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87 Posts
I've had my SX for almost 2 weeks now. I've been reading and searching and reading more. Not to mention buying buying buying.
I decided to document what I'm doing in case anyone else is interested. So here's the scoop:
2002 IS300 Sportcross
Onyx Black with tan interior
Non-LSD, heated seats, full leather
3rd owner, car spent 11 years in Washington DC
Full Lexus service history, 67,450 miles when bought (9/12/15)
Purchased from Darcars Fairfax Used Cars (typical used car lot)
The car sat at the dealer for 3 months and I was eyeballing it the whole time. I'd never driven an IS before so I decided to go see it and take a drive.
I threw out a low offer, raised it a bit on my way out the door, and they took it. I was not prepared for that. I do not need another car. However, my mom is going to need one in a few months when her lease runs out. I think it would be a good car for her.
So I got it home and I am planning on doing a Wheeler Dealer style mild restoration. I plan to replace everything with stock parts to make it factory fresh - as much as a 14 year old car can be.
The good:
Lots of wear parts previously and recently replaced. All major services completed. Engine, trans, cooling system, running gear all in great shape. No rust. No accident history. It's got a solid foundation to build on.
The bad:
Get comfortable - 11 years in DC have taken their toll. Both bumpers need repair and repainting. All 4 wheels are curbed all the way around and wear 3 brands of tires (though they all have a ton of tread - one has a chunk coming off the sidewall). 3 wheels are bent. Left fog light is white and the right is yellow. The right front splash shield is missing. It has small dents and some paint loss all over, though it appears it was at least partially repainted at some point - possibly before the prior sale. It made an awful noise coming from the front end when I bought it.
Driver's seat has a large tear in it and worn side bolster. The dash is all scratched up. The interior in general is just dingy and grimy.
I decided to document what I'm doing in case anyone else is interested. So here's the scoop:
2002 IS300 Sportcross
Onyx Black with tan interior
Non-LSD, heated seats, full leather
3rd owner, car spent 11 years in Washington DC
Full Lexus service history, 67,450 miles when bought (9/12/15)
Purchased from Darcars Fairfax Used Cars (typical used car lot)
The car sat at the dealer for 3 months and I was eyeballing it the whole time. I'd never driven an IS before so I decided to go see it and take a drive.
I threw out a low offer, raised it a bit on my way out the door, and they took it. I was not prepared for that. I do not need another car. However, my mom is going to need one in a few months when her lease runs out. I think it would be a good car for her.
So I got it home and I am planning on doing a Wheeler Dealer style mild restoration. I plan to replace everything with stock parts to make it factory fresh - as much as a 14 year old car can be.
The good:
Lots of wear parts previously and recently replaced. All major services completed. Engine, trans, cooling system, running gear all in great shape. No rust. No accident history. It's got a solid foundation to build on.
The bad:
Get comfortable - 11 years in DC have taken their toll. Both bumpers need repair and repainting. All 4 wheels are curbed all the way around and wear 3 brands of tires (though they all have a ton of tread - one has a chunk coming off the sidewall). 3 wheels are bent. Left fog light is white and the right is yellow. The right front splash shield is missing. It has small dents and some paint loss all over, though it appears it was at least partially repainted at some point - possibly before the prior sale. It made an awful noise coming from the front end when I bought it.
Driver's seat has a large tear in it and worn side bolster. The dash is all scratched up. The interior in general is just dingy and grimy.



