Heavily Customized Lexus IS300 Is a JDM Dream Ride
A decade after it was bought by its current owner, this sedan is a far cry from stock.
Decade of Ownership
For most of us enthusiasts, the story of Josh Harada and his 2004 Lexus IS300 will sound quite familiar. Harada saved up his pennies for a long time with the intention of buying a cool car, and ten years ago, that's precisely what he did when he picked up this IS300 at a dealer when he was a mere 17 years old - before he even had a driver's permit. Now, a full decade later, his Lexus is still going strong, though it's a far cry from the stock luxury sedan it was back then, as Harada recently explained to MotorTrend.
Photos: Josh Harada
Laser Focus
Harada started out much the same way many of us do - by experimenting with different wheel and tire combinations, along with making a few minor changes here and there. The idea, however, remained steady - to focus on attention to detail and ensure that all of the Lexus' modifications look somewhat OEM, or at least blend in nicely.
Photos: Josh Harada
Different Sources
"The theme I've always followed for this car is an OEM+ and JDM streetcar style," he adds. "I wanted it to look as if it was plucked off the streets of Japan." His inspiration came from a variety of places, however, including from a Japanese shop called Daddy Motor Works, which supplied him with an individual throttle body setup for his sedan's powerplant.
Photos: Josh Harada
Carefully Curated
The outside features a carefully-curated list of parts as well, including an Altezza Legana front bumper, Qualitat Modelista headlights, a TRD Sports carbon-trimmed upper grill, Altezza Elegant side skirts, an Altezza rear bumper, a TRD Sports carbon trunk, Modellista trunk spoiler, East Bear mirrors, and custom-built 17-inch Work Equip 05 wheels.
Photos: Josh Harada
Cornering Machine
Underneath, Harada has given his IS a total overhaul with 326Power coilovers, adjustable upper and lower control arms, adjustable tie rods and rear toe links, and polyurethane bushings, a Hotchkis Performance front sway bar, and a laundry list of other goodies designed to make this sedan competent in the corners.
Photos: Josh Harada
Show Piece
As one might imagine, the stock powerplant wasn't left alone either. In addition to the aforementioned ITBs, the mill has been treated to an array of upgrades in a polished engine bay that's a showpiece all by itself. But given Harada's incredible attention to detail here - coupled with his love for this Lexus - that isn't a surprise by any means.
Photos: Josh Harada
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