Is IS300 expensive to maintain?
Generally speaking, the Lexus IS300 is not inherently expensive to maintain for a luxury sedan, especially when compared with some European rivals. Regular upkeep and prudent maintenance can keep ownership costs reasonable, but as with any aging vehicle, expenses rise with mileage and possible major repairs.
To understand why, it helps to look at how maintenance costs vary by generation, what routine items you’ll face, and which repairs tend to bite budgets as the car ages. The IS300 name has traveled across several generations with different engines, so the cost profile shifts accordingly.
Maintenance drivers for an IS300
Regular service, tires, brakes, and occasional electronics help define annual costs. The following items are the most common and influence annual maintenance outlays:
- Routine maintenance: regular oil changes with synthetic oil, filter changes, and fluid/top-off checks (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid) performed on schedule.
- Tires and brakes: wear items that can recur every 20,000–40,000 miles depending on driving style and wheels; performance tires used on IS300 models can cost more to replace.
- Wear items and suspension: bushings, control arms, ball joints, and occasionally wheel bearings or CV joints as miles accumulate.
- Common shop repairs: cooling-system components (radiator, hoses, water pump), valve-cover/gasket seals, and brake hydraulic components can appear with age.
- Major repairs and hidden costs: when age catches up, issues like a failing transmission, rear main seal, or head gasket on older engines can yield significant bills; turbo and high-performance variants can incur higher costs for cooling, intake, and intercooler-related components.
- Service options and parts availability: Lexus and Toyota parts are widely available, with good aftermarket support; independent shops can reduce labor costs compared with dealerships, though specialized knowledge is still required for model-specific issues.
In sum, a well-maintained IS300 tends to be affordable to service relative to some luxury brands, but expectations should include occasional larger repairs as the car ages and mileage accumulate.
Generation-by-generation maintenance outlook
Because the IS300 name has moved across several generations with different engines, the maintenance profile shifts accordingly. Here is a concise look at what typically influences costs by generation and engine choice.
First-generation IS300 (2001–2005)
The 2001–2005 IS300 used the 2JZ-GE inline-six, a renowned and relatively simple powerplant by modern standards. Regular maintenance is straightforward, parts remain available, and major failures are relatively uncommon when the car has been cared for. Common pitfalls are wear items such as valve-cover gaskets and cooling-system hoses, plus potential seal leaks with age. Overall, maintenance bills tend to be moderate and predictable, especially if you stick to a scheduled maintenance plan and use a capable independent shop.
Second-generation IS (2006–2013): IS250 / IS350
This generation shifted to the 2GR-FSE V6, which brings more power and more electronics. Maintenance costs are still reasonable for a luxury sedan, but parts and labor can be higher than the first generation due to more complex systems. Common concerns include oil leaks from valve covers, water pump wear on the 2GR engine, and wear in suspension components. Timing chain issues in this generation are less common than in some other engines, but attention to cooling and gaskets remains important as miles climb.
Third-generation IS (2014–present): IS 300 / IS 350
The latest IS models offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines (IS 300) and naturally aspirated or boosted V6 options (IS 350). The turbo engine adds complexity and potential maintenance costs around turbo components, intercoolers, and intake systems, and electronics-heavy models can have more issues that require dealership-level diagnostics. Tire wear tends to be higher on performance-oriented trims, and replacement parts for newer engines can be pricier, especially outside the warranty period. Overall, reliability remains strong for a luxury sedan, but the cost of ownership tends to be higher than older generations or mainstream sedans, particularly for models with high miles or performance variants.
Summary
The IS300 offers a balance of reliability and practicality that keeps maintenance costs reasonable for a luxury sedan, especially when compared to some European rivals. Regular service, careful part replacement, and opting for independent shops when appropriate can help manage expenses. As with most cars, the biggest factor is age and mileage: a well-kept example will be cheaper to keep running than a neglected one, while older models with higher miles may require more frequent and sometimes pricier repairs.
How reliable is the IS300 engine?
The engine and transmission are super smooth and reliable. All the electronics work exactly as the day it left the factory. Out of all the cars I have owned the IS300 is the only one I can honestly say I would like to keep forever.
How long will a Lexus IS 300 last?
A Lexus IS300 can last for 200,000 miles or more, with an average lifespan of around 183,000 miles, but its longevity depends heavily on proper maintenance. With consistent, high-quality maintenance, some owners report their IS300s lasting for 300,000 to over 400,000 miles.
Factors influencing longevity
- Maintenance history: Regular oil changes, timing belt and water pump replacements, and overall service history are critical for a long-lasting engine.
- Engine and transmission: The engine and transmissions are generally very durable, often lasting well over 200,000 miles if maintained.
- Wear and tear: At high mileage, expect components like suspension, bushings, and wheel bearings to need attention or replacement, even if the engine is sound.
- Age: As these cars get older, rubber and plastic parts may degrade due to age alone, regardless of mileage.
Tips for buying a used IS300
- Look for service records: Always ask for maintenance records to see if the car has been well-cared for.
- Check for common issues: Inquire about whether the timing belt has been replaced and if there are any known issues with the motor or other components.
- Consider the mileage: While under 150,000 miles is ideal, a well-maintained IS300 with 200,000 miles or more is still a viable option for a reliable car.
Does Lexus IS 300 need premium gas?
Yes, the Lexus IS 300 requires premium 91-octane unleaded gas. The engine is designed to run on premium fuel to prevent engine knocking and to maintain performance, so using a lower grade may cause performance issues.
- Requirement: The IS 300 is designed for premium 91-octane gasoline.
- Reason: The engine is factory-tuned for this higher-octane fuel to prevent pre-detonation, knocking, and long-term engine damage.
- Consequences of using lower-octane fuel: Using regular 87-octane gas can lead to a reduction in performance and fuel efficiency. While modern engines have knock sensors that adjust timing to prevent damage, using a lower grade regularly can still lead to long-term wear.
- If you accidentally use lower-octane gas: Fill up with the recommended 91-octane fuel the next time you purchase gas and monitor your engine for any issues.
Is a Lexus IS 300 expensive to maintain?
A Lexus IS 300 will cost about $5,848 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for luxury sedan models by $3,842. There is also a 15.63% chance that an IS 300 will require a major repair during that time.
