IS 300 Common Problems

[72blazer]

I searched a little bit on the site and was hoping for a little more info than what I found. I am in the beginning stages of looking into the is300. I like the rear wheel drive and the auto/manual option and the fact that it is pretty much a bullet-proof toyota.

What are some common problems found in the is300? What year should consider if I am looking for a used model? What years had different problems over the others?

if all this info has already been posted and this is a stupid newbie post, just give me the link to the already-posted-info

Thanks in advance.

[Snow White IS]

Ah... I remember asking this question when I first got my 2001 IS... it's a very general question to regular forum-ers and I never got an answer... I know how important it is to new buyers though cuz I was once there myself!

So I'll help you out by saying that there are no major problems with any of the models... common things that people have complained about are paint chips from rocks and debris along the front of the car, condensation in the head and tail lights, CD players skip, rotors rusting and brakes making loud noise when wet, etc. Oh and it's not exactly fuel efficient... 60L tank and it only gives me 450 km on average... premium gas only! If you go to the dealer for maintenance, you better have a high paying job lol...

2002 and up come in manual whereas 2001 model only comes in tiptronic (I hardly ever use manual mode although I know somebody that keeps it in manual mode full time.) 2001 models don't have an armrest... and the cupholders suck.

You may want to wait a few years so you can get the 250 AWD or the 350 RWD at a used price...

I love the front on the new '06 models but still prefer my gen's rear.

It's a great every-day driving car... except when it snows (RWD models)

Edit... I see snow won't be a problem for you lol... cali

[IS Girl]

although I know somebody that keeps it in manual mode full time

i'm one of them...LOL

SWIS pretty much said everything i had in mind another thing i complained is no memory seat (mine is 2002)...but i think starting from '04 up they have the memory seat button

2001 also doesn't have "auto-dim rear view mirror with compass"

[Snow White IS]

^^ Oh yeah... I forgot about that too... yeah no memory seats and no compass on mine... boo... Oh and they have a manual hood prop too

IS Girl... oh you're on manual mode all the time too? Heheh I was referring to Digger08.

[IS Girl]

yeah...the manual hood prop sucks ...i wanna hydralics!

LOL...yepyep...i do all the time too...

[turbo den]

LSD is a must have option... it's included in most models...
i know for 01, all cars with sunroof will also have LSD.

and, 100% agree that cup holder sucks.

not fuel efficient. 13L/100km city average.

E-shift is slow... i regret didn't get manual transmission.

There is a "click" sound on every first brake after shifting into reverse, or drive.

Otherwise, this is the best affordable, luxury, RWD sedan, with Toyota reliability.

[txleex08]

1) having civic and integras line up next to you and trying to race.
2) racing them and making a complete ass out of them.
3) if you get bit by the "mod bug" it turns into a money pit.
4) Love at First Drive.

[X72]

Agree with the posts above. My sister has an 02 IS 300 SportCross which she loves; it has has about 62k miles. It has been a great car. The brakes click as described above and the car also likes to drink premium fuel; this is no fuel miser.
She had an O2 sensor fail and the CD changer jammed and stopped working, which apparently is a common problem.
We are in Florida so LSD and snow tires are not needed. From what I have read, snow tires are a must if you life in the snow belt.

[L-TunedIS300]

Consider an '02+ if you want manual option. Thats why I got rid of my '01.

[wed3k]

bump for good info.

i guess you can be picky when you buy a luxorious car...my accord doesnt have shit :o