Things to look out for when buying a 1IS
02-18-09, 09:56 AM
#1
Things to look out for when buying a 1IS
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Please see my stats. Please save the "use search button" comments as I'm asking a favor. I am looking at an IS today and don't have much time to do the diligent research as I normally would
What are some of the common issues to look out for on the 1st GEN IS300. I'm looking at a 2004 IS300 5 speed with 67k miles today and am pretty excited. Any help is appreciated.
Steve
Please see my stats. Please save the "use search button" comments as I'm asking a favor. I am looking at an IS today and don't have much time to do the diligent research as I normally would
What are some of the common issues to look out for on the 1st GEN IS300. I'm looking at a 2004 IS300 5 speed with 67k miles today and am pretty excited. Any help is appreciated.
Steve
Last edited by shern; 02-18-09 at 10:05 AM.
02-18-09, 12:26 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Only big problem is the darn CD changer, it jams CD's, no problem if you go aftermarket. I have had my IS300 since 2004 and that is the only problem. The later car you get, the better it is, 2001 and 1002 have small issues, with 2003, 2004, 2005, having much fewer issues. Even consumer reports named the IS300 as one of the most realible cars. So if it is a clean car with a clear title, buy it! With the IS300 just keep up with regular maintence and you should be fine. btw, I really love your SC, and have a few pics of it on my computer.
02-18-09, 12:51 PM
#3
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Just the CD stacker.
Later on the 90k service is a big one, but you're a ways from that yet on that car.
I've got an '01 and no complaints.
Other than that, headlight/taillight seels (condensation, but you've got an SC so I'm sure you'll check that. Sunroof creeks over bumps (indicitive of either bad lubrication care or some kind of little accedent or consistent rough driving).
Check to see if it's got a LSD, I understand later on those became an option. Make sure the full sized spare is there (if the car is still running stockers).
Later on the 90k service is a big one, but you're a ways from that yet on that car.
I've got an '01 and no complaints.
Other than that, headlight/taillight seels (condensation, but you've got an SC so I'm sure you'll check that. Sunroof creeks over bumps (indicitive of either bad lubrication care or some kind of little accedent or consistent rough driving).
Check to see if it's got a LSD, I understand later on those became an option. Make sure the full sized spare is there (if the car is still running stockers).
02-18-09, 01:22 PM
#4
Perfect, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the suggestions.
I've got an AVIC F90BT to drop in so the suspect cd changer is a moot point.
Not too concerned about the 90K service. It's nothing I can't handle myself.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I've got an AVIC F90BT to drop in so the suspect cd changer is a moot point.
Not too concerned about the 90K service. It's nothing I can't handle myself.
I'll let you know how it goes.
02-18-09, 05:23 PM
#5
OK
I took a look at the car and test drove it. Very nice.
One issue I noticed was the dreaded 1-2-3 "supercharger" whine in the transmission. I do know that the W55 is pretty fragile and that many of the W55s whine like this. My understanding is that it is pretty "normal." But does it have any indication on the longevity of the transmission? The owner (happens to be the original owner) is a tiny 23 year old female. I can't imagine she ever beat on the car. She said it's been there as long as she can remember.
What's your take?
I took a look at the car and test drove it. Very nice.
One issue I noticed was the dreaded 1-2-3 "supercharger" whine in the transmission. I do know that the W55 is pretty fragile and that many of the W55s whine like this. My understanding is that it is pretty "normal." But does it have any indication on the longevity of the transmission? The owner (happens to be the original owner) is a tiny 23 year old female. I can't imagine she ever beat on the car. She said it's been there as long as she can remember.
What's your take?
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02-19-09, 12:03 AM
#8
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i know what he's talkin about, the acura tsx that I drive has this too (ever since my fam's had the car)
it sounds as if theres a mini supercharger under the hood whining away through the 1-2-3 gears (in my case just 1-2, but they are different cars)
it sounds as if theres a mini supercharger under the hood whining away through the 1-2-3 gears (in my case just 1-2, but they are different cars)
02-19-09, 12:19 AM
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Some1 has to tell me what this whine sounds like ... high pitch, low(er) pitch? at what rpms? when you're in auto or in M ...
If I'm in M and pushing it, I get an ever so faint (as in you need to be listening for it) high pitched ... wouldn't call it a whine but you might be, I'd say more of a 'buzz' after about 3700 rpms and the higher the rpms go the louder the sound gets. It's nothing, my garage has checked it out, but I've had some stuff, um, 'replaced' if you will & I didn't have this sound before stuff was changed.
If it's the same sound, worry not.
As a side, car performs better now than before the 'replacements' happened, so I can deal with the sound, sterio completely downs it out.
If I'm in M and pushing it, I get an ever so faint (as in you need to be listening for it) high pitched ... wouldn't call it a whine but you might be, I'd say more of a 'buzz' after about 3700 rpms and the higher the rpms go the louder the sound gets. It's nothing, my garage has checked it out, but I've had some stuff, um, 'replaced' if you will & I didn't have this sound before stuff was changed.
If it's the same sound, worry not.
As a side, car performs better now than before the 'replacements' happened, so I can deal with the sound, sterio completely downs it out.
02-19-09, 08:44 AM
#12
I did some research last night on my.is. The whine is more of a "supercharger" whine in 1st through 3rd gear. It is pretty common on the W55 from what I read. I have it in my W58 also but it's not as pronounced as the W55.
If I do pick the car up, long term plans would include a W58/R154 swap anyways. Sheesh, why would I pick up an IS300 as an "unmodified" daily beater..........
If I do pick the car up, long term plans would include a W58/R154 swap anyways. Sheesh, why would I pick up an IS300 as an "unmodified" daily beater..........
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