Newbie to Lexus
12-30-14, 11:26 AM
#1
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Newbie to Lexus
Happy Holidays!
I'm a new Lexus owner. I've been a BMW guy since 1994, yet since they first appeared in 1999 the Lexus IS 300 has always intrigued me. I'm tired of spending money on maintaining an older BMW, and I'm wasn't going to buy a new one.
After doing some research I decided to look at the 1st-gen IS 300, and purchased one last Monday. it's a 2001 with 187K miles on the odometer. The timing belt was changed at 177K. Engine is smooth and car runs great. I did noticed a bit of an oil leak, so I took it to an independent shop right across the street from where I live. He said it was probably a cam shaft seal, and as long as I monitor the oil level I should be fine for a while. I intend to get it fixed next month.
The car looks great and so far has been fun to drive. I've already replaced the third brake light and the license plate lights. I have no intention of replacing the LED strip in the spoiler.
What other things should I be aware of? Bear with me as I learn this car; I'm gonna ask a few questions. I'll try yo search for the answers first, though...
I'm a new Lexus owner. I've been a BMW guy since 1994, yet since they first appeared in 1999 the Lexus IS 300 has always intrigued me. I'm tired of spending money on maintaining an older BMW, and I'm wasn't going to buy a new one.
After doing some research I decided to look at the 1st-gen IS 300, and purchased one last Monday. it's a 2001 with 187K miles on the odometer. The timing belt was changed at 177K. Engine is smooth and car runs great. I did noticed a bit of an oil leak, so I took it to an independent shop right across the street from where I live. He said it was probably a cam shaft seal, and as long as I monitor the oil level I should be fine for a while. I intend to get it fixed next month.
The car looks great and so far has been fun to drive. I've already replaced the third brake light and the license plate lights. I have no intention of replacing the LED strip in the spoiler.
What other things should I be aware of? Bear with me as I learn this car; I'm gonna ask a few questions. I'll try yo search for the answers first, though...
01-01-15, 08:43 PM
#2
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I'm about to buy a Lexus IS300, too. I heard that there were many problems with the CD changer. Also, everybody complains about melting 2002+ dashboards but I think that the 2001 dashboard is okay.
01-01-15, 10:15 PM
#3
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yea CD player is awful stuff gets stuck all the time better off doing the after market swap real easy I did mine and so much more modern looking for the car
01-02-15, 06:50 AM
#5
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The car came with an aftermarket CD/DVD player. I won't be using the DVD player while driving unless my daughter is in the car (she is THRILLED at the fact she can watch Star Wars while she sits in the back seat).
The transmission started acting all jerky yesterday. I thought it was the transmission fluid but found out it was the MAF sensor. I took it off, cleaned it, reset the ECU and now the car runs much much smoother. 9 dollar fix.
The transmission started acting all jerky yesterday. I thought it was the transmission fluid but found out it was the MAF sensor. I took it off, cleaned it, reset the ECU and now the car runs much much smoother. 9 dollar fix.
01-04-15, 07:39 PM
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01-04-15, 07:41 PM
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