Common IS300 problems?
Common IS300 problems?
I am looking at IS300s and would probably do the typical modifications to it, drop, wheels, intake, exhaust.
Are there any common problems with these cars? I searched the forums, and came up with nothing. Is there a thread for new owners, about what things to look for or fix on a used 1st gen IS.
I love my SC, but I need something with 4 doors as a second car and I have always liked the IS300.
Thanks
Are there any common problems with these cars? I searched the forums, and came up with nothing. Is there a thread for new owners, about what things to look for or fix on a used 1st gen IS.
I love my SC, but I need something with 4 doors as a second car and I have always liked the IS300.
Thanks
in general, not a lot goes wrong with them in stock form...
cd-player starts eating discs usually, but thats about it really... I am sure there are more, but thats the only one that ever sticks out to me...
cd-player starts eating discs usually, but thats about it really... I am sure there are more, but thats the only one that ever sticks out to me...
No probs with the steering rack, trans mount, hood struts, trunk struts, fuel pump, ignition, trans solenoids, AC, climate control LCD, gauge lights, and waterlogged headlights like my SC? lol
You have a vehicross? My other car is a lifted pre-runner style 2nd gen isuzu rodeo LSE, I have almost the same interior and drive train as you do. Are you on planetisuzu?
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
These cars are pretty solid. But as stated above, my CD player hasn't worked for a few years. I have an 02 and my nav screen stopped opening about a month ago and my drivers door lock solenoid is acting up so I'll probably have to replace it soon. But I've had this car for over 6 years and have not had any major issues with it.
You must be kidding, the CD player breaks.
No probs with the steering rack, trans mount, hood struts, trunk struts, fuel pump, ignition, trans solenoids, AC, climate control LCD, gauge lights, and waterlogged headlights like my SC? lol
You have a vehicross? My other car is a lifted pre-runner style 2nd gen isuzu rodeo LSE, I have almost the same interior and drive train as you do. Are you on planetisuzu?
No probs with the steering rack, trans mount, hood struts, trunk struts, fuel pump, ignition, trans solenoids, AC, climate control LCD, gauge lights, and waterlogged headlights like my SC? lol
You have a vehicross? My other car is a lifted pre-runner style 2nd gen isuzu rodeo LSE, I have almost the same interior and drive train as you do. Are you on planetisuzu?
no other issues, these cars are actually built quite a bit simpler than most Lexus, as they did very little to the Altezza platform before they started importing them here as IS300's...
Yah, Vehicross... pretty fun little truck... I'm not on that forum, I spend too much time here...
Think the only real difference is the stock Recaro's, and a 3.5 liter vs 3.2 liter...
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Yah, I've had zero issues with mine, including the cd-player, but, it was replaced under the factory warranty...
no other issues, these cars are actually built quite a bit simpler than most Lexus, as they did very little to the Altezza platform before they started importing them here as IS300's...
Yah, Vehicross... pretty fun little truck... I'm not on that forum, I spend too much time here...
Think the only real difference is the stock Recaro's, and a 3.5 liter vs 3.2 liter...
no other issues, these cars are actually built quite a bit simpler than most Lexus, as they did very little to the Altezza platform before they started importing them here as IS300's...
Yah, Vehicross... pretty fun little truck... I'm not on that forum, I spend too much time here...
Think the only real difference is the stock Recaro's, and a 3.5 liter vs 3.2 liter...
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: MD
Had my '02 car for almost 11 years:
2 cd changers broke so I am on an aftermarket.
Replaced various o2 sensors 3 or 4 times. Not the same one each time.
Recently replaced the motor and tranny mounts.
The footrest thingy needed replacing, happened under warranty.
The dash on both sides of the front console have melted.
On my 6th set of tires.
That's about it.
2 cd changers broke so I am on an aftermarket.
Replaced various o2 sensors 3 or 4 times. Not the same one each time.
Recently replaced the motor and tranny mounts.
The footrest thingy needed replacing, happened under warranty.
The dash on both sides of the front console have melted.
On my 6th set of tires.
That's about it.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 10
From: CA
The 02 to 05 model dashes were painted with a rubber material that scratches like no other and will eventually get sticky from being in the sun for too many years. If you have an 01 you won't run into that issue. there is a DIY floating around that shows how to repaint it if yours gets nasty.
If you have more than 100k you can possibly run into inner wear issues on the front tires but if you rotate your tires periodically you will be fine.
If you have more than 100k you can possibly run into inner wear issues on the front tires but if you rotate your tires periodically you will be fine.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: NY
I have had 3 IS's. No serious problems with either of them. The typical CD player sticking, O2 sensors going, and a squeaky seatbelt and clutch. Thats about it. And in my opinion, incredibly easy cars to work on. Oh I've heard of members having problems with the header cat converters but hasn't happened to me.
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dpatterson069
IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005)
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Oct 24, 2001 08:13 PM
