Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » I have an opportunity to buy an IS300 1 2

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  Jan. 18, 2011 12:17 p.m. bluesideup Reader

  A friend is willing to sell his IS300 for cheap. It has about 100k on it, autotragic, decent condition. I know the aftermarket is pretty good and that they get bad mileage for a small car. I do like that it's RWD but when I drove one a few years ago I don't remember it being terribly fast.

  Given what it is I think I might put better suspension on it but it doesn't sound like bolt on NA engine mods net much on this motor without opening it up. Any experience in either department?

  Really I'm buying it for a price that I could flip it in a year for a profit or at least even money.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 12:25 p.m. ReverendDexter SuperDork

  I thought the selling points (at least, to the enthusiast community) regarding the IS300 was that it used the same drivetrain and suspension as the N/A Mk IV Supra.

  I don't think there's much out there for the 2JZ-GE being that it's so grossly overshadowed by the -GTE. If you were looking to make it a fast car, I think the turbo motor swap is probably the first step as it gives you the best platform to build from.

  But, I've never had either underneath my hands, so take that as you will.

  --There is no turd more polished than the Ford Mustang--

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  Jan. 18, 2011 1:21 p.m. Rustspecs13 Reader

  All I've ever seen is guys putting a head gasket on the NA engines and making 400-600whp. Even the NA engine can make some good power booosted. I guess most of the difference is in the head.

  ~Alex

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  Jan. 18, 2011 1:26 p.m. 4cylndrfury SuperDork

  To me, the selling points are RWD, sedan, capable - in the right hands with the right work - of making serious and streetable power, and an excellent aftermarket. Automatic wouldnt necessarily be a deal killer in my book, but it wouldnt be my daily until it had 3 pedals. If I were in a position to get one, even a 100k auto NA car, without having to trade my daily, I would jump in a heartbeat. IS300 is on my short list.

  Real cars only have one header!

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  Jan. 18, 2011 2:29 p.m. mrhappy Reader

  The way I see it is that an E36 can be had for a lot less money.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 2:30 p.m. ReverendDexter SuperDork

  mrhappy wrote: The way I see it is that an E36 can be had for a lot less money.

  There's a lot of E36 M3 that can be had for less...

  Oh. You actually did mean...

  Nvm.

  --There is no turd more polished than the Ford Mustang--

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  Jan. 18, 2011 3:06 p.m. Cone_Junky Reader

  E36 is a superior car in motor and handling, but maintenance costs swing the pendulum the other way.

  If you are really going to flip it, don't modify it. When I was shopping for an IS I ignored any modified ones. To me it just means some kid rode it hard and put it away wet.

  Not much power to be gained with bolt on mods. I am happy with mine stock, but I also have a 5spd track car sitting in the garage for playtime.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 3:12 p.m. Scott Lear Production Editor

  I'd put the IS 300 up against a non-M E36 in the handling category any day. Put some good tires on it and it's a very rewarding car to drive, double wishbones up front trump that primitive BMW junk

  I've had my 5-speed LSD car for a few years now, and I'm completely content with it in bone-stock form. The fuel economy isn't great, but it is a lusty motor; not sure if I'd feel the same way on an auto. Super quiet mechanically, great for gobbling up highway miles, very stout OEM stereo, unique interior styling, lots to love.

  The dashboard plastic is a problem, it has a tendancy to get sticky and mars with great ease, like it's sluffing off excess material. I attack mine with dash cleaner every now and again, and some elbow grease gets the excess mostly gone, but doing so does alter the texture of the dash somewhat.

  An inexpensive one would be a killer daily driver. I am tempted to boost mine from time to time, but it's just so darn nice without tampering.

  Scott R. Lear, Production Editor GRM/CMS

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  Jan. 18, 2011 3:30 p.m. bluesideup Reader

  Seeing that there isn't much to be had engine wise without boost I don't think I would be modifying the engine at all, just a good tune up and clean up. The suspension would be easy to put back if I decided to flip it.

  An E36 or C43 would be a better car but a lot more expensive than what I'm buying this car for by a long shot.

  I was mostly looking for gotchas with a stock is300 ( trans?, rear end?, etc.) and whether it'll be an entertaining daily driver. I could see trying out an autox with it but I have a boosted track car to get crazy with.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 3:35 p.m. bluesideup Reader

  Scott we posted at the same time there. I would be more excited about a manual trans car for sure. Thank you for the input, that's what I'm looking for. I've driven an automatic E36 M3 sedan and it was still fun, I just worry about cars being completely castrated by a crappy automatic like the '04 Mazda3 with the 4 speed auto.

  Interesting how I dislike minivans, SUVs, and automatics but tend to end up with them.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 3:50 p.m. Joe Gearin Associate Publisher

  double wishbones?

  sounds like a Turkey to me

  Toyota does make a fine appliance though.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:00 p.m. xfactoraeg New Reader

  I love mine, gas mileage stinks though. Spark plugs inconveniently located. Oil filter not in the best place but not a huge issue. Dash does "melt" and get sticky, attributed to ArmorAll but I've never used the stuff and have had my car since new. Radiator has plastic endtanks and mine went a little after 110k. Auto uses Toyota T-IV fluid, is stronger than manual. Interference engine so at 100k, if the timing belt hasn't been done yet it should be on the short list. LSD is an option. Stereo is not bad at all in stock form although the 6 disc changer has a design flaw where the discs will jam. Well handling and the smooth straight 6 are great, with suspension mods is even more of a hoot. Cargo space isn't great... Great daily if you don't mind the premium gas and less than impressive mpg.

  Bolt on's don't do much in the way of massive power gains, boost will but you'll have to contend with engine management. More guys doing it wrong than right so I'd be wary of any modded ones. There's a LS-1 swap with build thread on the my.is forum and a few known V8 Lexus swaps. Parts can be pricey.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:09 p.m. bluesideup Reader

  Is there a sticker for the lad or do I have to get it up in te air to check for it? Maybe autos didn't have it.

  Is the timing belt especially difficult (3000GT style) or easy like a 1.8T VW?

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:10 p.m. CarKid1989 Dork

  but why do they get such bad mileage?

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:22 p.m. xfactoraeg New Reader

  Gas mileage... motor's been around since 1991, VVTI added in 1997. Heavy stout iron block overengineered piece of work. Maybe that's why? Car's not exactly lightweight either.

  For LSD; (from my.is) Look at the sticker on your driver door sill/jamb, look for the area that reads "A/TM" You'll see numbers such as B02A, B02B, B02C A=no LSD B,C = LSD If you are still unsure, call 1800 25 LEXUS and ask them to look up your VIN and they can tell you what options it came equipped it from the factory.

  also on the diff itself; 1. M96 sticker equals open Diff. (auto or manual) 2. M98 sticker equals Locking diff. (LSD) (auto 3.9) 3. M85 sticker equals Locking diff. (LSD) (manual 3.7)

  Timing belt I can't say, never done a 3000GT or VW, in fact my IS was the first t-belt I've ever done. With the tutorials posted online, it wasn't too bad, just the crank bolt was a PITA to get off, even with a specialty toyota crank holder.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:26 p.m. ReverendDexter SuperDork

  So far most people have complained about the mileage, but no one's given numbers... what sort of real world mileage does one get from an IS300?

  --There is no turd more polished than the Ford Mustang--

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:36 p.m. xfactoraeg New Reader

  With intake and exhaust I was averaging 18mpg. Commute is mostly freeway about 33 miles round trip to work and back. There is a grade I go up and I was filling up with premium about every week. Same commute in a manual Honda Fit I was able to get almost 2 weeks out of it on regular. I don't hoon but I like to sit at 80mph, driving habits didn't change between cars. Method of measuring was; fill up tank, reset trip counter to 0 and take that against how many gallons it took the next fill up.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:40 p.m. That idiot who can't spell SuperDork

  In reply to xfactoraeg:

  Wow really. That is pretty crappy mileage for a whopping 210hp. I would be looking else where.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:47 p.m. xfactoraeg New Reader

  That idiot who can't spell wrote: In reply to xfactoraeg: Wow really. That is pretty crappy mileage for a whopping 210hp. I would be looking else where.

  Tell me about it, LS1 is the answer.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:49 p.m. kb58 Reader

  We have one, and yea, mileage sucks for what it is, around 20 mpg average. What REALLY sucks is that the new IS350, with another 90(!) hp, gets 20/27 mpg :(

  Another nit, at least with ours, is that the wheel hubs keep leaking grease. Been that way since it was new. That and after parking it, it always smells like we ran over a plastic bag and it stuck to the exhaust.

  All that aside, it's very very easy to find yourself cruising at 100mph+ without realizing it. The engine is super smooth, and the car has had no issues at all in 10 years of owing it.

  Kimini, and now a mid-engine Seven, www.midlana.com

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  Jan. 18, 2011 4:57 p.m. Duke SuperDork

  mrhappy wrote: The way I see it is that an E36 can be had for a lot less money.

  Actually, when I was shopping for a small, semi-athletic sedan, an E46 could be had for a lot less money, so I wound up with one. The IS300 was nice enough but it didn't grab me in any way, and I could buy 325i sport packages all day long with lower mileage for less money.

  Junior Brown is my hero.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 8:11 p.m. JohnGalt Reader

  xfactoraeg wrote: With intake and exhaust I was averaging 18mpg. Commute is mostly freeway about 33 miles round trip to work and back. There is a grade I go up and I was filling up with premium about every week. Same commute in a manual Honda Fit I was able to get almost 2 weeks out of it on regular. I don't hoon but I like to sit at 80mph, driving habits didn't change between cars. Method of measuring was; fill up tank, reset trip counter to 0 and take that against how many gallons it took the next fill up.

  That is surprising mileage coming from a Toyota product which in my experience do quite well, but the upside is you made me feel good(better) about my 20mpg RX8

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  Jan. 18, 2011 9:39 p.m. Apex779 New Reader

  Duke wrote: Actually, when I was shopping for a small, semi-athletic sedan, an E46 could be had for a lot less money, so I wound up with one. The IS300 was nice enough but it didn't grab me in any way, and I could buy 325i sport packages all day long with lower mileage for less money.

  Yep... I just bought a new car at 3-4 weeks ago. I really wanted an IS300 but I couldn't find any in my price range that I liked, and I looked for a long time. Not to worry, 9k got me a beautiful e46 330i with sport package. If you can deal with the maintenance then the e46 is a good deal right now. I'd skip the 325i or 323i at least in my area they are the same price as the 330i.

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  Jan. 18, 2011 10:01 p.m. Tyler H Dork

  I had one when they were a lot newer. It was a great car, but crappy mileage. Very smooth and quiet. I do not understand why they are still so expensive.
  

  BMW was their target, as usual. They got 90% of the way to their target for a few bucks cheaper, as usual. But now the BMWs are a lot cheaper and are still more car?
  

  IS300s are still selling for what I sold mine for, four years ago.

  If they sold for what they're worth IMO, ($5-6k,) there wouldn't be much to pick at.
  

  I enjoyed mine. It smelled great inside and required nothing but routine maintenance over 75k miles.

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  Jan. 19, 2011 1:22 a.m. bluesideup Reader

  Like a lot of you guys I would rather have a manual trans E46 330i but I can get this car cheap enough that it's worth buying over the BMW. The owner has moved on to another love and I'm sure he got a huge quote from the Lexus dealership on the 100K service.

  I only drive between 3K and 5K a year so gas mileage isn't a huge deal. From the sound of it the IS300 will be fun enough until I can get myself back in a 911. Or I'll go crazy and try the LSx swap.

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