Medigo's 02 IS300 Sportcross (The end is near)

[MedigoFlame]

I'll start this off...by saying I'm 7 months late on making this thread. After how many other threads I've made for my previous vehicles only to have them die off within a year or less. (I've gone through owning four cars before the IS300) But...this one's here to stay! Also, I figured I may as well keep this updated, rather than spamming the "post a pic of your car" thread.

But first...here's a look back.

First car: 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback

(Sold off for parts)

2nd: 1999 Honda Accord

(Wrecked)

3rd: 2004 Mazda6 Sportwagon

(sold)

4th: 2001 Lexus GS300 L-Tuned

(sold)

As some of you know, I've been on the hunt for a Sportcross for years. Even going to New York to look at one at a dealership. (which didn't work out) But finally, in February of 2015, I managed to come across one a day after it was posted in craigslist IN Maine!! The original owner had traded it in at the local Audi dealership for a Q7. An employee then bought it for his girlfriend, who didn't like it in the snow. Ended up with only 2,000 more miles on it from the second owner. (I bought it at 115k) Still owned the GS300 at the time and struggled to sell it all the way into June.

Since then, there's been some work done.

Wheels refinished in dark hyper silver.
Before:

After:

Mounted on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's:

Headlight was cracked and building up moisture. Ended up replacing that as well as the HID ballast.

And...a pair of Sportcross Owners Group stickers.

The one decent photo I've taken with my friend's sedan of recent.

As well as with a couple of other sedan owners:

Sorry about the mess of an OP, making this pretty late into the night. Might clean it up a little, later on.

 

[MedigoFlame]

First question... Think I should get roof rails for my Sportcross? Considering on going on a road trip sometime. Also, I like how they look. Opinions?

Funny enough, the person who posted these pictures said they retrofitted them off of a RAV4.

 

[Doog]

I clicked on your thread fearing that you were gonna put those stupid dual rail-looking things that people always put on stanced cars, but the roof rack you're talking about is actually really nice.

 

[MedigoFlame]

I clicked on your thread fearing that you were gonna put those stupid dual rail-looking things that people always put on stanced cars, but the roof rack you're talking about is actually really nice.

I would never do that! Function > Form anyday. I just want the OEM look, if I were to put on rails.

You're thinking of this?

 

[Doog]

That's exactly what I was referring to.

 

[homeforsummer]

I had the same thought, so glad you're not planning to go down that route!

The real question though is, do you need roof rails? You say you're going on a road trip, but I've not yet been on a road trip in which I've not managed to fit everything I need just in the trunk. And that's surely the benefit of buying the Sportcross over the sedan in the first place

 

[MedigoFlame]

I had the same thought, so glad you're not planning to go down that route!

The real question though is, do you need roof rails? You say you're going on a road trip, but I've not yet been on a road trip in which I've not managed to fit everything I need just in the trunk. And that's surely the benefit of buying the Sportcross over the sedan in the first place

I'll be honest, the Sportcross isn't the greatest wagon in terms of space. Just considering the possibilities of needing more space.

 

[Joey D]

I always though wagons looked better with roof rails/racks on them so I say go for them. I've never actually owned a vehicle with a roofrack before, but I can see where they would be handy especially if you're planning a long road trip and don't want a bunch of stuff in the car.

 

[Ibonibo]

I am split on those. If it's needed yes. Otherwise I think the form of the car looks cleaner without it.

Also go OEM and be sure to get a box that doesn't make noises at higher speeds. Some combinations can create a whistle noise

 

[MedigoFlame]

I'll probably have to do some more research on it. However, I may end up storing the Sportcross for the winter. (Maine winters are...pretty harsh) Looking at a winter beater tomorrow.

 

[SVX]

To me the roof rails sort of 'improve' the proportions of the roof line. I guess you could say it gives the illusion it's a tad taller than it really is, but 'rounds out' the curve of the pillar.

Add me to the list of those in favor.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Just bought a 1995 Lexus LS400 with 342k and snow tires for $900.

Inspection sticker lasts until May of next year and I even found a place to store the Sportcross!

 

[Doog]

I love you.

 

[MedigoFlame]

The Sportcross is finally being put away for winter storage. (Still hasn't snowed here in Maine) Plenty of people are asking me why I'd bother to store a "wagon," but they don't know just how rare it is and how bad people can drive in the winter, despite living in Maine. So I'm taking it cautious.

Of course, I take a picture of it NOT in storage, which is the building behind the M5.

I was almost ready to throw money at this 318ti when I found out it got traded in at my work. Unfortunately the salesman who took it in already claimed it. We took it in for $300. Also, as I heard, it's the rare cordobarot metallic.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Passed 345k miles in the '95 LS400!

 

[Doog]

Is this Medigo's 345k mile Lexus?

 

[MedigoFlame]

I originally wanted a Intensa Blue or Electric Green IS300 Sportcross. But finding any Sportcross in New England was hard enough. A little bit more than a year after I bought my silver one. The blue I wanted pops up... Even has the rare navigation system! Tried to convince a friend to get back into an IS300 (he sold his manual sedan to his brother), but he wants a 2nd generation manual IS250. Ugh, I wish I could just go for it.

Is this Medigo's 345k mile Lexus?

I wouldn't mind trying to hit 500k.

 

[Doog]

... but he wants a 2nd generation manual IS250.

Who the hell would want an IS250? Other than r/Lexus on reddit, which might as well be r/IS250.

Could you not get the superior IS350 with a manual?

 

[MedigoFlame]

Who the hell would want an IS250? Other than r/Lexus on reddit, which might as well be r/IS250.

Could you not get the superior IS350 with a manual?

Nope, the manual transmission only came with the base RWD IS250. Still doing my best to convince him to go for that Sportcross. Before I do. X_x

 

[MedigoFlame]

Bringing this thread back as I'm not sure where else to ask this. I've been thinking of getting a pickup for some time now, mainly to have something to carry and go offroad with. At the same time, my father's always needed at least a small pickup. (He's been using the family van as a truck) Being a bit of a Toyota fan, I've been eyeing Toyota Tacoma's, but the prices are ridiculous. Been hoping to come across a cheap small pickup that would be traded in at the dealership where I work, but haven't had much luck. Until....

This 2002 Tacoma SR5 4x4 was traded in. For $3,500 and 113k miles.

Not a fan of the ricer taillights....but that can be changed.

Rust isn't bad on the frame and there is an exhaust leak. But the body is clean and the interior is well taken care of. Really wouldn't mind a Taco....

 

[ilikewaffles11]

Only $3500 for that? I'd say go for it, there's a pretty good reason they hold their value so well. I've not driven a Taco, but the 3rd gen 4Runner with the same engine is fantastic to drive and very capable off road.

Check the exhaust carefully though, if it needs something exhausts on them are quite pricey from what I've seen. And this goes without saying but check the frame really carefully, I'm not so sure that they'll still replace it if it's that old, we had one in at work the other day with massive rust holes in the frame and it's pretty amazing just how thin they made the frames.

Dunno if they would still do it on a 14 year old truck, but my dad had his '00 Tundras frame replaced several years ago for free. The bill was $8000.

 

[Crash]

If you can get a good conditioned Toyota 4x4 at a good price, and you're in the market for one already, I would jump on it. Like @ilikewaffles11 have said, they hold their value really well, and as long as that Tacoma doesn't trust through while in your ownership, you should be able to sell it down the road for how much you paid for it. A quick Google looks like the Toyota service campaign to replace Tacoma frames for free have ended. You could try talking to the Toyota dealership to see if you still have any recourse assuming a previous owner didn't already taken advantage of that.

--

I've got a 3rd gen 4Runner, and agreed on the capable, though I could definitely use more power out of the 3.4 V6. But hey, that V6 will run forever.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Had the technicians put it on the lift and do a used vehicle check. Needs quite a bit of work and considering our dealership adds a storage fee to any car worth more than a grand, it's not really worth it. That and the saleswoman told me she thought she took it in for $3,500 when it was actually taken in for $4,000. Would have ended up costing me $4,600. Too much for the work it needed for an inspection sticker. (which is expired)

 

[MedigoFlame]

Found the perfect one....ish? An Electric Green Mica 2002 Lexus IS300 Sportcross showed up on the New Jersey craigslist. 20k more miles than my car, but from service/carfax records, it was very well maintained. Even comes with the stock wheels and spare suspension parts. Price is definitely more reasonable than mine and out of curiosity, I emailed the seller. Turns out they also said they were willing to have it fixed up for $950. Rear bumper is faded, hatch has a little peeling, dent on the front fender, and several rock chips.

What's even more rare, is that it has a black interior. Which most green IS300's would have beige interiors. I'm tempted.... It's the color I originally wanted.

 

[SVX]

Do it.

 

[MedigoFlame]

This 2003 Lexus GS300 just got traded in at my work! 165,000 miles for $3,000. Even has the original window sticker! Although, weirdly, it has Infiniti wheels.

I can't get away from silver cars....

I am 85% sure that I want to buy this as my winter car and give it to my brother afterwards. He wanted my L-Tuned GS300, but didn't have the money to buy it off me. At least this one has heated seats. My L-Tuned didn't. I was originally considering a co-worker's 2001 Jeep Cherokee 60th Anniversary, but it was really rusty. Plus, I'll be happy to stay in the Lexus/Toyota family.

 

[MedigoFlame]

Sadly, after 4 years of ownership, I fear that it might be time for me to move on and sell the IS300 Sportcross. I was hoping to discuss this somewhere asking for opinions, but I didn't really want to make a new account on another forum or reddit.

My needs have changed and with some of the small issues that have crept up on me, I can't help but feel concerned that putting more money into my IS300 might not be worth it anymore. Most of the long road trips I go on usually end up with me using my brother's new Camry instead of my own, which feels like a burden.

Since my old photos are no longer visible in this thread, here's a photo from a couple years ago when it was nice and clean.

As a result, I'm finding myself looking at something newer. For better or worse, I've found myself in love with one specific car. I'm sure it'd help to broaden my search to other makes and models, but this one got my attention after a quick drive while working at my previous job at another dealership. I can't help but love the MK7 GTI with a DSG. I never found myself to really like Volkswagen in North America, but the GTI won me over. It was a great blend of practicality, quality, economy, and performance. I haven't owned a car that's gotten more than 25mpg (a little sad, I know) and something that makes more than 200hp (I know, my GS300, LS400, and IS300 made more than 200, but felt like...less with their age). I need something better for the super aggressive, but short, highway blasts for my work commute, but also something that I could also take on my longer drives to car events that I photograph. I'll admit I'm not a great manual driver, otherwise I'd consider a couple more hot hatch options.

As for the ideal GTI, I'm stuck between buying a certified pre-owned 2016-2017 GTI S, Sport, or SE trim or getting a brand new S (if I'm somehow lucky an SE). My biggest issue with finding the right GTI is that my requirement would be the nicer adaptive LED headlights that were an option on the pre-facelift and exclusive to higher trims on the MK7.5 facelift. The new GTI has a rather attractive 6 year/72,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, whilst the CPO has only a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty. The only issue is that I don't think I could afford a new GTI higher than the base S model, which is forced to have the base halogen headlights. (I do spend some time driving in the dark, especially in winter, and Maine roads can be sketchy with moose and deer) I am aware of the Jetta, but I suppose I have a bit of a petty hatred towards Jettas.

 

[motortrend]

As for the ideal GTI, I'm stuck between buying a certified pre-owned 2016-2017 GTI S, Sport, or SE trim or getting a brand new S (if I'm somehow lucky an SE). My biggest issue with finding the right GTI is that my requirement would be the nicer adaptive LED headlights that were an option on the pre-facelift and exclusive to higher trims on the MK7.5 facelift. The new GTI has a rather attractive 6 year/72,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, whilst the CPO has only a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty. The only issue is that I don't think I could afford a new GTI higher than the base S model, which is forced to have the base halogen headlights. (I do spend some time driving in the dark, especially in winter, and Maine roads can be sketchy with moose and deer) I am aware of the Jetta, but I suppose I have a bit of a petty hatred towards Jettas.

The DSG MK7 GTI is an amazing car for the price and whoever says otherwise hasn't driven one. They depreciate relatively quickly so if I were you I'd get a <30K mile 2016 SE with all the stuff you want and an extended warranty (even if it's an aftermarket one). Those already have the infotainment update with the carplay and performance meters. It's still going to be a lot more expensive than fixing and keeping the IS but it's definitely a lot more convenient and fun.

 

[MedigoFlame]

The DSG MK7 GTI is an amazing car for the price and whoever says otherwise hasn't driven one. They depreciate relatively quickly so if I were you I'd get a <30K mile 2016 SE with all the stuff you want and an extended warranty (even if it's an aftermarket one). Those already have the infotainment update with the carplay and performance meters. It's still going to be a lot more expensive than fixing and keeping the IS but it's definitely a lot more convenient and fun.

I just feel like a lot of these "small" things will add up. Although there is one or two big issues. A list of some of them:

• CEL for P0430, possibly going to need a new catalytic converter
• Small rust spot developing on the lower left rocker
• Hatch struts need replacing
• Headunit is acting up, randomly ejecting my cassette adapter and making a constant buzzing sound.
• Probably contributing to the CEL, an exhaust leak.
• Spring has started and I need a new set of tires. Currently on my winter set, summer set was too worn to keep.

I would prefer a prefacelift MK7 with the LED lights over a new GTI S with the halogen lights. But I do worry that there are more risks with buying used and the CPO 2 year/24k mile warranty isn't as good as the 6 year/72k mile new warranty. Though it's still better than buying private like I have done for all my cars. I guess it would still be cheaper to keep the IS with these issues? I just feel like I should get something newer so I can finally do more road trips without having to always resort to my brother's Camry. Would like to have a car with Android Auto as well, so that's why the GTI seemed right.

I was also considering the Golf Alltrack, but they seem to still be out of my price range. At least the SEL trim with the LED lights. Although the average VW wheel feels a tad too thin to me compared to the nice GTI wheel.

Edit: Weirdly it doesn't feel like GTIs depreciate all that much. At least in the northeast.

 

[motortrend]

I just feel like a lot of these "small" things will add up. Although there is one or two big issues. A list of some of them:

• CEL for P0430, possibly going to need a new catalytic converter
• Small rust spot developing on the lower left rocker
• Hatch struts need replacing
• Headunit is acting up, randomly ejecting my cassette adapter and making a constant buzzing sound.
• Probably contributing to the CEL, an exhaust leak.
• Spring has started and I need a new set of tires. Currently on my winter set, summer set was too worn to keep.

I would prefer a prefacelift MK7 with the LED lights over a new GTI S with the halogen lights. But I do worry that there are more risks with buying used and the CPO 2 year/24k mile warranty isn't as good as the 6 year/72k mile new warranty. Though it's still better than buying private like I have done for all my cars. I guess it would still be cheaper to keep the IS with these issues? I just feel like I should get something newer so I can finally do more road trips without having to always resort to my brother's Camry. Would like to have a car with Android Auto as well, so that's why the GTI seemed right.

I was also considering the Golf Alltrack, but they seem to still be out of my price range. At least the SEL trim with the LED lights. Although the average VW wheel feels a tad too thin to me compared to the nice GTI wheel.

Edit: Weirdly it doesn't feel like GTIs depreciate all that much. At least in the northeast.

In purely financial terms it's still better to keep the IS. you can put an aftermarket cat just to pass inspection and it won't cost you much. Hatch struts are 100% DIY and cheap as hell. Headunit can be replaced with one from a used car or an upgraded one from ebay (pretty cheap probably). Exhaust leak can be fixed by a muffler shop for super cheap. As for rust and tires, both of those will affect the trade-in value of your car a lot and you'll have a hard time getting more than 5K. A brand new GTI will lose those 5K within the first 1-2 years in depreciation alone, and a used one will lose another 5-10K within 4-5 more years. You can literally just change the tires and the other stuff on your car, drive it into the ground, sell what's left of it for 1-2K and you'll be better off than buying the MK7.

That said, the MK7 is safer, faster, more comfortable and more fun. If you can afford the extra spending long term then go for it. I'd buy a used one with a warranty. Dealer offered warranties are not your only choice, and there are good aftermarket ones out there if you do your research and check everything it covers.