I'm possibly looking into getting an IS300 when it comes time for me to buy a car. I dunno much about them, so I'm asking for some general knowledge. Any differences in the years? Any things I should look for in one? You know, that kind of stuff. I know each car has its quirks, and most every model of car got some kind of improvement during a generation that would be nice to have. Just looking some some info so that I'm not blindly looking for one.

 

I'd get an '02+ if it were me. The taillights were way less gay and no manual trannies were available before that.

 

Are the 02+ smoked taillights instead of the clears? I really hate the altezza taillights on them, but they are nice cars. Didn't know the manuals were only 02 and up, although I'm not entirely sure I'm gonna get a manual.

Thanks.

 

Yep. WAY better in my opinion. The only other major thing I can think of that might be different between years is the interior. You could get the leather/ "suede" combo in any year model but the all-leather option wasn't available until '02. And I think '02+ models have extra airbags and a navigation option.

 

my girl just got an 01 about 1 1/2 months ago. she loves it. its an auto, with the manual shifter paddles on the steering wheel, which is actually pretty responsive for being what it is. the 02's+ came with arm rests, as the 01's did not. but the 01's came lower factory than the 02's+. and 01's had suede with leather interior.

 

Thanks.

 

IS300 was called ALTEZZA in Japan hence the taillights . OTT like what everyone else was saying get the 02+ and try and get a stick. The auto's in the first year had some problems.

 

If you got certain colors in 02 you got the dark grey tails. 04 and 05 have titanium tails. I recomend 02 up as well becuase you can get leather seats and interior is a little nicer. Leather and suede was available in every year. I have an 01 with the leather and suede if you want a sporty interior get the leather and suede if you want luxury i recommend leather.

 

:http://my.is/forums/showthread.php?t=277260 Here is a link that has all the changes that were made each year.

 

I owned an 02, it was a great car. Best i have ever owned. You just got to watch the o2 sensors they go bad alot and they have a shit ton of them. Mine was covered under warrenty but the bill for replacment of one was like 650 dollars! But a great car and fun to drive.