PDR447

I'm looking to pick up an 02 or newer 5 speed. Is there anything special I should look for? Options to look for/say away from? Years that were particularly good/bad? What do you guys think of the suede stye interior vs. the standard leather?

Thanks for any info!

IS3CM

My advice is to stay away from 01's. And if possible get one with Nav if you can find it. Unless you dont want it. Other than that all the IS' are exactally the same. 03's and up have a little different trim around the seats. I personally like the suede inserts in the leather rather then all leather but thats just me. I've gotten so many complements. 04's and 05's have the darker head lights, fogs and tail lights also. I think thats pretty much everything. If I think of anything I'll let you know. Good luck searching....

IS3CM

Also welcome to Clublexus....

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well for sure he will stay away from 01 coz' 5 speed was not available that yr

imho 02 and 03 are pretty much the same. drive the car and pay close attention to 1st and 2nd gear. some of them have some grinding (very few) but you don't want to run into trouble on that.

also play around with the cd changer to make sure it's good and able to play the cds you put in. some early yr's ones they kinda jam the cds from time to time and you will have to replace the whole unit.

other than that my car had pretty much no issues at all.

PDR447

Thanks for all the info so far! Couple more questions...

02/03 is the same... what changed in 04?

For those with nav, how does it interface with the radio? I'm planning on pulling the stock radio and replacing it with an aftermarket unit so I'm wondering if I would be able to retain the stock nav.

Is the suede hard to take care of? I would really like to get one with suede as I really don't like traditional leather, too sticky. All my other cars have been cloth. Is there any special care for the suede? Does it hold up well?


Thanks for the warm welcome! I was cross shopping the IS with the BMW 3 series and I'm glad I've settled on the IS. You can't beat the reliability of a toyota! looks like all I'll have to look out for is a sticky CD changer(which doesn't matter since it'll be pulled out in the first week) and a rare 1st/2nd/ gear issue. SO much better than the 3 series!!!

Thanks again and keep the info coming!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

in 04 they changed quite a few interior trims. and they also have memory seats for 04. for exterior, i believe both the headlights and taillights were dark chrome.

the nav? it does NOT interface with the radio at all, sux big time (unlike any other lexus). the nav unit is pretty much independent, a separate setup at the top of the dash. if anything the microphone override is the only tihng?

i didn't have suede so i don't know, but couple of my friends have suede and they are pretty happy with it. my friend with 01 is300 her suede seats are still good

IS3CM

Heres the stock radio with Nav.. Screen on top of the dash...

PDR447

So what would happen if I pulled the stock radio? would the nav still work? I guess I should head over to the audio forum and ask around there...

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah defintiely ask there, a lot more knowledgeable people.

personally i think it would work, but the voice system i don't know how it integrates with the speakers

IS3CM

Yeah I second that. I'm almost positive that it would work.. but that my thoughts...