The 2001 was the first year the new style M3's came out, and they had alot of engine problems, which is why alot of people look past them when trying to purchase a used E46 M3. If the price was right, you know i'd be driving a 2001, i dont care, but other people do.

The is300 is very very nice, it has everything i look for in a car. Rear wheel or AWD, an inline-6 with 200+hp, near perfect weight distribution, beautiful lines, very nice interior, and a 'respected' manufacturer.

However, all the is300 really is is lexus' version of the BMW 3-series. Same engine design, same RWD, same luxury, same performance figures, has the exact same market, etc. Even though the is300 is alot rarer to see than an 2000+ 328/330 bmw, i'd have to think the bmw is the better car for the money, it is the original and the best seller in that market. Plus their built to last like a MFer .. my 94 325is has 135,000 miles on it, has been in two minor fender benders, is driven hard as hell on a regular basis, and the only things ive had to replace whatsoever were maintenance items, 1 suspension piece that I messed up, and a leaky transmission cooler. So basicly 1 $200 item, and thats it. I'm sure itll run past 200k miles. Whether the new ones have that kinda durability is yet to be seen.

But if you ask me, if i had money for an is300, and specifically wanted a japanese made car, i'd DEFINANTLY get an Infiniti G35 coupe. soooo nice..