FatPatty

Hello everybody,

New user, first post here, hopefully this hasn't been covered already. I've always been a big fan of the first gen IS300, and now that my current car is crapping out on me I am seriously looking at getting either a 2002 or a 2003 model IS. I don't know a how lot about the platform yet and I'm still doing a lot of reading, but from what I've read this is a pretty dependable car and the 2JZ GE is a strong engine. Still, I have had bad experiences with the past two cars I've bought, mostly due to my inexperience with the particulars, so I wanted to come here and ask you guys about this.

What kind of stuff should I be looking for on a used IS300 that is pretty common or particular to these cars? Do these cars tend to come modded when used, like a lot of turbocharged cars? What is a typical price paid on these cars? I'm seeing anywhere from 9,000 to 11,000, which I suppose doesn't seem like that big a range, but finances are tight and I'd like to know what a good deal would be. Is it unrealistic to think a lower mileage model (south of 100,000) could be found? Hope I'm not asking too many questions here, just want to get a start to what I need to know before looking for a car. Thanks

FranksGirl

I have a 2003 IS300 and have the same questions as you do. I don't know much about cars but want to know the answers that you do too!

az989

the main issue yull run into on a is300 is suspension problems. AKA change the LBJ, inner outer tie rod, end links, caster arm bushing, and front LCA bushing. As far as motor its the strongest dam motor.. you wont have any issues besides bad cats.

truonghthe

the weakness of the IS if not all Toyota are the suspension, control arm, bushing and the part is some what expensive. The 1st gen IS tend to be molested by kid since they are now affordable to those 16-18 years old with fast and furious mental state. Mine 01 IS current has 200k miles on the clock and still running strong and yes it still stock config.

1997Soarer

iTrader: (1)

This is not entirely true. The JZ engines are higher maintenance than some of Toyota's other engines, and when compared to the engines of other cars like Honda/Acuras and Nissans.
Timing belts HAVE to be changed at 90k. And that's what Lexus says for the 2JZ-GE. If you look at the maintenance schedule for a 2JZ-GE Supra from Toyota, they recommend 60k T-Belt changes (that's GE & GTE).

Bad seals and gaskets are common with age (the motors tend to run hot in stock form). Crank pulleys tend to dry rot and fly apart randomly after 10 years.

Also, these regular maintenance parts are harder to get. Most auto parts stores won't carry parts for 2JZ engines. Sure you'll be able to get sparkplugs, a waterpump, and a serp belt, but you won't find the valve cover gaskets there. Things like that can only be purchased at the Lexus dealers. And even tho it's 12+ year old car, the Lexus prices are still the same.

Just some things to look out for

1997Soarer

iTrader: (1)

Oh, and also a very important point:

Aftermarket parts are more expensive for these cars when compared to a Civic, or a 240SX, or even a RX7. These cars weren't super popular back when they were new, so there's less companies out there that make parts of them.
The average turbo IS300 you see has about 12-15k dollars into the motor, driveline and fueling system. Not looking to go turbo? Figs makes a nice header for our cars. It starts at $1100. There's a cheap OBX header out there, but the O2 bungs are in the wrong place so you have to pay to have them moved.

Golden95SC

iTrader: (21)

Some easy things to check is remove the oil cap and smell it. Ilit will give you an indication if the cars burning oil. If it's smells like normal oil then your OK. If it's smell burned or off then you might have an issue.

The car not smoking is a good sign but doesn't mean much. Check the radiator cap and make sure it's just coolant and doesn't have oil mixed in. Will look brown or will have dark sludge.

Check for leaks. Drive the car. Then park it for a few minutes and observe. When the cars engine bay is dusty it's very easy to see if the motor is leaking as it's will be extremely apparent

Drive the car and make pull to see if transmission and engine shift and run properly.

And mainly just be sure your comfortable with the condition of the Interior and exterior for the price your paying.

These cars don't really have "common" issues. There built pretty well and any problems will come with time as any other car will have

BoostedJZA

Leaky VVTI cam gear is a common problem on most Is300 Over 100k miles. It causes the belt to become greasy and other components under the timing cover as well. Just peak under the car and look at the bottom of the timing cover for oil leaks.