maybeanis3

Hey guys,

I'm looking at getting a new (to me) car, my Camry has 250k miles. WOO Toyota/Lexus. It's still running fine, but looking at getting something better.

Anyway, Lexus was never on my list (dunno why), probably because I'm only looking to spend $12k or less. I found a 2003 IS300 Sportdesign, black, manual, with 93k miles, in otherwise good shape, listed for $10k. Supposedly just had its 90k mile service (a bunch of ****), and tires, brakes recently. Has maintenance records. I'm going to go look at the car.

The only negative is that he says the paint on hood and spoiler is fading, but otherwise no issues. He said $700 he's been quoted to fix, so right there I know I can knock this to $9300 but hoping to be able to go lower.

SO - advice on this car guys? I know I'm in an IS forum and you guys probably love it. I think the reason why I may want this car is because it's a rare car, almost forgotten about, the reviews for it are fantastic, and it still looks good at 10 years old.

That's just the thing though - everyone I know is like "you're going to spend $9-10k on a 10 year old Lexus??, that's nuts just buy a newer car like a Mazda3 or something similar."

I AM financing the car, which would make it worse, but I have such good credit that even on my used car loan it's only 2%, so no big deal. I won't be upside down in the loan.

Also - some technical aspects, I figured these cars get about 20mpg or so, but unfortunately read that some people are getting 17/18 with them. That seems a little ridiculous. Especially on premium gas. What's the truth? I mean for that price of gas I can get a big v8 and actually save money because they don't require premium (think Mustang GT).

What's the 0-60 and 1/4 mile on these cars? Because there, too, I read some disappointing figures. (7-8/14-15s).

I assume they're pretty reliable since Lexus = Toyota, it has the Supra engine, etc.

Sorry for a lot to read and thanks in advance!

Juelzz25

Looking to possibly sell my 02 is300.. Stock everything previous engine swap with 66k on the engine and 89k on the meter.. Now have 104k after 2 years and car is in great shape and well maintained.. Pm me if u still interested

ISFPOWER

iTrader: (20)

9300 for a 2003 with 93k miles, that's a damn good deal. ive seen these cars with friends go for over 300k miles with nothing major at all. hood and spoiler with a good paint job and nice paint will be 600-800 so at least he is giving you a good quote unlike some guys who tell you it will cost 100-200. id say go for it, if you have good credit, rate would still be good and still qualifies since it's not over 100k miles

chasep

I have an 04 SportDesign with a manual transmission. I regularly get 23 - 24 mpg on 93 octane with probably 75 - 80% highway driving...it takes careful driving though. If I drive more aggressively that will easily drop to 20. I don't think I have every really got anything below 20 mpg.

DannyUSAF

I'd say do it, or else I will lol.

I paid 5.5k for my 2003 with 187k miles, but the car is in amazing condition.

Messy

In Aug. of last year I bought an 01 with 98k for $7100 off a private owner. Some cosmetic flaws, by no means perfect. Cost me $980 at the toyota dealer to get the timing belt, sparkplugs, and tranny flushed. The previous owner did not yet do any of that. Pretty low mileage for an 01. I get 20 MPG all city using 93. Most of the people I know gave me $%&@ for buying this car too!! OMG you paid how much for a car that old? But all these people drive their junk domestic cars so they do not understand they are like wow I bought a cobalt that was like 4 years old for that....idiots. Anyway so far I am happy with it. As far as financing I don't do that, I pay cash so I don't have to worry about ever being "upside down"....... the thought of that just makes me cringe!! 0 to 60 time is not great that is true, but when I compare it to my Civic (not an Si) it's great!!! yes it is the Supra NON TURBO engine. It's called the 2JZGE, the turbo Supra one is called the 2JZGTE. Hope this helps you!!