rimshaker

Thinking about getting a nice used IS300 sometime this year. I figure with the new IS350 out now, maybe used prices would drop a little more.

I'm from a Honda family, so I'll be the first to break the norm and go Lexus. Problem is, don't know that much about the IS models in detail. I know they range from 2001-2005, but what are the major differences/upgrades between them all?

My goal is to get the oldest year I can without sacrificing any major improvements. I'm talking about performance changes, not little aesthetic changes. Engine, suspension, transmission, exhaust, lighting, etc. So which is the best year to get?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

01 first yr, not really problems but quite a few "missing" stuff like the armrest and the autodim mirrors.

02 and 03 are about the same, much improved

starting 04 they put in memory seat

i say those are the "bigger" difference

btw, welcome!

rimshaker

So in terms of the engine, suspension, anything mechanical.... it all stayed the same for 5 years?? I guess I'll bypass the '01 models though.

Did the engine codes change at all?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the engine was always the same, no change at all. same with the tranny, besides that they introduced the 5 speed in 02 i blieve

mechanical wise, i don't recall any common problem with the car?

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

Don't rule out an '01. The armrest conversion is only $300 and you are good to go. Autodim mirrors are more annoying than good IMO. This leaves you a good chunk of change for mods and improvements.

flipside909

2004-2005 is the best. All the kinks are worked out of the car and memory seating is available. 2001 was the first, but there were alot of quirks and annoyances (rattling) for that year. Also fuel consumption for the 2002 and newer was improved by programming changes in the ECU toward better economy.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i didn't know about the gas mileage on 01 compared to 02+, how do they differ?

flipside909

The city and hwy fuel economy was worse on the IS300. The tranny ECU was programmed to shift at faster rates. hence lower EPA fuel economy rating...I believe it was 17 City 23 Hwy and later went to 18 City 24 Hwy.

Also the 01 didn't have the piping around the seats, the leather grain was of lower quality, the 01 dash was 2 tone, there was no compass available and alot of small details like interior pieces and bolt/screw covers were not available until later on. The 01 also had a 4 bar front grille w/integrated Lexus logo, 2002 and newer only had a 3 bar grille and removable emblem.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

damn talk about details, ryan, that's good info!

so does that mean the 01 is300 was technically a bit faster than the 02+ coz' of the more aggressive tranny?

flipside909

that's what people have said over the years. Just by 0.1 secs if any.

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

That'd be about as insignificant as under a mile per gallon improvement IMO. I guess the two tone dash is preference, I really like mine.

Since I actually looked for a suede interior, I can't comment on the leather piping on the seats, but I can see how that would help.

I've never heard a squeak or rattle in my '01, so either the problem was not aggressively widespread - or I got lucky. One of the two.

The grill upgrade shouldn't run but about $50 on Ebay, so that wouldn't be much of an issue. I actually like my early grill, so preference will come into play there. I've learned from watching car's get more flimsy and cheaper that newer is not always better, even if the technology evolves.

Sounds like overall they made some minor, but not so amazing changes.


PS- Lexus issued a tranny ECU re-flash to any customer that wanted it for free and is part of a TSb for any '01 owner, so that should solve that.

JL6speed

So only 04+ has memory seats?

Dr. Yellow

iTrader: (10)

yep that's right

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

A buddy of mine has a boosted '02 and dropped by today. He has the same car basically. MSM / Black interior. My interior is suede 100%, he just has suede door panels. After looking them over side by side he and I both agreed the '01 perforated suede looked better. Keep in mind this is just an opinion, but the perforated suede seemed to look less cheap to me. The leather looked nice and clean, but the perforated suede seats seemed to win in the overall looks department as far as we were concerned.

I do wish I could locate some 02+ door panels so I can get the chrome trim ring for the speakers, but there are so many after market chrome trim rings, that's a real non issue.

I liked both his solid color dash, and my two tone dash. No real favorite between the two.

I guess it boils down to what each individual taste is. There is definitely nothing wrong with any IS no matter what year. The "improvements" made are certainly a nice touch, but nothing that seem to be amazing, just a few small touches that seem to be able to be overcome with a few hundred bucks and a free ECU reflash by the dealer under the TSB.

In the end, buy what you like, it really is all good

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)