Move from IS200 to IS300?

[rob_clio172]

43 minutes ago, lexus22 said:

Let's face it, these cars are now old, is it really worth spending excess money on them? Nice as they are, not a good investment.

Depends how you intend to use it 😂 dont look at my project thread you will make me feel very guilty. Although ive not done it as an investment... well thats my excuse🤣

[royoftherovers]

1 hour ago, IS300KK said:

Definitely not a good financial investment, but very enjoyable as an alternative to BMW / Merc / Audi.

I feel that, relatively speaking it is an excellent investment. Which vehicle is more reliable, can be warranted for 10 years old /140,000 miles and exudes quality in terms of economy and reliability from bumper to bumper and has a Dealer Network par excellence ?

It, and other Lexus models will be in high demand going forward as no other manufacturer has demonstrated such qualities. Those in the know will snap them up whilst those who think they know will struggle along with the so called, competition.

[Shizukesa]

I mean... I'm a car enthusiast, I'm not buying the car as an investment. I'm buying it because I like it and I enjoy the modification process 🙂

Besides, what other RWD, 2JZ Japanese cars can you get for 3-4k? None.

I won't be increasing the power anytime soon. A manual swap, some BC coilovers and and a HKS Silent exhaust is all I want. I don't want to mess with the power because I'll be keeping this car until... well until it dies 🙂 I don't want an increase in power to reduce it's reliability.

Finally, both the IS200s and IS300s are becoming increasingly sought after. An IS300 with a manual box was never available here in the UK or EU, they won't depreciate. Not that it matters because I'm not buying it to sell it.

[IS300KK]

17 hours ago, Shizukesa said:

I'm a car enthusiast, I'm not buying the car as an investment. I'm buying it because I like it

This is why I have kept mine for 16 years. I go months without driving it, but then when I do, it puts a big smile on my face. It has is own character, quite different from equivalent BMWs and Audis I have driven, the throttle response is more linear and it tends to be more tail happy. I like the 'anonymity' of the car, people don't really know what it is, so are more likely to let you out at junctions etc.

Over the years, I have driven lots of cars from different manufacturers in different countries. The smoothest engine I have ever driven is the one in my IS300. Pretty much every non-Lexus garage I've been into have commented that it is the nicest engine they have ever come across.

 

[rich1068]

A well maintained 2JZ-GE is a lovely thing. 

[lexus22]

So both rear sills need to be replaced, both bumpers could do with a repaint, 5 to 600 ? How much are these cars worth? Guess this is why cars are scrapped..☹️ shame but reality.

[IS300KK]

My (rather neglected) IS300 is currently in with an independent Lexus specialist. i was considering getting a Dodge Challenger (love the noise, but LHD only) or a GS-F, (like the BHP) but realised that I actually had a very nice car that just needed doing up a bit. It may end up costing me a few thousand, but that is less than the 50K that I would d have spent otherwise. Whereas I love the excitement of a new car and all the toys, I still love my IS300. 

[Lucazade]

On 10/26/2020 at 9:28 PM, IS300KK said:

Definitely not a good financial investment, but very enjoyable as an alternative to BMW / Merc / Audi.

Talking from experience (other car being an E46, which is comparable), an IS is a good financial investment in comparison. The BMW has its qualities - better in some aspects - but maintenance costs are way higher.

[rajputaman04]

I change engine oil every 10k, never put it into sport mode as fast enough without it, use the manual shift buttons on motorway driving, such a lovely car to drive.

[Shizukesa]

I've almost got enough saved to make the switch. I'll be looking for a nice example in Jan/Feb.

I'm basically looking for:

• Pretty much any other colour except silver
• Preferably under 100k miles
• Well looked after (FSH etc)
• Black interior, not tan like I have in my IS200

Wish me luck! 😁

[scudney]

Good luck in your search 👍 

[royoftherovers]

I wish you luck too.Please keep us all informed.

[Parthiban]

Bit late to the conversation but from everything I've heard the IS300 is a very different car to the IS200 (not just bigger engine/more power) so definitely worth considering.

Don't forget the IS300 came as a manual in other markets (the US being one) so a manual swap is probably easier than with some other cars. Keep an eye out on my.is as things like this will pop up every now and then (once you get your IS300 of course!)

https://www.my.is/threads/fs-is300-manual-transmission-parts-w55.608861/

[lexus22]

Why even consider a manual? The is300 auto is sweet🍰

[IS300KK]

I agree, the auto box is incredibly smooth. The combination of engine and gearbox in the IS300 is just exceptional.

[Shizukesa]

Over the last year I must have researched the IS200 for hundreds of hours as well as the 2JZ platform, put 'em together and you get an IS300 😄

I understand that the US got the W55, but it's weaker than the A650E. Crest Motorsport do a manual conversion kit using the J160 box, so that's definitely an option down the line. I'll see what the auto is like first. I'll probably go NA-T before I swap the trans though 🙂

Since I've only driven my out manual IS200, I don't know what the IS300 auto box is like. I guess I'll find out and make a decision from there.

I'm probably a month away from buying now! 😊

[IS300KK]

The IS300 box is very different to the IS200 manual. My 18yo Is300 drives incredibly smoothly. There is a slight delay on using manual gear changes, but hey, it's an 18yo car. You will not regret getting an IS300. The difference in fuel consumption is negligible, just go for it!

 

 

[Chris Skelton]

On 9/28/2020 at 7:42 AM, Spacewagon52 said:

I have driven small engined autos and owned an automatic 1.6 Golf. They are a completely different experience to a large 3 litre or more engine mated to an auto box. 

 

In the past I would NEVER consider an automatic. After purchasing my first LS 400 I realised how good they could be.

Grasshopper / Master is from an old TV series that you are probably too young to remember, called Kung Fu. It was said, tongue in cheek, for the benefit of older members on here. No offence intended, honestly. You admitted you are fairly new to driving, and are going through a youthful phase with your choice of cars. In a way you are very lucky, as new drivers tend to be so young that insurance on sporty cars is so expensive or impossible to get. Enjoy your enthusiasm for fast and loud but you may eventually find that quietness, smoothness and luxury will be more appealing in the future.

I've got the whole 'Kung Fu' series on dvd!

Loking at an IS 300 with lpg now.Auto is fine!

[Shizukesa]

There's only Sportscross models for sale at the moment 😟

[Spacewagon52]

6 hours ago, Shizukesa said:

There's only Sportscross models for sale at the moment 😟

I really like the Sportscross

[royoftherovers]

5 minutes ago, Spacewagon52 said:

I really like the Sportscross

I had a 3 litre straight six automatic from Lexus Liverpool in the early 2000`s for a long weekend. A wonderful,but thirsty vehicle.

[Shizukesa]

18 hours ago, Spacewagon52 said:

I really like the Sportscross

If I have another sedan or coupe, I honestly wouldn't mind. But, for my only car, I want the sedan for sure.

I'll just have to be patient and have faith that the right car will come along in time.

[Shizukesa]

So...... I got one! 😁

[eddiea1]

On 11/29/2020 at 1:57 PM, Shizukesa said:

I've almost got enough saved to make the switch. I'll be looking for a nice example in Jan/Feb.

I'm basically looking for:

• Pretty much any other colour except silver
• Preferably under 100k miles
• Well looked after (FSH etc)
• Black interior, not tan like I have in my IS200

Wish me luck! 😁

That is a good shopping list. I would say not to worry about the mileage being a bit over 100,000 - full service history is more important that mileage. A decent IS300 with black interior is becoming rarer, especially the sport or styling version. They do come up and anything low mileage will command a premium. The value of IS300s has definitely bottomed and will probably go up now.

[Shizukesa]

I managed to pick up a dark green (6R4), 2002 IS300 with 99k miles.

• 18 services over 18 years.
• No rust at all.
• Black interior.
• Incredible condition.
• £4k 🙂

IS200 should be sold over the weekend for a good price!

I'll add more info later with pictures and plans! 🙂

All I'll say for now is... it's a TOTALLY different animal! 2JZ for life! 😁