chrisindub

iTrader: (1)

I am looking at IS300s and would probably do the typical modifications to it, drop, wheels, intake, exhaust.

Are there any common problems with these cars? I searched the forums, and came up with nothing. Is there a thread for new owners, about what things to look for or fix on a used 1st gen IS.

I love my SC, but I need something with 4 doors as a second car and I have always liked the IS300.

Thanks

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

in general, not a lot goes wrong with them in stock form...

cd-player starts eating discs usually, but thats about it really... I am sure there are more, but thats the only one that ever sticks out to me...

chrisindub

iTrader: (1)

You must be kidding, the CD player breaks.

No probs with the steering rack, trans mount, hood struts, trunk struts, fuel pump, ignition, trans solenoids, AC, climate control LCD, gauge lights, and waterlogged headlights like my SC? lol

You have a vehicross? My other car is a lifted pre-runner style 2nd gen isuzu rodeo LSE, I have almost the same interior and drive train as you do. Are you on planetisuzu?

Lextrd016

Lol... No problems like that as long as u do your schedule mantanice the car is great have mine now for 6 years and no problems and I'm turbo for 1 yr I love my is

Juic

These cars are pretty solid. But as stated above, my CD player hasn't worked for a few years. I have an 02 and my nav screen stopped opening about a month ago and my drivers door lock solenoid is acting up so I'll probably have to replace it soon. But I've had this car for over 6 years and have not had any major issues with it.

nickkm

bumper tabs breaking is pretty annoying.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

Yah, I've had zero issues with mine, including the cd-player, but, it was replaced under the factory warranty...

no other issues, these cars are actually built quite a bit simpler than most Lexus, as they did very little to the Altezza platform before they started importing them here as IS300's...

Yah, Vehicross... pretty fun little truck... I'm not on that forum, I spend too much time here...

Think the only real difference is the stock Recaro's, and a 3.5 liter vs 3.2 liter...

chrisindub

iTrader: (1)

If you have the GM 4L30E trans a shift kit really wakes it up, I put a shift kit in mine when I rebuilt it, and .......AWESOME! Previous owner took really bad care of mine, so I did the engine, transfer case and trans within the first year of owning it. Does your 3.5 use oil? My 3.2 used to use a quart every 500 miles before the rebuild.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

The motor was replaced at 100k with the updated piston design, so it only uses 1 quart every 5k with Mobil 1... Transmission and transfer case have been perfect, smooth shifts, torque on demand works great too... I think most Vehicross owners are more enthusiasts than your average buyer, so both mine and my brothers are in excellent mechanical condition...

bacon22

iTrader: (1)

idk if this is for all models but melting dashboard is another issue u need to look out for. Other then that badass car no problems. oh my tape player broke lol

2002GGPIS3

Owned my IS300 since 2004, three broken CD changers, but no other issues besides wear and tear.

rothenburg

Had my '02 car for almost 11 years:
2 cd changers broke so I am on an aftermarket.
Replaced various o2 sensors 3 or 4 times. Not the same one each time.
Recently replaced the motor and tranny mounts.
The footrest thingy needed replacing, happened under warranty.
The dash on both sides of the front console have melted.
On my 6th set of tires.
That's about it.

chrisindub

iTrader: (1)

Dash melting!? Are you serious, what's it look like?

djpingpong

The 02 to 05 model dashes were painted with a rubber material that scratches like no other and will eventually get sticky from being in the sun for too many years. If you have an 01 you won't run into that issue. there is a DIY floating around that shows how to repaint it if yours gets nasty.

If you have more than 100k you can possibly run into inner wear issues on the front tires but if you rotate your tires periodically you will be fine.

hatzipri

I have had 3 IS's. No serious problems with either of them. The typical CD player sticking, O2 sensors going, and a squeaky seatbelt and clutch. Thats about it. And in my opinion, incredibly easy cars to work on. Oh I've heard of members having problems with the header cat converters but hasn't happened to me.