I just sold my Volvo 850 and need to replace it. I am tired of the
reliability issues with Volvo/BMW/Mercedes and seem to hear good things
about Lexus.

Is the Lexus IS300 a more reliable car then most European imports?

Short answer is yes.


the engine in the IS300 is toyota's most bulletproof engine to date,
the 2JZ series.


--
NYLexSC

On Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:27:20 UTC, "GregZ" <greg.zimmers (AT) gmail (DOT) com>
wrote:


--

The IS series Lexus cars have very stiff suspensions and what to me is a
harsh ride. Coming from a Volvo, I would think you would prefer a Lexus ES,
GS, or LS.


"GregZ" <greg.zimmers (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

"GregZ" <greg.zimmers (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

GregZ,

My 2002 IS300 now has approximately 40,000 miles on the odometer, and I have
experienced only one issue worth mentioning to you. The only minor complaint
is that the original Bridgestone Potenza tires didn't wear even on the
front. The inside edges wore faster--due to the factory toe and camber
settings on the car. I had a four-wheel alignment performed at the same time
I put my second set of tires on and they have worn properly to date. I went
with
Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S Ultra High Performance All-Season tires as my
replacements, and I simply could not be any more satisfied. They have been
quieter, smoother and are wearing better than the Bridgestones that came on
the car.

The inline 6-cylinder engine, known as the 2JZGE, is silky smooth. Very
little vibration, decent performance, and extremely reliable when properly
maintained. I still haven't experienced any rattles, squeaks or electrical
problems with my car, and I personally believe that the overall build
quality is superb. Also, a couple of years ago I read where the IS300 was
rated the safest in its class, as well as the most reliable. Although there
are countless numbers of positives for these cars that I can cite, I do feel
as though I should mention some of the most common complaints. Here they
are:

-Prop rod for supporting the opened hood instead of gas struts
-Space-invading gooseneck-style trunk hinges
-No oil pressure gauge
-MPG gauge that isn't very useful at all. Needle floats all over the place.
-Small rear seat according to many people
-Boy racer image due to Alteeza/Euro tail lights, drilled, aluminum, racing
pedals and other styling accents
-Automatic transmission version has shift points that are too close and high
gear isn't 'high' enough--which in turn contributes to the next common
complaint
-Poor fuel economy
-Requires premium unleaded fuel--although there will always be owners that
won't adhere to this particular recommendation from Lexus/Toyota Motor Co.
-Interior materials and styling/coordination not up to typical Lexus
standards

With all this said, I would STILL purchase an IS300 myself. I'm definitely
satisfied with my automobile purchasing decision after four years of
ownership. There's a lot to be said for owning a vehicle that you have only
had to perform routine maintenance on; and that has certainly the case for
me with the 2002 IS300. Overall, I love my car!

Ron M.

Yea, go ahead and buy the IS 300 (I recommend the IS 350). They are
worth the money


--
Avalonman

Me wrote:
I don't agree. The Volvo 850 (particularly the Turbo models and those
made in 1994 forward) tend to be very stiff riding. I think the IS 300
is very comparable. The IS 350's ride may be a bit softer.

I to had Volvo 850 I had the turbo model, It was a good car but after the
warranty went everything started to go also, The car ate brakes like kids
eat candy. I have a 2002 IS300 and love it. It may not be as fast as the
Volvo Turbo, but it will out handle it anyday.


"GregZ" <greg.zimmers (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

| My 2002 IS300 now has approximately 40,000 miles on the odometer, and
I have
Our 2002 IS300 has 62,000 miles and I concur with your list of short
comings, in particular the tire problem. From what I was told it was
caused by the dealers not doing the "dealer prep" which should have
checked the alignment. Most owners had to replace the very expensive
tires in 10k-15k miles. I just had a discussion with Lexus about the
prop rod for the hood. A concept that was abandoned 60 or 70 years ago
by auto manufacturers and Lexus could not even design one that is
reliable! I would add to your list that the rear visibility is very bad
due to the door post and the very large head rest. I find backing up
very "iffy" and I rely heavily on others to avoid hitting my car as I
cannot see them.

John