Lexus IS 300

kyfdx · December 2004

Lexus CPO warranty is three years from date of CPO purchase, and up to 100K miles on the odometer, regardless of what mileage is at time of purchase.

Which makes a low-mileage CPO particularly good for those who drive high miles... Your car can be in warranty for many more miles than with a new car.

Buy a CPO with 10K miles, and you can put 90K miles on in three years, and be under warranty the whole time.

desiyankee · December 2004

carfax report is clean.

the vehicle is well maintained except for a fender bender in the passenger.

car drove pretty well.

have to go to the servicing dealer and check it out.

tires are new.

desiyankee · December 2004

was thinking of CPO but he is selling it for 13K.

desiyankee · December 2004

I got the service report. The car has been having check engine light on problems they have repaired it 2 times.

any suggestions as to whether this should be a deal breaker.

jmess · December 2004

When the check engine light comes on there usually is a fault code that can be read from the ECU that tells the tech what is wrong. If there were clear reason why the light came on two times and they were fixed, then I would not be that concerned. If the check engine light came on with no fault found then it would bother me more.

If both repairs involved swapping out some major part like the ECU then I would wonder about some form of electrical problem. The odds for two failures with the same part are really small based upon the generally excellent reliability of these cars.

You can get a check engine light from something as simple as a lose gas cap or a lose intake hose clamp though.

desiyankee · December 2004

he had replaced the ignition coil, Machined the rotors and it was involved in a accident.

jmess · December 2004

The price should reflect the depreciated value of the car based upon the extent of the accident damage even if it was repaired properly. If the accident was very serious I would look for another car.

peterpan · December 2004

I wanted to buy a car with both front and rear curtain airbags to protect the heads of all passengers in the car.

According to Lexus site, both 05 GS and IS models only have front curtain airbags, nothing for the rear seats. However, internet sales people at a few local Lexus dealers kept lying to me that there are curtain airbags both front and rear. These sales people are not dumb. They are just not trust worthy!

06 GS will have front, side, head and knee airbags for driver and side and curtain airbags for rear passengers.

What are the changes for 06 IS?

russman · December 2004

I'm about to buy a '02 IS 300 (manual of course). Its got a greddy performance exhaust, 3/4 inch lowered, roof and rear spoilers, and tints. The only problem is these tints are too dark, and the guy has already gotten a ticket for them. Does anyone know of a way to cost effeciently make these tints less or am i going to be shelling out a G to change 4 side windows and a rear?

dl7265 · December 2004

lord where do you live? i had a full suv done with lifetime 3M for like 300. I dont "think" you can lighten any film unless you want to bring it to Texas for 2 summers.The other option is to take it off completely.

Good luck

DL

bjtjps · December 2004

curious to know how your blizzaks did. we were hit with the big storm (cincinnati) and my 2002 is300 manual has been at work for the last five days. just moved to the area and hadn't had time to get snow tires. this first storm has taken me off guard, and i'm trying to decide if dedicated snows will be enough to get me through most of the winters or not.

kyfdx · December 2004

I'm here in that same snowstorm.. My wife drives a 325i, but somehow, I find that when it snows, she drives my AWD, and I drive hers..

I have dedicated winter tires (225/45-17) and had no trouble with traction issues.. Parking lots are somewhat of a problem because of ground clearance. I drove back and forth from Ft.Thomas to Blue Ash every day from Wednesday through Saturday.... with no issues..

I'm sure an IS300 would be similar with winter tires... Your big problem will be finding your size in stock at this late date.

regards,

kyfdx

riez · December 2004

bjtjps... So far no snow so can't tell how her Blizzaks or my Alpins work. Her's should be better as they are a more aggressive snow tire and are narrower/taller (16"), which is key to snow traction.

I knew the minute I put them on we'd get no snow or very little snow. Murphy's Law in action!

peterpan · January 2005

My teen-age daughter wants the same IS300 despite the fact that she never test drove one! The words among teen-agers are that the IS300 is a cool car.

The IS300 uses the same 3.0L IL6 engine as the GS300 but is priced $10K less. The mileage is poorer, 18/24 vs 19/25 in the GS, must be due to higher drags coeff. The IS300's drive and handling characters are very nice, but without VSC, it will fishtail and slip/slide in sharp turns on wet pavement.

IS300's reliability and safety ratings are the best in the market, even higher than the LS and GS, probably due to the small and tight body structure. I would wait until next year when they add curtain airbags to the rear seats.

A local dealer offered me a brand-new lipstick- red IS300 with chrome wheels and leather trim for invoice + 500 which is $29.5K. Their real invoice is about $27K which I feel they were anxious to sell. They would still get all sorts of kickbacks below invoice from Lexus.

peterpan · January 2005

Dealers show all sort of invoices. Tustin Lexus showed me an invoice for $$29K for IS300 with leather trim and chrome wheel.

Edmunds shows invoice for similar IS300 at about $27K.

So how much did you pay before tax and license? $25.5?

peterpan · January 2005

01 IS300 for 13K? Likely to be one with a salvaged title.

If the frame is damaged even lightly, the car would never run right. Even if body shops had attempted to straighten the frame, they could never do it right with the unitized frame. Eventually the twisted frame would damage the tires, struts, suspension etc... and burn the engine.

riez · January 2005

peterpan... I've owned 3 ISs. I have a 14-yr-old and a 12-yr-old. I may be old school, but I think a brand new IS is too nice a car for kids. And is tempting fate. Too much power. Too much capability that can lead kids to do dumb things.

But IF you were to get them the car, the IS has great safety and reliability.

The IS has the lowest average age for all buyers of Toyota, Lexus, or Scion products in the USA. Last figures I had showed average buyer age around 30 or 31.

The IS's highway fuel economy suffers from the numerically high final drive ratio and the numerically high 5th gear. The IS lacks a deep overdrive.

peterpan · January 2005

Hi Riez,

My daughter has only been driving for 1 year and never really liked driving.

Now she no longer wants to drive the hand-me-down Camry and keeps borrowing my GS300 every chance she gets! She keeps offering to drive everyone in my extended family for all their errands with my GS300! She even insists that she will drive me from LA to Las Vegas for our next visit! LOL! I told her perhaps she should pursue a career as a cab driver!

I agree with you that the IS300 is too much a car for teenagers. It's essentially a boys' car. In her senior class, one boy died and two were critically injured in an Acura RSX in a local run. Well, 3 girls were hit and killed by cars while jogging/walking in a fine city in So Cal.

Perhaps I should buy her a bright red 05 Celica with its tiny 1.8L engine. When she's sick of it I can keep it as a collector car! I just love the cute scuplture that is the body of the little Celica! Looks like the F/A-18 jet fighter!

fredmcmurray · January 2005

I've never run into a difference between what the dealers call invoice and Edmunds' invoice. I wonder if the chrome rims are part of the difference. Lexus doesn't offer chrome rims, this is usually a dealer item. They were putting $1600 on the window sticker for chrome rims when I was looking. They'd drop that to $800 pretty quickly, which they claimed was their cost. Actually, chroming rims costs about $100 a wheel.

Now that I think back, I never really talked price with Tustin Lexus, so I'm not sure how they do business.

nyccarguy · January 2005

I would definitely advise against an IS300 for your daughter. I'm not saying it isn't a great car (all the virtues that reiz mentioned), but too flashy and too fast for a new driver to handle. I'm into cars just as much as anybody else here on TH (and I got a brand new car a week after I got my license in Sept '92), but I think you're asking for trouble. Let her have somewhat of a beater (make it safe) for a few years to get her first dings and accident out of her system. If you get her the IS300 she lusts after and she hits the side of the garage or it gets keyed by someone in her HS parking lot, she'll be devistated.

peterpan · January 2005

Hi NYCCARGUY,

You and Riez have good reasons against giving a very nice car to a teenager.

What she needs is a safe, reliable car. The Camry is perfect for that.

What she wants she can buy with her own hard-earned money when she grows up. That way she would cherish it more.

Appreciate your thoughtful suggestions.

riez · January 2005

We were hit with about 12 inches of snow this week. My wife raved about how her IS300 SportCross performed with snow tires (Blizzak WS50s). She said it handled better than any other car she'd had, which included other RWD and FWD cars. (We've never had an AWD or 4WD vehicle.)

Snow tires, VSC, ABS/TC, and winter AT mode all help make the IS300 decent in the white stuff.

itsmeehkyle · January 2005

Wat is up with you people??? wat's wrong with an IS for a teenager? i got mines when i was 19 i sign for it i've kept it good.... no accidents no ding yet... i love it. advise to you peterpan if you think that you daughter is mature enough to have a new car go for it man. the look on her face when you suprise her with it is PRICELESS. make sure you have your kodak ready

. dude how come my parents werent' like ya ...?? i wish i could be spoiled with a pearl white 05 is300 fully loaded with navagation...... any one of you people looking to adopt? ahaha i just put myself up for adoption.... later dudes

peterpan · January 2005

Yay dude........

Like me, my daughter likes speed a little too much! When she drives a GS300, I cannot keep up in a Camry, and believe me, I am the kind of drivers who like to break the sound barrier!!

Unlike people who buy IS300 and drive it like they were in an Echo, I know my daughter would probably push the car's envelop everyday. That's what scares me!

For adoption try a Mr. Toyoda in Tokyo. He can afford to adopt IS300 fiends.

ron_m · January 2005

Well, if it makes you guys feel any better, my 16 year old stepson prefers American V-8 muscle and is chomping at the bit for a 2002 Pontiac Trans-Am WS-6. It only has 325 h.p.!!! ;-) However, he's not going to get it. Instead, we did break down and buy him a 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula. It has 285 h.p. Please wish him, my wife and I all three good luck and keep us in your prayers. He's always been into cars since he was a little boy, and he learned to drive really, really well right out of the chute. He got his driver's license December 9th, 2004 and hasn't had any accidents or mishaps to date.

I finally let him drive my 2002 IS300 a few weeks ago. He did really well in it and loved the way it steered, handled, etc. But who wouldn't? Well, the diehard MB and BMW folks may not appreciate the way that an IS300 drives.

Ron M.

fredmcmurray · January 2005

They wouldn't appreciate because it is better than theirs and doesn't spend all its time at the repair shop.

Only 285 hp? Poor kid. My prayers are with you. I have a 14 year old that has been itching to drive since he was 2 years old. Scares the hell out of me.

kyfdx · January 2005

I have five years and three weeks left... I'm thinking something unreliable, gas hog.. and dowdy.. something you wouldn't want to be seen in... and a good 21-speed bicycle for backup..

pat · January 2005

hahahahahaha - don't blame you in the least!

kyfdx · January 2005

I got my Roundel yesterday.....

riez · January 2005

kyfdx... Read the latest Roundel. You know what they say about everyone having a doppleganger somewhere in the world?

nyccarguy · January 2005

I just read my roundel letters (well put as always reiz) section, looks like we have somewhat of a celebrity here on the IS300 board:) If I send you my copy, can you autograph it?

viet · January 2005

Lexus IS 300

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/jedlicka.aspx?make=Lexus&mo- del=IS%20300

http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid- =11459&src=vip

kzoo1 · January 2005

I am considering a new 2005 IS300 and appreciate all the info here...

I find it interesting that the IS has no "problems and solutions" category... I know the IS is rated as highly reliable, but has anyone had any problems with the car? I am also considering a BWM325xi, but the IS seems like a better deal (unless I could get a great deal on a 330xi since the new 330 is coming out soon). I'm also factoring in the $800-1000 in dedicated snow tires, as I have to live through winters in Michigan...

Anyone buy a 2005 IS recently, and what did you pay? Thanks

riez · January 2005

kzoo1... You should check out the positive things Consumer Reports, JD Powers, Intellichoice, etc. say about the reliability of the IS300. Great new or used car. The '05s are the last of the original platform. Reliability at the end of the production run should be outstanding. They are at the top of the learning curve.

I've got 21,000 miles on my '04 IS300 manual transmission. No problems at all. My wife has about 15,000 miles on her '04 SportCross. No problems for her. She put on about 15,000 miles on her former '03 IS300 automatic and it, too, had no problems. (She traded it in for the SportCross.)

Negotiate hard on price. The dealers can't hardly move ISs as Lexus doesn't make many and Lexus hardly advertises it. You should be able to get a great deal. (But you can too with 3 Series. It too is being replaced by a new platform.)

nyccarguy · January 2005

JUst a quick question, if you're willing to put dedicated snow tires on an IS300 then why not a 3 series? Where do you live?

kzoo1 · January 2005

riez- thanks for the input, I'll keep you posted on the outcome...

nyccarguy-

I live in snow blanketed Michigan (we got about 4 inches overnight). I've considered both the IS and 325, but the IS seems to win IMHO. I rank reliability and value above the ultimate driving experience, and think the IS would still provide plenty of fun. I know that educated people will disagree, as do the "experts"...

BMWs are common here, and you don't see too many IS300... that also appeals to me. Not sure how the 325xi with all seasons would compare to a RWD IS300 with snow tires, but a friend has an Audi S4 with snows, and it does just fine. If I really wanted another SUV, I'd buy one, but I'd like a sporty sedan instead. The 330xi would be nice, but I cant convince myself that it is worth the extra $$-- over $40K, when I think I could get a loaded IS300 for around $30K.

I'm curious to see what the next IS and 3 series are like in the flesh, but probably will go with the 1st gen IS. I have concerns about BMWs new launches--both the 5 and 7 have done poorly in reliability... I'd rather save a few thousand bucks than have the hottest new thing.

fredmcmurray · January 2005

kzoo1 - Not sure why you feel you have to sacrifice the "ultimate driving experience" to choose the IS. I found the Lexus to be more of an ultimate driving machine than the BMW. The steering and suspension are more communicative and nimble, the brakes are better and the acceleration feels quicker than the 325. About the only thing the BMW does better is gas mileage (and getting to know your dealer's service staff better).

kzoo1 · January 2005

fredmcmurray-

I should have used the "quotations" also-- meaning BMWs ad campaign of "the ultimate driving experience". I feel that the IS competes very nicely with the 325, and wins on price, reliability... Which is why I plan on buying one. I will agree with BMW enthusiasts that the 330 has better numbers, but the big number on the sticker keeps me away. Thanks for the input, though.

ron_m · January 2005

kzoo1,

The IS300 is one of the few vehicles that you can purchase today that will almost always turn out to be virtually flawless. Admittedly, I have only had 7 brand new cars/SUVs in my lifetime. But of those 7, only 2 of them turned out to be unbelievably reliable. Both of them were Toyota products. I purchased a brand new 1985 Toyota MR2 when I was 23 years old, and a 2002 Lexus IS300 shortly after I turned 41 years old. I have had my IS300 for just under 2-1/2 years now--and have yet to experience the first sign of a mechanical, electrical or trim/finish problem. Nothing! Not a single thing!!! The IS300 is simply amazing when it comes to build quality--and I am loving it after what I went through with my 1986 and 1990 Nissan 300ZXs. And I don't even want to think about what all I went through with a couple of domestic SUVs over the course of the last decade or so. They were both quality nightmares.

An engineer that I work with bought himself a brand new 3 Series BMW back in 2003. We take turns giving him a ride to the BMW dealership in the afternoon. Usually every other week. Here's a direct quote from him last week:

"I will NEVER buy another BMW!!!"

In a nutshell, I would say definitely go with the IS300. Everyone I know that has purchased one new or used just adores their car. Even after 2-3 years of ownership.

Good luck.

Ron M.

cdnpinhead · January 2005

Interesting post. I also value reliability (especially long-term) above much else.

If it weren't for the boy-racer styling, particularly the interior, it'd definitely be on my list.

I'm 6'2" & don't recall anyone mentioning how well the car fits tall and/or large people.

OTOH, I drove an MGB & two Miatas all over the country for most of eight years, so it's all relative.

riez · January 2005

cdnpinhead... I'm 6'2" tall and weigh about 185 pounds. I fit fine. But I do have to put the seat all the way down. Don't think you'd have much headroom if you were 6'4" or taller. I have plenty of legroom. The backseat is a bit smallish, but works for kids and small adults.

fredmcmurray · January 2005

It depends on proportions, too. I'm 6'1 with relatively short legs and therefore a somewhat tall sitting height. I too have the seat all the way down and slightly reclined. My hair (what's left of it) brushes the sunroof shade, so I generally ride with the shade open.

But this is pretty much how it is for me in most sedans with sunroofs. The Lexus didn't seem any better or worse.

dl7265 · January 2005

An engineer that I work with bought himself a brand new 3 Series BMW back in 2003. We take turns giving him a ride to the BMW dealership in the afternoon. Usually every other week. Here's a direct quote from him last week:

"I will NEVER buy another BMW!!!"

I would check into a lemon law depending on your state, the Current E46 has been very reliable,and been out long enough to have over 100k on the clock on early 323i models .

DL

ron_m · January 2005

Considering the fact that you drove an MGB and two Miatas for an extended period of time, I certainly wouldn't concern myself over the IS300's cabin size. :-) The only thing that bothers me to some degree is the width of my IS300. I do feel a little cramped around my left arm area while driving--but this isn't a show-stopping issue with me. The other three vehicles that my wife and I own are all a bit wider, so this may make the left arm/shoulder room appear worse to me than it really is.

Regarding the "boy racer" styling comment, I have to say that I personally am not put off by the IS300's styling. Exterior or interior. To me the vehicle looks far too classy to be mistaken for a "boy racer" ride. The interior to me is just unique and not too tacky at all. I will agree that it's not best-in-class, but it's certainly not hideous. Some of the material selections for certain interior components are indeed questionable though. Overall, however, I can truthfully say that I am very satisfied with my IS300's interior and exterior styling. Lastly, when a vehicle is this reliable, tight and fun to drive, I can look over the fact that it doesn't have the style of an exotic, Italian sports car.

Ron M.

cdnpinhead · January 2005

Thanks for your thoughtful reply.

I'm resisting the urge to visit my local dealer to pick up brochures.

It may be 3-4 years out, but. . .

riez · January 2005

Is too bad the IS got the boy racer image. Before I had one, I fell for the perception. Now that I've had three, I love the interior and exterior. Beautiful shape and perfect size. Great all around serious sport sedan.

ron_m · January 2005

I couldn't agree more riez! It's really a shame that such an overall nice sports sedan has been tagged with the boy racer stigma. Admittedly, there are a *few* things that are similar to some of the boy racer rides. But as I previously posted, the IS300 is far too classy in appearance to be considered an all out attempt by Lexus at being boy racer.

At any rate, I like mine a lot and that's ultimately the only opinion that should *really* matter to me.

Ron M.

ed_scott0013 · January 2005

...I believe the IS300 (actually, the Altezza) came first, then everyone had the "clear" tail lights.

In a way, you can say that the "boy racers" are trying to imitate the IS300, not the other way around.

fredmcmurray · January 2005

True. The IS is condemned as boy racerish for having a styling element that it had first, which was subsequently copied by the import tuner crowd. By that logic, people should be calling the Z3 boy racerish because of its fender vents, which are also quite popular with that crowd.

But, unfortunately, that is a fight you cannot win. You just have to ignore it.

chasman · January 2005

Can anyone recommend an independent Lexus mechanic or body shop in Grand Rapids, MI?

Thanks!

Lexus IS 300

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