Lexus IS *I'm planning to buy one* - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

leasaunce · 02-14-2007, 11:35 AM

Hi guys,

I'm planning to buy a Lexus IS 1999-2001 model. I have a few questions regarding the IS model. What do i need to watch out before purchasing one?

1) what's the common problem with this car?
2) how's the maintenance ?

Regards,
Leon

jhbhatia · 02-14-2007, 03:40 PM

your is australia? do you get is200 or is300? I assumed you guys got 3sge?

leasaunce · 02-15-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhbhatia

your is australia? do you get is200 or is300? I assumed you guys got 3sge?

I prefer the IS300...But don't think they're popular here....hard to find one with low Kms

Don't think the engine is the 3SGE.

Geir · 02-15-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leasaunce

Hi guys,

I'm planning to buy a Lexus IS 1999-2001 model. I have a few questions regarding the IS model. What do i need to watch out before purchasing one?

1) what's the common problem with this car?
2) how's the maintenance ?

Regards,
Leon

Hi!

First, I would like to say that the IS200 is a wonderful car. I've got a 99 mod, and a lot of people think I've bought a 2006 model. It happens constantly. They cannot believe the fact that it's 8 years old!

The driving experience is also fantastic, and it's just one hell of a car. The IS200 is not a sportscar, but if you need it to be faster, buy and fit a compressor kit or go for the IS300. And to be honest, it's still one of the best looking cars ever produced, imo.

1) The only common problem with the 99\00 models were\are the car stereo. If CD's were fed from the bottom, most of the players needed to be replaced. You got an "error 3" message on all types of CDs (burned\original - it didn't matter). Toyota\Lexus had their warranty expanded for these players, to 5 years. Most of them should therefore already have been replaced, but be aware of that! Any other common problems are not known. It's kind of a Corolla on steroids

Take care of it, and it wont give you any problems at all.

2) Major services are at 20,000 miles, or two-year intervals. Every 10,000 miles, or 12 months the vehicle requires a "safety check". This involves an oil and filter change and safety items check that includes brake pad thickness, lights, levels and tyre wear. The IS200 SportCross uses long life 60,000-mile spark plugs and the timing belt only requires replacement at 100,000 miles.

Cheers,

Geir

leasaunce · 02-17-2007, 08:43 PM

^thanks for the useful info Geir!

appreciated

***Hamsterman*** · 02-19-2007, 04:04 PM

Yes - I have an IS300 and I love it

I would say that yes - people have had some troubles with the 6 disc changers, but since it is so well known there is generally no hassle to have them replaced.

On my 5speed there is also a sort of "clunk" noise when you shift gears at very low speeds. With the stereo on, you can't really notice - and when I drive around normally I never notice anymore. It has been discussed with toyota/lexus to the best of my knowledge and it is not a mechanical problem, it is just a soundl... So if you test drive one and hear it - I would not be worried

Any other questions, feel free to ask - I could not be happier with the car I picked out

Geir · 02-19-2007, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theamazingnate

On my 5speed there is also a sort of "clunk" noise when you shift gears at very low speeds. With the stereo on, you can't really notice - and when I drive around normally I never notice anymore. It has been discussed with toyota/lexus to the best of my knowledge and it is not a mechanical problem, it is just a soundl... So if you test drive one and hear it - I would not be worried

I have this noise on my 6 speed aswell, and as you wrote, it isn't a mechanical problem. The same noise are to be found on Honda Integras f.ex., and I've been told it's like that partially because the transmission is strengthened to cope with high rpm's on low gears.

Feel free to correct me wrong, but there aren't a lot of cars who are happy with revving up to max rpm in first gear, are there? My IS doesn't seem to mind

jhbhatia · 02-20-2007, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leasaunce

I prefer the IS300...But don't think they're popular here....hard to find one with low Kms

Don't think the engine is the 3SGE.

Only reason i suggested is200 is cus the engine is more mod friendly...and your already there!!!!

ea8631 · 02-21-2007, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhbhatia

your is australia? do you get is200 or is300? I assumed you guys got 3sge?

I think the IS 200 that sold outside japan is equipped with 1G-FE (inline 6) instead of 3S-GE (inline 4)?

NYLexSC · 02-21-2007, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea8631

I think the IS 200 that sold outside japan is equipped with 1G-FE (inline 6) instead of 3S-GE (inline 4)?

That's correct.

CorollaINC · 03-09-2007, 10:09 AM

IS300 was my first pick when i was choosing between the g35, and audi a4....its the best bang for your buck..and is DEAD reliable..just look after it and it will look after you.

i got an 03 with 63,000km on it 5spd...no problems soo far, beside one of the HID bulbs blew out..and i have the same cd player issue, but im going to swap that out anyways, and put a changer in the back, with the screen up front.

If you want luxury, style and a future option of mind blowing power...Go is300

goodluck

leasaunce · 03-10-2007, 04:27 AM

^yeah mate!

The IS300 is rare....

Would love one though.

well hopefully I can get it in several months time. Will Post Photos when I do get it

Kind Regards,
Leasaunce

xenonvisions · 03-10-2007, 10:56 PM

i had an is300 for a while..and i loved it..like said earlier, it is the best bang for the buck...

***PhatRoyale*** · 03-12-2007, 09:24 AM

Great car, definitely buy one if given the chance

We North Americans get the 2JZ-GE hehe