Lexus IS 300

cc12359

This is a question in my mind for so long and I finally got the answer.

A. Regular IS300 Manual with "Sport Tuned Suspension"
What's that mean?

B. Sport Design IS300 Manual with "Euro Tuned Suspension"

What's that mean and what's the differences between A and B?
"Per our technical department, the "sport tuned suspension" on regular manual IS 300s consist of linear control valves in the rear shock absorbers. This allows the vehicle to behave more smoothly in turns.

The "euro-tuned suspension" of the SportDesign has the same linear control valves but they are at a 20% higher dampening rate. This means that they absorb more of the turns which result in a tighter feeling in the turns and less body roll. This suspension also inclues a thicker rear stabilizer bar for better ride comfort."

jmess

A thicker rear sway bar has nothing to do with "ride comfort".

fredmcmurray

cc - Where'd you get that information? It was always my understanding that the Sport Design package was purely cosmetics and there was no difference in the suspension.

cc12359

http://www.lexus.com/models/is/5speed_sportdesign.html
click on the Euro-Tuned Suspension

But I emailed Lexus and they get back to me.
I think you are right for the auto transmission

fredmcmurray

Thanks. I'm petty sure that that description was never there for the 2003 Sport Design. The revised suspension might be new for the 2004 MY.

deanedell

Does anyone have any information on the '05 IS? I know its the same body style, but are there any minor changes? Also, when should they start arriving at the dealers?

Thanks in advance.

riez

Even though this is from my wife's '04 SportCross (LSD, VSC, 5-speed automatic), thought you might be interested:

She just came back from a two week 3,272.3 mile vacation trip with the two kids. So the three of them and all their luggage and trinkets.

She used 125.169 gallons which cost her $266.26 (using premium).

She averaged 26.14 mpg, driving mostly 74 mph on interstate.

And she loved every minute of the trip. Plenty of room for them and their things. Great driving experience. Her family members loved the car. The couple that drove it were jealous.

onechow

Saw this on the web at the site below.

For the recent Macintosh computer conference in Boston, one exhibitor took an IS300 and made the passenger's side into a complete editing studio for video. Then, they had producers compete for the best video creation.

There are photos, and some Q & A's that spectators asked.

http://www.techsuperpowers.com/pages/geekmyride.html

christina271

hi everyone

i have had my 04 e-shift for a little over a month now. i love the car, it's great! sometimes though, if i am waiting at a light, even with my foot on the brake i feel a little "push". i also experienc this at low speeds in traffic...what is it???

also what is everyone using to clean the dashboard/seats??

thanks, christina

jmess

It could be the AC cycling on. The engine mgmt system increases the throttle to make up for the load of the AC compressor.

I use Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner on the leather. For the dash and plastic I generally just use window cleaner then wipe it down with 303 Aerospace Protectant (which is supposed to cut down on UV fading.

itsmeehkyle

i've been without my friend for 2 days now.... story is i got rear ended in houston in front of the galleria coming home from vacation... this f150 came kissing my butt. did alot more damage then i thought... hm... so body shop is making my friend better so it can come home soon... well it sucks driving btween a corolla s and rsx s i jsut dont feel it ahahah

itsmeehkyle

any one here recently bought a new 04 is300 from texas ??? want to know wat they paid and buying experiences... 04 eshift w/ leather with piping and vsc heatseats lsd the whole thingy except navagation? looking to buy a new one ... and say goodbye to my 01.

inthezone

I was wondering if anyone out there is having the same problems as me.

SPOILER problem:

       the rubber strip that the spoiler is resting on is sliding out. specifically, a 1 inch piece of rubber is coming out from the curved end of the spoiler. this is just above the word IS300 on the trunk. it has been coming out at the exact same place 3 times thus far. nothing is sticky on the rubber. i tried gently pushing the rubber back into the spoiler but it keeps sliding out. it is stiff & kinda hard to go back in. spoiler #3 lasted almost one month. i know for a fact that there are 8 holes on the top of the trunk to secure the spoiler down. the rubber strips surrounds only certain areas below the spoiler. the rubber strip is not one solid, long piece. dealer claims this is for water drainage purposes. otherwise, if tiny holes exists rust would set in.

MOON ROOF problem:

     on the top (outside) there is either a black plastic or black metal piece that encloses the glass portion of the moonroof. i am not talking about the black rubber strip.

     to put it simply, pretend you are standing on your roof & looking down at the moonroof (rectangle). on the long, middle portion the black coating is fading away. in other words, you can see white metal or plastic (feels like metal). its about an inch long. the same thing is also happening on the opposite long, middle portion.

     the factory moonroof has been replaced with moonroof #2. no. 2 has lasted about a month. now, i am about to receive moonroof #3.

     immediately after moonroof #2 was installed i got tinting done which included the moonroof (tint reflecting sun so the car doesn't get too hot but light still comes in). do you think its tough luck for me i got a defective moonroof (again). do you think the dealership should pay for a REtint for the moonroof?

     as for the spoiler, dealer service will be seeking "advice". the assistant manager says he feels that if he orders spoiler #4 the same thing will happen.

     the rubber strips for the spoiler comes as a package from Toyota (spoiler & stips together). its not sold to the dealer or public separately. same goes for the moonroof. the entire moonroof - glass & surrounding strips are not sold separately.

     the spoilers & moonroofs have been replaced & installed totally free. i got a free IS loaner (had to pay gas). dealer had my car for almost 2 months! they have been nice but i'm getting suspicious. anyone knows if there is a "technical service bulletin" on these specific problems? would it be bad for me if i wrote to DOT?

     i'm scheduled for a service appt for these problems on 9/14.

     can someone pls help me? Please!! i'd like to go into the service dept w/some knowledge.

much appreciation for reading this!! HELP!!!!!!

jmess

I just walked out in the garage and looked at my O2 SportCross moon roof glass and it looks fine to me. I live in Portland, OR which seldom gets above 100F.

I can't comment on the trunk mounted spoiler, I have a hatchback.

is300.net usually provides the most info about these cars.

riez

Motor Trend (Oct/04 issue) has published their "'05 New Car Buyer's Guide". For the IS300, they state "there are no changes for the 2005 models." A bit surprised Lexus didn't add some new standard equipment or do something, anything, to promote sales for the last model of the current platform.

riez

Car & Driver: IS300 & SportCross "unchanged".

R&T: No changes mentioned.

Loved the way R&T describes the IS300:

"a sport sedan to rival the BMW 3 Series.... Priced just right, it is a surprise the car hasn't sold better. ... an excellent driver's car that's traffic-friendly."

cubanpapadj

I was wondering what speed the Is 300 shifts out of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gears. that is in the automatic mode. Just wondering. I also got a good deal on a 2001 Is 300, 57k miles and $13,500. it is very clean and it is Blue with the tan interior, and is the automatic. is this a good buy??? just looking for feedback thanks. (current owner of a Ls 400)

kyfdx

Um....that is dirt cheap.. probably under wholesale.. I'd want it checked out really well. Does it have a sunroof and leather? Is it that really bright metallic blue? Seems a little too cheap...

regards,
kyfdx

riez

cubanpapadj... What is the issue? Are you concerned about top speed in gear? Whether it shifts into 3rd before going 60 mph? Transmission longevity?

Thinking that the issue is more RPMs than vehicle speed. The automatic will shift differently if you floor it from a standing start and keep it floored through all the gears as opposed to a gentle start and a slow increase in speed as it shifts thru all the gears.

IS300 automatic has manumatic capability, so you can influence when it shifts.

IS300 automatic also has a winter mode which, if selected, influences shift points.

IS300 automatic also has a power mode which, if selected, influences shift points.

cubanpapadj

Well the car is very clean. I am jsut takeing over the payments. it has a sun roof and all the toys and chrome wheels. NO Leather. didn't have it that model year. But i wanted to know what speen dose the car switch out of first gear and what are the rpm in power mode. I have a Ls 400 1998 and i was wondering if it would be any faster than that. But i get 300 hp out of the Ls and it is very fast. I love the ride and i have 19 in. chrome wheels. but it is a friend of mine that wants a Gs and is getting rid of this and i would love to have a good 2nd car.

kyfdx

have leather... I have only seen one without it.. I would guess that if the one you are looking at doesn't have leather, there is a good chance that the sunroof is an aftermarket job.

They started selling the IS300 in April of '00, so a lot of them are a little over 4 years old..

riez

cubanpapadj... Just take it out for a good, long test drive and you'll get the answer you need for the specific car you are looking at.

'01s did have optional leather. Even today, leather is optional. Always has been. There has also been an optional escaine/alcantara-leather seating.

No comparison between LS400 and IS300. The LS is a big, long-distance cruiser, really designed for smooth ride and passneger comfort. The much smaller IS is an all-around serious sport sedan. Rides much harder than LS (just compare differences in wheelbase and overall length) but handles and steers much more competently. The LS coodles you in comfort. The IS engages you in serious driving.

If you have an LS, you might be used to very low wind and tire noise. The IS won't begin to compare with the LS in these areas.

fredmcmurray

You sure about full leather being available in the '01 model year? I thought that it was not available until the 2002 models. The vast majority of ISs I see have the Escaine/Leather seating. I don't think I've ever seen one with the base upholstery, whatever that is.

fredmcmurray

From Edmunds' review of the 2002 IS:

"What's New for 2002
...A navigation system and an all-leather interior are optional this year, and the rearview and driver-side mirrors are auto-dimming. ..."

kyfdx

Yeah..its the combo that is in most of them... leather and fake suede.. I've only seen one with the cloth, and it is actually quite attractive... Kind of a horizontal corduroy fabric... BUT, you pretty much can't give them away.. A couple years ago, the local Lexus dealer had a used one... Only 9K miles.. It didn't have a sunroof either, so after it sat for a few months, they put an aftermarket power sunroof in....

I was in the market for a car, and it was tempting (and CPO), but it would have been a dog to sell.. A friend of mine who has a used car lot spotted it at the auction about two weeks after I looked at it... He said it didn't get within $5K of normal wholesale and it didn't sell...

When I saw the price on the one back a few posts, I figured something "usual" was missing...

regards,
kyfdx

fredmcmurray

I would love to have gotten a steal on one with no leather and no sunroof. I hate sunroofs. I love open air motoring if it's a convertible, t-tops or Targa but a sunroof is just a headroom stealing, noisy, expensive, potential leak path to me.

riez

Pulled out some old car reviews:

1. C&D, Oct. 2000: Dark graphite exterior car with light brown interior. Their options list shows "Leather package" but text says "Our car also wore the stylish optional perforated leather and Escaine (suede) upholstery on seat surfacess and door cappings, which is definitely recommended." Options also show separate optional "power sunroof".

2. Automobile, June 2000: Bright yellow exterior car with black interior. They write: "The IS300's few options include [LSD], graphite-lokk [17-inch] wheels, heated front seats, a moonroof, and leather trim." Looks like leather Escaine in the photos. Also has sunroof.

3. R&T, August 2000: Silver exterior car with black interior. Options list shows "leather Escaine seats & trim" and separate optional "moonroof".

Looks like the sunroof was a separate option, so I guess you could get cloth seats and a sunroof.

roman1

Does anyone know what a 17" chrome wheel for an IS300 (year 2001) would cost? The dealer quoted me a higher amount than I expected ($643.00). My lease is up in a month, and I can't see myself spending almost $700 on a new wheel to turn my car in. Does anyone know a place to BUY chrome wheel?....

Thanks for your responses in advance

jmess

Go check out the 4 sale forum at is300.net post a WTB if you don't find any. You can sometimes find them on Ebay also.

What is the point of getting new wheels and only being able to enjoy them for 1 month? Even if they were free you would have to pay the labor to swap the tires.

kyfdx

I'm guessing he has a damaged wheel he has to replace to turn in a lease..

Try wheelexchange.com

roman1

Yes. I failed to be more specific. My lease is up in a month, and I damaged one of them on the freeway. So, I need to buy another one. I've tried EBay already. Thanks for your feedback

riez

According to AutoWeek, 10/11/04, "Limited-slip differential gets cut from manual transmission."

Thank God I bought an '04 IS300 5-speed manual with LSD!!!

nyccarguy

if they took it out for '05, that means it is probably a no go for the next gen IS...BOO!

riez

Was at my Lexus dealer for 15K service. Picked up the '05 IS Brochure. Under the listing of standard and optional "Safety and Security" equipment is shows:

"TORSEN Limited-Slip Differential(2) (LSD) (E-shift only) (2) TORSEN is a registered trademark of Zexel Torsen, Inc."

In the body of the text, it says:

"For true automotive enthusiasts, this E-shift model comes available with the TORSEN Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) (2). By distributing torque between the driving wheels to help improve traction on slippery roads, it helps to keep the IS pointed in the direction you intended."

What a sad state of affairs! Does it bode poorly for the '06 as serious sport sedan? True automotive enthusiasts drive manual transmissions and use LSD to enhance acceleration!!!! Stability and traction control systems improve traction on slippery roads.

riez

Had the 15K service done today. Have had my '04 IS 5-speed manual sedan w/LSD for 1 year.

1. If confession is good for the soul... Service technician report shows I have 95% front brake pads and 85% rear brake pads left. Plus I still have 9/32" tread wear with even wear patterns. Guess I haven't been driving her too hard. (Though I will confuse to some quick drives in the 100-130 mph range. I'm not a smoky-tire burnout person, nor do I slam on brakes at high speeds.)

2. I am a bit miffed at my local Lexus dealer. The 15K bill came out to $440.73 ($151.14 parts plus $257.61 plus 31.98 in taxes and misc charges). I do pay $40 extra for synthetic oil (Mobil 1). But they scammed me on unauthorized, unneeded work. Can't believe they changed the wiper blades and the interior air filter. The latter is supposed to be at 30K. Know I will be very specific with them at the 30K service. When I saw the bill, I immediately told the Service Advisor how much I missed the free maintenance of my former BMW!!! He nodded his head.

3. Just checked out Tire Rack for Winter Tires. Their IS300 package with 16" tires and alloy rims runs $880 plus $85 shipping. Blizzak WS-50s. At least they do ship to a local installer who does good work. I'll be buying them in about 3 weeks!!! Hard to believe winter is almost upon us in the snowbelt.

jmess

Hey if you can afford a Lexus you aren't supposed to care if they charge for service you don't need or want.

There is so little to the factory spec 15K service that I did it myself. The hardest part was jacking up the rear of the car so I could torque check the drive shaft bolts; none were loose.

fredmcmurray

$440! No wonder they can afford to give you "free" loaners.

They didn't tell you what they were going to do ahead of time and give you an estimate? They even did that for the free 5K service for me.

I think I'll follow jmess' lead and do it myself.

smw

Anyone have problems with the Security Light on a 2001 model where the light is solid and the radio is turned on but no speaker output?

Comments appreciated on what is/could be the problem, and how to resolve. Thanks.

kyfdx

Has your battery gone dead recently, or been disconnected?

It sounds like you have lost power to the radio. There is a code you have to key in to make it operative again.. If you don't have the code, you have to pull the radio to get it.. unless your dealer has a record of it.

riez

Hard to believe but the latest issue of Lexus Magazine finally gives some press time to the IS300. The 4th Quarter 2004 issue of Lexus Magainze has a nice article titled "Bright Lights, Big River--Rediscovering the Dynamic Buzz of Mark Twain's Mississippi in a Lexus IS 300" and the Lexus Magazine Online has an article "catch[ing] up with the drivers of Team Lexus and reveals how the team modifies its IS 300s to meet the high-speed demands of the auto-racing circuit."

Too bad Lexus won't spring for any advertising in the major automotive press, radio, or television.

rsr742002

I was surprised to see it there myself. Finally, some recognition for the IS. I was sick and tired to read about the stupid RX & GX in that magazine's every issue. Lexus needs to get serious about the youth segment...

Give me a GS with a manual please! If not, I will switch to the 5-series since I have no choice in the Lexus lineup. Lexus, don't do it as you've done. Put a stick in an SC and GS to keep us interested.

riez

Just put on a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 tires on the SportCross. 205/55R16 91Q. Bought 'em thru the Tire Rack. Part of their IS300 package: $800 for tires ($105/t) & alloy wheels ($95/w) plus $77.40 for freight and then a final $20 at installation. Grand total of $899.40.

Had the four tires/wheels shipped directly to one of the participating Tire Rack installers in Omaha, NE (T.O. Haas). Very easy to order. No problems with installation. Worked like a charm.

lenscap

Lexus should be embarrassed by one of their dealers near Chicago. My friend showed me a fold-out direct mail piece mailed by Lexus of Highland Park to owners. The mailer includes service coupons, but also has a big page focused on the "IS 200/300" (that's how the headline reads). The copy includes a sentence that reads "Select one of two powerful 6-cylinder engines that drive the rear wheels for true sports handling."

ponytrekker

The IS200 is a legit car in Europe.

riez

IS200 can even be had with 6-speed manual. Automobile magazine reviewed the Toyota Altezza 200 back in 2000, right before the Lexus IS300 came out.

Wish Lexus had sold an IS200 6-speed with LSD!

riez

See the April 1999 issue of Automobile magazine, p. 31 (Cogito Ergo Zoom RPM).

The Toyota Altezza AS200 used a 121 CID (1998 CC) I6 engine. This produced 160 HP (JIS) at 6200 RPMS and 148 lb-ft at 4400 RPMs. In Japan, a 4-speed automatic was standard with the AS. In Europe, you could get an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

There was also an RS200 with a "Yamaha-tuned, 210-HP DOHC four." This came with 6-speed manual. The RS was available only in Japan.

riez

fyi... Pulled out my old reviews. So anyone can do their own research:

Automobile Magazine:
- April 1999, Toyota Altezza AS200
- June 2000, 1st drive IS300 automatic
- unknown, 1-page discussion on IS300, G35, and 3 Series (when G35 introduced)
- October 2003: 12-car comparison. IS300 manual comes in 7th. TSX 1st, 325i 2nd, and G35 3rd.

Bimmer:
- April 2001 comparison test between $38,285 330Ci manual and $33,805 IS300 automatic.

Car & Driver:
- October 2000, full road test 2001 IS300 automatic.
- January 2001, 6-car comparison. IS300 automatic comes in 3rd behind A4 2.8 Quattro automatic and 325i Sport manual.
- March 2002 Long-term Test wrap up, covering 40,000 miles.
- June 2002, Short Take on 2002 SPORTCROSS.
- March 2004: 7-car comparison. $31,944 IS300 manual comes in 4th behind TL, $35,540 325i and G35.
- February 2002: 7-car comparison, all manual transmissions. $33,896 IS comes in 3rd behind A4 3.0 Quattro and $38,972 330i Sport.

Consumer Reports:
- May 2001: 4-car comparison. The $34,600 IS300 automatic comes in 2nd behind $40,860 330i automatic.

Motor Trend:
- September 2002, IS300 L-tuned Edition
- August 2002 1-year test verdict of 2001 IS300 automatic, covering 11,360 miles.
- September 2000, 3-car comparison with IS300 automatic, 328i 5-speed manual, and Catera Sport automatic. $34,090 IS comes in 2nd behind $42,230 328i Sport.
- May 2000, First Drive 2001 IS300 (automatic)

Road & Track:
- August 2000, full road test 2001 IS300 automatic
- April 2001, 4-car comparison test with IS300, 330i, C320, and S60 T5. All automatics. The $34,156 IS comes in 2nd behind $39,804 330i.
- unknown, First Drive SPORTCROSS
- April 2002, Long-term Test Wrap Up covering 50,430 miles.
- July 2002, 11-car comparision test with IS300 manual transmission. Comes in 3rd, behind 330i and G35.
  
Sports Car International:
- Oct/Nov 2000, 2001 IS300 sedan automatic
- January 2002, L-tuned Sedan

nyccarguy

That's the test when Lexus sent C/D a car equipped with the 16" all season tires, right? That test was so close, yet so far away for the IS300.

riez

nyccarguy... To say the IS300 hasn't had a fair shot at test comparisons is an understatement.

The 2/02 C&D comparison test was the "infamous" one in which Lexus sent the IS300 shod with all-season 205/55VR16 tires!!! The winning BMW had the Sport Pkg that included the larger high performance "summer" tires (225/45ZR17s up front and 245/40ZR17s in back).

Notice how the earlier C&D test had an automatic IS300 versus a 325i manual with Sport Pkg. And the one MT test had the IS300 automatic versus a 328i manual with Sport Pkg.

riez

C&D, March 2004. Finally a fair test with the 325i. Pitted a $35,540 325i 5-speed manual with Sport Pkg versus a $31,944 IS300 manual. (Can't tell if the IS had LSD.)

0-60 mph: BMW 7.0 vs IS 7.3 secs
5-60 mph: IS 7.8 vs BMW 8.0 secs
1/4 mile: BMW 15.4 @ 91 vs IS 15.5 secs @ 90 mph
0-120 mph: IS 31.3 vs BMW 31.3 secs
top gear 30-50 mph: IS 8.6 vs BMW 8.7 secs
top gear 50-70 mph: IS 8.3 vs BMW 9.1 secs
Top Speed: IS 139 vs BMW 130 mph
70-0 mph braking: IS 167 vs BMW 172 ft
skidpad: BMW .89 vs IS .88g
Lane change: IS 64.7 vs BMW 63.4 mph
MPG Observed: BMW 19 vs IS 16 mpg

The much less expensive IS won 6 and tied 1 of the above 11 categories.