Vehicle Details
- Year: 2003
- Make: Lexus
- Model: IS300
- VIN: JTHBD192630078132
- Mileage: 77,560
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Thunder Cloud
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Hopkins, MN 55345
- Lot #: V-0041723
The first-generation Lexus IS (XE10) was introduced in 1998 and was designed with an emphasis on performance to compete with the leading European luxury cars of the time. This 2003 example is finished in Thunder Cloud over an Ash Gray leather interior and features an optional rear spoiler and heated front seats as well as the SportDesign Edition package. It is powered by a 3.0-liter SJZ-GE inline-six engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and optional limited-slip differential. This IS300 was sold new from Lexus of Wayzata in Minnesota where it was routinely serviced for the next 10 years. The car was acquired by the seller from its original owner in 2013 and has been driven approximately 7,500 miles since. This 5-speed Lexus IS300 is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Minnesota while showing under 78k miles on the odometer.
This IS300 is finished in Thunder Cloud and features an optional rear spoiler as well as the SportDesign Edition package which includes SportDesign badges, black pearl emblems, pearl-finish headlights and taillights, a rear diffuser, a SportDesign front grille, and 17” SportDesign 11-spoke wheels. The seller notes the front bumper was recently refinished to address a scratch and clear 3M paint protection film was applied to the forward parts of the hood and fenders when new. A few minor dings are present, and the Bridgestone tires show production date codes from 2003 and 2008. The seller adds that the car has always been garage-kept and was never driven during the winter months. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
Inside, this IS300 features an Ash Gray interior with the SportDesign Edition package adding full leather 8-way power-adjustable front seats with piping. Other equipment includes a one-touch open/close moonroof, optional heated front seats, brushed aluminum trim, a chrome shift knob, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, chronograph-style instrumentation, automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated compass, heated outside mirrors, an illuminated entry system, and a 240-watt AM/FM cassette stereo with 8 speakers. The seller notes some minor wear is present on the driver’s seat bolster and confirms all gauges and accessories are fully functional.
This IS300 is equipped with a 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve SJZ-GE inline-six engine featuring the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) and Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i). Up to 215 HP and 218 lb.-ft of torque is sent to the rear wheels by way of a 5-speed manual transmission and an optional limited-slip differential. Standard performance features include front and rear double-wishbone suspension, Traction Control System (TRAC), and disc brakes with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The seller indicates all routine maintenance was completed at the original selling dealership up until 2014 at 60k miles as corroborated by stamps in the original service booklet.
This sale will include the original purchase invoice, window sticker, owner’s manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, sales literature, extensive service records, and a clean title.
The seller would like you to know: " ‘Is The Original Lexus IS300 The Perfect Car?’ This is what William Bird, a professional car writer and editor asked in 2017. His answer: he bought one. If you are looking at my car you probably know what early IS300s are: comfortable, powerful, agile, fun to drive. This one is totally original and unmodified, with a manual transmission, the SportDesign package, and low miles (about 3,500 per year on average). That makes it a very unique model. I had the chance to acquire it from the original owner who took extreme care of the car and kept all documentation and records from new. So, if you are looking not just for an early IS300 but a special one to keep, this is it!”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $17,000
- Auction End: Mar 28, 2024 06:40:00PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 7
Comments (22)
Sold for $17,000
Bid in the amount of $17,000
Bid in the amount of $14,250
Bid in the amount of $14,000
@lavieendeuche ok, thanks for the response.
@aircooledguyks timing belt and clutch have not been replaced. not sure about water pump (would say no but not 100% sure - and I do not have the maintenance docs with me today)
@lavieendeuche nice looking IS300! Has the timing belt and water pump been replaced? How about the clutch?
Bid in the amount of $13,750
In a post apocalyptic world the only 3 must have items you need in your garage are as follows:
Generators
Food/water
Lexus/Toyota
Great car and all the best with the auction!
Bid in the amount of $13,500
The 1st car I bought with my wife in 2002 was the 2001 IS300 in silver. (mine was automatic because my wife couldn't and still can't drive manual)
It's so cool that someone maintained this car sooooo well. Makes me smile just watching these pictures.
The gage still looks very cool. I'll be checking back in daily to see how this auction is going.
@BC89 Appreciate your point and understand. The previous owner was a friend of mine who never mentioned getting the dash replaced. I cannot find anything relating to dash replacement in the documentation I got, which I believe includes everything, or close to it, that was ever done to the car since new. In any case, dashboard is not sticky, except over airbag.
Thanks!
2001 is the only model year that came with the non sticky dashboard. 2002 to 2005 had sticky dash boards. I have a 2003 model year IS300 and I’ve many quite a few 2003 sport design IS300 with sticky dashboards. I wonder if the original owner had replaced the dashboard. I’m just giving you my synopsis based on my experience solely. In any event, it’s a PLUS this car does not have the sticky dashboard.
@BC89 Neither the dashboard nor the center console on this car. These are original. What you say about your replacing dashboard and center console with non-sticky OEM ones suggests that this car may have been assembled with a non-sticky original dashboard, matched to a sticky airbag cover (since these are separate parts). That would be my only explanation.
The dashboard appears to have been replaced with a new non sticky dashboard but retained the original airbag unit, hence the sticky rectangle above the airbag. Even the console that houses the manual shifter appears newer. I replaced my dashboard with a brand new OEM dashboard and center console. It looks exactly like this car. The Lexus dealership insisted on retaining the airbag module so I had to put up with the sticky rectangle on the new dashboard. Otherwise it looks great.
I meant "dash" is sticky (not ash)
@NSX ash is sticky (kind of expected), but only in the airbag area (that "rectangle" of dash that sits on top of the airbag).
Windows work properly. As far as I know everything works including windshield wipers, A/C, heating, heated seats, even the CD player (cannot test the cassette deck because I can't find a cassette tape to test it).
Bid in the amount of $1,750
@lavieendeuche How is the sticky dash, which is known issue on these cars? Also, is there anything in the car that is not working? Do the windows roll up properly? Does the sunroof work properly?
Bid in the amount of $1,500
@Trob5960 Oil change was done in October 2023. Under my ownership (7000 miles), regular oil changes were done. Rear brakes including rotors were also changed.
Service was done by Lexus dealer until 2013.
What service was done last? Was it done by a Lexus dealer? What service was done under your ownership?