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- Lexus IS300
Superb build quality/value for money. Luxury spec. Ultra reliable. Smooth ride.
ConsFirst year models lack some specification
Underrated classic sports saloon car with superb luxury specification and interior. Like much of the Lexus line the IS300 offers the elegant look and emphasis on luxury performance credentials rather than all out racing appearance and performance. It appeals to drivers who appreciate a certain understated quality. Having said that this is a vehicle which has enough power, acceleration and handling credentials to make your average car owner go wow. A sparky in-line six cylinder and 211bhp gives plenty enough oomph for most drivers tastes. Rear-wheel-drive, firmly tuned suspension, high-performance tyres add to its value. The 3.0-litre six cylinder engine was capable of 215 hp and 218 pound/ft with a five-speed automatic transmission and 0-60 mph in just over 7 secs. First year Lexus IS 300 saloons were lighter on spec though so later models after 2002 are the best. A five-speed manual gearbox option for the saloon was added in 2002 along with side curtain airbags, stability control, auto-dimming mirrors, etc; with full leathers among the quality options. After 2002 the 300 remained relatively unchanged.
Performance - 230km/h, 0-100km/h 9.4 sec
Fuel consumption - 10.9 litres/100km.Water-cooled engine straight six displacing 2997cc with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing.
Four passengers
157kW at 5800rpm / 288Nm at 3800rpm.
Five-speed automatic with manual sequential option and rear wheel drive.
Independent, multi-link suspension.
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with height adjustment steering column.
Anti-lock brakes with ventilated discs.
Wheels/tyres: 17ins alloy rims shod with 215/45 Z-rated radials.
Dimensions/mass: Length: 4400mm, width 1725mm, height 1405mm; mass: 1482kg.
Radio/tape audio system with six-disc front-loading CD changer
Remote-controlled central locking
Electric windows / mirrors
Immobiliser
Front-door courtesy lights
Cruise control
Front, side and curtain shield crash bags
Anti-lock brakes
Stability control
Seat belts with pre-tensioners
Heated front seats
Leathers
Automatic air-conditioning
Cupholders
2,997 cc 3 litres in-line 6 front engine, 86 mm bore, 86 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, variable valve timing/camshaft, double overhead cam, four valves per cylinder
Premium unleaded fuel 91
Fuel economy mpg: 25
Multi point injection fuel system
17.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
Power - 160 kW , 215 HP SAE @ 5,800 rpm; 218 ft lb , 296 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
Four wheel ABS
Brake assist system
Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
Electronic brake distribution
Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
Immobilizer
Fullsize alloy rim internal spare wheel
Wishbone front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
Body side molding
Body color front and rear bumpers
Coefficient of drag: 0.29
Day time running lights
Driver power heated partial-painted door mirrors with automatic operation , passenger power heated partial-painted door mirrors
External dimensions: overall length (inches): 176.6, overall width (inches): 67.9, overall height (inches): 55.5, wheelbase (inches): 105.1, front track (inches): 58.9, rear track (inches): 58.5 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 34.1
Front fog lights
Complex surface lens Xenon bulb headlights
Heat reflective glass
Luxury trim alloy on gearknob and alloy on doors
Mica paint
Fixed rear window with defogger
Tinted glass on cabin
Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,255
Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe
12v power outlet: front and 1
Air conditioning with climate control
Diversity antenna
Peripheral anti-theft protection
Cruise control
Front seats cup holders fixed , rear seats cup holders pop out
Door ajar warning
Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
External temperature
Floor covering: carpet in load area
Floor mats
Driver and passenger front airbag
Seating: five seats
Service interval indicator
Front side airbag
Eight speaker(s)
Leather covered multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment
Tachometer
Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
Ventilation system with recirculation setting and micro filter
Front and rear ashtray
Audio anti-theft protection: integrated in dash
Manufacturer's own RDS audio system with AM/FM, cassette, Disc Autochanger and six-disc remote changer
Cargo area light
Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 10.1
Front seats cigar lighter
Clock
Compass
Computer with average fuel consumption
Full dashboard and floor console with covered storage box
Delayed/fade courtesy lights
Sports driver and passenger seat with height adjustment and tilt adjustment
Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
Front seat center armrest
Lockable glove compartment
Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats , three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
Headlight control with time delay switch-off and dusk sensor
Illuminated entry system
Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 39.1, rear headroom (inches): 37.7, front hip room (inches): 52.8, rear hip room (inches): 53.9, front leg room (inches): 42.7, rear leg room (inches): 30.2, front shoulder room (inches): 52.6, rear shoulder room (inches): 53.5 and interior volume (cu ft): 89.2
Low fuel level warning
Remote power locks
Power steering
Front power windows with one one-touch , rear power windows
Front reading lights
3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
Rear seat center armrest with trunk access
Three fixed bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
Automatic operation rear view mirror
Remote fuel filler door release
Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
Front roof airbag
Front seat back storage
Upgraded cloth/velour seat upholstery with additional upgraded cloth/velour
