too bad everyones tryna sell their 250k miles, check engine light, poor interior, paint damaged is300s for $5k and up lol. The community doesn't know how to price these cars fairly unfortunately
theres a manual in my city from a dealer going for $13k with 121k miles. I'm considering it over a depreciating brz but then again this manual 2003 is300 is not worth 13k.
@@RonaldCamasura that’s a pretty penny. Car would have to be fully maintained and near flawless for that price, but it’s not completely out of the question. I know this is already a month old, but I hope if you did pull the/a trigger, you went with a 2J over a Subie-powered flat 4. Your wallet will thank you in the long run.
@@zachyurkus I actually bought a 2006 IS250 with a manual! Pretty good maintenance records and around 74k miles; but there was a misfire on a couple of cylinders. Got it fixed and it feels good. I am honestly happier with a Toyota engine than a sub for sure!
I bought my 03 manual in 06. Best car I’ve ever owned. Always thought I would boost it and upgrade to 6 speed. Still bone stock in 2021 and a daily driver. 240K and still rides like a dream.
@@Drewless Apart from regular maintenance items, two O2 sensors, alternator, trunk hinge brackets, radiator, front end lower ball joints, and fixed the sticky dash situation when I replaced the whole A/C system. It’s got 270K on it now and still on the original clutch.
I love mine. Best birthday gift from my parents. I’ve had it for 20 years, drove it all over the US and all over Europe. 350,000 miles strong and hopefully to 1 million.
Found a 65k mile 2005, one owner, owned by an older man, pretty much brand new. He took it to Toyota for every single service and he has all of his receipts. Hoping to get over 300k miles on it without any big issues! Going to leave it very stock since I’ve already had my fair share of car modifying, at least with engines.
Got a automatic one that needs some body work for 1500. Very happy with it. 137k miles. Honestly bang for buck. Manual ones kinda overpriced now but deals on autos are still out there
I bought my 2002 last year with 138k miles (now almost at 150k) but the previous owner neglected most of its maintenance. It still needs some work but most of the points you mentioned in the video has been taken care of and the car can happily run to 200k! Thank you 🙏🏼
About the cam gear situation, it’s actually not that bad to do. I’m 17 with just TH-cam and a help of friend changing the cam gear oring and seal was not that bad! Still loving my is300 sport design 👍🏻
Hey Irvin, Just purchased a 2001 IS300. It was owned by a Toyota technician in the dealer group I work for here in Nova Scotia. I really enjoyed your videos on these cars. It has been a bucket list car for me and the right one came along. I have subscribed as your videos are really informative and instructions are described really well. Keep up the good work !
Nice video man! I got lucky enough when I bought mine in September that all of this maintenance was done a month before purchase . TB,WP, fluids, valve cover gasket, brakes, low ball joints, and decent tires. I did have to replace a wheel bearing because it was thudding very loud when you turned one way or went over 65mph but it’s buttery smooth now
Great video! I just bought a 2002 IS300 and it's having some issues with the throttle body and a jerky transmission, two other common problems that I've heard of. Excited to fix and mod it!
Wish I saw this before buying mine :/. I recently bought an 01. Didn’t know about the VVTI cam gear leak so I assumed the oil gunk was from a previously leaking valve cover gasket that was replaced. I checked everywhere else and saw no leaking oil just gunk. (The guy cleaned it up just before I got there.) welp 2 days after I buy it I start seeing smoke from the interior and oil on my trunk I look under the hood with smoke coming out and see oil all over the ground. Took it to a shop to get the cam gear seals replaced and had to have the timing belt replaced also because it got contaminated. It had a leaking crank seal also. Other than that the car drives excellent. It’s an auto with 234k miles. I’m in $5,000 so hopefully it’s reliable like everyone says it is 😂
Bought my 05 IS in 2019 with only 80k miles. So far I have only done minor maint. Timing belt at 100k Steering rack Lower ball joints Outer tie rods Rotors Pads. Car now has 140k miles and the car runs smooth as silk. Great car!
Bro i got mine on thanks giving and tore it down at my shop and did timing belt tensioner serpinetine belt and tensioner plugs wires, cam shaft seal crank shaft seal from dealer. valve cover gasket, water pump vvti o ring, and a sprocket taht goes by the camshaft, now im driving it and its the best feeling ever. we live on
You forgot the air blend servo behind the glovebox makes noise. Oh and the headlight leveling system. Don’t forget to check the spark plug holes for oil (leaking valve cover gaskets will fill them). Oh and the power steering pump may leak or make noise. Mine has been in the family since 06 and I’m not looking to get rid of it!
Almost all of those i have. Bought mine a month ago. Steering is a bit stiff and there is a clicking noise from somewhere in the steering wheel. Oil from valve covers also.
Yeah I probably will be doing a video on the servo soon lol mine has been making a good amount of noise. I definitely wouldn't! They're only going to go up in price
I have a 2002 manual IS and I was hitting check on each of your points because I either have them or had them. I mean you hit all the issues. Im a novice tho. But luckily my car still runs with no check engine (knock wood) and its now my secondary car. So I still love to ride it sometimes now that my main is a SUV (1 kid).
I've worked on a lot of these in my days lol Glad you like the content bro! If you like the fact that it's manual you'll REALLY like what's coming next 😎
I bought an IS300 yesterday with 80,000 miles for $7700. It had been in a minor accident and the passenger door doesnt have that satisfying sound when it closes. However, the owner provided me with then entire carfax report and the oil was changed every 2,000-3,000 miles and the car is totally unmodified. The engine runs so smooth i could balance a full glass of water on it. The timing cover does leak oil, however, and the timing belt was changed at 50K miles. The E break ratchet doesnt work but it doesnt have sticky dash!
Hi, just subbed, I appreciate your videos on IS300 maintenance. I got my 2002 like 2 months ago, so far I added pioneer stereo, replaced brake pads and rotors, and will have to do the valve gaskets when I change spark plugs/wires... thanks for the tips in your vids
I found a 2001 with 150k for 7k it is really clean but still took it to body shop for 3500 worth of work. Took it to Lexus for another 5600 to make it perfect. Put HPS CAI and Greddy exhaust. It’s the cleanest iS probably around but I’m rich so didn’t care to dump the money in it.
I love the MK4 Supra, but seeing the trend of the JDM market, I'm not expecting the value to go down anytime soon. I recently bought a 2001 IS300 with only 132,000 miles a few weeks ago. I just got the timing belt and water pump done, with all of the seals (I don't think it was ever done even though the engine bay is clean), and I'm more than happy to drive it forever (I like to keep my cars, contrary to the constant consumption of planned obsolescence in our wasteful economy). It's all stock too and the paint is in the best condition I've seen for a car this ago (it was garage kept for most of its life). It's mainly my weekend car but I freaking love this thing!
I'm pretty sure a similar thing will happen with the is300 once more people realize what it is. Our cars just became investments lol TO THE MOON BABY 🚀🚀🚀🚀
@@miraclealiencookies9401 it's a jz. it is cast iron block. There are a few differences between the jz in this and the supra but the only difference in the block is the turbo jz has oil squirters and the na doesn't. Rotating assembly is different but really aside from the oil squirters and different oil feed ports the blocks are identical
That salamander Supra look was on point!! , I can’t stop seeing it ,now every time I see a Supra ima just think back to this salamander and tell em pretty nice looking salamander... jk jk 😂😂 #is300gang
Honestly with prices and how rare the manuals are that isn't a bad plan. Might even think about swapping something a bit more beefy than the oem if you're planning on making some power 😈
The throttle body goes out on some of these, most leak oil not to worry tho. cats probably going bad by now. Keep smog in mind. Lots of these cars come with headers now near me
Kevin Kleiner it be like that. Cats are so expensive too. Personally you can do headers for the low $80~ or repair the manifold with new cars $400 orrrr a new manifold which they go for $1400 or do
@@supershadow230 i cleared some carbon out of cats by putting seafoam into 02 sensor holes after replacing both upstream 02 sensors. I think it helped but engine light came back on. Need to replace both downstream. Can the cats be taken off and cleaned instead of replaced? I hear a lot about the 02 sensor spacers.
Just did upper and lower control arms, ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, caster arms, and sway bar end links on mine. World of difference. I’m on my 4th is300 and it now feels better than any of them have.
My ball joints fell out on the lift. Was hard to keep between the lines at 40. But that was at 40, I drive 80. Lol. Seriously though, you didn't mention the thousands of 02s with automatic. Taking off from stop there is a computer glitch causes a hesitation in shifting. Reflash or replacement of trac ecu and engine ecu is needed. Mine has it. Not horrible, not all the time. But always annoying. Try finding a trac ecu or even someone to reflash it properly now.
Just picked up a 04 manual with 244k miles for 2k. Runs great. The only issue is the headlights. Fogged out bad and one doesn't work. Hopefully I didn't overpay.
Man when I was deciding what my first car would be the is300 was number 1 on my list. Ended up test driving a few of them and they just had no soul, felt so boring to drive. Ended up going with an e46 330ci instead because the torque and power just blew the stock is300 out of the water. Now that I am a bit older than I was when buying my beamer I am no longer looking for speed like I was then, and the aesthetics of the is300 have reeled me back in… Haven’t decided if I’m truly ready to downgrade in power to this extent but we will see what the future has in store for me and my car
Understandable there are definitely faster cars out there but with a good set of coilovers these things handle so well! Honestly I bought this more for the build potential then just for a fast car out of the box. With the amount of aftermarket that is available for the 2jz you can do some crazy stuff but I totally get how other people don't look for that.
@@RotaryDaddy oh yeah you can definitely make the is300 a total beast with the 2JZ! I just don’t have the money to really go 100% into a car, even my bmw is barely modified 😭. I will say that I’m sure your car is way more fun now that you manual swapped it, every is300s in my area was automatic and thats all i was able to test drive I bet they are a lot of fun in manual
@@unoriginalcopy9844 If you properly maintain your bmw, it’s actually quite cheap. You only really run into major problems if you don’t maintain it or take the proper preventative measures. I have only spent about $4k total on the car including purchasing it (not including gas) and I’ve had it for 5 years. Running perfectly, no lights on the dash at 150k miles. The m54 engine is bulletproof once you refresh your cooling system and clutch fan delete it. The cheapest is300s that aren’t salvage title or clapped out with miles are over $7k. I’d already have spent 175% more on the car before even being able to make any modifications or do maintenance
Hell yeah just became owner of an is300 as of yesterday and , I love it. 2jz is wonderful . Plenty of power but a lil hesitation so some help or advice on that would be nice
Hell yeah bro congrats! I'd love to help but diagnosing a car over the internet is a bit hard lol if you dm me on instagram I could try and see whats wrong!
I'm in the process of acquiring an IS300 Sport Cross Wagon 2002 model year. Do you have any other advice on taking care of this rare automobile? Thank you Irvin for all your experience on the IS300.
Rocking 2001 IS with 320k love it to death, I would suggest check that there’s no issues with the catalytic converters. If you live anywhere like Cali., cost to repair is just as much as buying another IS
Would you say changing the out to a new tie rod kit versus just a ball joint make more sense? Super worried about this safety issue. How many miles you think do the new ball joints could last?
I had a 2002 is and i bought it with 58,000 miles on it in 2020. It was a nice car. I wish it was a manual but oh well. Ill get another one some day. Theyre just getting more and more expensive :(
I’m getting one as my first car I’m gonna go prob automatic cuz the manual hard to find but later I will convert with a manual. Looking forward to making it my project car
@@jackpearson1442 yeah man they're getting rare! I will say this tho the 350z will be more fun out of the box, but the is300 has more potential. Personally I'm all about that 2JZ babyyyyy!!!
Is 200.000 miles too much for a IS300 2002 SportCross that was serviced by Toyota/Lexus throughout its whole lifetime? There is only one for sale currently in Germany and I'm in love, thanks!
Honestly as long as they're maintained well they are absolute tanks. As with any car there may be some age related maintenance but they're honestly a very solid chassis
I bought my is300 for 600$ and spend 2.7k on rust. The lady I bought it from doesn't know nothing about cars. She told it used 2 be his son that past away. When I checked the car it was rust every because it was collecting dust for yrs.
Hey man, just a other question regarding those bungs. Did you have to modify them at all or do anything to them for them to work with your sensors bc I was trying to find some to buy and came across a bunch of Lexus forums about people having to drill the o2 sensor spacers out so the o2 sits in there properly and some people saying to not put spacers on all of the sensors and only put them on the the post cat sensors (sensor 2 of bank 1 a bank 2 ) and not any of the pre cat sensors (sensor 1 of bank 1 a bank 2). I only ask as I’m planning to cut out my cars and just run the oem header with it decated as I can’t find any headers that suit the RH drive IS300 due to the steering column being in the way. If you could please let me know if you did have any issues at all with that or if you noticed any very poor fuel economy from spacing out all the sensors and a link to those JGR spacers you show in the video.
bought mine about a month ago and didnt really know what to look for and man did i buy a big problem. realized that the cam gears and valve cover gaskets are leaking and now im dealing with a p1349 (Variable Valve Timing System Malfunction Bank 1), p1346 (Variable Valve Timing Sensor Bank 1 Range/Performance Problem), and vsc and trac are off. runs really rough in idle and stumbled pretty bad when driven. its been sitting for about 2 weeks now because i dont wanna worsen the issue, but if you have any idea what the issue could be please i would be gladly to receive some of your knowledge about this car, im still learning alot. its a 2002 automatic.
So the p1349 and 1346 could be as easy as a vvti solenoid failure but there are a few other things that it could be including oil supply to the solenoid or an issue with the vvti gear. Usually it ends up being a solenoid and it will make the engine run rough if it isn't working. I would start by replacing the solenoid and checking to make sure the filter isn't clogged. If that doesn't fix it, you will be looking at a much more in depth repair that if you are just learning to work on cars I wouldn't attempt without doing a LOT of research on the subject. What code is coming up for the o2 sensor?
Same thing basically happened to me. Didn’t know about the VVTI cam gear leak so I assumed the oil gunk was from a previously leaking valve cover gasket that was replaced. I checked everywhere else and saw no leaking oil just gunk. (The guy cleaned it up just before I got there.) welp 2 days after I buy it I start seeing smoke from the interior and oil on my trunk I look under the hood with smoke coming out and see oil all over the ground. Took it to a shop to get the cam gear seals replaced and had to have the timing belt replaced also because it got contaminated. It had a leaking crank seal also. Other than that the car drives excellent. It’s an auto with 234k miles.
On some Toyota V6 engines, replacing the factory rear main seal is a hit or miss issue, and usually will leak again like it happens on the V6 4runners. It is recommended not to change it unless there is a puddle of oil coming out between the block and trans case.
Is the automatic transmission okay in this car, in terms of will I still be able to have fun with the car and does the transmission come with semi-auto mode?
Here in Sweden i dont think ive seen anyone drive a is300 just the is200's and the manuals are pretty rare here, But I bought a is200 automatic a couple of weeks ago as my first car and i've been loving it since. Dont know the prices in the us and in different places but i got it for 30k SEK, around 3500 dollars it has around 128000 km was this a good buy?
That is honestly insane! The market in the us is so inflated that manuals with similar mileage can be bought for aroun 12-13k usd and autos I've seen around 7-9k
@@RotaryDaddy wow! Did not expect those kinda of prices dayum, I'm really glad I got this car even though its not the fastest but it's one of the greatest cars i ever driven, thanks for the fast comment :D
Honestly just keep up with maintenance! Regular oil changes and make sure to inspect it anytime you change the oil. Oil leaks are inevitable as seals age so when the time comes just replace whatever seals start to leak and you should be good!
Alright so. I'm looking at getting at either a Is300 or a gs300. I'm either gonna sell my 350z and get one or trade my Z for one. Which one is going to be better for cosmetic mods and overall fun. I can't find a manual so I'm going with an auto and just do a swap
Both are good choices tbh! I do think that the is300 has a bit more options as far as aftermarket cosmetic mods go but something about a slammed stock body gs just does it for me. As far as interior, I think the is300 has the gs beat but it all just comes down to taste. Can't really go wrong! Honestly with the prices people want for the manuals I totally understand, looking back I kind of wish I had done that too.
ive had 2 gs300s and i used to always love the is300s until i got in one, its so small and uncomfortable for riders. The GS all leathered out, massive amounts of room for everyone
i mean it is basiaclly a supra but it is a ge engine the internals arent as good and doesnt have a turbo so it is slower but has the same capabilities as the gte variant
Irvin Ortega......Very good and informative video. I just purchased a bone stock 2002 is300 manual with 130,000 miles on it. Ive been told the lower ball joints on these cars are weak. How often do you recommend replacing the ball joints? Better to replace the ball joints with OEM or Moog brand ball joints?
I wouldn't say there inherently weak just a lot of people didn't keep up with maintenance and these cars are getting old. I'd say if your cars over 100K and you don't see any signs that they were done it's not a bad time to do it. I personally would go with oem over any aftermarket ones but that's just me!
So I changed my timing belt water pump cam and crank seals put did not change the pulley. I feel like I should of cause if it leaks I’m going to have to replace everything again.
On the exhaust manifold? Does it look like it's coming from above? Cause that would be valve cover gaskets. If you dm me a picture on instagram I could tell you for sure tho!
the is300 is actually quite a bit slower delivering only 218 hp while the supra delivers 321 hp. this is because the is300 has a 2jz-ge and the supra has the 2jz-gte
2004 is 300 that is a little over 120k miles. I don't think the timing belt was changed. Is that something I should get done right away? And what can I expect to pay if so? I just got the trans solenoid fixed.
My usual mileage interval is about 90k or 10 years for them. After that the rubber can get brittle and bad stuff can happen. Depends on who you find to do it but I've seen them be in the 2-3k price range at the dealers
Thanks bro! Both are good choices! I personally like the look of the first gens and the broad aftermarket support but it really comes down to what you're looking for. The newer ones are a bit more complicated to work on and don't have the same capabilities for being modded but they are lower mileage at this point, have more comfort options, and likely more reliable. All I can say is stay away from the 250s because those engines are known to have issues.
@@RotaryDaddy I was searching for this comment. I’m debating the exact thing. An 01 is300 w/ 210k for $3500 or a 07 is250 w/180k for $5200 I had an 01 & 03 accord and worked on them exclusively. So you saying that bulky v6 in the is250 is harder to work on and has more issue just let’s me know what to do
too bad everyones tryna sell their 250k miles, check engine light, poor interior, paint damaged is300s for $5k and up lol. The community doesn't know how to price these cars fairly unfortunately
The issue is people are still paying that for em. Kinda how it goes with how much more rare they're getting
theres a manual in my city from a dealer going for $13k with 121k miles. I'm considering it over a depreciating brz but then again this manual 2003 is300 is not worth 13k.
@@RonaldCamasura that’s a pretty penny. Car would have to be fully maintained and near flawless for that price, but it’s not completely out of the question.
I know this is already a month old, but I hope if you did pull the/a trigger, you went with a 2J over a Subie-powered flat 4.
Your wallet will thank you in the long run.
@@zachyurkus I actually bought a 2006 IS250 with a manual!
Pretty good maintenance records and around 74k miles; but there was a misfire on a couple of cylinders. Got it fixed and it feels good.
I am honestly happier with a Toyota engine than a sub for sure!
@@RonaldCamasura wow 2nd gen manuals aren’t super easy to find, either. Good choice over the BRZ.
I bought my 03 manual in 06. Best car I’ve ever owned. Always thought I would boost it and upgrade to 6 speed. Still bone stock in 2021 and a daily driver. 240K and still rides like a dream.
Awesome
What have you replaced on your journey?
@@Drewless Apart from regular maintenance items, two O2 sensors, alternator, trunk hinge brackets, radiator, front end lower ball joints, and fixed the sticky dash situation when I replaced the whole A/C system. It’s got 270K on it now and still on the original clutch.
@@qm2092 What price do you think is realistic for a 04 IS manual ? I’m just looking for something that can be a little fun to tune and daily drive .
@@Ravens-Nation-34 $10K if it is in pristine condition
I love mine. Best birthday gift from my parents. I’ve had it for 20 years, drove it all over the US and all over Europe. 350,000 miles strong and hopefully to 1 million.
Same here. At least 500k!
Did you have it ferried to europe?
@ yes
watching in 2021, and this is probably the most underrated buyers guide to the is300 ive ever watched!!
Thanks bro I appreciate that! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
fr bro
My heart dropped when he said lower ball joints, im tapped out just to get the motor in. I Hope there okay.
Found a 65k mile 2005, one owner, owned by an older man, pretty much brand new. He took it to Toyota for every single service and he has all of his receipts. Hoping to get over 300k miles on it without any big issues! Going to leave it very stock since I’ve already had my fair share of car modifying, at least with engines.
300k should be cake with that history! Welcome to the family 🤘🏼
that's such a great deal
@@RotaryDaddy Do you know if the 04 comes come with a 2jge?
@@Nunya-_- It does im pretty sure
@@atombomb6207 i found out it does, thank you for responding
i’m trying to get an is300 for my first car, thanks for the tips!
Same homie u got one already?
Better hurry bro prices started to go up on these
I paid 2500 for mine and it’s pretty clean - Just a tune up need it and that was it
I have owned 10 cars I'm only 21, the is300 is the funnest car I have/had
My first car was a piece of shit es300 it was a lemon I eventually ditched it pretty much lol.
I just got a is300 today with full body coilovers and full exaust, sounds amazing and rides like a dream
Welcome to the club! You'll have to dm me some pics of it on instagram! 🤘🏼
I added aftermarket intake,a chip and the sound is amazing! Not to mention sometimes I manage to do pop outs or kind of small backfires!
Got a automatic one that needs some body work for 1500. Very happy with it. 137k miles. Honestly bang for buck. Manual ones kinda overpriced now but deals on autos are still out there
I bought my 2002 last year with 138k miles (now almost at 150k) but the previous owner neglected most of its maintenance. It still needs some work but most of the points you mentioned in the video has been taken care of and the car can happily run to 200k! Thank you 🙏🏼
About the cam gear situation, it’s actually not that bad to do. I’m 17 with just TH-cam and a help of friend changing the cam gear oring and seal was not that bad! Still loving my is300 sport design 👍🏻
They are nice cars I still got mine used 2001 purchased in 2016 Runs like new in 2024 still Driving
I love this car. I was first looking at a 8th gen civic si sedan but I’m definitely buying this.
04-05 are the best years
I just bought one Today! IS300 >>> competition.
Honestly a pretty solid video. More or less covered everything I've experienced in the last 5 years of ownership.
Honestly pretty solid cars, not much goes wrong with them!
Hey Irvin, Just purchased a 2001 IS300. It was owned by a Toyota technician in the dealer group I work for here in Nova Scotia. I really enjoyed your videos on these cars. It has been a bucket list car for me and the right one came along. I have subscribed as your videos are really informative and instructions are described really well. Keep up the good work !
Nice video man! I got lucky enough when I bought mine in September that all of this maintenance was done a month before purchase . TB,WP, fluids, valve cover gasket, brakes, low ball joints, and decent tires. I did have to replace a wheel bearing because it was thudding very loud when you turned one way or went over 65mph but it’s buttery smooth now
Man you got a deal! That's awesome bro! How you liking it?
@@RotaryDaddy I’m loving every second of it! I want to refresh suspension before diving into engine mods. Still a blast of a car
Great video! I just bought a 2002 IS300 and it's having some issues with the throttle body and a jerky transmission, two other common problems that I've heard of. Excited to fix and mod it!
Yeah I have heard of people having issues with those I've just never seen em myself. Hell yeah bro welcome to the family 🤘🏼🤘🏼
I bought mine last year but I just wanna make sure I didn’t screw up lol
Always gotta double check 😂
Wish I saw this before buying mine :/. I recently bought an 01. Didn’t know about the VVTI cam gear leak so I assumed the oil gunk was from a previously leaking valve cover gasket that was replaced. I checked everywhere else and saw no leaking oil just gunk. (The guy cleaned it up just before I got there.) welp 2 days after I buy it I start seeing smoke from the interior and oil on my trunk I look under the hood with smoke coming out and see oil all over the ground. Took it to a shop to get the cam gear seals replaced and had to have the timing belt replaced also because it got contaminated. It had a leaking crank seal also. Other than that the car drives excellent. It’s an auto with 234k miles. I’m in $5,000 so hopefully it’s reliable like everyone says it is 😂
Daaaaamn yeah fortunately most of them just need a bit of maintenance to be reliable! They go for ages!
Bought my 05 IS in 2019 with only 80k miles.
So far I have only done minor maint.
Timing belt at 100k
Steering rack
Lower ball joints
Outer tie rods
Rotors
Pads.
Car now has 140k miles and the car runs smooth as silk. Great car!
Just bought my is300 about a month ago. Def gonna be checking out more of your vids
Hell yeah bro! How you liking it so far?
@@RotaryDaddy oh man shes a keeper🤩
Just got an offer for an is300 and I’m contemplating getting it, thanks for uploading this it’s very helpful keep it up bro
Bro i got mine on thanks giving and tore it down at my shop and did timing belt tensioner serpinetine belt and tensioner plugs wires, cam shaft seal crank shaft seal from dealer. valve cover gasket, water pump vvti o ring, and a sprocket taht goes by the camshaft, now im driving it and its the best feeling ever. we live on
Good stuff, gotta keep them on the road!
Have a 99 Corolla and I’m thinking of upgrading to this. It’s the only thing I can think of that I like and won’t break the bank.
Just bought mine a few hours ago, so far so good, thanks for the tips!
Hell yeah bro welcome to the crew 🤘🏼
I had this one when I lived in Japan, same silver color, they called it a Toyota Altezza. Super reliable car never had a problem with it.
Bro same. Yokota 2018 I had a silver Toyota altezza so clean. Wish I could have brought it back with me.
You forgot the air blend servo behind the glovebox makes noise. Oh and the headlight leveling system. Don’t forget to check the spark plug holes for oil (leaking valve cover gaskets will fill them). Oh and the power steering pump may leak or make noise. Mine has been in the family since 06 and I’m not looking to get rid of it!
Almost all of those i have. Bought mine a month ago. Steering is a bit stiff and there is a clicking noise from somewhere in the steering wheel. Oil from valve covers also.
Yeah I probably will be doing a video on the servo soon lol mine has been making a good amount of noise. I definitely wouldn't! They're only going to go up in price
@@kevinlong7515 Clicking inside the steering wheel is the clock spring.
already bought an is200, still had to see the vid though:)))
You a real one 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Lol so true, have 2 of them now
The first part of the video is exactly true.
My 2001 has 340k miles and runs like brand new ☺️
I miss my is300. Was such a good car. Only maintenance I ever had to do besides the typical seals n gaskets was the vvti solenoid.
My is300 is white has 230000k miles and still runs like a champ my interior is great some people just don’t take care of their cars 🚗
Unfortunately most people just don't care like we do. 🤷♂️
I should've paid a lil more attention to my tires when I bought mine... 😅
Happens to the best of us! 😂
I had a mark 2 and then fell in love with the is200 / is300 ❤️
I wish I seen this before buying my is300 today and honestly I have to check tmr
They're great cars anyways! Little bit of maintenance and they'll run and drive great for a long time! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
getting a widebody one in 2 days
i feel u bruh, i should’ve watched this shit,, now i got a mf leak
I have a 2002 manual IS and I was hitting check on each of your points because I either have them or had them. I mean you hit all the issues. Im a novice tho. But luckily my car still runs with no check engine (knock wood) and its now my secondary car. So I still love to ride it sometimes now that my main is a SUV (1 kid).
I liked and subscribed after I heard that yours is a manual too.
I've worked on a lot of these in my days lol Glad you like the content bro! If you like the fact that it's manual you'll REALLY like what's coming next 😎
I bought an IS300 yesterday with 80,000 miles for $7700. It had been in a minor accident and the passenger door doesnt have that satisfying sound when it closes. However, the owner provided me with then entire carfax report and the oil was changed every 2,000-3,000 miles and the car is totally unmodified. The engine runs so smooth i could balance a full glass of water on it. The timing cover does leak oil, however, and the timing belt was changed at 50K miles. The E break ratchet doesnt work but it doesnt have sticky dash!
That's some low miles! sounds like a bit of maintenance work and she'll be like new!
Great video man! IS300’s are becoming harder and harder to come by! Great tips!
Thanks bro! Yeah, it sucks to see em getting so rare now, glad I got mine when I did!
Hi, just subbed, I appreciate your videos on IS300 maintenance. I got my 2002 like 2 months ago, so far I added pioneer stereo, replaced brake pads and rotors, and will have to do the valve gaskets when I change spark plugs/wires... thanks for the tips in your vids
Happy to help! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
That’s such a sick spot out in Vancouver
It's a classic 😂
I found a 2001 with 150k for 7k it is really clean but still took it to body shop for 3500 worth of work. Took it to Lexus for another 5600 to make it perfect. Put HPS CAI and Greddy exhaust. It’s the cleanest iS probably around but I’m rich so didn’t care to dump the money in it.
Help a brotha out!😂
Bro you trying to buy my is300 lmao
Joe if you got any extra parts hmu
I love the MK4 Supra, but seeing the trend of the JDM market, I'm not expecting the value to go down anytime soon. I recently bought a 2001 IS300 with only 132,000 miles a few weeks ago. I just got the timing belt and water pump done, with all of the seals (I don't think it was ever done even though the engine bay is clean), and I'm more than happy to drive it forever (I like to keep my cars, contrary to the constant consumption of planned obsolescence in our wasteful economy). It's all stock too and the paint is in the best condition I've seen for a car this ago (it was garage kept for most of its life). It's mainly my weekend car but I freaking love this thing!
I'm pretty sure a similar thing will happen with the is300 once more people realize what it is. Our cars just became investments lol TO THE MOON BABY 🚀🚀🚀🚀
@@RotaryDaddy it’s not the same engine though you need a cast iron block to be a full Supra engine
@@miraclealiencookies9401 it's a jz. it is cast iron block. There are a few differences between the jz in this and the supra but the only difference in the block is the turbo jz has oil squirters and the na doesn't. Rotating assembly is different but really aside from the oil squirters and different oil feed ports the blocks are identical
@@RotaryDaddy oh that’s right the Supra 2j also had a sequential turbo stock
How much u pay for the maintenance
damn momma got a GEM, mint 2001 pearl white is300 all stock, 170k miles. All maintenance up to date too!
Very nice!
That salamander Supra look was on point!! , I can’t stop seeing it ,now every time I see a Supra ima just think back to this salamander and tell em pretty nice looking salamander... jk jk 😂😂 #is300gang
I'll have mine on Saturday 2004 IS300 manual with 140k miles and we'll taken care of
Just got one for my first car...its a POS and i love it!!
Hell yeah bro! 🤘🏼
I'm going to look at one this weekend and I'ma put it on my channel and see how she'll treat me lol
I'm sure you'll love it!
I’m getting one as a first car, going automatic first before I convert with a manual (hopefully oem)
Honestly with prices and how rare the manuals are that isn't a bad plan. Might even think about swapping something a bit more beefy than the oem if you're planning on making some power 😈
The throttle body goes out on some of these, most leak oil not to worry tho. cats probably going bad by now. Keep smog in mind. Lots of these cars come with headers now near me
True! I have hear a bunch of people dealing with cat and 02 issues!
Myself included. Cant pinpoint p0430 code may actually be the cat, i hear lots of people remove them but i dont want it loud. I like how quiet it is.
Kevin Kleiner it be like that. Cats are so expensive too. Personally you can do headers for the low $80~ or repair the manifold with new cars $400 orrrr a new manifold which they go for $1400 or do
@@supershadow230 i cleared some carbon out of cats by putting seafoam into 02 sensor holes after replacing both upstream 02 sensors. I think it helped but engine light came back on. Need to replace both downstream. Can the cats be taken off and cleaned instead of replaced? I hear a lot about the 02 sensor spacers.
Kevin Kleiner they cannot
hella good tips here! That explains why my front wheels are so wasted lol
Just did upper and lower control arms, ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, caster arms, and sway bar end links on mine. World of difference.
I’m on my 4th is300 and it now feels better than any of them have.
Zach Yurkus aren’t caster arms lower control arms?
Zach Yurkus pm me @kcerollie
@@supershadow230 no, there’a lower forward and lower rear control arms. The lower rear is commonly referred to as the “caster” arm.
Zach Yurkus what’s your insta ?
My ball joints fell out on the lift. Was hard to keep between the lines at 40. But that was at 40, I drive 80. Lol.
Seriously though, you didn't mention the thousands of 02s with automatic. Taking off from stop there is a computer glitch causes a hesitation in shifting. Reflash or replacement of trac ecu and engine ecu is needed. Mine has it. Not horrible, not all the time. But always annoying. Try finding a trac ecu or even someone to reflash it properly now.
0:27 great now I cant unsee that
It eats away at my soul lol
Holding out until Altezza is available for import 🙌
Some BEAMS action would definitely be dope!
Bro this was so helpful. Cheers!
Just picked up a 04 manual with 244k miles for 2k. Runs great. The only issue is the headlights. Fogged out bad and one doesn't work. Hopefully I didn't overpay.
2k is usually pretty cheap depending on the market, just make sure to keep up with maintenance if the previous owner didn't!
Man when I was deciding what my first car would be the is300 was number 1 on my list. Ended up test driving a few of them and they just had no soul, felt so boring to drive.
Ended up going with an e46 330ci instead because the torque and power just blew the stock is300 out of the water.
Now that I am a bit older than I was when buying my beamer I am no longer looking for speed like I was then, and the aesthetics of the is300 have reeled me back in… Haven’t decided if I’m truly ready to downgrade in power to this extent but we will see what the future has in store for me and my car
Understandable there are definitely faster cars out there but with a good set of coilovers these things handle so well! Honestly I bought this more for the build potential then just for a fast car out of the box. With the amount of aftermarket that is available for the 2jz you can do some crazy stuff but I totally get how other people don't look for that.
@@RotaryDaddy oh yeah you can definitely make the is300 a total beast with the 2JZ! I just don’t have the money to really go 100% into a car, even my bmw is barely modified 😭.
I will say that I’m sure your car is way more fun now that you manual swapped it, every is300s in my area was automatic and thats all i was able to test drive I bet they are a lot of fun in manual
L move. The bmw will cost you twice as much in the long run
@@unoriginalcopy9844 If you properly maintain your bmw, it’s actually quite cheap. You only really run into major problems if you don’t maintain it or take the proper preventative measures. I have only spent about $4k total on the car including purchasing it (not including gas) and I’ve had it for 5 years. Running perfectly, no lights on the dash at 150k miles. The m54 engine is bulletproof once you refresh your cooling system and clutch fan delete it.
The cheapest is300s that aren’t salvage title or clapped out with miles are over $7k. I’d already have spent 175% more on the car before even being able to make any modifications or do maintenance
Hell yeah just became owner of an is300 as of yesterday and , I love it. 2jz is wonderful . Plenty of power but a lil hesitation so some help or advice on that would be nice
Hell yeah bro congrats! I'd love to help but diagnosing a car over the internet is a bit hard lol if you dm me on instagram I could try and see whats wrong!
Solid video Mang.
I'm in the process of acquiring an IS300 Sport Cross Wagon 2002 model year. Do you have any other advice on taking care of this rare automobile? Thank you Irvin for all your experience on the IS300.
Just to keep up with maintenance and enjoy it! They're honestly super reliable as long as you take care of them! 🤘
Rocking 2001 IS with 320k love it to death, I would suggest check that there’s no issues with the catalytic converters. If you live anywhere like Cali., cost to repair is just as much as buying another IS
True! I didn't include it cause fortunately I live in a smog free state so it's not as much of an issue up here
Would you say changing the out to a new tie rod kit versus just a ball joint make more sense? Super worried about this safety issue. How many miles you think do the new ball joints could last?
What camera/mic setup are you using? Looks and sounds crisp!
Thanks bro! That's just stock sound on my Canon EOS R 🤘🏼
I had a 2002 is and i bought it with 58,000 miles on it in 2020. It was a nice car. I wish it was a manual but oh well. Ill get another one some day. Theyre just getting more and more expensive :(
Why don't you put the timing sticker on the inside of the timing cover. Make sure it's nice and clean for proper adhesion. Should be fine right?
I suppose it's possible but I have all my records of when I did it so I don't really see a point ya feel?
I’m getting one as my first car I’m gonna go prob automatic cuz the manual hard to find but later I will convert with a manual. Looking forward to making it my project car
Tbh looking back I kind of wish that's what I had done too. Good luck bro!
@@RotaryDaddy thanks dude. these prices are kinda expensive for a 15 year old but it’s the is300 or a 350z both great choices but the Z is manual😈
@@jackpearson1442 yeah man they're getting rare! I will say this tho the 350z will be more fun out of the box, but the is300 has more potential. Personally I'm all about that 2JZ babyyyyy!!!
I’m glad I bought my 2001 is 309 for 2,500 🤝🔥
That's a good deal bro!
Is 200.000 miles too much for a IS300 2002 SportCross that was serviced by Toyota/Lexus throughout its whole lifetime? There is only one for sale currently in Germany and I'm in love, thanks!
Honestly as long as they're maintained well they are absolute tanks. As with any car there may be some age related maintenance but they're honestly a very solid chassis
Nice vid bruv🔥
I paid 9k for mine and had 44k miles and the interior was mint stock and a bn kit with some work emotion
That's a fuggin deal! Auto or manual?
@@RotaryDaddy manual
I bought my is300 for 600$ and spend 2.7k on rust. The lady I bought it from doesn't know nothing about cars. She told it used 2 be his son that past away. When I checked the car it was rust every because it was collecting dust for yrs.
Hey man good on you for keeping another one on the road! 🤘🏼
Did you change the ball joints? Sounds scary, maybe a good idea to just change them to begin with? Any recommendations where?
Just got a 2004 is300 white amazing car.
6:16 this just happened to my is300. Was driving straight and the wheel damn near came off. Destroyed my fender. $1700 up in flames
From time to time I check the ball joints and timing belt to make sure everything is ok
Dont really like how little power it has so when i get mine im definitely doing an ls engine swap and adding a twin turbo
Ahhh don't throw a boat anchor into it. Put a real engine in 😎
I’ll be your 1000th sub
Good video
Thanks bro! Your support means a lot!
@@RotaryDaddy no problem bro
Very informative, thanks for the information
Thanks for watching!
Hey man, just a other question regarding those bungs. Did you have to modify them at all or do anything to them for them to work with your sensors bc I was trying to find some to buy and came across a bunch of Lexus forums about people having to drill the o2 sensor spacers out so the o2 sits in there properly and some people saying to not put spacers on all of the sensors and only put them on the the post cat sensors (sensor 2 of bank 1 a bank 2 ) and not any of the pre cat sensors (sensor 1 of bank 1 a bank 2). I only ask as I’m planning to cut out my cars and just run the oem header with it decated as I can’t find any headers that suit the RH drive IS300 due to the steering column being in the way. If you could please let me know if you did have any issues at all with that or if you noticed any very poor fuel economy from spacing out all the sensors and a link to those JGR spacers you show in the video.
Great content bro 🙏💯
I appreciate that man! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Glad to have my 2001 with no sticky dash
bought mine about a month ago and didnt really know what to look for and man did i buy a big problem. realized that the cam gears and valve cover gaskets are leaking and now im dealing with a p1349 (Variable Valve Timing System Malfunction Bank 1), p1346 (Variable Valve Timing Sensor Bank 1 Range/Performance Problem), and vsc and trac are off. runs really rough in idle and stumbled pretty bad when driven. its been sitting for about 2 weeks now because i dont wanna worsen the issue, but if you have any idea what the issue could be please i would be gladly to receive some of your knowledge about this car, im still learning alot. its a 2002 automatic.
not to mention i got the car with aftermarket headers and the cat cut off. o2 pops up after 3 mins of driving everytime.
So the p1349 and 1346 could be as easy as a vvti solenoid failure but there are a few other things that it could be including oil supply to the solenoid or an issue with the vvti gear. Usually it ends up being a solenoid and it will make the engine run rough if it isn't working. I would start by replacing the solenoid and checking to make sure the filter isn't clogged. If that doesn't fix it, you will be looking at a much more in depth repair that if you are just learning to work on cars I wouldn't attempt without doing a LOT of research on the subject. What code is coming up for the o2 sensor?
Same thing basically happened to me. Didn’t know about the VVTI cam gear leak so I assumed the oil gunk was from a previously leaking valve cover gasket that was replaced. I checked everywhere else and saw no leaking oil just gunk. (The guy cleaned it up just before I got there.) welp 2 days after I buy it I start seeing smoke from the interior and oil on my trunk I look under the hood with smoke coming out and see oil all over the ground. Took it to a shop to get the cam gear seals replaced and had to have the timing belt replaced also because it got contaminated. It had a leaking crank seal also. Other than that the car drives excellent. It’s an auto with 234k miles.
On some Toyota V6 engines, replacing the factory rear main seal is a hit or miss issue, and usually will leak again like it happens on the V6 4runners. It is recommended not to change it unless there is a puddle of oil coming out between the block and trans case.
What a great guy
we need more people who are devoted to the lexus is's and altezza nation like you bro keep it up.
Is the automatic transmission okay in this car, in terms of will I still be able to have fun with the car and does the transmission come with semi-auto mode?
Here in Sweden i dont think ive seen anyone drive a is300 just the is200's and the manuals are pretty rare here, But I bought a is200 automatic a couple of weeks ago as my first car and i've been loving it since. Dont know the prices in the us and in different places but i got it for 30k SEK, around 3500 dollars it has around 128000 km was this a good buy?
That is honestly insane! The market in the us is so inflated that manuals with similar mileage can be bought for aroun 12-13k usd and autos I've seen around 7-9k
@@RotaryDaddy wow! Did not expect those kinda of prices dayum, I'm really glad I got this car even though its not the fastest but it's one of the greatest cars i ever driven, thanks for the fast comment :D
How do you keep from letting an oil leak happen in your own possession?
Honestly just keep up with maintenance! Regular oil changes and make sure to inspect it anytime you change the oil. Oil leaks are inevitable as seals age so when the time comes just replace whatever seals start to leak and you should be good!
bro has my exact car soo hard to find the things
Rare but worth it 😎
Alright so. I'm looking at getting at either a Is300 or a gs300. I'm either gonna sell my 350z and get one or trade my Z for one. Which one is going to be better for cosmetic mods and overall fun. I can't find a manual so I'm going with an auto and just do a swap
Both are good choices tbh! I do think that the is300 has a bit more options as far as aftermarket cosmetic mods go but something about a slammed stock body gs just does it for me. As far as interior, I think the is300 has the gs beat but it all just comes down to taste. Can't really go wrong! Honestly with the prices people want for the manuals I totally understand, looking back I kind of wish I had done that too.
ive had 2 gs300s and i used to always love the is300s until i got in one, its so small and uncomfortable for riders. The GS all leathered out, massive amounts of room for everyone
i mean it is basiaclly a supra but it is a ge engine the internals arent as good and doesnt have a turbo so it is slower but has the same capabilities as the gte variant
Irvin Ortega......Very good and informative video. I just purchased a bone stock 2002 is300 manual with 130,000 miles on it. Ive been told the lower ball joints on these cars are weak. How often do you recommend replacing the ball joints? Better to replace the ball joints with OEM or Moog brand ball joints?
I wouldn't say there inherently weak just a lot of people didn't keep up with maintenance and these cars are getting old. I'd say if your cars over 100K and you don't see any signs that they were done it's not a bad time to do it. I personally would go with oem over any aftermarket ones but that's just me!
Honestly if this is the worst things on a 20 year old luxury car, sign me up coz this is a whole lot better than any europen car.
i found a manual one near me and it has a new engine in it with 30k miles
Sounds like a promising candidate!
So I changed my timing belt water pump cam and crank seals put did not change the pulley. I feel like I should of cause if it leaks I’m going to have to replace everything again.
They get pretty expensive, I wouldn't really consider them a maintenance item, honestly I just wait till they leak.
Def worth servicing while things are apart. Just get a viton vvti o-ring and rebuild the gear. It's not at all difficult and less than $20.
So I just checked today and 😔 I have an oil leak on the left side of the motor on the exhaust manifold. Any tips on what I should do?
On the exhaust manifold? Does it look like it's coming from above? Cause that would be valve cover gaskets. If you dm me a picture on instagram I could tell you for sure tho!
@@RotaryDaddy is there some way I can send you a photo because it is like sitting on the manifold.
@@thedom7009 if you got instagram send me one there! @irvinortega_
@@RotaryDaddy ok I sent you a message just now my name is _esnel__
the is300 is actually quite a bit slower delivering only 218 hp while the supra delivers 321 hp. this is because the is300 has a 2jz-ge and the supra has the 2jz-gte
WOW you can read the brochure!!! 😮
When it comes to this car it’s always 2jz but the ge is silent
Yeeeeaaah we don't talk about that part... we're all about POTENTIAL on this channel 😂
Ayeee I know that spot!
So everything u explained is absolutely everything that EVERY VEHICLES DO 😂😂😂
They're solid cars, not much stuff goes wrong other than lack of maintenance 🤷🏽
2004 is 300 that is a little over 120k miles. I don't think the timing belt was changed. Is that something I should get done right away? And what can I expect to pay if so? I just got the trans solenoid fixed.
My usual mileage interval is about 90k or 10 years for them. After that the rubber can get brittle and bad stuff can happen. Depends on who you find to do it but I've seen them be in the 2-3k price range at the dealers
Im considering a ‘05 IS300 for $5,800 with 175k miles .. any tips ?
I’m making the decision on a first car and I’m looking at either a 03-05 Is300 or a 2007 Is350. What’s your recommendation? Sick videos tho bro 🤝
Thanks bro! Both are good choices! I personally like the look of the first gens and the broad aftermarket support but it really comes down to what you're looking for. The newer ones are a bit more complicated to work on and don't have the same capabilities for being modded but they are lower mileage at this point, have more comfort options, and likely more reliable. All I can say is stay away from the 250s because those engines are known to have issues.
@@RotaryDaddy Thanks bro, appreciate it!
@@RotaryDaddy I was searching for this comment. I’m debating the exact thing. An 01 is300 w/ 210k for $3500 or a 07 is250 w/180k for $5200
I had an 01 & 03 accord and worked on them exclusively. So you saying that bulky v6 in the is250 is harder to work on and has more issue just let’s me know what to do