Sell your 2001 Lexus IS for cash

The 2001 Lexus IS is a small car that came with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine. At 25 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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  • Paid at pickup

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2001 Lexus IS at a glance

Body styleSubcompact Cars
Engines3.0L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic (S5)
DriveRear-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$4,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂494 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA1 configuration
Age25 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 25 years old, most of a 2001 IS's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a small car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the vehicle speed control, typically around 50,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2001 Lexus IS recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 Lexus IS. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 2001 IS problems

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2001 Lexus IS with NHTSA. 9 reports involved a crash and 3 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 11 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Vehicle Speed Control3
  • Suspension2
  • Vehicle Speed Control2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling1
  • Power Train1

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Vehicle Speed Control50,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control65,000 mi
  • Engine and Engine Cooling140,000 mi

2001 Lexus IS service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 70 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2001 Lexus IS. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment9
  • Structure8
  • Electrical System7
  • Equipment5
  • Visibility5
  • Electrical System3

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0020-24

    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grindi

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0021-24

    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environm

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0022-24

    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle o

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0024-24

    The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2022 · Safety Recall 22

    Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2022 · Lexus PRO19-02 -

    POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Selling a 2001 IS: questions

How much is a 2001 Lexus IS worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2001 IS that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2001 ISs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2001 IS?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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