Driving a few hours from home hopefully to pick up a 02 with 90k miles. Unfortunately (for me) it's automatic, but that's fine because I can not find any 5spd IS300s for the life of me. Hoping maybe one day to do a 5spd + gte swap, not sure how expensive it is but I already have a feeling it will be a while.. =)

Anyways I found new love for IS300 and i'm wondering what things I should look out for when I go see the car this weekend...?

thanks guyz

 

Make sure the timing belt was changed if not a good way to knock down the price its the most costly and time consuming maintence required.Check for service records. Example oil change.A GOOD WAY TO CHECK oil abuse look at the dip stick if discoloration it means not changed regularly. Good luck!!!!

 

now i'm torn between an 03 and 02.

still, would like to know what things to look for.

thanks for the tip wickedis. How much does timing belt maintence cost for these cars? I know I can't and would never trust myself enough do it by myself, so I would have to bring it to a shop or dealership.

 

I don't know why people keep saying "too bad it's an auto". You have to re-boost every time you shift with a 5 speed, with an auto you just go all out and hold it till you win

If you're putting enough power down to do a GTE swap, you can worry about a 5 speed then while you are basically swapping everything. You'll need a custom built tranny anyway at that point.

What to look for in an IS? I dunno.... squeaks, rattle, jerky shifts..... pretty normal things on this car. Mine is an '02 and it pretty much has everything the 03 has. Just change all the filters, there are a good few, like the cabin filter under the dash, air filter gets dirty FAST on these.....etc.

My first IS was so good I waited 2 years and bought another one.

 

you should check out

http://my.is/forums.

 

Huge debate now....

01 White IS with custom rims, mileage = TMU
vs
02 Black IS with custom rim, mileage = 94k

decisions decisions

They are the SAME EXACT PRICE.
The black one has more aftermarket mods.
I love white... But the black is nice too

help me?!

 

Would love to help I actually just listed a 2002 White manual IS but unfortunately Im in Florida

 

02...in case you ever loose your keys its cheaper

you also get an arm rest!
and the interiors i like the 02 better.
good luck and 94k check for timing belt maintenance. otherwise knock off 1400

 

Black is's rarely look good in sunlight. Too much maintenance to keep them swirl free and dirt shows instantly. White ones are super easy to keep clean. Dunno if that helps any.

 

PM me
what's your price?

I'll come to florida i don't care as long as the deal is good

 

Yeah I don't really care about interior.
I can always do an interior swap right?

but the TMU is wat worries me about the white one.... =(

 

I'm talking about exterior, but in any case, you may want to see what the interiors are going for before deciding on a swap. Last one I saw was going for over $1600.00 The prices on these IS parts are NUTS.

 

Well it depends wer u go just dont go to Lexus Toyota i herd can do the service it runs somewer between 800-1200 w/ parts. The parts r only about 400-500 includes water pump, belt and pulley the ***** is the time and labor.
Its reccomened replacing the belt @ 90,000 miles. Good luck pal!!!

 

Black r a ***** to keep clean never again go white r light colors IMO.

 

PM sent. And what he said...go white