zohhamaze

Hey guys,

I currently own a 2011 WRX with 30k miles on it and have done simple mods to it such as, DP/catback, tune, coilovers, wheels/tires and cosmetic mods.



I will be living and working in the DC/VA/MD area and would like to get into something fun, fast, powerful, comfortable and with an automatic transmission (due to stop and go traffic).

Been looking at E90/92 M3's and IS-F a lot lately and I'm pretty sold on the IS-F over the M3 due to reliability since it will be my daily driver. I understand that in 2011 the IS-F got a revisioned/upgrade to its suspension and minor tweks in the interior as well. I will most likely be looking for a 2011-2014 IS-F but would like it keep it under $45K, so it would most likely be a 2011-2012 model.

Anyone here went from a Subaru WRX/STi to an IS-F? Also, what in your opinion is the best year IS-F (2011-2014)?

Thanks,

Brian

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

one thing I know FOR SURE is you'll appreciate the interior a whole lot more

zohhamaze

Definitely! My friend just bought a 08 IS350 and the interior is worlds better. My interior has rattles and creeks all over the place and very plastic/cheap.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I sell both Lexus and Subaru at our dealership and I love both. I consider the WRX to be the best bang-for-the-buck performance car out there. It's a lot of fun to drive. The interiors are very Spartan though. There is a slight improvement for the upcoming 2015 models.
2015 also adds automatic trannies for the first time. You may want to look at that.

zohhamaze

The 2015 WRX does look like a compelling package, but it's not much more of an upgrade than my current WRX. Plus, I want a more "professional" looking car that will truly last for a while. Also, I've had 2 Subarus (07 Impreza 2.5i, 2011 WRX) and want to get out of Subaru for a bit.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

2011 is probably the best one since it gets the suspension update and LSD from 2010. 2012 gets wider wheels over 2011 thats about it

zohhamaze

Thanks for the input! Any interior changes between 2011-2012? Did they add the apps and HD radio (iheartradio,bing, pandora etc) to the headunit during those years?

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

also forgot to mention that 2010+ i believe has flash memory based DVD vs the old slow DVD based. I dont know about the apps.

just want to throw another option out there have you looked at a 2014 IS350 F Sport? ISF is nice and all but man the interior of the new IS is a huge jump over the 2IS. I was thinking of a ISF vs 3IS but eventually got the 2014, but I had already owned a 06 IS. 2011-12 ISF and 14 IS350 F Sport Navi/ML is about the same price. But then again its getting close to 2015 model in aug/sept

yowps3

Seriously just go with the IS350. When I first drove the ISF I was quite disappointed with the actual straight line acceleration. It felt no faster than my IS350. It was heavier and also louder. Yes at very high speeds it beats the IS350 but from dig I'd say the IS350 is better (2IS)

A brand new ISF cost $135,000 here in Australia where as the IS350 can be had for $70,000. It's defiantly not worth that much extra over the IS350 LOL

Joey-E

iTrader: (1)

Definitely go with the ISF!

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

V8, more luxury, do it !

Aron9000

Are you going to drive this thing in the snow? Need to factor in a set of winter tires, maybe smaller wheels as well into your total cost.

For 40-45k I might also recommend you look at a Cadillac CTS-V. Way more power than the IS-F, I mean this thing is in that league of new M5 type of fast with 567 supercharged horsepower. Plus the handling/ride is pretty damn sweet with those magnetic shock asorbers(same shocks they use on late model Ferraris). IMO from a chassis and engine standpoint, it puts the IS-F to absolute shame.

Interior is a bit better to look at than the rather plain Lexus IS dash, but it isn't screwed together as well. Its not horrible like the 1st gen CTS, but I'd avoid a CTS with the big panoramic, whole roof is glass sunroof. The squeaks/rattles with that sunroof will drive you insane(the stiffer suspension makes it worse than a base V6 CTS). Also most of them come with a stupid suede steering wheel, which after a few thousand miles of sweaty palms it'll look completely done. Swapping in a leather steering wheel from a base CTS isn't too hard though.

yowps3

Yeah just checked the price gap between regular IS & ISF in USA and at those prices the ISF makes sense.

But in Oz we get ripped off, as per usual..

Bombsquad

I agree the price difference here is completely over the top and the 350 does a fine job of getting down the road, but I believe you did not drive the ISF in anger.

You know in an ISF that you have to be respectful, or

A 350 doesn't give you that same gut wrenching vibe…

ICEBERGS

Your IS350 must be stupid fast ......its day and night between the 2 cars.....