Hey guys, I always wanted to get back into the Lexus world ever since i totaled my SC300 a couple years ago in the winter. Was a very sad day. But anyway, I was looking at this '01 IS300. It doesn't say much about the car. it just says "fully loaded" and "excellent condition inside and out". I need to know what kind of things i need to check out if i go and look at this car. Like common problems with the car or things to double check. Also is the price reasonable? I don't know much about the IS300's yet. Thanks for any help guys!

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...860691066.html

 

Anything guys? any help would be awesome!

 

Also what are the differences/upgrades that were put into the 2002 vs. 2001 IS300's?

 

nice looking ride. Not feeling the taillight tint but to each his own lolz. Looks pretty clean in and out. ask about service records and timing belt because its close to time for a timing belt change. Good price for the miles though. Other than that pretty much general car buying info such as brakes, tires, any smoking, knocks etc.

 

Haha yep the blue tint has got to go if I get this car for sure. Def NOT my style. But I'll keep the smoked rear side markers . Do you know how much a timing belt job would cost if it hasnt been done yet?

 

Like slidingIS said, good price for the miles. As far as the difference in models: http://my.is/forums/f52/2001-2005-is...s-list-228212/

I didn't think that the tail tint was real and was just the angle or something, but you should swap those out asap imo lol. Buying the jdm ones from Nigel is an option: http://my.is/forums/f190/jdm-dark-ch...-stock-395087/

Regarding maintenance: http://my.is/forums/f115/is300-maint...extras-388657/

Also, check out my.is/forums for more info. The first gen IS scene and amount of information is a lot bigger over there compared to CL.

 

Also, very important, pull a Carfax and make sure the car is clean.

 

timing belt done right only means going to toyota or lexus and having it done with oem parts. I just got mine done and it was $325 out the door at the toyota dealership.

shhhua has a good point about my.is/forums. there is alot of info there too.

ANd thanks 516IS i forgot about that. that can be a deal breaker

 

Ok guys found one that I'm interested in. its an 02 with 111,000 miles on it, but he says just recently it makes a noise when turning the steering. should I be worried?

 

Yeah I would never take it to a lowballer shop thats for sure. If I have any work done to my Celica, its the dealer or myself ONLY. Also, your able to get the Lexus belt replaced at a toyota dealer? is it a lot cheaper that way?

 

Yup, Toyota is cheaper than Lexus. Your payin for the name, while the part# is identical

 

Yeah get ge supra timing belt and waterpump.
Same thing but cheaper and labor cheaper at dealership too.

 

yep Toyota dealership is the way to go i havent had any problems out of mine. Plus Toyota was alot closer than Lexus which is 2 hours away, and like IS3 FTW said when you check the part #s its the same

 

Sweet, I never knew that, that would save a TON of cash. Thanks guys! Now that I know that I dont have to be TOO worried about the timing belt being replaced on cars for sale if I can just get it done for cheaper at the Toyota dealer.