This Lexus IS Model is a Total Hidden Gem with a Fully Committed Owner!

We take a look a the original and first generation Lexus IS with an owner that loves the car so much they're slowly restoring it to it's former glory.
The Lexus IS300 is truly a fun car that escapes the view of many. In this video we talk about what makes them special and some of their common issues to look out for.
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[@anthonyboria5738]

Ahmed is truly the master at what he does! This wouldnt of been possible at to do! Without my Man ahmed hes is the best ever you will get when it comes to toyota lexus and is far the best ever you will get from KZbin channels! I am the owner Anthony, and i am truly greatful for Amd pasion towards repairing this is300 for my sons! I wanted to try my best to give everything i could to show my boyz that are both are in the automotive industry aspiring to work on and with cars! To Antman! ABE! DAD IS PROUD OF YOUS! keep working hard! You havent seen nothing yet! Also to my daughters Natalia and jahnesa dad loves yous all! And could never be so proud of yours guys accomplishments❤Again To the whole CarCareNut family you guys are amazing special thanks for meli,jose,diego and the rest of the guys who all worked together to assist is this major endeavor of mines! Please suport the channel you will never see anything better then TCCN 🙏 may the lord keep and bless! AMD! and family and staff! CarCareNut for life! Fans you have seen nothing yet! Stay tuned! Sincerely, biggest CarCareNut Fan!!!!!!!!!!!

[@charley95sheridan44]

Hands down he's the best! I've been going to his shop since he opened and I drive to his shop from Peoria. I always look forward to my next appointment which will be in June. Best of luck on your project and I'll be following it as he does more on your IS!

[@rightlanehog3151]

😁😁

[@smiththers2]

Kuddos for keeping the sweet machine going!

[@JAY-97-97]

@@charley95sheridan44 that is why i took my truck from a long distance (500 miles) to the car nut shop and i did not get it back in tiptop condition at all like it was NEVER fully and thoroughly inspected before it left the shop after 12 weeks there

[@JAY-97-97]

12:51 ... rear subframe looks sweet !

[@chrisflores5110]

Bought a 2003 IS300 with under 200k miles a few months ago, absolutely loving it. Just a heads up to the owner of the blue IS300, the sticker on the differential says M98, which is actually one of the limited slip diffs for auto, mine has the same one. The LSD was an option in the U.S models and actually was fairly common after 2001. One of the main reasons I bought mine.

[@OrthodoxTrooper]

I have IS200 2002' with 1GFE engine its a petrol 2.0 6 cylinder manual with all the equipment possible like navigation, sun roof, leather. I have it for 10 years now with zero problems.. Only thing I would like to have on it is cruise control

[@greggraham2642]

It's no bull on reliability. I have two, one with 314,000 miles and one with 240,000 miles. Each on the original engine and transmission. Change timing belts, replace seals, replace parts as needed, and they'll treat you right. The 98-2000 SC300 has the same 2JZ-GE VVti engine and it's a great car too. I have one with 330,000 miles on it and I daily it. Exclusivity on the cheap. All three of these cars are not lighting fast but they're zippy and can cruse long distances with ease. A mild turbo build will add 150 horses with ease. Big horsepower needs internals beefed up or you'll be throwing a rod.

[@holdtheline-G]

Wow! That’s amazing.

[@bigjdm5460]

@DanSmith186 def will blow at any real torque numbers. I personally have a OS GIKEN TR2CD twin plate clutch and flywheel, I’m going CD00A 6 speed .

[@bigjdm5460]

@DanSmith186 CD00A is the final form version of the 350z/g35 cd001 6 speed manual. Comes out of a 05/06 vq35DE. Same gear ratios virtually as a Turbo Supra MK4 6 speed getrag transmission.

[@masfishing1]

Not bad, 300k. Keep it going.

[@qm2092]

I love my 2003 manual IS300. Owned it since 2006, 270k miles, all stock and still going strong. This is THE best car I have ever owned! I look forward to this series with great interest! Thanks AMD!!

[@qm2092]

@DanSmith186 i had the same problem with my dash. I removed and refinished it when I installed a new evaporator. Looks as good as new.

[@qm2092]

@DanSmith186 it was most certainly a ton of work 🤣. I did it all myself when my AC went out. Replaced compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, and heater core. Borrowed vacuum gauge set and charged it. Six years later, air still blows 40F and dash still look great. It was the most complex repair I’ve ever done to a car.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Stock is my favorite word when it comes to Lexus or Toyota.

[@TJTheTruth1]

My 2001 has 290 k right now

[@MrSuperbarca527]

own a manual as well , 2nd owner since 2009. Swear I am never getting rid if it , such a timeless car and so reliable

[@blank2541]

Bro the Lexus is300 is not a hidden gem. The resale on a manual is insane. Every car enthusiast recognizes the is300 instantly

[@memememine1]

Living in a place where rust is not an issue. Even auto ones go for like 8k.

[@Noidzor]

Even the autos. Found one in the DFW with 89k miles (don’t get me wrong it was in good shape, but still needed the timing belt and god knows what else). They were asking $13k.

[@rexkramer64]

These things are going the way of the 240. Expensive and the people who buy them completely ruin them.

[@Banom7a]

fr lmao, is300 sportswagon is a popular manual conversion, too

[@07wrxtr1]

@@rexkramer64 The guys that ruin cars like this - thing is - because of the industrial revolution - their weak gene pool was passed forward.. normally they would have been weeded out long ago... that's the "why" behind the madness - then toss in exogenous factors like bad breakfast cereal, big pharma, single mother raised, and social conformity topped with low levels of income due to lack of motivation = "cheap modz dude bro" (picture beard + flat billed hat + bad breath/teeth cleaning needed + acne).

[@alexandershaw2378]

1JZ swapped mine. You would not believe the new life breathed into the chassis because of it. Everywhere I go, I go full tilt. 😊

[@gsmiklo8555]

Hell yea that’s the goal haha I miss my manual 2002 super smooth car got totaled tho sadly.

[@bc8580]

Thank you very much for featuring the first gen Lexus IS300 on your channel with a focus on long term maintenance and preservation for a 20 year old car. A truly refreshing video that shares important strengths and weaknesses of this particular well built IS300 and what it takes to preserve the car for the next generation. When all other IS300 videos on KZbin are about unnecessary mods, this video is a breath of fresh air to us car enthusiasts who just want to maintain a factory bone stock car. AMD and Anthony are true legends for sharing the history on this legendary 2JZ masterpiece. Thank you again for THIS very special video.

[@ISTGTIWWGGNBNK]

Big facts. Got mine with 185k on it, previously abused sadly. Was cambered out so bad. Thankfully the idiot didn't try mod any engine stuff so my goal has been restoring it to factory

[@geraldg8327]

My dad still owns his yellow 2002 IS300 5spd MT. So smooth and fun to drive. This made me get a RWD manual sports car as my next car, instead of AWD.

[@adamgilesconcoursdelegance9302]

I’ve owned my yellow IS200 since new.. I paid $60,000 and.. still worth $30,000 24 years later with 86,000kms.. still one of the best cars I’ve owned it joins 8 other cars in my stable

[@adamgilesconcoursdelegance9302]

@dominiquevarnado1369 Australian dollars

[@scott8919]

I wish we went back to glass headlights. I know there's the whole pedestrian safety aspect, and lighter weight when using plastic, but nothing ages a car faster than yellowed headlights.

[@jdmckelvey5567]

Easy fix though

[@dru106]

I wish headlights went back to glass. I think it’s cheaper and easier to mold plastic than glass

[@burntnougat5341]

Glass gets chipped and peppered over time. At least with polycarbonate lens you can sand and restore them

[@mcc7762]

I agree. Glass headlights could be replaced with a simple few screws and a plug-and-play wiring harness. Plastic is cheaper, as others are saying. Plastic lenses are a pain to keep sanding and polishing every couple of years. Even if glass chips, you can replace the entire assembly after a decade or so, if so inclined.

[@egx161]

Just replace them. Except now, modern LED headlights are very expensive. Up to $1000 each.

[@elduve4112]

I’m so glad I don’t live in a state that uses salt on their roads because this car means the world to me. It’s an 03 with 166k miles

[@bigjdm5460]

I remember being 13 yrs old in 2001 . Chicago , on my bus route we would pass a dealership and they had a new black IS300 . Really impressive looking sedan in that era . So now I have a pair of 2004 IS300’s and a 23 IS500.

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, By coincidence, my favorite IS of this generation was also the wagon. Those wagons even have a fold-forward front passenger seat for maximum cargo flexibility.🤩🤩

[@exitioregem8466]

I miss comfort tier wagons, the states need to have more of em

[@majhestiq12]

Too bad, it never came in 5-speed like the 2001s.

[@jj_Dalton]

I miss my wagon sold it 2 months ago and still regret it.

[@PRS9091]

I'm driving a 2005 IS300 with 78K miles (original owner). Still loving the experience.

[@TizzleT]

Got you beat. 2001 with 60k miles original owner.

[@derpherpp3]

04 is the last year

[@drivedb7]

@@derpherpp3 - 2005 was the last year.

[@terrynguyen9102]

These original IS300 cars were my dream cars when I was in high school. I currently own 2023 IS350 F Sport.

[@DysphoriaRL]

Man your current car is aguably better though. Ive been wanting one of those as well

[@itzdarave]

As an IS300 Sportcross owner I thank you for making this video. Mine is blue with black interior with LSD. RARE. I don't think I'd ever sell it since they are soo hard to find with black interior. What's crazy is my sportcross came from Peoria, IL and I'm glad they didn't drive it in the winter at all. No rust issues. 😁

[@2SlayZGTE]

You’ve got a truly special car, and I wish you many happy miles with it!

[@cartergarnon6299]

Best car ever and it’s not even close.

[@PositiveMind411]

Love my IS300 with over 300k on it and she start up everyday and reliable. Take care of them and it'll take you places.

[@vedranbozicevic1111]

I even feel pity I did not buy IS200 manual back then, I bought IS250 which I also like and I am satisfied with but anyway that manual IS200 had that analog feeling which I like(ed) a lot!

[@sethharrison2284]

Just had my '03 IS300 timing belt, valve cover gasket, cam seal, and spark plugs job done yesterday! Excited to see this video

[@verynick]

AMD did the work?!

[@sethharrison2284]

@@verynick no no I wish! Had it done at a local dealership.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

that's nice, you're a rare owner who is still in a good mood after just paying 4 figures for auto service. How much all those goodies cost you?

[@sethharrison2284]

@@robertmaybeth3434 haha well it feels much better than financing anything in the car market right now. With used prices and interest rates being astronomical, I'd rather drive the wheels off my IS. I got a new thermostat, water pump, and serpentine belt as well as the parts previously mentioned. So everything came out to around $2800 with a majority of the cost being labor. I don't have a garage or much mechanical experience so I bit the bullet instead of going DIY

[@robertmaybeth3434]

@@sethharrison2284 Holy cow that's a hit to the wallet alright! I was a mechanic for a government fleet for 30 years and used to do such repairs to my own cars all the time - the labor costs are through the roof as you mention. Unfortunately for me a slipped disk ended that for good so now I usually have to just take it to the shop now which irritates me to no end... especially when I check their work later and find so many stupid mistakes it's like the sent the mechanic home and just got a monkey to fix it instead: hoses installed wrong/not reinstalled at all. Electric connectors dangling loose. Untighted fasteners etc. The worst I saw was when I needed the alternator replaced on my 1985 Nissan 200SX and made the mistake of taking to Pep boys for the fix. Got it "fixed", paid the bill, drove it home, and soon realized the alternator wasn't charging. I traced that to an alt belt that was too loose and couldn't be tightened. And THAT was caused by the moron who installed the new alternator, who never bothered to swap the pully from the old one. And the new alt had a pulley that was too small, such that you ran out of travel on the alt before it was tight. The worst part was the bonehead just let the car go like that. It was almost impossible not to notice the batt wasn't charging, (unless you're a moron I guess, in which case it is very possible). Learned my lesson and haven't been back there since.

[@louie4316]

These stories bring me joy, keep us posted on this car.

[@josephpetrus3176]

I have been watching these videos for a long time. Every time when I see a video, I’d say it’s the same thing. However, I’m amazed at AMD. Videos. It’s a truly learning experience each time I see a new one. God Bless you and give you the strength and health to take care of your family first and to keep educating us forevermore.

[@brianday13]

I bought my 2002 5 speed w/ LSD back in 2005 and have been daily driving it ever since. Also has the leather and navigation package. Was a gem when I found it(i'm the 2nd owner) It's lived it's life in the desert SW so I have ZERO rust issue. The video made me feel grateful I don't live in the rust belt. As the years have gone on I have learned I have quite the rare IS. Wish I had the time/money/know-how that Anthony does in this video. I'd restore mine, too.

[@smlee6290]

Thank you @The Car Care Nut for doing a review on our much needed first gen IS300's! Bought my first 03 IS300 in the factory 5 speed manual w/ LSD back in 2012 at 112K miles before all the hotbois jumped onto the IS300 game. Kept it stock and maintained and still driving it up to this day. Currently at 235K miles w/ regular maintenance. West Coast car so no issues w/ rust. Keep all of your IS300's clean fellow owners. The hotbois who are destroying this chassis will only continue to hold the value of clean examples.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Wisdom here. Drifting morons are accelerating the law of declining supply vs. increasing demand. Cheers!*

[@macbook802]

Hot Boiz were destroying these way back in the early 2000s.

[@RockX_Chris]

That is a beautiful IS! You should definitely do a build/update series on the restoration of this beautiful car!

[@robbythepan5796]

I own a 2002 IS300 that i total restored. I 've have had it for some years before i decided to restore it, the positive thing is that this vehicle has no rust anywhere. I live in Florida and this vehicle has lived in Florida all its life. The purpose of the restoration is because when my son becomes a certain age i want to gift it to him. The 1st vehicle i bought him is a 2009 Toyota Corolla he will have to drive this vehicle for a few more years before i give him the IS300.

[@13THPR0PH37]

I've had 7 of them... Still have two. Never had rust issues.

[@ChicagoShottYPL]

Finally! Thank you AMD, been waiting for you to make this video. As a owner of 2001 Lexus IS 300 Blue Mica and having same problem with rust, it hurts me to see other IS being eaten away in the land of rust :(

[@anthonyboria5738]

Intense blue was this color 💙

[@ChicagoShottYPL]

@@efil4kizum Sadly once the rust spreads it's very difficult to get rid off, on top of that the repair is extremely expensive. It's like cancer for cars...

[@abrahamjoseph6707]

​@@anthonyboria5738aaa

[@YungSteambuns]

I rolled my 01 is300 off a hill and it landed up side down, I was standing on the sun roof when I called for help Had 250k miles and I red lined it every day, I loved that ride I have a gs400 now, but the is300 felt way more nimble and the heated seats in the is300 are way better

[@venatorclass07]

I'm a fellow Lexus IS300 Sportcross owner and have the same passion to restore mine, this video was extremely useful for me. Love the beautiful engineering and design of these underappreciated cars

[@JackMeyHoffer562]

Thank you for finally showcasing the is300! Thank God I live in SoCal and rust issues are non existing corcerning salt-caused rust. Came across one dirt cheap for $2700 but I heard VVTi gears going out, ton of oil leaks, suspension was shot, if I was single I would have blown a ton of money to restore it myself regarding labor. But can do it with a mortgage and family now. Maybe one day I can find a decent shape one at a fair price.

[@KaiPonte]

I love teh IS. I'm 6'4" so can never fit in one, but beautiful cars. I feel bad for you people with snow/rust issues.

[@mg1822]

I just picked up an 05 Auto after watching your video. No rust, no leaks, no mods, all stock. Honestly the best thing to happen to these gems, so they're preserved, would be for the prices to go up. Why? because once a car reaches a certain price point on the used car market, it eliminates most "boi racer" buyers. When a car is cheap and a good candidate for modding, the boi racers will come. When they're priced high, usually only older people can buy them because you would need all cash, as getting loans on a 20+ year old vehicle is not doable. With age comes wisdom and older buyers don't trash them. Excellent cars!

[@vilnis29]

In background I see Toyota Supra MK3 in white. Funny thing is that when I own Supra myself and I have IS200 too. IS200 i have for 9 years and supra for 12 years With IS200 have done 250k km and never let me down on roadside

[@burmesebeef]

i have a 2001 IS300 and you are 100% accurate with the problems i have incurred in the past 10yrs of ownership

[@PuddingPeep-fs1kw]

I had these as company cars back in 1999 and didn’t really think much of them Fast forward to 4 years ago and I reignited my Lexus life I’ve a U.K. IS 200 in pearl white with 59k miles it’s 24 years old and is still like new, I sold my IS 300 wagon which I now regret so much - fortunately I sold it to a good friend who has really looked after it. I just love the way they’re built and drive.

[@brianlewis8417]

I had a red Manual. Brand new in 2002. We only sold it because my daughter was born 4 years later, and the stroller didn't fit in the small trunk opening. Wish we got the wagon. What a great car.

[@tmo2798]

They went 91-95 Acura Legend COUPE* in the front and 92-95 Honda Prelude in the back. Front is beautiful. They should've gone 90-91 Prelude on the back though. NOT A HIDDEN GEM AT ALL. They were expensive to get. The pit for them was about 2012. 2012 was the best time to buy.

[@linkpl82]

My first Lexus ... was like 17 years ago ... this car never give up ... 😊

[@flamuraliu8503]

I love my fully restored 01 IS300. Have owned it for 9 years now and plan on keeping it forever

[@DarkMat90]

Love to know there's people still after these cars! I'm the owner of an IS200 wagon 6 speed manual (EU 2.0L 1G-FE variant) that had a difficult life, but is fully loaded with sunroof, tilting navigation system, xenon, all the options available... Engine wise, is going to recive a 3UZ keeping it manual transmission to mix the best Lexus had to offer in early 2000s

[@greghaselhorst8649]

Thanks for covering the first generation IS300. I am the original owner of a 2005 sedan with Nav/LSD option package. It has127,000 miles with no oil leaks yet. I love the car. The engine and transmission are so smooth. There are times that I got out of the car and did not realize it was still running.The timing belt and water pump were replaced at 90,000. At what mileage does the cam seals, valve covers, and oil pan start to leak?

[@MrSuperbarca527]

own my manual is300 since 2009 (2nd owner ) purchased off ebay from florida and its been the best car i ever had. Never getting rid of this car plan on restoring it as things go.

[@AgonxOC]

When these came out they were very desired by the car community. Also the GS300 from 90s was also the original four door Supra in the US.

[@ttoony333]

No rust on mine yet . Getting it rust proofed next month. I have the LSD and the tiptronic gearbox with no wear on the seats either and no sticky dash. Getting the timing and oil seals done when I can afford it and I will eventually pass it over to my son who is itching to own her. All your advice is so accurate and I just wish you was my mechanic. The blue is also the iconic colour they used when they first announced the is300. With only 110k miles mine is probably one of the rarest sport models that you will find. I also recently discovered that there are only 49 of the sport left in the UK 😃👍 Love your channel bro your clearly a very dedicated and experienced mechanic which are getting harder to find these days when all they do now is plug it into a computer to diagnose. Happy motoring all you petrol heads, keep it alive

[@Bosmob]

The IS300 Sportcross (wagon) was never offered with a manual transmission from the factory in the United States. They were however offered with an optional factory LSD in the USA (sedan & wagon). The only 4 options available in the USA were full leather seats, heated front seats, an in dash navigation system and a LSD.

[@SinGin007]

I was going to say the same. Any manual wagons you see out there have been manual swapped.

[@victorliu9715]

Wow, THE original owner. It's definitely well kept and cared for, even despite living it's life in the rust belt. Here in the Canadian West Coast, these are getting MORE and MORE expensive, and many are abused. Extremely rare to find a well-maintained stock (or even OEM+) example. This man, much respect. I hope his son takes good care of this.

[@tomc8115]

Was starting at a white IS just yesterday and thinking to myself, this car has aged very well

[@Toyota4Life]

Most Toyotas and lexus have

[@hallenpark]

Bought a 2003 IS300 new and i have 412000 absolutely loving it.

[@jdub976]

Awesome that he is keeping it going. The car has a lot of character and he knows exactly what has been done to it. Good luck in bringing it back. Off to a good start.

[@PhoneOffAlex]

This channel is the Gem. 💎

[@adribe5258]

Great video. Makes me want one I even more and educated via information on what to be proactive about. Thank you👏👏

[@angry.8]

Man wish this video was recommended a month ago. Just picked up my sportcross wagon with all the symptoms that you described on this video. Had the valve cover, vvti and seals, waterpump, timing belt, spark plugs, wires etc all replaced. Dealership wanted $5k, took it to an Indy shop for half the price of stealerships. Had no idea these cars were sought out.

[@systemfroze8537]

the bushings are serial nine lol super cool brand for is300 parts and drifting mods

[@Gnusnat]

Finally, I've been waiting for a video about this model to show up!

[@lokiiddqd]

love mine, owned for 12 yrs and counting, oh LSD in Oz is standard but auto only the rust u guys have to deal with does pain me alot, not an issue in my corner of the world kudos to the legends that keep the cars alive with rust repairs

[@ferdiemanuel6401]

Thank you Car Care Nut! Me, I also owned a Lexus IS200 '04 1G-FE engine automatic transmission. Hoping to see more videos of old IS. More power to you and God 🙌 bless!

[@Ronnie_S]

I've always loved these cars ever since they were first sold in the U.S. (Fall 2000 for the 2001 model year). Some of my favorite features on these cars are the gauge cluster (reminds me of a Citizen/Seiko/Timex wrist watch) and the steering wheel with the e-shift up/down buttons for the automatic transmission models. Ironically, I still haven't owned one example yet. 😂 Long story short, life happens. But I'm happy to see that there are people that are dedicated to these cars and preserving a piece of automotive history and passing it down their families. Thank you for another entertaining and informative video!

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏

[@2SlayZGTE]

Best wishes to Anthony in his restoration journey! I love my IS300 Sportcross and plan to keep it forever! This generation of IS300 is such a fun car and it’s great to see them getting some much deserved love and respect! Please keep up the great work, Ahmed! P.S. Unfortunately Lexus never made the Sportcross with a manual transmission. You can do a transmission swap, but all the Sportcrosses for the US market are automatics (which are still a lot of fun, IMO).

[@paulodisano502]

Congratulations on receiving 1M subscribers AMD. Cheers my friend.🇨🇦🇺🇸👍

[@danba7093]

real great learning gained from this channel! looking forward to 1MILLION subscribers!!! lets share more these videos so Ahmed can have a reason to celebrate and have time to treat his family to a dinner or even a vacation!! i know his family is everyone including us! let’s go go go

[@davidthomits544]

Love Toyota/ Lexus my favorite car manufacturer that’s why i only own I m auto technician want something pretty damn reliable compared to other manufacturers out there

[@daryl2jz]

I love my 2004! It only has 99,000KM Here in Canada. Such a fun car to drive.

[@flamuraliu8503]

I love my 2001 Lexus IS300. Fully restored my baby and drives and looks like a dream!!

[@yal100]

When I had my W124 E-Class my dream was to drop the rear subframe, powder coat it and replace all the 10 links of the rear suspension. This guy is living my old dream with this IS300...love it! The right side at the bottom of the rear door, near the rear wheel, is notorious for rust on Japanese vehicles. When it starts all you'll see is a light brown stain. Thats your first warning, because behind the plastic lower valence rust is starting to eat away at the frame. Always check the rear passenger side first.

[@yal100]

​​@@rightlanehog3151Good for you lol ? I'm talking about used cars?

[@bastianmeerhof7741]

Love this car i just got myself a is200 manuel wagon a few weeks ago. Its in the best shape im gone fix her up enjoy her

[@wyomikey65]

Im amazed at how much rust on these Midwest vehicles. I live in Wyoming we have loooooong Winters , thank God they don't use salt on the roads; but use sand. Im a DIYer and only encounter some rust but not to this degree .

[@King_Louie1]

I have an '03 manual with 235k miles. Still runs like when I bought it in '08. He's right about the oil leaks 😅. I upgraded the suspension and added strut bars and upgraded away bars and it handles like a dream! I love driving this thing. I'm gonna be the sad the day I have to let it go or something happens to it 😢

[@Chcotco]

Picked up my sportcross 2 years ago before prices went through the roof. Black on black leather interior. 167k with timing done not too long ago. Seller wanted 7k and I drove away for 5k. My wife even says we should keep it forever.

[@greggraham2642]

Another leak is the VVTi gear seal. Toyota doesn't want you opening them up but replacing that seal is easy. I've done three and it's not a big deal and the car runs better afterwards.

[@bearstephens6722]

The first gen IS300 is extremely iconic! The sad part is, it’s extremely to find one in good shape that’s been taken care of. They were either treated like a 2002 Chevy or are so clapped out they’re about as useful as a modified civic. If I had space, I’d pay good money for a well maintained and 100% STOCK first gen!

[@Citroeniste]

My 2004 IS300 Auto now has 430,000 km. Still going strong. Aside from regular maintenance all I’ve done is change a headlight bulb once. Love this car.

[@robertmaybeth3434]

Wait WHA no way you've gone 430 klicks/267189 miles w only changing a bub?

[@Citroeniste]

Yes. Brakes, oil changes, tires, and timing belt (2). Just the regular maintennace items. Apart from that I've only changed a headlight bulb. Owned since new. @@robertmaybeth3434

[@KotatkoVonDrapek]

you should do the ball joints by now :)

[@Citroeniste]

@@KotatkoVonDrapek Yup! Already done a couple of years ago. Part of regular maintenance when the car gets this old. The only unscheduled item I had to replace was a headlight bulb.

[@brianbanks3044]

if that car had Rust Check done when it was new, it would have never rotted away...it has to be done every year but it works...I had a 05 Subaru that was spotless after 13 yrs when I sold it...every other Outback on the road not rust checked rotted at the rear quarters all the time..not mine, I had the Baja but same design

[@stuartdwight8191]

I'm the proud owner of the 3.0 2003 Highlander and it has only 144,000 original miles. It is a gem in the rough, but it's showing its age.

[@torryminers2177]

Proud owner of a imperial jade mica 2002 lexus is300 with 201,000 miles i will keep this vehicle till the end.

[@Barton_Motors_Ltd]

Great cars. Love the manual version Shame the rust gets to them so quickly Especially the rockers

[@MsGundbear]

So this one is more like in northern US/Canadian car due to salt problem in winter? While the southern states had less of them, is that why the rear rusted so bad? Really want to see how they restore the quarter panel (or the part that was rusted out)...

[@nikodon4182]

When I was 18 I bought my first car and it was a green 01 is300 . Best car I ever owned, wasn’t fast but it was fun . Loved it so much I had to get an isf and I don’t think I’ll ever sell my f. These cars don’t get the love they deserve.

[@josebatista8277]

AMD great video valuable information for those who are looking to buy and current owners. I have an 05 IS manual with a LSD i installed. It has 235k on it runs strong. It has all the leaks you pointed out. Will be tackling this job when the weather gets warmer. Now the rear sub frame is on the bucket list for things to do thanks to this video. As always God bless you and your family.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I once drove I think it was an IS360. It was an automatic, but WHAT A RIDE! I believe it had a V6 also. Great car! Thank you Amad for this video.

[@ttoony333]

I have the blue one sport model so top spec and mint with only 110k miles . Never selling it because it's such a great car to drive and still makes me smile.

[@donniev8181]

Almost to a million subscribers, congratulations AMD!

[@randy74989]

AMD, I always find out new things when I watch your videos. Appreciate the thorough review of the IS and your professionalism. I have an Independent Lexus-trained owner of his own shop who shall be maintaining my 2023 Lexus ES300h Ultra Luxury trim. He has changed the oil & filter twice (once at 1,000 and once at 6,000) already and a Lexus dealership just did the 10k free service. LOL My daughter is very interested in the Lexus IS and I was surprised that they even made a station wagon, which she really wants. Anyway, I sent her the video of your IS to watch. Adios!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Splendid!

[@stevenhinkle6957]

Best instrument cluster on any car ever !!

[@LudasMatyi-fv6mb]

Plus Alfa Romeo's gauges and dashboard!

[@Fafarafa1337]

Funny thing, you say wagon is not common in the US, but we have plenty of them in te Europe. We have is200 in manual and automatic and it is the most common, but IS300 was only automatic an mainly wagons, sedans are rare, also is300 came with LSD as a standard. Also M98 is an LSD diff. M96 is an open diff

[@saudalsadi7287]

Agree best sedan light wieght . I own a manual 04 for 3yrs now and really happy with it

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

I had a 2003 IS 300 5-speed which I drove for almost 15 years until some texting bimbo pulled out and totaled it. I had 223,587 miles on the odometer when that klunt totaled my car out. I miss that car everyday. Super reliable and super fun to drive.

[@Inline6TV]

My favorite car. I’ve owned 2 now and I’ve restored my factory manual one with all OEM Altezza parts. Even with its stock GE engine it’s a blast to drive on the weekends through curvy roads ❤

[@chadpurser]

I had a 2002 5-speed with nav and the upgraded leather seats. I loved that car. However, it has some faults. Gas mileage was terrible for the power level (215hp, ~22-24mpg hwy). Engine was SO smooth though. It desperately needed a 6th gear. IIRC it would spin at 3.5-4krpm at 75mph. The clutch wasn't very good. There was no clear engagement point. I think there was a damper that could be removed to help the feel, but I never did it. The big fault with the interior was the dash. The plastic degrades and gets super sticky, and the center stack plastic is super easy to scratch. One of my favorite things was the door closing sound. Sounded like quality. The oil was a PAIN to change due to the filter location.

[@Sam-go3mb]

You know profit wasn't the priority when the doors sound like that - not to mention that even the glove box closing sounds substantial lol. Love older Lexus'.

[@holdtheline-G]

My favorite Lexus model ever. I was looking for a IS 300, couldn’t find one in good shape for the right price. so I settled for a 2017 IS 350 AWD.

[@mikivli]

more people should keep their cars this long and keep them going. It’s less wasteful. wish manufacturers after certain amount of years release new parts that help with the longevity & improve their popular models

[@charley95sheridan44]

14 & an 18 Lexus owner here from new that lives in the cancer belt, RX is driven 365 and the GS hibernates in the winter in a dry garage. Rust is a terrible thing. Best of luck to the owners!

[@daved3948]

Same here, I put my GS 430 up for the winter. This midwestern salt will do a number on it.

[@moerudyk790]

One thing i would love to see the cost of your work on car you fix! I really like your channel!

[@ppopovich2847]

Simple, fairly cheap, must-do list for IS300 manual. -Upgrade to the 1/2" wider rear wheels from IS300 Sportcross -Put 245/45/17 or 245/40/17 tires on the wider rear wheels (you'll need the traction) -Upgrade from 215 section tires to 225 section tires on front wheels -Install Eibach Prokit springs for better handling and 1" lower center of gravity -Install ACT Street Clutch & 1 pc, lightweight Fidanza flywheel for NA Toyota Supra -Replace differential (3.7 ratio) with an OEM Lexus IS300 E-shift LSD diff (3.9 ratio) -Upgrade to PLP (or other good brand) short shifter -Install Joe Z intake -Replace the exhaust Y-pipe with an aftermarket race pipe (no cat) -Replace muffler section with Lexus L-tuned exhaust (or HKS) These mods will drop your 0 to 100 mph time from 19+ seconds to around 16.0 to 16.5 Huge difference and makes the car much more fun. Holeshot hookup is way better than stock, no wheel hop or spinning tires. My car & my pal's '97 M3 run even on the street, both handle great. Slight edge to M3 for sublime steering feel.

[@theprodistini2590]

Currently own a very rare 2002 is300 with cloth interior, manual trans and no sunroof. Very few were ordered this way. The only thing about these cars is that their age is making the parts for them go higher and higher. But the car has been nothing but good to me.

[@Soltor1974]

Nice slick top base model. The dealer showed me one like that back in 02 when I picked mine up. I was upset whit the guy showing me the cheaper one I wanted fully loaded 😂. At the time I didn’t know they were only a few built that way 😩 anyway I still have my is300 and congrats on your car

[@theprodistini2590]

@@Soltor1974 thanks man. It’s funny how things workout like that sometimes. The less fitted option cars become more valuable due to lower quantities. I have to say I haven’t seen another one like Mine at any car meets. Soon to get a fresh paint job on it and re do All my rearend bushings. I’ve always loved these cars. Currently have two, a red one with front end damage but otherwise in amazing condition. And the slick top manual. Debating whether or not to pull the front end out of the red one and get er back on the road or pull the engine for the slick top and part it out.

[@Soltor1974]

@@theprodistini2590 it’s always nice to have a back up

[@robertehlers3757]

I had a 2003 IS300 SportCross (station wagon) and loved it. It was totally reliable, peppy and comfortable. But the primitive technology of the time will probably not excite many people today.

[@Sam-go3mb]

Own one now, you're right there, it's a simple car. The performance will also let down most people too, considering it has the same performance as a base Prius. Still love it though.

[@Schnarkel]

I dont know if you have ever considered doing driving impression videos but id love to hear your thoughts while driving some of these vehicles you work on as you have such an in depth knowledge of the internals and would have a lot of wise words in regards to how those internals translate to the driving experience.

[@richardlo]

Watching your channel for a long time I can tell in your enthusiasm that you are a car geek first , mechanic second which is a great combo because its not just a job but someone that understands. I too love cars and certain models and years resonate more. I dont know the sentimental value that Anthony has but if I knew him I would say restore it for yourself. If you are passing it your son get him a GR86 or GR Corolla instead. This car needs so much work at this point I dont think its worth passing along.

[@mcc7762]

The point is that this IS is a simple classic, and the GR86 and GR Corolla are just modern technological nightmares. This car will mean much more as an heirloom. Anthony thinks it is worth the money, because he enjoys the car, and wants his son to have his chance to do the same.

[@richardlo]

@@mcc7762 I understand the intention behind it and I dont know Anthony. Just thinking if it was one of my son's it seems more of a liability with all the rust that needs to be replaced or repaired. Not to mention all the gaskets that he pointed out in the beginning that leak. If thats what Anthony wants to do more power to him.

[@arthurdardalis]

Never mind the IS’s… the FJ is just the business!! Love it The IS was available as a manual in Europe