S2x10³

It's time I graduate from front-wheel drive only cars, and I started with the S2k. Its stablemate is the daily driver 2005 Mazda3 SP23 hatchback and, though it's really a terrific car in so many ways, it's time for a RWD replacement. I'm looking for an IS300 manual from 2001-2005. There aren't too many of them out there but they aren't that hard to find, but all have >100k miles and often more than 150k. I figure I'll start with the first decent one I find and can upgrade to another one later if I decide to stick with the platform. (Of course there's the temptation of a 2JZ-GTE transplant, also.)

Reliability is key, which really limits my choices. Any other ideas?

CMK

Do you have a budget? Reliable, RWD, manual transmission are the only requirements?

BMW reliability may scare you, but finding a decent 328i with Sport Package and manual transmission isn't too difficult. G35 can also be found with a manual.

mosesbotbol

BMW has several models that could work. The American marques offer RWD manuals like Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, etc...

vader1

My father in law in Hawaii just sold his IS300 for $5000 and it had about 18,000 miles on it. Bought it when he was about 64 years old and drove it to the grocery store and doctors appointments for 16 years. Thing was in BEAUTIFUL shape. It was an auto though.

RWD manual for a daily? You got some BImmer's, Some domestics. What do Pontiac G8's or whatever they were called go for these days? Rustangs are ok reliability for the big stuff but will still nickel and dime you.

Good luck with the search!

CMK

The only G8 with a manual transmission was the GXP, which is pretty rare, but they also came with automatics.

Iilac

G35 from 2007 to 2008 and then G37 from 2009 to 2013 would be my choice. They came in 6MT and are alot quicker then the older IS300. Even the first gen G35 would murder it, although the first gen has oil consumption issues, which is the bad part.

JonBoy

You could also get a Pontiac GTO, which has the big V8. It's a heavier type of car but has plenty of power and is quite comfortable to drive. Somewhat numb but still, RWD and big power plus a manual transmission option. They seem to be pretty cheap to buy on the used market.

QUIKAG

A friend just helped buy his Mom a certified preowned (with a lot of existing warranty left) 2015 G37 that stickered at $50k for $23k and it only had 13k miles. The car looks and drives brand new. I can't believe the depreciation on what looks like a very nice VQ RWD platform with decent reliability. I drove an IS300 (auto though) for a few years and it was a great ride (loved the turbine smooth I6), but I'd be looking at the G37 if I were you.

LagunaAzul

Being the current owner of a 2003 IS300 manuals, I can honestly tell you it is a pretty good choice.It is not very powerful, but the manual allows you to extract the torque from the 2JZ pretty well. The aftermarket is huge on these too, so you can always increase power if needed.

From a reliability perspective, the car is bullet proof, and it feels light and nimble. Handles great for what it is, and the steering feels pretty BMWsque.
I also love the alcantara interior. My car has 130k miles and it is still like new inside.

I also have an S2k, a 335i manual and an 07 G35, and I can tell you out of all these cars, the S2k and the IS300 are the only 2 I Plan on keeping long term.

I agree with others: G35-37 manual, E46 BMW 330i/Ci ZHP manual are relatively inexpensive cars that would be quicker and more fun than the IS300 for the same money.If your budget permits, a 2015-17 Chevy SS manual is a pretty well rounded car with the 6 speed manual and good reliability. Those also hold their value really well.

Good luck in your search!

engifineer

I am thinking of a new daily in the not too future and to be honest, brand new cars appeal less and less to me. I also am looking at a used IS for the same reasons as others have said. BMW will never be on my radar. The cost of ownership is absurd to me after owning so many Japanese cars. Great fun to drive, but just not my cup o tea for a daily.

The G cars also should be good. My only word there is that coming from having a shop in the family, the Nissans are reliable, but when they have issues many of them seem to be hard and expsensive to fix vs a Toyota product. But, they tend not to break often so that is less of a concern.

But, I have always been a fan of the looks of the older IS models. And I am a fan of the Toyota reliability so that sways me that way :P I have three Toyotas, two I have had for 13-15 years and they are dead nuts reliable, hence us buying another Toyota product a couple of years ago