Future IS300 owner, got some questions.

[MiXx]

hey whats up all? Im in the process of buying a 2001 Lexus IS-300. But ive been having some doubts about it, and i cant seem to shake the feeling of getting ripped off.

Ok, they are asking 14.5k for it, abd it has 138k miles on the OD, which i found out is lower than the MSRP. Ok, im a big toyota fan, but i wanted to know if the 2JZ-GE is a dependable motor with that many miles on it? Or if it will alteast last untill i can afford to get a new motor or rebuild that one? Its a toyota, and i know toyota motors are damn near bulletproof, but i just wanted to be assured taht im not going to run into any major problems right as i drive it off the lot.

Is there anything else i should be looking for on a IS with taht many miles? Im going to take it to my shop and check it over next week, just wanted to know if theres anything specific i should be looking for. Is it also true that the IS will only run on premium without knocking? what about mid-grade, is it possible?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[NYLexSC]

The 2JZ-GE is one of the most bulletproof motors Toyota has EVER put forth. It is found in a multitude of vehicles, including the SC300 (all years) and the Toyota MKIV (1994+) NA Supras.

There are well documented cases where the 2JZ lasts well beyond 250k miles with no rebuild and standard routine maintenance. There are no other real issues other than routine maintenance that I have experienced in the 110k on my 2JZ-GE SC300. The car, as long as it has been properly serviced (which you should have a Lexus Dealer check out thoroughly before purchase), will be in great condition.

You can run mid-grade fuel, you can even run regular. The engine itself is advanced enough to retard the timing and prevent knocking when running a lower grade of gasoline. It is not advisable however. The results of running sub 91 octane fuel are reduced gas mileage (so effectively cancelling out the cost of having paid for Premium, given the mileage you will lose) and decreased vehicle performance. After lengthy use you will develop further problems like constant knocking, excessive wear on seals, etc. It's worth it to pay the extra $2 at the pump to fill up with the proper grade. 15 gallons at usually 10-15 cents higher than regular = $2-3 max. Just do it.

Good luck with your purchase, the IS3 is an AWESOME car!

[turbo den]

Premium gas only... 91 octane or more only.

i tried regular 87 octane, and the oxygen senor blew.

another thing about fuel.. it's the poor fuel economy. it's rated to use the same amount of fuel as GS430!!! it's b/c IS300 has very close ratio gear box... for faster acceleration on this 1500kg car. So, expect that.

otherwise, i love my IS300. Reliable, performance, luxury, bling all-in-one = awsome car. Nothing can compare.

[cuttooth]

i'd say go for it...14.5k seems like a pretty good price.
im very happy with my is3
the gas mileage is a bit poor but manageable. on average i get 22 mpg with city/highway usage.

[IS Girl]

cuttooth...love ur sig!

[cuttooth]

^^thanks

[CorollaINC]

Hey, im going tomorow to see one too, im really intersted into and i was just like you, im cant get the fact out of my mind that im gonna get ripped off or pay CRAZY money for repairs, because i am deciding between the IS and the A4, but after doing my research tonight, im definatly going with the IS,

The motors in the supra TT are BULLET proof, they are known to handle up to 900 WRHP, WITHOUT UPGRADED INTERNALS, now if you think about it, these cars do not have turbos on them, thus less pressure, and odds of things poping or blowing. AND, the same way you would take your supra to the toyota dealership to get the oil change or replacement part, you can bring your IS300 thus it is EXACTLY the same ( minus turbos, and body stance, and the sexiness of that fuckin car), ANYWAYS, im going for mine, i hope you do to.

SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!!

( btw, im going from my 1990 corolla GTS ( which im selling btw) to this SEXY MUTHA F****)