2001 IS300

[civicgrrr]

hey all just wondering who out there has exp with an IS300....looking at buying an '01

[Mitsu3000gt]

I drove one and they are OK. They are pretty slow, but they handle nice, have a smooth I-6, and a nice interior. You will probably have very few or no problems with it and you won't have a problem selling it when it comes time. However if your looking for performance or a car to mod cheaply, this is not it. I would suggest (as usual) a 2000-2002 AUDI S4 as you cannot come close to a luxury/performance combo like that for ~$25,000. I'm guessing thats approximately what that lexus costs. My other problem with the lexus is that it looks like a Civic, or something very plain. Maybe you like that though as it won't stand out.

Just my opinions, let us know what you do!

[rc2002]

+1 for they are slow. I think the front end looks more like a Hyundai than a civic.

[CivicTunr]

i think the is300 looks good, :confused: really agressive.

[EnRich]

When I was looking for cars back in 02... I found the 02 IS300 quite uncomfortable to sit in for long periods of time. Then like an idiot I bought a 01 prelude instead which was just as uncomfortable. Maybe its cause I'm a bigger guy in a smaller car... Peronsally I love the look of the Lexus to, but would never buy one. If your 6.1" 200+ lbs I wouldnt buy it. unless you want back probs later ;)

[hjr]

i think they are very sexy, the interior is pretty good, and they have the lexus reliability as a major plus. they are not 'fast' by and stretch, but they go ok and handle well. look for a manual though, as the auto is not exciting in the least.

[spyce]

^^^
the manual didnt come out till 02

[ninjak84]

Originally posted by richardchan2002
+1 for they are slow. I think the front end looks more like a Hyundai than a civic.

Civic owners have the best quotes :rofl: :rofl:

[Speed_69]

Power: 215 HP @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 218 ft lb @ 3,800rpm

that's considered slow?? i consider that pretty decent :confused:

[fcuk_it]

the 01 didnt come with an arm rest:thumbsdow

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Speed_69
Power: 215 HP @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 218 ft lb @ 3,800rpm

that's considered slow?? i consider that pretty decent :confused:

It's not a fast car compared to what you can buy for the same money/luxury. It's average.

[5hift]

A S4 might be faster, but your IS300 will never need as much maintence. Audi cant even come close to Toyota when it comes to reliability.

[rc2002]

It might've just been an anomaly, but my brother's IS300 spent more time in the shop than our Pontiac Sunfire. And we owned the Sunfire for twice as long.

I don't think Toyota quality is as great as everyone makes it out to be.

[Speed_69]

Originally posted by richardchan2002
It might've just been an anomaly, but my brother's IS300 spent more time in the shop than our Pontiac Sunfire. And we owned the Sunfire for twice as long.

I don't think Toyota quality is as great as everyone makes it out to be.

I think it is.

It all depends on how the car is driven and maintained.

Everyone says Honda has great reliability. My Honda spent so much time in the shop the first year and half i owned it, but that's because the previous owner bagged it and had crappy maintenance. It started to make me think Honda sucks because of all the problems i had but everyone else that i know owns/had owned a Honda/Acura rarely have problems. I would same goes for Toyota/Lexus.
In the end, i'd rather purchase a car that's more reliable then faster.

+1 for Toyota/Lexus Reliability :thumbsup:

[Altezza]

I know a previous owner of a Turbo IS300. He sold it to buy a B5 S4 since he needed AWD. Overall, he says his Turbo'd IS300 was more reliable than his stock S4.

[rc2002]

Originally posted by Speed_69


I think it is.

It all depends on how the car is driven and maintained.

Everyone says Honda has great reliability. My Honda spent so much time in the shop the first year and half i owned it, but that's because the previous owner bagged it and had crappy maintenance. It started to make me think Honda sucks because of all the problems i had but everyone else that i know owns/had owned a Honda/Acura rarely have problems. I would same goes for Toyota/Lexus.
In the end, i'd rather purchase a car that's more reliable then faster.

+1 for Toyota/Lexus Reliability :thumbsup:

Well this car was meticulously maintained. Single owner since brand new and everything was done by the dealership and on schedule. The car was babied.

It's not like the problems were huge or anything, but I'm just saying that you have to expect reliability problems for any car. Just because it's a Toyota doesn't mean anything.

[pinoyhero]

My wife has had hers for 3 years and it has never been in the shop for more than reg maintenance and oil changes. The car is not fast but is decent. Styling wise I like it over its competitors. Great car if your after a "total package" in that price range. Mine will be for sale in April. Let me know ...

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by 5hift
A S4 might be faster, but your IS300 will never need as much maintence. Audi cant even come close to Toyota when it comes to reliability.


I haven't had a single problem in over 2 years besides regular maitenence. My dad's 540i is 8 years old and it has never had a single problem or warranty issue, just oil changes and fill it up with gas. I really think it has to do with how well you treat it. The S4 has lots that CAN go wrong, but it is no worse than any other car if you take care of it, you just need to be more conscious about making sure you do. The ones that break are the ones that get bagged without care, most of the time anyways IMO. There are guys with 160,000 ++ MILES on their chipped S4's stock turbos. There are also guys who don't take care of them and lost them at 50K, so it's all relative.

[ALBERTA_IS]

I didn't have any problems with my 02 IS300. Excellent car and it might not be crazy fast but I thought it had fairly decent power with an intake and exhaust. Absolutely nothing beats Toyota/Lexus for reliability. PLus the guages are friggin sweet.

[Cody D]

I loved my 02 Lexus IS300 and I am 6'1" and about 170lbs and I found it extremely comfortable on long drives (like 10 hours). The car was great but I sold it to buy a B5 S4. I want AWD, but the IS300 was good in winter once I had decent winter tires on it.