............or one of the very few IS300 SportCross hatchback models that were sold.

 

I always thought the wagon/hatch IS300 was a bit weird/ungainley. The sedan had perfect proportions, IMO its a much better looking car than the gen 2 IS

 

The first gen IS300 is easily becoming an iconic, collectors car. But finding one that isn't abused it nearly impossible. I have a lady neighbor who works next to me and she may have the cleanest one around still. She's the original owner and has only driven it locally. I see no flaws or wear anywhere and it probably has normal mileage for it's age. I may talk to her about it soon.

Anyone guess if the second gen IS will fall into this list eventually? I think it probably will, but of course for different reasons.

 

Keep in mind, though, that the 1Gen IS, while generally well-built, had several quirks and flaws in the way its automatic transmission, shift-lever, and recirc-climate-control **** worked. I owned one for some 5 years. It also lacked an AWD option like late models had, and was awful on really slippery roads.....though in sunny California, that may not be an issue for you.

 

My babysitter was looking for her first car, came across a pretty mint-looking 97 LS400 for $2k, 13x,xxx miles......darn cheap and looked solid. Too much of a "boat" for her, she wanted something cute like a Beetle or something.... =(