Highlights

Initially a Lexus UK Marketing Dept car
Only one lady keeper since Lexus
65,929 miles from new
Rare UK top of the range model
Presents in excellent overall condition

THE APPEAL

Seen at the time as a charismatic addition in a market sector littered with highly capable machinery, the Lexus IS200 saloon quickly developed a significant following after its launch in 1998. With potent engines, rear-wheel drive and oodles of equipment combined with class leading build quality, it’s easy to see why they were – and remain – so popular.

In 2002 Lexus introduced the ‘IS300’. Lower suspension with 17” alloys were the main external design changes, while power rose from 158 to 220bhp. The ‘Sportcross’ variant was launched at the same time, offering shooting-brake styling with an aggressive stance.

An uncommon sight when new, the Sportcross is now genuinely a rare machine and particularly in IS300 guise and becoming widely regarded as a modern classic. So we’re delighted to present this beautifully kept, top of the range example for sale. With low miles, an intriguing history and that desirable 2JZ engine, you can be sure this is one Lexus that isn’t going to be hanging about…

HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

First registered in January 2004 to the Marketing Office at Lexus UK HQ
About twelve months and 6,000 miles later it was sold to its sole private registered keeper
It has now covered 65,929 miles
Good history file, with invoices for maintenance and a complete owner’s book-pack
The service booklet contains vehicle ID details, key number and other codings
Three keys included
There is a ‘Toyota Import Centre’ stamp with signature and two stamped entries in 2005 and 2006 issued at Lexus Main Dealers
There are a further nine invoices from Highgate Motors between 2010 and 2022 relating to general servicing and maintenance
The most recent bill was for servicing in March 2022 at a cost of £1,044, the car has travelled less than 400 miles since
Latest MOT to 18th April 2024

THE INTERIOR

Black perforated leather Sports trim with grey piping
Black/grey duo-tone leather steering wheel, grey fluted Alcantara topped door cards
Electrically adjusted (and heated) front seats
Electric windows, mirrors and sunroof
Cruise control
Climate control
Multi-airbags and IsoFix child restraint fixing points
Automatic headlights
Remote alarmed locking
Factory fitted aluminium drilled foot pedals
Nine-speaker factory audio system, offering radio, CD and cassette playback
The interior presents in excellent condition, the upholstery looking virtually unmarked
There are a number of visible but light scuffs on the black/grey dashtop panel
The light grey fabric used on the headlining remains in pristine condition, with no signs of sagging or staining
Carpets throughout still look in excellent condition – even the original Lexus branded over-mats are in good order and free from threading
The door trim panels remain in fine fettle, as do the switches and handles, while all the main contact points show few signs of use or wear
The generous boot area is similarly in very good condition, with the original narrow parcel shelf present, correct and in fine order as well as the retractable luggage cover

THE EXTERIOR

Metallic Silver Steel paintwork presents in superb overall condition, with no major marks, scuffs or scratches we could see - just a few stone chips to the bonnet, as you’d expect
The panel gaps and shut lines appear to be as tight and consistent as the day the car left the factory
Factory fitted privacy glass appears to be in good order, while the black trims around the windows look very clean and tidy with no damage
We noted some shallow indentations to the silver painted flexible rubber channel trims on the roof. Typically these distort a little over the years due to sun and frost exposure
The attractive diamond-cut 17-inch Lexus alloys present in superb condition, shod with tyres with a very deep and even tread, dated 2018 at the front and 2022 on the driving wheels to the rear

THE MECHANICS

2,997cc naturally aspirated, inline-six ‘2JZ’ engine
Five-speed automatic transmission
Power assisted steering
Rear-wheel drive
Anti-lock braking system
Apparently unmodified and presented in factory specification
As you’d expect with such low miles, the vendor reports that the engine is silky smooth and offers excellent performance with effortless gear changes and a cosseting ride
No mechanical issues or problems are reported

THE SUMMARY

The Lexus IS300 SportCross is a very rare car indeed – the seller believes less than 4,000 were ever sold with the majority of those being dedicated to the US market. So to find a low mileage, two owner car (one of those being Lexus) is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. Lexus themselves pledged that all UK IS300 Sportcross vehicles would be equipped with the highly desired Torson Limited Slip Differential... just one more, very persuasive reason to put this car on your fantasy garage shortlist.

An engaging rear-wheel drive chassis and highly regarded 2JZ inline-six make this a fabulous driver’s machine. Add Lexus’s renowned build quality and reliability into the mix and you’ve got a sure-fire winner. Rare, stylish, quick, loaded with equipment, practical and in excellent condition – what’s not to like?

Notice to bidders

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