killer2239

Hey everyone, originally was asking for advice. Thanks for everyones input. I made the purchase and very happy. Great to be a Toyota owner again, and glad I found a nice community to learn from and check out nice rides!

Quick history: Owned 2005 Corolla XRS brand new, did hydra ems - tuned myself. Sold it and bought 2004 S2000. Did few tasteful mods, then sold it. Bought 96 Integra JDM front. Built a b20vtec motor for it. Sold it, and bought this Lexus. Extremely happy with this choice. I love having luxury ride, with nice sporty look.

Only plans for this are... K&N drop in filter. Remove the dealership branding. Be done with it. Might do few tasteful cheap look improvements or stereo upgrade to have Aux/USB input.

Edit: Would a mod please update thread title for me to something like New Member here and pics.

2005 IS300

slidingIS

you can go to Lexus and they will tell you the srvice history on the car just by looking at the vin number. I would advise doing that first.

Second if the water pump and timing belt hasnt been done then its about 23000 miles overdue. and i wouldnt recommend taking it to a local shop take care of it. I would take it to Toyota or Lexus(Toyota is cheaper and even if you go to Lexus you will get the same part that says Toyota on it just cost more) this is something you want genuine parts used.

Sounds like a pretty good deal but the service history from Lexus will let you know a more thorough background

kraven9

iTrader: (14)

You could get one for cheaper or with less miles. Unles you are set for 2005 white with tan interior. I would check craigslist, ebay or the classifieds on here for a better deal. The lowest year I would go with is 03. Good luck.

jadu

iTrader: (42)

+1 on the maintenance and finding one with lower mileage..

killer2239

Well when I say local shop, im referring to the shop I go Land Speed Racing with and do the tuning on the cars. Regular maint on vehicles during the day, and fabrication/performance in the evening. They specialize in Toyota/Honda/Nissan/Subaru. My friend has an SC300 and is a member on here. Always use OEM parts.

Anyways, thanks for the idea on checking with Lexus. Im not "set" on 05 or even white. But the situation I am in with selling my current car, if I want to sell it this weekend, I would kind of have to buy this is300 as its kind of a 3 way deal.

Just wanted to make sure I am not getting screwed over on the price and this vehicle, and if there are any specific trouble spots to check before I purchase.

Any other advice please let me know! Thanks

slidingIS

well it seems like a little bit high on the mileage for the price but it is the last year for the IS300. it seems to have most of the options available. just check with Lexus tomorrow and verify the cars service history. if it checks out good then go for it. you will love the car. and if you keep up with maintenance it will last you a long long time

killer2239

^ Cool. I figured the price might be on the Average to maybe higher side. But if the car is really in perfect shape 10/10 inside and out like they say, it might be worth it. It is a dealer, so I might be able to "walk away" to get them to come down some more. I am getting pretty excited though about it, and hope all works out. If I come home with the car on Saturday, I will be sure to post in new member section with pics

slidingIS

just post in this section with an introduction and pics. getting an IS300 is always exciting. i hope it works out and turns out to be a nice car.

tientony

iTrader: (2)

for that price i would say do a little more research and there is many type of is300 and is it fully leather or leather suede.. there is other minor options like snow control, heated seat, nav, Ltune, sport, 5 speed, etc so definitly read more see which type u like

killer2239

This has traction control (not sure about snow), im pretty sure its full leather seats, heated seats, 11 spoke wheels, spoiler, automatic.

The navigation was the only feature other then maybe snow, that I did not see on it.

kraven9

iTrader: (14)

only 01's (maybe some) didnt have the snow button. 02+ everything is standard except navgation, leather seats and LSD (01-03 only), memory seats (04-05 only). As I said you could find one for cheaper with either less or the same miles. Unless you're financing then go for it, I still think you could find one cheaper.

slidingIS

yeah my 01 has the snow button it doest work well in the snow though haha

TonyN

iTrader: (1)

if your set on the car I would negotiate that they do the timing belt and water pump as part of the 13k OTD.

tientony

iTrader: (2)

yea since your purchasing it from the dealer i agree u should ask them to do the timing belt change before u buy that will save u a lot

ImBlown

So did you go and check it out?