

[@stevensilver1679]

I have a 2005 IS300, Pearl White, Black leather, automatic with 131,000 miles. The engine still purrs like a kitten. This is one of my favorite cars of all time. Also have a 2011 IS250 that I love to drive as well.

[@BernonCars]

Niice spec! They look good in white

[@baadbreed]

Which one you feel faster?

[@stevensilver1679]

@@baadbreed The 05 with the inline six is stronger by far. The 11 with the 2.5 v6 is weak at low speeds, but quite, refined and much better gas mileage. I LOVE both.

[@T5_T-Rell]

I really liked my Lexus is300. It was a factory manual and factory LSD car with heated seats, but it was rusty underneath and really rough around the edges from the previous owner plus the exterior was heavily modified from the last owner. I wanted a clean slate so I sold it. I also did a “Frankenstein” engine setup by putting the factory vvti GE head on a non vvti GE short block essentially making it the GE equivalent of a GTE in terms of strength I planned to turbo it but sold it before that happened.

[@Markkzilla]

Everything you’re saying is why I love my IS. Like it’s one of the very few older cars that I actually like even being fully stock.

[@BernonCars]

Right!

[@Markkzilla]

@@BernonCars Yeah like mods are always awesome but how it takes corners and handles stock is just great.

[@amphibiou5]

I pride myself in keeping the car stock

[@Markkzilla]

@@amphibiou5 making it look like it just came out while stock hel yes.

[@AhmedAhmed-dh7yd]

Great review! I believe after 2003 the center console changed. I have a 2004 with an arm rest that can move up to become a 3rd cup holder! I've owned an 01 and currently have a 2004. Amazing and reliable vehicles. Once again Toyota nailed it!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!! Ahh. We’re looking at updated consoles for his now!

[@amphibiou5]

My ‘02 has the center console.

[@johnconnor2402]

I've always wanted an is300 ever since HS but could never find one in good condition. Ended up with an RX8, and TSX but if a nice is300 comes along I would still get it!

[@BernonCars]

RX8 is still really cool!

[@nickb.6726]

Bern, where would one get that save Rod Millen lip?? I like it

[@BernonCars]

I’m not sure! I’m sure they’re hard to find, Michael’s IS came with it from new!

[@nickb.6726]

@@BernonCars figured, they are nowhere to be found right now

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

The yellow looks so good on this one!

[@BernonCars]

It’s so good!

[@miltajosey1279]

@@BernonCars, you did a good job on the review and the color suits beautifully on the IS 300

[@JebidiahSpringfield]

Awesome video bro! I love watching these. I got an 01 in pearl white with the black interior back in 2019, got it for around 4,400 or so from some old guy that loved the car as much as I do. It came with the factory limited slip diff and heated seats. I did the center console armrest swap from the 2002-2005 years of the car and that helped with the falling into the car thing lol. Its currently sitting at 160k miles and it still drives like new!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!! That’s hype! Enjoy it!!

[@JebidiahSpringfield]

@@BernonCars I do!!

[@rkozaczka]

I have an 05 IS (manual!) that I bought new. Twice I was 300 miles from home and had a flat. It was great having the full size spare. My only gripe is the melted dashboard that plagued these cars.

[@BernonCars]

Ooooo nice!! Yeah the dashboards are killerrrrr

[@miltajosey1279]

Bern, you did a good job on the review and the color suits beautifully on the IS 300

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!

[@thomastea]

dear bern, i have a 2001 lexus is300 and i very much appreciate you uploading this content. i hope to hear from you soon man. cheers from houston!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!! Love seeing IS owners here!!

[@AmirGTR]

Amazing review. Great work sir!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you very much!

[@nickb.6726]

Hey Bern, what’s with these morons in the comments referring to the Ingen intake as a “hot air” intake? From what i have heard, it does indeed improve performance.

[@BernonCars]

LOL right, they aren’t the best but they make a good noise and that’s honestly more enjoyable

[@ultrablue2]

Bern, a very nice review. 👍🏼

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!

[@timw2083]

I just bought a 2002 IS300 and love it so far. There are many 20 y/o German cars that a person will buy with 130k miles

[@BernonCars]

That’s great to hear 😁

[@kewlbean]

Great video Bernard. Michael is great on camera as well.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you Ben!! I think so too 😄

[@Jakeking20]

Damn that editing is really smooth! Awesome video Bern. Also I can't name a BMW I actually like, never cared for them🤔

[@BernonCars]

Thanks mane 😁 LOL the E39 5 Series is probs the only one for me

[@Jakeking20]

It be awesome if you could review one I want hear your rant on BMW

[@BernonCars]

@@Jakeking20 hopefully I can get a hold of one soon!!

[@paul--b]

You can get a cup holder insert from an 04 or 05 that gives you quite a bit more space for larger drinks

[@BernonCars]

Oh interesting! I'll have to look into that

[@jyudat4433]

I own an 03 factory manual, just did the frs 4.1 diff swap too. A true joy to drive, but mine def needed a lot of work.

[@BernonCars]

Ooo nice, what does the FRS diff do for these? Better low end gearing?

[@jyudat4433]

​@@BernonCars yep the lower gearing (4.1 vs my 3.7 or other 3.9) gearing is pretty nice for sporty driving. it also is nice consdering its basically a 1:1 swap with the diff from the frs platform and so many IS300's came with an open diff or just have a worn out torsen. frs diffs seem pretty common too and they're guaranteed to be a torsen

[@johnmurraycompton569]

Yota engineers: AMAZING engines....and then the cup holders...

[@BernonCars]

Awful LOL

[@kevinftw16]

I'd love to own a IS300 but even after 2 years of ownership driving my 6 speed manual Acura TL puts a smile on my face everyday. I miss my 1995 Lexus LS400 that I sold earlier this year after owning it for 7 years at 250k miles so I'm trying to talk my brother into getting a 2006 Lexus GS430 and he's considering it but he wants a Lincoln aviator. We'll see what happens after he test drives them both and I hope he goes for the Lexus haha

[@BernonCars]

I hope he goes for the Lex too LOL

[@markmelton697]

I have a 2001 solar yellow. It had the black leather/suede but I swapped it to all leather. It does have the heated front seats.

[@BernonCars]

Nicely done! They're awesome in yellow

[@anotheran]

I loved the performance on this IS over the 2nd gen.

[@BernonCars]

Same!

[@Momoe002]

I’ve owned a 2002 IS300 and the seats fold down. It takes a bit to fold them but they do. I just think some of them didn’t. Currently own an 04 and they do not. Could just be some. Anyone else? Also top notch review my dude! 😁

[@Misttrd]

No IS2/300 sedan has folding seats ONLY sportcrosses

[@Choochoojr]

My 01 came in auburn sky pearl stock but has been painted and came with a stock lsd

[@BernonCars]

Ooouu very nice

[@davidb3390]

Great video Bern. Keep up the great work!

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!!

[@eze8024]

This car definitely needs some dark gray sport design wheels

[@BernonCars]

We found grey IS 250C wheels for it a few months ago! They’ll be in the next video 😅

[@FCReviews]

Welcome back sir great video sir and i don't blame you for being biass lol. I agree 👍 lexus of this era are great and reliable. I miss my GS430 after seeing this video

[@BernonCars]

They’re sweet!

[@angelzcreed6192]

imo its the Lexus LS400. Best Lexus ever. No direct injection means no carbon build up. The IS was notorious for that.

[@promiseonwuachu]

I own the 2001 is300 and I've never regretted it. EDITED: I now own a 2007 IS350. I've traded my IS300

[@user-kj3ou8ng9b]

How was the 2001 is 300 would you say it’s good to get used

[@promiseonwuachu]

@@user-kj3ou8ng9b yes, it's very good. But if you want something more faster, go for the is350.

[@user-kj3ou8ng9b]

@@promiseonwuachu what problems do they face, did you have any headaches when owning one

[@armandoaparicio5799]

Is 2007 i350 considered an update in your opinion?

[@promiseonwuachu]

@@armandoaparicio5799 yes, a very big update

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

3:33 Woah those wheels are sick!

[@BernonCars]

They’re really nice!

[@davidg3924]

Nice video, still enjoying our 2003 5 speed, my wife is original owner, car is bone stock low miles and maintained… car is one of the best cars we’ve ever had, and it’s a freakin Toyota so it will last… if you’re asking did Japan do better I invite you to find a BMW of that age that’s even still running :P and with the 5 speed just super fun…

[@BernonCars]

That’s cool! Such a gem of a car

[@Zoxxtheking]

I currently own an is250 and I was going to get a 300 but got sold before I could meet w the dealer 😔 but the is2 is a pretty fun car to drive, it’s not that fast since it only has 200 hp but I love it nonetheless!

[@gab24056]

i also have an is250 and i agree, it’s a pretty fun car, yeah it’s not that fast but honestly i don’t really care, i just get on some nice backroads with my friend and i enjoy the car soooo much, all these car need is an exhaust (simple muffle delete do the job) and they are really fun reliable little sports car

[@nathanvalley7995]

I thought the 01 is300 had an electronic throttle at the beginning?

[@BernonCars]

Nope all by cable

[@tonytorres4984]

How do you know if it haves a LSD or not? I’m planing on buy a stock one with a manual

[@BernonCars]

Unfortunately hard to tell without either putting it in the air or maybeee a vin decoder

[@skkrrtskrrt1470]

My 2001 is purple and black seeds purple cloth both front seats are heated the shifter on the steering works very fast try driving the car around at a higher RPM than normal like a 4-cylinder it's got a lot of unending power for such a light car mine's got 255 and the GS has 285 both run well is the IRS has an oil leak the rear seal on the motor the new coils bought it from a friend didn't want it anymore seal doesn't seem like a big deal couple of strong people I think the book in the glove box top speed of 143 it's similar for the GS it should tell you it's top speed in the book in the glove box get Z rated tires I like those tail lights you put on I want to put Toyota Corolla on mine

[@gummyclips3363]

i am in a love hate relationship with my 02 sportcross..... maybe sportcross video in the future ???

[@BernonCars]

Yesss absolutely!

[@nonamus9947]

You never mentioned the Sportcross Wagon!! They came 02-05

[@BernonCars]

SportCross deserves its own video!

[@edgaraiianpog9751]

oddly my 01 IS has heated seats, factory lsd and folding seats(its a PITA to fold them down though). Makes me wonder what the factory options were chosen for my car lol

[@BernonCars]

Interesting!!

[@hidemoneybags]

Did he say eibach lowering springs and what drop it on thanks anyone

[@BernonCars]

Yeah eibach!

[@JH-xk2rb]

Loved my is! So well balanced!

[@michaelimakfinsky4493]

Now the question is GS v IS, which one wins??

[@BernonCars]

We shall soon find out 😈😈

[@mongemrxcvi9881]

Lost some weight I see. Looking great dude 👌🏽

[@BernonCars]

Yes sir! Thank you!

[@turbolaze1]

Great review

[@BernonCars]

Thank you!

[@_fabus]

You can fit a what in the trunk Bern?

[@BernonCars]

Uhhhh, nothing... LOL

[@carlbrooks90]

Solid car but thats a hot air intake, the OEM air box is surprisingly better for these cars

[@BernonCars]

Yeah I’ve heard that too. That intake came with the car when he bought it too

[@kevinftw16]

I would hope my doughnut comes fresh after I call the number 🤣

[@dts3747]

0:38 Your partner? ...You mean your boyfriend!?

[@BernonCars]

Haha yesss!

[@BernonCars]

@The Real Cat of 2020 it’s so awesome!! And we both have 2001 Lexus’s haha

[@danielortiz5727]

“OOOO a Solara”

[@BernonCars]

Yesss it was cleannnnn

[@joecreations3737]

Im not even into cars but your intresting

[@BernonCars]

Ahh I’m glad!

[@DeNiroBK96]

I play with the idea of selling my 5speed manual but I can’t do it lol

[@spachuladgaming651]

dont espcially if its a factory 5 speed watch in. 2 years itll prolly br worth double

[@BernonCars]

You would miss it too much!

[@IndigenousAmerindian-r9f]

How much is insurance on gs

[@BernonCars]

I had mine on Hagerty and it was only like $75/month

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

I think a manual is almost mandatory on this.

[@BernonCars]

Absolutely

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

God I wish I had been born early enough to buy a fully loaded IS 300 with a manual. 😭😭😭

[@BernonCars]

A dream haha

[@live_the_moment_with_arnol5661]

My cousin own come with a 6 speed manual

[@axelguluarte8660]

what front lip is that ?

[@BernonCars]

Rod Millen!

[@tarsan894]

Would this be a good upgrade from a miata?

[@BernonCars]

Hmm.. what gen Miata?

[@tarsan894]

@@BernonCars NA

[@BernonCars]

Hmm… I would say a manual IS, yes? Im not sure honestly!

[@michaelimakfinsky4493]

If you could snag a manual IS I would say so! More power stock and still really engaging like a Miata. An auto IS... depends on a few things I guess

[@tokiwarlock]

partner 🤠🏳‍🌈

[@BernonCars]

Yee haww

[@Mr.grubby]

U wanna do a video on my car I'm in central West Virginia

[@blackeagle661]

Lexus is the best

[@BernonCars]

No doubt!

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

0:38 Partner? Are you running a business together?

[@BernonCars]

My boyfriend!

[@jasonsutter3818]

if you still have the 01..... do yourself a favor and swap your steering wheel with a 2007 is250 steering wheel .. PADDLE SHIFTERS!

[@szymoniak75]

and they succeeded

[@BernonCars]

They absolutely did

[@2jzge]

My arm rest is up high from factory wtf 😂

[@BernonCars]

What year is yours!!

[@2jzge]

@@BernonCars it’s a 2002 factory manual is basic with the alcantara interior instead of the cloth seats

[@BernonCars]

@@2jzge interesting! Weird lmao

[@samueltodirita7049]

Boris

[@BernonCars]

Boriss

[@Soltor1974]

Got my 01 is300 back in 02 best car I ever owned. Cool video check out my is it the cleanest around

[@BernonCars]

So nice!

[@Soltor1974]

@@BernonCars thanks 🙏 I do my best to her her in top condition

[@Mr.grubby]

Race me you lead I'll follow same is300 engine wise

[@justini2351]

Ayeeeee

[@samdoessomestuff]

japan always does better

[@ttoony333]

Duth the tail lights dude ..the factory lights are what made the IS stand out

[@KillerToefu]

Why would you put a child in the trunk?!? Lol...

[@BernonCars]

Extra passenger space!

[@Kacpa2]

Ah yes, hot air intake.

[@BernonCars]

Yes indeed

[@E46shifts]

why you sticking children in the boot :'D

[@BernonCars]

Extra passenger room! 😂

[@lonestardiyboyz6610]

Under powered engine

[@wildfirefox372]

WHAT WOULD YOU NEED TO FIT A CHILD IN THERE FOR LMAO

[@BernonCars]

You never know!! hahahaha

[@FrogsOnLife]

borbisssssssssssssss

[@BernonCars]

Bulbusss

[@mauriceldisgreecanadahaspr9560]

NICE NICE LEXUS IS 300 YELLOW 🟡🟡🟡💛💛💛🟡💛💛

[@BernonCars]

YES NICE YELLOW!!