This next car comes from tipper John who writes: Just stumbled across this, which seems spot on for DT. Maybe these manual swaps are common, but I haven't seen one before even though everyone says they wish Lexus had put a manual in the Sportcross. Find this 2005 Lexus IS300 SportCross offered for $10500 in Brea, CA via craigslist.
Toyota had been poking at BMW with their Lexus brand since it launched in 1989, but it wasn't until the launch of the IS300 in 1998 that Lexus had finally delivered something that could compete with BMW's lauded 3-series. Lexus also launched a wagon version that they called the "SportCross" (because Wagon was taken...dunno) and if I recall correctly, it wasn't available with a manual box for the first few years, so this next car is either a custom swap or a real unicorn. Find this 2002 Lexus IS300 Sportcross offered for $6500 in Miami, FL via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
The first generation IS300 was built in Japan from 1998 through 2005 on what was called Toyota's N-platform, which shared many parts in its double wishbone front, multi-link rear, and front-engine rear-drive setup with the Lexus GS, SC, and JDM Chaser, Mark II and Crown. The IS300 was the sportier of the small Lexus sedans and was available in a cool wagon shape called the SportCross. Find this 2002 Lexus IS 300 SportCross offered for $7,997 via cars.com, located in St Charles, IL. Tip from Tinyfrogs.
The Lexus IS300 was compact luxury car for people who wanted a German sedan with Japanese reliability. This one's cargo space makes it ideal for Costco trips and Boy Scout excursions, which are exclusively American hallmarks. How multi-national. Find this rare 2005 IS300 Sportcross wagon
currently bidding for $9,100 with a few hours to go in Mooresville, NC via eBay. Words and tip from DT commenter & contributor slowcarSLOW-MPGlol.