Thundercloud Metallic 2003 Lexus IS300 SportDesign 5-Speed Manual

[@bigdlife86]

Lexus, finally, and a rare Lexus. Bravo👏

[@TysonHugie]

Haha, glad you approve Big D!

[@2jzee103]

Love this car with all my heart. Imo best car ever made.

[@TysonHugie]

Def a winner

[@user-jr8zf6ri3k]

Pienso lo mismo

[@kgthegreatone943]

Cars will never be this cool again.

[@TysonHugie]

Pretty timeless design

[@markwalters784]

I so much miss Japanese cars from this era, where do you find such beautiful examples? Great engine sound, save the manuals!

[@TysonHugie]

My brother sent me the link to this one, it was on Facebook marketplace

[@MegaRetr]

Wow incredible IS 👍

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you!

[@jacobharding2880]

She is a mint one... U never disapoint shout out to ur brother he knows his cars

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely, thanks!

[@NSXTypeRGTRLM]

Nothing wrong with expanding your horizons! Enjoy the car!

[@TysonHugie]

For sure, thank you!

[@cooldoctor174]

Beautiful car. In the right owner's hands !!!

[@TysonHugie]

I appreciate that!

[@ralphlazio505]

I worked for LONGO LEXUS out of El Monte California for 13 years from 2000 until late 2013. You are correct; this model IS300, the transmission is derived from the Toyota Tacoma… so it is almost a completely indestructible power plant, so as long as you keep up with the timing belt intervals 😂 In the shop we use to have two IS300s as delivery cars and as fleet cars; One was manual, and the other was automatic both power plants were completely reliable and indestructible. One of them (last time I saw) had 350,000; The other had 385,000 miles. None of them were a “powerhouse”, but; both were very well balanced, very reliable, very comfortable on road trips, and very sporty when it came down to it. The time , the quality and the craftsmanship that men took to build this model was top-notch first class workmanship; you can tell, even by the sound of the door shutting…. It’s a solid ‘clunk’. Definitely a keeper.

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed, you can tell the car was over-engineered!

[@twojay]

I have to agree that the door shutting sound/feel is pretty great.

[@ralphlazio505]

The car is 💯 solid

[@douglasdowns4846]

Yeah, you're going to have some fun in that car! Stunning back drop for this video.

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you! I had some fun putting this one together

[@denvernn]

Those IS cars are beautiful. Being a Honda guy, I've always appreciated them from a distance. I actually would like to own one at some point. A second gen IS350 RWD. Great find!

[@TysonHugie]

The second gen definitely looks nice too!

[@BernonCars]

So clean!!

[@TysonHugie]

Appreciate it!

[@805NAVE]

So refreshing to see an unmodded and clean IS300!! Sport design is gorgeous, and stick shift too. Wow. Holy grail IS. my dad just purchased a mint IS300 sport cross in pearl white from BaT, unfortunately those were not offered with stick. But a fun car nonetheless, and super rare!

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you, loving it so far!

[@michaelbergschneider2446]

Very nice car in perfect condition.

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you! Def a lucky find.

[@nytnapoli8327]

Looks so mint. Lucky find and congrats!

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you!

[@Lifeisgood586]

Beauty car and beauty view!! 🏔️

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you!

[@smlee6290]

Love it! Have an 03 SD myself w/ the 5 speed manual and LSD in black onyx. Indeed they are becoming a rarer find. Took me about 2 years to find mines back in 2012. Showed up at the local Benz dealership that morning, and I took it home the same night. Kept it stock and UTD w/ maintenance and still drive it up to this day. Bought it at 112K miles and currently at 230K miles. Keep it clean as it sits. She won't disappoint you. These first gens hold their value fairly well as of the past few years, especially w/ hotboi's throwing them into curbs, corners, and crowds. Looking forward to seeing more videos of yours.

[@TysonHugie]

Wow 230k that's awesome!

[@reececarpenter7426]

Wow, that’s probably the cleanest sd is300 I have seen, factory manual with thunder cloud metallic is super rare. I have an 04’ TCM sport design and absolutely love the car even though its auto 😂

[@TysonHugie]

Very nice!

[@SKMilestok]

Had a black/black 2003 manual that I lowered with Tanabe NF springs that I sold to get my 06 S2000 that I still have today. I do miss the my IS more so now, and maybe it was the wrong time in my life being in my mid 20's. I think I would've appreciated the turbine smooth inline 6, the super long gears where 3rd top out 90mph and 4th at 125mph now versus then. I admit it still looks good 20+ years later

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed!

[@Pointyman77]

What a coincidence ! I’ve been following your brothers IS for a while . Have a 5 speed myself but his is a dream .

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely. Import enthusiast world is pretty small!

[@takcleberry]

If this video is recorded in AZ, that’s a really beautiful state you live in!

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you, yes it was in AZ!

[@bnrio17]

What an amazing find! Congratulations

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you!

[@EmirMuhic]

Great car. One of the only two Lexus vehicles I'd consider (the other being LS400). Congrats on the new car!

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@jwesg]

I had a 2002 automatic silver on black when i worked for Bobby Rahal Lexus- i LOVED that car and will forever be in my top 3 of all time. So well balanced, engine was refined, comfortable, and the overall design looks good even today! Traded it in 2009 on a new Volvo S60, talk about a change!

[@TysonHugie]

That is definitely a change!

[@05Forenza]

This is one of the few Lexus's I've always wanted to own. Congrats!

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely, a car I have always sorta been intrigued by as well

[@Kurzawaa]

The holy grail!

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks!!

[@ZoomyZoom77]

Man this is an amazing find!

[@TysonHugie]

Def a rarity!

[@HondAcura111]

Clean clean. Always loved these. Almost got one instead of my RSX. Good car.

[@TysonHugie]

Can't go wrong with an RSX too!

[@qm2092]

I’ve owned a millennium silver 2003 IS300 manual since 2006. All leather with the LSD also. It’s my daily driver with 280k miles on it. Fun to drive and easy to maintain. Best car I have ever owned! Congratulations and enjoy!

[@TysonHugie]

Very nice! Thank you!

[@crabjay7086]

what a find with such a low milage! i have the exact same SportDesign model (body color, wheels) from 2003 with the stick, and from Steven Creek dealer in San Jose, CA as well... LOL... mine has 175K mile and has got me through all these years... still fun to drive the stick. i just got a 08 Lexus GS for a little more relaxed driving and more roomy interior space. will keep my IS for sure. Congrats and hope you will enjoy it.

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you!

[@ciello___8307]

super clean!

[@TysonHugie]

Appreciate it!

[@addiewinnie]

I think it’s a nice looking car… I like that color.

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely, thank you!

[@kamransiddiqui7660]

You picked a great car to cross the Honda/Acura brand. I am 🤤 on this one.

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you! Having fun with it so far :)

[@bc8580]

Congrats on this unique acquisition. The engine sound is certainly an eargasm!

[@TysonHugie]

Not too bad!

[@randomrebuilds]

Congrats on purchasing outside your normal realm! The IS300 was a truly unique sedan when it came out and you are right, 5 spd manuals were rare and far and few between. You're really going to enjoy its handling with the RWD.

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely! RWD adds a whole different feel to it for sure.

[@jpawela]

I love this!! I’ve seen the teaser pix, but assumed it was a family purchase on its way to UT. So clean and never knew about this package. Have a blast!

[@TysonHugie]

Right on all accounts! Haha, I couldn't resist having fun with it in the meantime.

[@coasterjaz89]

Nice Lexus tour Tyson!! 👏🙌

[@TysonHugie]

You bet! Thanks for checking it out!

[@bigwavedave2550]

Nice addition! Beautiful color. My wife calls it lawyer beige, but I love it. I'm looking to buy a different Toyota from that era 😁

[@TysonHugie]

Haha I like that color name

[@sunnymallick24]

I love the first generation Lexus IS. I almost bought one from a friend about 4-5 years ago with plans to manual swap (and eventually GTE engine swap) it as I enjoyed driving his car so much. Nice to see one in such mint condition with the manual transmission. Enjoy it for the time you have it!

[@TysonHugie]

You know it! Thanks Sunny!

[@drsg9124]

Amazing vehicle. I had a 3rd gen is350 and i miss it dearly

[@TysonHugie]

They are solid cars!

[@scarboy6693]

I love it! I remember wanting one of these in High School when I was younger. Had an IS350 lease for a few years and it was a great car too but not as timeless as this one. Tempting me to try and find one of these now.... Also crazy thing.. the Original MSRP of this car inflation adjusted for today is about $53,500 so lines up with what a RWD IS350 with some options runs now

[@TysonHugie]

Wow thanks for doing the calc. Interesting how it comes out inflation wise

[@bradheffran5677]

She’s a beaut!

[@TysonHugie]

Coming from H.E., no less!

[@noahj4268]

I Just got a 2004 IS300 from a friend with only 115k miles 5spd manual, Love it. Now along with my 2001 Celica GTS 6spd manual. Also have my 2000 Tundra 4x4 and my wifes 2006 Tundra. 2JZGE 2ZZ-GE 2UZFE 😊

[@TysonHugie]

Wow, that's an amazing collection!

[@iheartgs400]

Wife had an 03 Auto and it was a joy to drive. .

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely

[@902120]

Great find, Tyson!!

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@jmhatch88]

Nice pick up! I miss my 01 so much. Such a solid car!

[@TysonHugie]

They are great rides, thanks!

[@sleepertesla6613]

You have 3 classics collection in your garage..nice..

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks 👍

[@wh4070]

Absolutely love these. These are amazing cars. Congrats on getting one in a 5 speed too!

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks! It is an impressive ride for its age, especially for the price point which I don't think was too bad when it was new!

[@GS-sm3jo]

Congratulations! Outstanding engineering👍🏻

[@TysonHugie]

I agree!

[@chrisflores5110]

Just moved on from my 95 Acura Legend to a pretty much stock Graphite Grey Pearl 2003 IS300 due to being in college and needing something a bit easier to find parts for. Very blessed to have these as my first 2 cars. Absolutely loving the IS though, grew up in a Toyota family and have always loved the way IS300's looked, even before I got into cars. Bit upset that I'm going to have to give up my Legend since I live at my parents house still, but honestly really looking forward to building my IS300 the right way because man is it a fun, timeless car. 150k miles but still drives like a charm, the NA 2jz with a LSD just hits different. Was very lucky to get one before prices started going up even more here in Cali, these cars hold their value and are only going to get more expensive. Truly a JDM icon.

[@TysonHugie]

Congrats on the IS! Should serve you as well as the Legend did.

[@theopenroadahead]

Wait… a Toyota product on Tyson’s channel? Has there been a rupture in the space-time continuum? 🤣 Kidding aside, it’s a GORGEOUS car, and that is a timeless design. Could you do a behind-the-wheel review and give us your thoughts as you carve up some Arizona canyons?

[@TysonHugie]

I might have to plan a more in-depth eval!

[@MPowerSubie12]

Absolutely amazing video! You outdid yourself on this one! Its good to see the IS back in its original climate or very similar to it. I love the scenery and lighting. The poster of this thumbnail you sent me is already hanging up in my house😀 this video came up at the top of my feed and it was right after I was checking out your poster. I love how you laminated all the documents and even have all the pictures printed. Those brochures are so nice and I could not locate any for 2003. The stock manual Sport Design will only get more rare as they get swallowed up by the tuner community real fast and in many cases disappear. Lightweight manual inline 6 RWD LSD all in a limited production luxury Lexus, there isn’t a car that compares. After reading all the comments a lot of people understand. Also it’s crazy to think but I was the same I was with Honda/Acura for so long before I truly went onto other brands now I’ve settled in with Toyota/Lexus for a long time.

[@TysonHugie]

I figured sooner or later you would come across the video, haha. Definitely enjoying this car. Thank you again!

[@ericslivinski2080]

I've always thought this generation of the IS was/is very cool. Was my go to in Grand Tourismo haha. Cool spec on this survivor. Congrats on a great ACquisition here 👏

[@TysonHugie]

Absolutely! Having some fun with it while I can!

[@jordanjaramillo1]

My Cousin to works for Lexus/Toyota and I remember when these came out he got a sweet lease deal on one and I remember it being BRIGHT yellow. Then my friend had a red wagon version then crashed it and got a grey wagon version. I loved it!

[@TysonHugie]

Oh yes the yellow ones are awesome!

[@SteffanJohal]

As an Acura lover that also owns an IS300, this was awesome to see. Beautiful example!

[@TysonHugie]

Awesome, thank you!

[@HuyNguyen-ib4io]

That gauge cluster is so iconic and still looks great. You found a beautiful example. Many years ago we looked at one (auto😢) and went with a E39 instead. Should have bought the IS 🤦🏻‍♂️. Looking forward to more IS videos. Congrats my friend!

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks Huy!

[@marshallledbetter6789]

Tyson, great to see someone who had a favorite brand but doesn’t discriminate against other great machines! Im amazed at the condition of those perforated leather seats, for 1 they usually shrivel up and crack in the drier climate! I would much prefer full leather over the “suede” the standard car is equipped with… I feel those seats age poorly. great find !

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed the interior has held up super well for being 20+ years old!

[@KillerToefu]

Wow, nice find! I found my 04' Sport design/Thundercloud/5spd/Ash gray interior a few years ago with 116k... granted, it's not nearly this clean. Lexus didn't put any build numbers out for SD's, but there was one random article I saw that said they built 2000 between 02'-05' with no indication of auto/5spd/color

[@TysonHugie]

Ah good to know! Yes Honda is the same way, difficult to track down definitive numbers

[@arpuslaet29]

Welcome to the Toyota/Lexus family! Keep it up, there’s no rule that said you can’t be an enthusiast/collector for both car manufacturers. 😉. What’s the next Toyota/Lexus unicorn you’ll be after next?

[@TysonHugie]

Haha, we shall see!

[@greggraham2642]

Keep it stock except for Bilstein shocks and Eibach sway bars. Really improves the way it drives with out being harsh. You can pull out the dash, strip the oxidized coating with purple power down to the plastic, and paint it with matte black Duplicolor vinyl paint, 9 - 10 lite coats. The dash will then look stock but will be very durable.

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks for the dash idea

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

1:34 and 2:01 Wow hearing that 3.0L 2JZ inline 6 start up and being revved out is a pleasure~~ So smooth and still sounds nice to this day. I miss this era of Toyota and Lexus. Also wow, this IS 300 literally looks like it could still be in a Lexus showroom floor in 2003. I mean 20 years later, and however it was taken care and whereever it was taken care of before you bought it, it's clear that this car has seen a good life.

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed, this car has definitely been taken care of and it shows!

[@AcuraAdvice]

That is one fine Lexus! I'd drive one. This car, or a manual SC300 are the 2 Lexus cars I'd love to own someday...Or both 👀

[@TysonHugie]

I'm so relieved you approve. And I think Shannon would be okay with it, even though it's not the flagship LS like hers.

[@thejewbacabra4926]

Beautiful car 😍

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you!

[@eatonuter7113]

You can't go wrong with a Lexus! I'm curious to see how the IS treats you over time, especially as these are becoming hard to find in such great shape.

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed, you don't see them like this very often these days

[@spencersgarage]

I’ve always really liked these cars. Such a great find! That 2JZ sounds good too!

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed, great sound to it!

[@drivewithanam]

I was about to record a review of mine! You probably have the cleanest IS I've seen till now! It's a gem of a car!

[@TysonHugie]

I will check out your vids!

[@jdcabanas1915]

I'm surprised you went outside of Acura/Honda. But a manual Lexus is an awesome choice. With regular maintenance, that car will last forever.

[@TysonHugie]

I totally agree!

[@RetroCarsForever]

Nice! I just test drove a SportCross version, would've bought it if it had the stick (SportCrosses were auto only, and the manumatic feature was pretty clunky). I've been looking for clean stock lower mileage stick sedans like yours and they're REALLY hard to find these days. I love how small, light, and responsive they feel...Kinda like a BMW 3 series with Japanese build quality. Great buy!

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely, I've heard that too... the 3 series comparison. Last weekend I went to a car show where a guy had swapped a 5-speed manual into his SportCross. Pretty cool.

[@RetroCarsForever]

A 5 speed SportCross would pretty much be the perfect car! And as someone who's also been test driving BMWs from this era...The difference in quality in how well a Lexus or Acura's buttons and plastics and leather has held up is WORLDS better than how BMWs have worn!

[@photilal1960]

Just sold my 04 exact same color combo 5 speed, miss it dearly. Had an HKS Super Drager exhaust and it sounded JUST right. Had to make room for my 94 Supra

[@TysonHugie]

That's awesome, congrats on the Supra!

[@BitcoinTo150K]

Congratulations hard to beat a Lexus

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed, I definitely appreciate the engineering that went into this one!

[@tehsin13]

Like the license plate.

[@TysonHugie]

I copied my bro, but it works!

[@LensOfMartin]

Love it! Classic IS + AZ views

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks Marty!! Also congrats on your gig with RR - Sofyan and I were talking about you!

[@LensOfMartin]

@@TysonHugie Thank you! That’s awesome, I saw you guys have been friends a long time and I’m glad to be working with RR!

[@natemeanor4247]

loved mine and should’ve kept it!

[@TysonHugie]

They are great rides

[@cryptolockxrp2014]

Was this car purchased from someone in Northern Arizona?

[@TysonHugie]

No, it came from Chicago, but was in California for almost 20 years prior to that

[@stussels]

id go for that too for the right price. could last a long time to go with the timeless looks

[@TysonHugie]

Agreed!

[@ua7pyro591]

The altezza 🤤

[@TysonHugie]

Gotta love it

[@ttoony333]

Bro I am in the UK and was lucky enough to find one 3 years ago which had 1 lady owner fsh. I have just over 116k at the moment and only drive her weekends. Mine is also the sport design and I recently found out that there are only 47 left into he UK so never letting her go.

[@TysonHugie]

That's awesome, sounds like a rare car in your area

[@T.O.D.G]

Wow stepping away from Acura for a moment definitely interesting

[@TysonHugie]

Enjoying the diversity for a bit!

[@T.O.D.G]

@@TysonHugie That’s what’s up man. Enjoy the IS. Had to do a double take when I saw the notification bar lol

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

where is that overlook at 4:31? It looks like west of Camelback Mountain in North Phoenix. Like the hill view.

[@TysonHugie]

@@jpadicecoffee9812 yep Paradise Valley area near Tatum

[@SeventyEightCivic]

That is a cool gauge cluster for sure. I think I prefer the blue 1st gen Acura TSX gauges though ;)

[@TysonHugie]

Classics!

[@Triple259772]

Tyson in a is300? Instant like

[@TysonHugie]

Haha thanks

[@toyotafather]

nice find

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you!

[@tiaastle8343]

“…will most likely stay in the family…” haha. No doubt! As it should!

[@TysonHugie]

Word!

[@UnderratedKillua]

Please keep her just how she is! You don't ever see an is300 that is stock or near-stock. Especially a sports design! This is my dream chassis, my goal in a couple years is to import its jdm sister the Altezza rs200!

[@TysonHugie]

Thank you, that's the plan!

[@caribshogun9772]

I have a sport design is300 5 speed manual, but your sport design is way way cleaner 💯👍

[@TysonHugie]

I appreciate that!

[@caribshogun9772]

@@TysonHugie these cars are worth the trouble💢💢💯

[@caribshogun9772]

Mililani 280z 💯💯💯💯

[@jayman6871]

Wow, what’s beauty find. I was looking for this Lexus with the sport design for quite some time but gave up eventually since there aren’t any around. I would love to buy it off you if you decided to sell it outside the family. 😜

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks, I'll keep ya posted!

[@mailmanjoe]

Gosh I wish I wasn't 6' 5". 😂. I'd fit in these beautiful cars better. Never had any issues with leg room in the Legends though!

[@TysonHugie]

Haha. I like the driving position in this thing

[@leinahtanyeroc9]

My 2003 IS300 Sport Design still runs like a scalded dog! Mine is automatic, my wife doesn't like driving a stick. I have my 1999 Acura Integra for manual shifting fun!

[@TysonHugie]

@@leinahtanyeroc9 both great cars!

[@rushmatic]

Not an Acura 😡 Just kidding!!! Super nice find!!!

[@TysonHugie]

Haha yes, forgive me!

[@twojay]

Dibs.

[@TysonHugie]

Deal.

[@87Aquarian]

What a gem! This is when Lexus built a better sport sedan than BMW.

[@TysonHugie]

@@87Aquarian great cars!

[@okniceguy]

I love my 2003 manual IS300 (different spec). I just dislike the *glug experience between shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

[@TysonHugie]

I don't really notice that but I'm going to pay closer attention!

[@jeffg7044]

get a gs400 or gs430! super fun cars

[@TysonHugie]

I have always liked those. Mom used to have an 03 GS430 Millennium Silver

[@beagler4234]

You’re gona have a gen 2 MR2 next 😂

[@TysonHugie]

Ohh that would be a fun one

[@ahuman9864]

It’s closer to a Toyota than Lexus wants you to believe

[@TysonHugie]

I'm okay with that!

[@orangejuiceneggs]

Now you talking! what made me leave Acura sorry acura. Once you experience the 2JZ and UZ engines you’ll understand.

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely some great engineering!

[@CRAPO2011]

These wheels made the is look even more "jdm"

[@TysonHugie]

Definitely

[@hellswindstaff91]

one car i never got my hands on and probably never will because of inflated prices. Ive seen manuals in worse condition selling for 20k dollars

[@TysonHugie]

True, it's crazy what people are asking!

[@JSINATRA5580]

He said he’s not familiar with the brand😂

[@TysonHugie]

Haha, my channel is 95% Honda/Acura

[@ttoony333]

Just make sure to rust proof them as they all rust at the rear sills

[@TysonHugie]

Thanks