recent is300 buyers

[MrJones]

what did you look for when you were searching for one?
what should i find out about the car? other than the normal carfax and magnet around the car test
did you have any major repairs since buying it? if you had, what did you change?
i heard that the 2jz engine is safe for more than 200k, so getting a 80k+ is should be safe, is my assumption correct?
is the timing belt change important when getting a used is300 with 80k+ miles?
how much did you pay around?

im looking for an 01 is300 with about 80k miles on it, i dont care for extra features, i just want a luxury daily driver and i dont really give a damn about insurance prices. are there any other alternatives to the is thats comparable?

[NYLexSC]

The 1998+ GS300 is comparable to the IS300. It's a little less sport and more luxury. They both have the 2JZ motor, the GS is heavier though and therefore a bit slower. But again, its much more luxorious with a softer ride. The IS rides somewhat stiffer.

Your assumptions on the strength of the 2JZ motor are correct, but that is provided that the motor has been cared for properly (or at least somewhat regularly) up to that point.

Timing belt change should definitely be done before 90k, if it isn't, have it done along with the water pump. At a Lexus dealer, this service would cost anywhere around $500.