EricF

whoops... meant 'an', not 'and'

Hey-
I am looking possibly to replace my 95 Jetta VR6 with an IS, and I have a few questions:

I drove an 02 5 speed today and loved it, but I'm looking to stay sub-20k (more like 18k), which more or less sticks me to an 01 automatic... I am not totally opposed to an auto when it has a manual control feature. What I'd like to know is if the e-shift in the IS is any good... I've read reviews, but I'd like to hear from actual owners. I would go drive one myself, but there arent any near me at the moment. So, how close to a manual is this?

Also, how is the maintenance on these cars? Should I run away from a 60k mile car becasue it needs a timing chain or anything? Are there any problem areas to look out for, in general?

Thanks

Beachtyme

iTrader: (1)

If you look around and keep your eyes peeled, you can find an 02 manual for around 20K (or less).

It will probably have 40K or so on the clock, but that isn't much for a lexus.

Keep in mind Lexus is a hopped up Toyota which are known as some of the most reliable cars in the world.

I have an 02 manual and have done all the routine maintenance myself.

A timing chain shouldn't even be considered until somewhere closer to 100K on the clock.

The inline 6 (2JZ-GE) block is a hell of a motor and can handle all kinds of boost.

Finally, there are tons of mod's out there for this car.

Can U tell I like mine??

rominl

iTrader: (4)

honestly i will try not to get 01. that's the first yr and a lot of the neat features were not in yet. so getting 02 is a plus. nothing wrong with 01, just missing stuff that makes the car cooler.

about the price, yes 02 is going to be a bit higher, but worth it. and the 5 speed is so nice man. the sport shift is ok, i have it on my gs4, it works but imho it's nothing relaly spectacular about. nothing close to the 5 speed.

oh and the auto is slow..

mmarshall

Sounds like you would be happier with the 5-speed. If you don't mind constantly rowing your own gears in traffic...go for it.

If you decide on a 2001 E-Shift: (I have one) :it is an excellent transmission that has a few quirks. Shifts are a little harsh warming up in cold weather but butter-smooth otherwise...some of the best shifts I've ever seen......and fourth gear is locked out for a block or so. Overdrive 5th will kick in at 140 degrees....two notches on the temp gauge.
The steering wheel buttons block out first gear........and the shift lever cannot go from 5-4 directly....you must slide the lever left into manual mode and press the DOWN button once to get fourth. Acceleration from about 5-10 mph up is a little delayed and sluggish at first due to the throttle drive-by-wire system and transmission programming. There was a factory service bulletin (no charge) on reprogramming the transmission to address some of these things...it had some but not complete effect.
As far as I know.....the 2002-and-up E-Shifts are the same as the 2001 except for the programming update which is already done at the factory.

My advice?............unless you live in an area with very light traffic, constant driving speeds, and not much stop-and-go, get an E-Shift.

EricF

Thanks for the feedback.

I drove a 2001 e-shift yesterday, and I was quite impressed. It shifted smoothly and quickly, and the buttons are kind of fun to play with.
The car that I drove was listed for $18,600... silver, black leather, 56k miles, looked to be in perfect shape.

I am also looking into cars that are Lexus certified, but they go for about 21k. I dont know if it is worth ~3-4k for 3 years of warranty. It is a Lexus, after all, and they are known for their reliability. Do any of you have anything to say about this?

I'm tempted to pick up this car, the price is right and I love the color... going to look around a bit more, but everything that I've seen is either in the 18k range or 21k cpo'd.

Thanks.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

keep in mind the lexus warranty is 4 yrs 50k miles. so if you get a 01, make sure there is no problem or you will be looking at some potential big bills

EvgeshaIS300

if you are interested a friend of mine has an 01 Black on black with 15k mile!!!! he wants 19,900 if you want i can get you more info or get you in touch with him.

EricF

Thanks for the info, but NY is a bit far from MO...
I did find several 01s up in Chicago, priced from $18,995 with the remainder of the factory warranty. I am going to check them out this weekend.

mmarshall

Eric...the Lexus bumper-to-bumper warranty is 4/50, but the E-shift tranny you want should be under the 6/70 drivetrain warranty....especially with the factory ECU update.