This Lexus IS Model is a Total Hidden Gem with a Fully Committed Owner!
Vložit
- čas přidán 1. 03. 2024
- We take a look a the original and first generation Lexus IS with an owner that loves the car so much they're slowly restoring it to it's former glory.
The Lexus IS300 is truly a fun car that escapes the view of many. In this video we talk about what makes them special and some of their common issues to look out for.
TCCN Automotive Inc.
Toyota and Lexus Specialist Repair
Visit www.tccnautomotive.com to schedule your appointment today.
Check out the second channel :
/ @thecarcarenutreviews
Recommended Tools:
Basic Scan Tool amzn.to/3Jm6aom
Very good DIY Scan Tool amzn.to/3zF7dvH
Advanced Scan tool amzn.to/3q3L3QQ
Spill Free Coolant Replacement Funnel amzn.to/3uJfKxm
Sun roof drain cleaning tool amzn.to/3GMDlQ9
Good DIY Torque Wrench 1/2" amzn.to/3gE9bnw
Wireless Apple CarPlay for Toyota\Lexus amzn.to/3uKElSo
Very Good Triple Camera Borescope amzn.to/3MrgFs0
*as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow the channel on Social Media :
/ thecarcarenut
/ thecarcarenut
Check out the channel Merch store
/ @thecarcarenut
Make a one time donation to the channel:
www.paypal.me/CCNdonate
Check out the amazon store:
www.amazon.com/shop/thecarcarenut
*as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#thecarcarenut #tccnautomotive #lexus - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Ahmed is truly the master at what he does! This wouldnt of been possible at to do! Without my Man ahmed hes is the best ever you will get when it comes to toyota lexus and is far the best ever you will get from CZcams channels! I am the owner Anthony, and i am truly greatful for Amd pasion towards repairing this is300 for my sons! I wanted to try my best to give everything i could to show my boyz that are both are in the automotive industry aspiring to work on and with cars! To Antman! ABE! DAD IS PROUD OF YOUS! keep working hard! You havent seen nothing yet! Also to my daughters Natalia and jahnesa dad loves yous all! And could never be so proud of yours guys accomplishments❤Again To the whole CarCareNut family you guys are amazing special thanks for meli,jose,diego and the rest of the guys who all worked together to assist is this major endeavor of mines! Please suport the channel you will never see anything better then TCCN 🙏 may the lord keep and bless! AMD! and family and staff! CarCareNut for life! Fans you have seen nothing yet! Stay tuned! Sincerely, biggest CarCareNut Fan!!!!!!!!!!!
Hands down he's the best! I've been going to his shop since he opened and I drive to his shop from Peoria. I always look forward to my next appointment which will be in June. Best of luck on your project and I'll be following it as he does more on your IS!
😁😁
Kuddos for keeping the sweet machine going!
@@charley95sheridan44 that is why i took my truck from a long distance (500 miles) to the car nut shop and i did not get it back in tiptop condition at all like it was NEVER fully and thoroughly inspected before it left the shop after 12 weeks there
12:51 ... rear subframe looks sweet !
Bro the Lexus is300 is not a hidden gem. The resale on a manual is insane. Every car enthusiast recognizes the is300 instantly
Living in a place where rust is not an issue. Even auto ones go for like 8k.
Even the autos. Found one in the DFW with 89k miles (don’t get me wrong it was in good shape, but still needed the timing belt and god knows what else). They were asking $13k.
These things are going the way of the 240. Expensive and the people who buy them completely ruin them.
fr lmao, is300 sportswagon is a popular manual conversion, too
@@rexkramer64 The guys that ruin cars like this - thing is - because of the industrial revolution - their weak gene pool was passed forward.. normally they would have been weeded out long ago... that's the "why" behind the madness - then toss in exogenous factors like bad breakfast cereal, big pharma, single mother raised, and social conformity topped with low levels of income due to lack of motivation = "cheap modz dude bro" (picture beard + flat billed hat + bad breath/teeth cleaning needed + acne).
I wish we went back to glass headlights. I know there's the whole pedestrian safety aspect, and lighter weight when using plastic, but nothing ages a car faster than yellowed headlights.
Easy fix though
I wish headlights went back to glass. I think it’s cheaper and easier to mold plastic than glass
Glass gets chipped and peppered over time. At least with polycarbonate lens you can sand and restore them
I agree. Glass headlights could be replaced with a simple few screws and a plug-and-play wiring harness. Plastic is cheaper, as others are saying. Plastic lenses are a pain to keep sanding and polishing every couple of years. Even if glass chips, you can replace the entire assembly after a decade or so, if so inclined.
Just replace them. Except now, modern LED headlights are very expensive. Up to $1000 each.
I love my 2003 manual IS300. Owned it since 2006, 270k miles, all stock and still going strong. This is THE best car I have ever owned! I look forward to this series with great interest! Thanks AMD!!
@@DanSmith186 i had the same problem with my dash. I removed and refinished it when I installed a new evaporator. Looks as good as new.
@@DanSmith186 it was most certainly a ton of work 🤣. I did it all myself when my AC went out. Replaced compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, and heater core. Borrowed vacuum gauge set and charged it. Six years later, air still blows 40F and dash still look great. It was the most complex repair I’ve ever done to a car.
Stock is my favorite word when it comes to Lexus or Toyota.
My 2001 has 290 k right now
My dad still owns his yellow 2002 IS300 5spd MT. So smooth and fun to drive. This made me get a RWD manual sports car as my next car, instead of AWD.
It's no bull on reliability. I have two, one with 314,000 miles and one with 240,000 miles. Each on the original engine and transmission. Change timing belts, replace seals, replace parts as needed, and they'll treat you right. The 98-2000 SC300 has the same 2JZ-GE VVti engine and it's a great car too. I have one with 330,000 miles on it and I daily it. Exclusivity on the cheap. All three of these cars are not lighting fast but they're zippy and can cruse long distances with ease. A mild turbo build will add 150 horses with ease. Big horsepower needs internals beefed up or you'll be throwing a rod.
Wow! That’s amazing.
@@DanSmith186 def will blow at any real torque numbers. I personally have a OS GIKEN TR2CD twin plate clutch and flywheel, I’m going CD00A 6 speed .
@@DanSmith186 CD00A is the final form version of the 350z/g35 cd001 6 speed manual. Comes out of a 05/06 vq35DE. Same gear ratios virtually as a Turbo Supra MK4 6 speed getrag transmission.
Not bad, 300k. Keep it going.
Thank you very much for featuring the first gen Lexus IS300 on your channel with a focus on long term maintenance and preservation for a 20 year old car. A truly refreshing video that shares important strengths and weaknesses of this particular well built IS300 and what it takes to preserve the car for the next generation. When all other IS300 videos on CZcams are about unnecessary mods, this video is a breath of fresh air to us car enthusiasts who just want to maintain a factory bone stock car. AMD and Anthony are true legends for sharing the history on this legendary 2JZ masterpiece. Thank you again for THIS very special video.
Big facts. Got mine with 185k on it, previously abused sadly. Was cambered out so bad. Thankfully the idiot didn't try mod any engine stuff so my goal has been restoring it to factory
AMD, By coincidence, my favorite IS of this generation was also the wagon. Those wagons even have a fold-forward front passenger seat for maximum cargo flexibility.🤩🤩
I miss comfort tier wagons, the states need to have more of em
Too bad, it never came in 5-speed like the 2001s.
1JZ swapped mine. You would not believe the new life breathed into the chassis because of it. Everywhere I go, I go full tilt. 😊
Hell yea that’s the goal haha I miss my manual 2002 super smooth car got totaled tho sadly.
As an IS300 Sportcross owner I thank you for making this video. Mine is blue with black interior with LSD. RARE. I don't think I'd ever sell it since they are soo hard to find with black interior. What's crazy is my sportcross came from Peoria, IL and I'm glad they didn't drive it in the winter at all. No rust issues. 😁
I’ve owned my yellow IS200 since new.. I paid $60,000 and.. still worth $30,000 24 years later with 86,000kms.. still one of the best cars I’ve owned it joins 8 other cars in my stable
I'm driving a 2005 IS300 with 78K miles (original owner). Still loving the experience.
I even feel pity I did not buy IS200 manual back then, I bought IS250 which I also like and I am satisfied with but anyway that manual IS200 had that analog feeling which I like(ed) a lot!
Finally, I've been waiting for a video about this model to show up!
These original IS300 cars were my dream cars when I was in high school. I currently own 2023 IS350 F Sport.
Man your current car is aguably better though. Ive been wanting one of those as well
I have been watching these videos for a long time. Every time when I see a video, I’d say it’s the same thing. However, I’m amazed at AMD. Videos. It’s a truly learning experience each time I see a new one. God Bless you and give you the strength and health to take care of your family first and to keep educating us forevermore.
Awesome that he is keeping it going. The car has a lot of character and he knows exactly what has been done to it. Good luck in bringing it back. Off to a good start.
I had these as company cars back in 1999 and didn’t really think much of them
Fast forward to 4 years ago and I reignited my Lexus life I’ve a U.K. IS 200 in pearl white with 59k miles it’s 24 years old and is still like new, I sold my IS 300 wagon which I now regret so much - fortunately I sold it to a good friend who has really looked after it.
I just love the way they’re built and drive.
Just had my '03 IS300 timing belt, valve cover gasket, cam seal, and spark plugs job done yesterday! Excited to see this video
AMD did the work?!
@@verynick no no I wish! Had it done at a local dealership.
that's nice, you're a rare owner who is still in a good mood after just paying 4 figures for auto service. How much all those goodies cost you?
@@robertmaybeth3434 haha well it feels much better than financing anything in the car market right now. With used prices and interest rates being astronomical, I'd rather drive the wheels off my IS. I got a new thermostat, water pump, and serpentine belt as well as the parts previously mentioned. So everything came out to around $2800 with a majority of the cost being labor. I don't have a garage or much mechanical experience so I bit the bullet instead of going DIY
@@sethharrison2284 Holy cow that's a hit to the wallet alright! I was a mechanic for a government fleet for 30 years and used to do such repairs to my own cars all the time - the labor costs are through the roof as you mention.
Unfortunately for me a slipped disk ended that for good so now I usually have to just take it to the shop now which irritates me to no end... especially when I check their work later and find so many stupid mistakes it's like the sent the mechanic home and just got a monkey to fix it instead: hoses installed wrong/not reinstalled at all. Electric connectors dangling loose. Untighted fasteners etc.
The worst I saw was when I needed the alternator replaced on my 1985 Nissan 200SX and made the mistake of taking to Pep boys for the fix. Got it "fixed", paid the bill, drove it home, and soon realized the alternator wasn't charging. I traced that to an alt belt that was too loose and couldn't be tightened. And THAT was caused by the moron who installed the new alternator, who never bothered to swap the pully from the old one. And the new alt had a pulley that was too small, such that you ran out of travel on the alt before it was tight.
The worst part was the bonehead just let the car go like that. It was almost impossible not to notice the batt wasn't charging, (unless you're a moron I guess, in which case it is very possible). Learned my lesson and haven't been back there since.
I bought my 2002 5 speed w/ LSD back in 2005 and have been daily driving it ever since. Also has the leather and navigation package. Was a gem when I found it(i'm the 2nd owner)
It's lived it's life in the desert SW so I have ZERO rust issue. The video made me feel grateful I don't live in the rust belt.
As the years have gone on I have learned I have quite the rare IS. Wish I had the time/money/know-how that Anthony does in this video. I'd restore mine, too.
The problem with these is that the nice ones are selling for too much, and the ones in my price range are too beat up and mismatched colors lol
Been waiting on this video for so long; THANK YOU
I just love these videos! Very passionate and knowledgeable about these and all your vehicles in your videos. And so calm about issues.
These stories bring me joy, keep us posted on this car.
My first Lexus ... was like 17 years ago ... this car never give up ... 😊
Love my IS300 with over 300k on it and she start up everyday and reliable. Take care of them and it'll take you places.
I rolled my 01 is300 off a hill and it landed up side down, I was standing on the sun roof when I called for help
Had 250k miles and I red lined it every day, I loved that ride
I have a gs400 now, but the is300 felt way more nimble and the heated seats in the is300 are way better
I'm a fellow Lexus IS300 Sportcross owner and have the same passion to restore mine, this video was extremely useful for me. Love the beautiful engineering and design of these underappreciated cars
AMD great video valuable information for those who are looking to buy and current owners. I have an 05 IS manual with a LSD i installed. It has 235k on it runs strong. It has all the leaks you pointed out. Will be tackling this job when the weather gets warmer. Now the rear sub frame is on the bucket list for things to do thanks to this video. As always God bless you and your family.
i have a 2001 IS300 and you are 100% accurate with the problems i have incurred in the past 10yrs of ownership
Thank you for finally showcasing the is300!
Thank God I live in SoCal and rust issues are non existing corcerning salt-caused rust.
Came across one dirt cheap for $2700 but I heard VVTi gears going out, ton of oil leaks, suspension was shot, if I was single I would have blown a ton of money to restore it myself regarding labor.
But can do it with a mortgage and family now.
Maybe one day I can find a decent shape one at a fair price.
My favorite car. I’ve owned 2 now and I’ve restored my factory manual one with all OEM Altezza parts. Even with its stock GE engine it’s a blast to drive on the weekends through curvy roads ❤
Love to hear you talk about cars with your passion.
love mine, owned for 12 yrs and counting, oh LSD in Oz is standard but auto only
the rust u guys have to deal with does pain me alot, not an issue in my corner of the world kudos to the legends that keep the cars alive with rust repairs
I remember being 13 yrs old in 2001 . Chicago , on my bus route we would pass a dealership and they had a new black IS300 . Really impressive looking sedan in that era . So now I have a pair of 2004 IS300’s and a 23 IS500.
Love Toyota/ Lexus my favorite car manufacturer that’s why i only own I m auto technician want something pretty damn reliable compared to other manufacturers out there
The Sportcross "Wagon" wasn't available in manual, you'd have to swap it. 😅
Great video. Makes me want one I even more and educated via information on what to be proactive about. Thank you👏👏
This channel is the Gem. 💎
real great learning gained from this channel! looking forward to 1MILLION subscribers!!! lets share more these videos so Ahmed can have a reason to celebrate and have time to treat his family to a dinner or even a vacation!! i know his family is everyone including us! let’s go go go
That is a beautiful IS! You should definitely do a build/update series on the restoration of this beautiful car!
Great cars. Love the manual version
Shame the rust gets to them so quickly
Especially the rockers
Im amazed at how much rust on these Midwest vehicles. I live in Wyoming we have loooooong Winters , thank God they don't use salt on the roads; but use sand. Im a DIYer and only encounter some rust but not to this degree .
Finally! Thank you AMD, been waiting for you to make this video. As a owner of 2001 Lexus IS 300 Blue Mica and having same problem with rust, it hurts me to see other IS being eaten away in the land of rust :(
Intense blue was this color 💙
@@efil4kizum Sadly once the rust spreads it's very difficult to get rid off, on top of that the repair is extremely expensive. It's like cancer for cars...
@@anthonyboria5738aaa
The 1G-FE sedan with 6 speed manual started this hobby for me. The 4 cylinder was awesome too.
My dad still drive a 2JZ-GE wagon to this day.
Keep up the Good works brother!
Almost to a million subscribers, congratulations AMD!
When these came out they were very desired by the car community. Also the GS300 from 90s was also the original four door Supra in the US.
90s-mid 2000s are PEAK LEXUS
solid materials
solid build
Thank you @The Car Care Nut for doing a review on our much needed first gen IS300's! Bought my first 03 IS300 in the factory 5 speed manual w/ LSD back in 2012 at 112K miles before all the hotbois jumped onto the IS300 game. Kept it stock and maintained and still driving it up to this day. Currently at 235K miles w/ regular maintenance. West Coast car so no issues w/ rust. Keep all of your IS300's clean fellow owners. The hotbois who are destroying this chassis will only continue to hold the value of clean examples.
*Wisdom here. Drifting morons are accelerating the law of declining supply vs. increasing demand. Cheers!*
Hot Boiz were destroying these way back in the early 2000s.
I had a red Manual. Brand new in 2002. We only sold it because my daughter was born 4 years later, and the stroller didn't fit in the small trunk opening.
Wish we got the wagon. What a great car.
I still want one
Always loved these as a kid growing up
Good for him! I wish him luck on, especially, the rust. I had a used 97 Camry, with 265,000 miles with rust. My fuel/brake lines, backing plates, replace rear cross member yrs ago, but decided to junk it. HAD I bought it new, I'd probably do as you're doing. I feel u 🖖👍
I dont know if you have ever considered doing driving impression videos but id love to hear your thoughts while driving some of these vehicles you work on as you have such an in depth knowledge of the internals and would have a lot of wise words in regards to how those internals translate to the driving experience.
I love this kind of stuff. I feel that way about the car i have now. I'll restore it like this guy is doing before i ever get rid of it
Congratulations on receiving 1M subscribers AMD. Cheers my friend.🇨🇦🇺🇸👍
Man wish this video was recommended a month ago. Just picked up my sportcross wagon with all the symptoms that you described on this video. Had the valve cover, vvti and seals, waterpump, timing belt, spark plugs, wires etc all replaced. Dealership wanted $5k, took it to an Indy shop for half the price of stealerships. Had no idea these cars were sought out.
I once drove I think it was an IS360. It was an automatic, but WHAT A RIDE! I believe it had a V6 also. Great car!
Thank you Amad for this video.
My brother had this car...loved it !
I've always loved these cars ever since they were first sold in the U.S. (Fall 2000 for the 2001 model year). Some of my favorite features on these cars are the gauge cluster (reminds me of a Citizen/Seiko/Timex wrist watch) and the steering wheel with the e-shift up/down buttons for the automatic transmission models. Ironically, I still haven't owned one example yet. 😂 Long story short, life happens. But I'm happy to see that there are people that are dedicated to these cars and preserving a piece of automotive history and passing it down their families.
Thank you for another entertaining and informative video!
👏👏
if that car had Rust Check done when it was new, it would have never rotted away...it has to be done every year but it works...I had a 05 Subaru that was spotless after 13 yrs when I sold it...every other Outback on the road not rust checked rotted at the rear quarters all the time..not mine, I had the Baja but same design
Best instrument cluster on any car ever !!
Plus Alfa Romeo's gauges and dashboard!
04 is300 manual sport design edition green with factory powder coated green calipers. I remember working in that car new. Miss it so much with that awesome gauge cluster
WOW amazing TY so much ,,Keep up the great work
I loved the IS300, and I was committed to find a manual one but even when they came out that was super rare lol ugh I still want one that car was/is beautiful!!
Very good video i have IS 300 Sportcross (wagon) is my daily driver and (157K miles) never have a problem with car runs like a clock
Thanks AMD for yours videos i learn a lot about cars from you THANKS.
9
AMD, I always find out new things when I watch your videos. Appreciate the thorough review of the IS and your professionalism. I have an Independent Lexus-trained owner of his own shop who shall be maintaining my 2023 Lexus ES300h Ultra Luxury trim. He has changed the oil & filter twice (once at 1,000 and once at 6,000) already and a Lexus dealership just did the 10k free service. LOL
My daughter is very interested in the Lexus IS and I was surprised that they even made a station wagon, which she really wants. Anyway, I sent her the video of your IS to watch. Adios!
Splendid!
I have a 2017 IS300 and outside of the fuel economy and being somewhat underpowered, it's a great, reliable, and fun to drive car.
Wow, THE original owner. It's definitely well kept and cared for, even despite living it's life in the rust belt. Here in the Canadian West Coast, these are getting MORE and MORE expensive, and many are abused. Extremely rare to find a well-maintained stock (or even OEM+) example. This man, much respect. I hope his son takes good care of this.
1uz swapped my 01 IS300 years ago. That car was a ton of fun. 1uz ae86 now.
Never mind the IS’s… the FJ is just the business!! Love it
The IS was available as a manual in Europe
When I lived in New Zealand I had the Lexus IS200 but because I was overseas it was badged as the Toyota Altezza. It had a 2.0L 6 cylinder engine made by Yamaha! I was going to import it when I returned to the UK but I was told it would cost a lot to get it treated for rust protection for the weather in the UK.
The IS300 Sportcross (wagon) was never offered with a manual transmission from the factory in the United States. They were however offered with an optional factory LSD in the USA (sedan & wagon). The only 4 options available in the USA were full leather seats, heated front seats, an in dash navigation system and a LSD.
I was going to say the same. Any manual wagons you see out there have been manual swapped.
my 2003 IS with manual with 170k miles is fun to drive... thanks for reviewing on this.
Picked up my sportcross 2 years ago before prices went through the roof. Black on black leather interior. 167k with timing done not too long ago. Seller wanted 7k and I drove away for 5k. My wife even says we should keep it forever.
Another leak is the VVTi gear seal. Toyota doesn't want you opening them up but replacing that seal is easy. I've done three and it's not a big deal and the car runs better afterwards.
This is great, so glad you’re doing this. You already know this for sure but the VVTI gear is a common culprit for leaks. Also, check the fuel filler neck too as my car was this rusty and mine had darn near disintegrated.
In Portugal we also had the IS200, with the 1G-FE. A pretty good engine as well, not as good as the 2JZ though :D
And funnily enough, they are becoming more and more expensive as time and miles accumulate.
One thing i would love to see the cost of your work on car you fix! I really like your channel!
Loving my 2003 IS300 im sitting at 220k miles
Thanks so much for bringing us this video on the amazing IS300! I dreamed of owning one since it''s inception in '01. Finally got the chance to sell my soul for one back in '05 with perhaps the last 5 spd manual avail in Canada. The initial plan was to drive it year-round, however, couldn't bring myself to drive this very special car on our salty roads. As a result, she only gets out cruising on nice weather days, currently has 12 K kms or 7.5 K miles on the odo. "Engineering Amazing"!
Do a rust check, you can prevent salt from coming into contact with the underside. You could also hose it with water
When I was 18 I bought my first car and it was a green 01 is300 . Best car I ever owned, wasn’t fast but it was fun . Loved it so much I had to get an isf and I don’t think I’ll ever sell my f. These cars don’t get the love they deserve.
Bought a 2003 IS300 with under 200k miles a few months ago, absolutely loving it.
Just a heads up to the owner of the blue IS300, the sticker on the differential says M98, which is actually one of the limited slip diffs for auto, mine has the same one. The LSD was an option in the U.S models and actually was fairly common after 2001. One of the main reasons I bought mine.
Almost there One Million Subscribers 🎉 can’t wait
My favorite Lexus model ever. I was looking for a IS 300, couldn’t find one in good shape for the right price. so I settled for a 2017 IS 350 AWD.
I live in Toronto Canada a lot of snow and they use a lot salt on the road even my 98 camry and 2009 matrix underneath of the car is no rust because every years before the snow fall i take my car to spray oil everywhere in the car i can see those cars you show me never do oil spray call rust proofing that is the reason why a lot of rust underneath ok thanks for sharing your video take care bye from milton Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
I just take my car to Krown.
Yes it's every years i take car to krown rust protection in milton Ontario
Was starting at a white IS just yesterday and thinking to myself, this car has aged very well
Most Toyotas and lexus have
Great cars. They are few and far between where I live. Always wishing we knew then what we know now. 🤣 Thanks AMD. 😎
Don't forget the ISF! A unicorn. Underrated enthusiast car as well! I love the 2UR-GSE engine.
Thanks for covering the first generation IS300. I am the original owner of a 2005 sedan with Nav/LSD option package. It has127,000 miles with no oil leaks yet. I love the car. The engine and transmission are so smooth. There are times that I got out of the car and did not realize it was still running.The timing belt and water pump were replaced at 90,000. At what mileage does the cam seals, valve covers, and oil pan start to leak?
My 2004 IS300 Auto now has 430,000 km. Still going strong. Aside from regular maintenance all I’ve done is change a headlight bulb once. Love this car.
Wait WHA no way you've gone 430 klicks/267189 miles w only changing a bub?
Yes. Brakes, oil changes, tires, and timing belt (2). Just the regular maintennace items. Apart from that I've only changed a headlight bulb. Owned since new.
@@robertmaybeth3434
you should do the ball joints by now :)
@@KotatkoVonDrapek Yup! Already done a couple of years ago. Part of regular maintenance when the car gets this old. The only unscheduled item I had to replace was a headlight bulb.
I love is300 body style. Beautiful.
Those wheels on the black one are so period correct! I've seen them on another IS300 before
I absolutely love this vehicle, this rust problem is mostly caused by road salt.
Would love to see more videos on them and DIYs 😁
6:59 Last night here in the Boston area on Storrow Dr W (a busy roadway that curves along the Charles River), I stopped to assist a stranded motorist in the left lane just after the Anderson Bridge overpass. Very, very risky, but I felt the need to help another lone female driver, like me. She was okay, AAA and police were called, but the older Toyota had suddenly lost acceleration at speed and wouldn’t move.
When I wasn’t asking questions (such as did she have enough gas, would the engine start?), both of us freaking out about the traffic coming from behind, I briefly glanced around at the leather and wood grain interior of a clean 20+ yr-old Avalon. And there in what I feared might be my final moments before death, I thought, “Niiice car!”😮
Did you survive or have you posted this comment from the great beyond? 🤔😉
@@rightlanehog3151Not sure yet, we’ll see!😅
@@laurat1129 🙏🙏😇😇
*Said like a true Car Gal. Respect!*
When I had my W124 E-Class my dream was to drop the rear subframe, powder coat it and replace all the 10 links of the rear suspension. This guy is living my old dream with this IS300...love it!
The right side at the bottom of the rear door, near the rear wheel, is notorious for rust on Japanese vehicles. When it starts all you'll see is a light brown stain. Thats your first warning, because behind the plastic lower valence rust is starting to eat away at the frame. Always check the rear passenger side first.
@@rightlanehog3151Good for you lol ? I'm talking about used cars?
Had a 2001 IS for 12 years. It was a great daily driver.
1st gen is300 is my favorite lexus vehicle. Heard its a pain to change oil but has that beautiful sporty car look that softens the disappointment of the gte power missing.
Where you heard that? 🤣 I learned to change oil on my IS and I thought to myself why have I ever paid someone to do this it's so easy 😂 from there it was every other thing I could try i tried it, spark plugs, every suspension part, then I was like it's too tall, coilovers, then transmission fluid change, thinking maybe I should try to manual swap it myself, put in a new radiator, I've become a DIY guy thanks to my IS and how easy everything is 😂
You are right the oil filter is in a stupid spot. The 3.0 wasn't developed for the IS so they shoehorned it in. You can buy an oil filter relocation kit which may help for access. Other than that it's not too bad👍
@@2JDAILY must not have changed the oil filter lol
Yep that oil filter is a royal pain!
I had a 2000 IS200 in Platinum Ice. Had all the options included the rare £2000 voice guided sat nav that came in the LS of the time. It had a wireless rechargeable remote. US didnt get the IS until 2001 and only had the 2JZ option