IS300: What to look for in buying a used IS300?

[inspire]

I was just wondering about is300's. When looking for a used one, what do i look for? any problems to look out for with these cars? any years better than others? what changes occurred between the different years? doesnt matter if its auto or manual....
thx!

[hjr]

how pimp you look in it. make sure its not yellow or silver. black or red it the only way, maybe white. Get a manual.

http://www.is300.net/modules.php?name=Forums

[pinoyhero]

Great cars. Check out edmunds.com and look at them under the used vehicles category.

[Altezza]

Go for an '02 if your budget permits. There are significant value-added items that were included in the '02 compared to the '01 (just to name a couple - auto-dim mirrors, curtain airbags, armrest, + many more). The '02 model also features an optional manual transmission where the '01s were all automatic. There are no significant issues for either year. The '01s had a tire recall for bubbles forming in the sidewalls. There was also a TSB for a traction control software update for the '01.

PM me if you have any other questions.

[inspire]

what is a fair or market price (approzimately) for an '01? '02?
thx

[Dope Dealer]

Originally posted by inspire
what is a fair or market price (approzimately) for an '01? '02?
thx

Around 26 - 35k.... Most I've seen are High 20's, Mid 30's....

There is actually a '01 going for 26k on Canada Trader....

[inspire]

thx,
does the Mark Levinson system come standard on all IS300's? or is it an option? 8 speakers?
thx

[Ben]

Wheres the photos? Moving to General.

[Stratus_Power]

Originally posted by Dope Dealer


Around 26 - 35k.... Most I've seen are High 20's, Mid 30's....

There is actually a '01 going for 26k on Canada Trader....

i saw that one too.. but its from vancouver and that dealer has ALOT of cheap cars

47K S430
26k S4
70k G500
80k 745i
35k 2000 boxster.. etc


weird

[Altezza]

Most '01s are selling for low-mid 30s depending on option package. '02s are going for high 30s.

The Mark Levinson sound system is not available on the IS300.

[inspire]

ok..thx!

[inspire]

are there any options that you (altezza) would consider to be must have options?

[Altezza]

It all depends on what you want in the car. I would definitely go for an '02 since it comes with a lot of extra stuff compared to the '01. In terms of what is essential, well, it's a entry-level luxury sports sedan, so it does come somewhat well equipped already. But the '01 appearance package was a pretty decent deal at the time if you weren't after leather or escaine seats.

I would say go for an appearance package at the minimum. Any of the packages above that would satisfy most people. You'll have to judge what you want and what you can live without. If budget is less of a concern, definitely go for one of the higher packages. I went with a higher package for the sunroof and the LSD (and the other creature comforts too).

Unless you have a winter car, you will NEED winter tires - there is no doubt about that so factor that into your budget as well.

If you haven't test driven the vehicle, I'd definitely recommend it. Just make sure you like the car and know what you're getting into since the IS300 isn't your typical Lexus.

[inspire]

is there a place on the internet where i can find out wat package includes what options?
thx

[Stratus_Power]

www.lexus.ca ...

[inspire]

Originally posted by Stratus_Power
www.lexus.ca ...

sorry, i was asking about the '01 is300's

[Altezza]

Appearance package: 17" alloy wheels P215/45R17 Bridgestone performance radials, Torsen Limited Slip Differential, fog lights, integrated garage door opener, moon roof and heated front driver and passenger seats.

Package 1: 17" alloy wheels P215/45R17 Bridgestone performance radials, Torsen Limited Slip Differential, fog lights, integrated garage door opener, moon roof, leather trimmed power assisted and heated front driver and passenger seats.

Package 2: 17" alloy wheels P215/45R17 Bridgestone performance radials, Torsen Limited Slip Differential, fog lights, headlamp washers, integrated garage door opener, moon roof, leather trimmed power assisted and heated front driver and passenger seats with upgrade and wood accents.

Package 3: 17" alloy wheels P215/45R17 Bridgestone performance radials, Torsen Limited Slip Differential, fog lights, headlamp washers, integrated garage door opener, moon roof, leather trimmed power assisted and heated front driver and passenger seats with upgrade, wood accents and Graphite polished alloy wheels.


Upgraded leather includes: Leather seat piping and leather-wrapped shift knob.

The appearance package is a great value for that year if you didn't want the ecsaine seats or the leather seats. Package 1 includes the "suede" ecsaine/alcantara seats. IIRC, Package 2 and up included full leather seats.

Personally, I would have liked Packages 1 and 2 transferred to the '02MY, but they rearranged the packages which screwed me out of more money, haha.

[JAYMEZ]

You can find cheap ones in Toronto if you look at a Tornto catalog, just get a dealership to send it over if you find one you really like

[inspire]

altezza: what year is your is300? '01?

[Altezza]

Mine's an '02 5MT, C Package.