Buy Lexus IS300... or something else?
Discussion
I'm looking to buy the first generation IS300. I used to have a 1999 BMW 528i. I know it's not the same class, but in what aspects is Lexus better except the reliability and durability? I'm especially interested about the handling, as so far, that 5 series has been the most exciting car I've owned so far. Also, the least durable, largely due to the previous owner neglect.
I do not want to buy another BMW, so 3 series is out of the question.
I just want to experience another straight six engine. My budget is £5000.
Has anybody owned or driven 3 series and Lexus IS300?
I do not want to buy another BMW, so 3 series is out of the question.
I just want to experience another straight six engine. My budget is £5000.
Has anybody owned or driven 3 series and Lexus IS300?
From what I've read on the MK1 IS300 they are super reliable but suffer from rusty sills in their old age. They also drink like there's no tomorrow. N
For £5k you'd probably be looking at the newer IS250. I had an 06' auto SEL for 2 years and went from 81k to 95k and had absolutely zero problems. Felt like it it could 150k easy.
For £5k you'd probably be looking at the newer IS250. I had an 06' auto SEL for 2 years and went from 81k to 95k and had absolutely zero problems. Felt like it it could 150k easy.
Zdzichu4 said:
I'm looking to buy the first generation IS300. I used to have a 1999 BMW 528i. I know it's not the same class, but in what aspects is Lexus better except the reliability and durability? I'm especially interested about the handling, as so far, that 5 series has been the most exciting car I've owned so far. Also, the least durable, largely due to the previous owner neglect.
I do not want to buy another BMW, so 3 series is out of the question.
I just want to experience another straight six engine. My budget is £5000.
Has anybody owned or driven 3 series and Lexus IS300?
With that budget you'll get a nice IS250 make sure it's post 2007 as not to have any issues with E10, the IS250 handles well & will see you through many years of motoring. I do not want to buy another BMW, so 3 series is out of the question.
I just want to experience another straight six engine. My budget is £5000.
Has anybody owned or driven 3 series and Lexus IS300?
Go for the auto as the manual is high road tax costs.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110238...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110028...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202072...
Have you considered the IS200. Its still a lovely silky smooth straight six, there are more of them about than the IS300 , they're cheaper and performance isn't far off. I did a few test drives in the IS300 then got into an IS200 and didn't regret it (owned it for seven years). The build quality of the MK 1 IS is pretty exceptional but obviously now showing their age in places. I preferred it to the IS250 and the later Mk 3 IS which I owned for two years. I can't compare with an older 3 series but sold the IS200 for a BMW 135i - night and day in performance obviously but strangely still missed the IS.
DT1975 said:
Have you considered the IS200. Its still a lovely silky smooth straight six, there are more of them about than the IS300 , they're cheaper and performance isn't far off. I did a few test drives in the IS300 then got into an IS200 and didn't regret it (owned it for seven years). The build quality of the MK 1 IS is pretty exceptional but obviously now showing their age in places. I preferred it to the IS250 and the later Mk 3 IS which I owned for two years. I can't compare with an older 3 series but sold the IS200 for a BMW 135i - night and day in performance obviously but strangely still missed the IS.
Thanks for a reply. No, I haven't considered IS200. I assume d it is too weak compared to IS300. For that very reason we chose 528i over 520i. That 2.8 BMW engine is absolute pleasure. I can compare my previous 1999 BMW 528i to a 1999 Audi A6 2.4 V6 which I now own, both in manual. It's only 29 HP difference, but you feel it. Audi engine has more linear power delivery. What about the IS 300 handling and ride? I hope comfort is acceptable 🙂?The only reason to buy an IS200 / 300 is if you want old school, lightweight RWD with an LSD
Their prices are high for such old cars for this reason - many then turbo / supercharge / V8 them
If you just want a nice modern car most BMW / Audi / Merc will be far better VFM - but I find them too heavy / throttle delay etc
Their prices are high for such old cars for this reason - many then turbo / supercharge / V8 them
If you just want a nice modern car most BMW / Audi / Merc will be far better VFM - but I find them too heavy / throttle delay etc
I love RWD straight 6 petrol cars, preferably with a manual gearbox.
Which is why I currently have an E90 BMW 330i after an E91 325i and an E46 Compact 325ti.
So Lexus seemed the only other option, but the IS200 is just under-powered and the IS300 was Auto only in the UK.
Could you find a JDM Toyota Soarer if BMWs are a no-no?
Which is why I currently have an E90 BMW 330i after an E91 325i and an E46 Compact 325ti.
So Lexus seemed the only other option, but the IS200 is just under-powered and the IS300 was Auto only in the UK.
Could you find a JDM Toyota Soarer if BMWs are a no-no?
I had an IS300 for 2 years.
It wasn't a sportscar but still decently fun, the IS300's also came with a torsen LSD as standard. It also was as reliable as you would expect even though my car was an absolut trashcan condition wise. They do like to drink quite a bit, so if you are doing higher mileage's you should be aware of that.
Other than that, I would still recommend it
It wasn't a sportscar but still decently fun, the IS300's also came with a torsen LSD as standard. It also was as reliable as you would expect even though my car was an absolut trashcan condition wise. They do like to drink quite a bit, so if you are doing higher mileage's you should be aware of that.
Other than that, I would still recommend it
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