Hi,
I'm on the verge of buying a 2002 IS300 and took it for a test drive a couple of days ago. I noticed a muffled thunk or click when I started from a dead stop ( at a traffic light or stop sign or whenever I started the car from ) after putting the car into 1st gear. I'm not sure if I heard it between the higher gears.
The previous owner never noticed it. I took the car in for a pre- purchase inspection at the same auto shop that has been looking after the car for the past 2/3 years. When I pointed it out to the mechanic on a test drive he noticed it and first explained it as having to do with the fact that it is a rear-wheel drive and the long travel of the drive shaft causes this etc.
When I persisted with my questions about whether this was normal, he kept saying that it didn't bother him and that it is expected. He didn't seem to have ever noticed this problem on any car before. I was surprised as he has worked on Lexus and Toyotas for 18 years and when I mentioned this, he said that it didn't register in his mind as a problem and so he never really noticed it.
When he put the car up on the left and gently rocked the rear wheels back and forth we could see the long metal axle (?) or rod that connects to the parts before they go on to the rear wheel had some play and made a slight clicking noise. I asked him if he could expect this in a brand new IS300 and he didn't seem sure.
I am more than a little concerned as this the first car that I am going to spend over $15000. (the asking price is $16300); concerned enough to consider getting a second opinion if the current owner will allow it.
Have any of you noticed or are aware of this problem or even if it is a problem at all?
It just seems to me that a car of the quality of a Lexus should have click and pops like this.
I'd really appreciate any input. Thanks in advance!
The car: 2002 IS300 5 speed manual transmission 70K miles Otherwise excellent overall condition Current owner seems to have maintained it very well
goonie12