Topic: CD Article: Lexus IS300, 2001-2005

[Autos_Editor]

         
Used Vehicle Review:


Although there were no recalls of the first generation Lexus IS300, there were some problems with its audio system according to Consumer Reports, and some issues with transmissions in 2003 and 2004 models, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase.
 More: All the Used Vehicles

[rrocket]

So far, our 2002 IS300 manual 5 speed has been as reliable as...a Lexus.  It has 200,000+kms on the clock now.  Thus far we've replaced a battery and a lower ball-joint.  And your usual set of brakes/rotors.  That's it.  We run synthetic fluids throughout...engine, tranny, differential.  Car has SRT intake+ECU, Tanabe exhaust, and a PLP shortie shifter.  Import Queen just bought a new set of snazzy wheels/tires for it.  IMO the paint seems thinner than it was on my GS400.  The leather interior is still as new.

You can check out our fuel mileage log for the past 18,000Kms here.  We are averaging 10.3L/100kms  http://www.fuelly.com/driver/rrocket/is300

[mmret]

I'm surprised about the comments regarding used values for the 330. I always thought it was a shade cheaper and more in line with A4 1.8T quattros.

That said I test drove a used one a few months ago...it was pretty sweet actually. Great engine and pulled quite well, even the tired one I tested.

The interior materials weren't quite the greatest though and the center stack design seems to date back to the mid 90s.

[rrocket]

Import Queens runs pretty stout...and the torque curve is just beautiful.  From 2000 RPM up...pretty flat!  Assuming around a 15% drivetrain loss...she's making 230-240 HP at the crank with similar torque.  Not bad considered they're rated at 217.

[Mitlov]

I'm surprised about the comments regarding reliability issues.  I used to have an old copy of Consumer Reports that said that the IS300 was the most reliable car they'd ever assembled data on.

Still, it's far too small for my tastes.  It doesn't surprise me that some varieties were classified as subcompacts based on interior space.

[rrocket]

I'm surprised about the comments regarding reliability issues.  I used to have an old copy of Consumer Reports that said that the IS300 was the most reliable car they'd ever assembled data on.

Still, it's far too small for my tastes.  It doesn't surprise me that some varieties were classified as subcompacts based on interior space.

Yea...me too.  CR and JD Power both list it as the most reliable car in it's class.

[Erik]

Always thought that was a nice car. Sadly, I probably won't fit in that one either.... 

[rrocket]

Always thought that was a nice car. Sadly, I probably won't fit in that one either.... 

But you fit in the BMW?  Odd....like I said...the IS has 2" more legroom than BMW

[Mitlov]

Always thought that was a nice car. Sadly, I probably won't fit in that one either.... 

But you fit in the BMW?  Odd....like I said...the IS has 2" more legroom than BMW

Only according to the EPA's interior measurements.  EPA interior measurements are notoriously inaccurate at reflecting real-world-usable interior space IMO.  And in my experience, the IS250 definitely felt more cramped than a 3-Series.  And the IS300 is smaller than an IS250...

[rrocket]

  And the IS300 is smaller than an IS250...

In some interior dimensions...yea.  For example..the IS300 has more headroom both front and back.  I could not tell a difference in legroom either front, or back (to be honest I wasn't in the back for more than a second or two).  The most noticeable difference was the width.  The IS250 felt considerably wider on the inside.  The dash also seemed farther away...therefore a bit more spacious.

I know this because we drove an IS250 just last week....

[TopGun]

I drove Import Queens Lexus...I really liked it.  The engine had a nice growl to it...and I remember really liking the feel of the shifter...very positive feeling.

I liked the exhaust sound...but the Tenabe exhaust makes the RX-8 sound like a Civic.

The best compliment I give a car is that it feels smaller than it is...and this Lexi feels pretty small.

[rrocket]

I drove Import Queens Lexus...I really liked it.  The engine had a nice growl to it...and I remember really liking the feel of the shifter...very positive feeling.

I liked the exhaust sound...but the Tenabe exhaust makes the RX-8 sound like a Civic.

The best compliment I give a car is that it feels smaller than it is...and this Lexi feels pretty small.

I'd like the IS250 better if it still had the I6......Did you get the Tanabe for your RX8?  I didn't know that.

[TopGun]

I'd like the IS250 better if it still had the I6......Did you get the Tanabe for your RX8?  I didn't know that.

Sorry...no...I listened to the clips on the manufacturer site, youtube, and the RX-8 club site.

I picked up my seat that was adjusted today...I`ll drive it tomorrow for a couple of hours and see if it still hurts.  If it does...she`s gone....hello Mustang!

[rrocket]

I'd like the IS250 better if it still had the I6......Did you get the Tanabe for your RX8?  I didn't know that.

Sorry...no...I listened to the clips on the manufacturer site, youtube, and the RX-8 club site.

I picked up my seat that was adjusted today...I`ll drive it tomorrow for a couple of hours and see if it still hurts.  If it does...she`s gone....hello Mustang!

Sweet....