2008 ISF or 2012 IS350 ?
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
2008 ISF or 2012 IS350 ?
Hey guys. I'm new to ClubLexus, from up north in Canada, but I've been reading through threads on this ISF section as well as the IS 250/350 section. I wasn't exactly sure on which part I should post this thread but its more for your advice to help me come to a final decision between the two.
So the first is a used 2008 ISF in Smoky Granite Mica. 39 000km for about 39.5k. Went to take a look at it and its in an over all good condition, minor scratches where the door handle is and a couple little ones on the body. All that can be taken care of easily. The interior seemed to be in great condition as well with one small scratch on the back middle plastic cover in between the two seats, other then that maybe a detail clean and it can be brand new. The warranty is still on. The owner just needs to get the front passenger tire replaced due to a bump in the rubber.
My other option would be a brand new 2012 IS350 in either RWD or AWD. With the F Package, and I'm not sure if i would add the F sport exhaust.
I really enjoyed driving the ISF and the power it holds.
Pros for me.
The sound of the overall exterior of the car (exhaust and all that).
How it can be a daily driver but still has power when you push the pedal to the metal.
The sport bucket seats.
The black ceiling (instead of the beige or whatever color material)
There are many more to name !
Cons for me.
No USB slot. - Im a big music junky, and do enjoy clarity.
Higher gas costs
Higher part costs
A possible rebuild of the look of the ISF in 2013 ?
Insurance costs
As for the IS350 I haven't driven the 2012 version but I have taken my friends 2008 IS350 for a spin and enjoyed the ride as well
Pros for me.
The car is obviously new.
Headlights
Ipod Integration
Insurance is slightly cheaper (not by to much)
Cons for me.
Obviously not an ISF
Less power
Having to pay nearly 20K more for the car.
Having to spend a bit more money on other mods that the ISF can bring stock. (Rims and other stuff)
I know its a long first post. I've done lots of research and stuff. I do believe the ISF for that price is a steal especially with that many Kms on it.
If some of you can tell me what you think to maybe make a final decision. Thanks guys ! Cheers
So the first is a used 2008 ISF in Smoky Granite Mica. 39 000km for about 39.5k. Went to take a look at it and its in an over all good condition, minor scratches where the door handle is and a couple little ones on the body. All that can be taken care of easily. The interior seemed to be in great condition as well with one small scratch on the back middle plastic cover in between the two seats, other then that maybe a detail clean and it can be brand new. The warranty is still on. The owner just needs to get the front passenger tire replaced due to a bump in the rubber.
My other option would be a brand new 2012 IS350 in either RWD or AWD. With the F Package, and I'm not sure if i would add the F sport exhaust.
I really enjoyed driving the ISF and the power it holds.
Pros for me.
The sound of the overall exterior of the car (exhaust and all that).
How it can be a daily driver but still has power when you push the pedal to the metal.
The sport bucket seats.
The black ceiling (instead of the beige or whatever color material)
There are many more to name !
Cons for me.
No USB slot. - Im a big music junky, and do enjoy clarity.
Higher gas costs
Higher part costs
A possible rebuild of the look of the ISF in 2013 ?
Insurance costs
As for the IS350 I haven't driven the 2012 version but I have taken my friends 2008 IS350 for a spin and enjoyed the ride as well
Pros for me.
The car is obviously new.
Headlights
Ipod Integration
Insurance is slightly cheaper (not by to much)
Cons for me.
Obviously not an ISF
Less power
Having to pay nearly 20K more for the car.
Having to spend a bit more money on other mods that the ISF can bring stock. (Rims and other stuff)
I know its a long first post. I've done lots of research and stuff. I do believe the ISF for that price is a steal especially with that many Kms on it.
If some of you can tell me what you think to maybe make a final decision. Thanks guys ! Cheers
#6
Driver
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
#9
Pole Position
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's essentially down to if you want a brand new car, or second hand.
I'd buy the new car every time, but that's me. If the F is in great condition and $20k cheaper, go for it!!!
It doesn't matter what you do to the IS350, it will never be an F.......
I'd buy the new car every time, but that's me. If the F is in great condition and $20k cheaper, go for it!!!
It doesn't matter what you do to the IS350, it will never be an F.......
#10
Driver
Thread Starter
#11
I had a 2009 ISF and now have a 2012 IS 350. I’ve also previously owned IS300 and IS 250.
It will come down to what feels better to you. My wife has been the primary driver of our IS (s). The ride will be better on the IS 350 (Later F models have had improvements to suspension) along with the things you mentioned. The 350 has ample power in everyday driving, but if the power and track performance (so to speak) are very important to you, I would chose the IS F. I don’t think my wife ever used the paddle shift mode in the F, didn’t make a lot of sense for us (I was sure to use them when I drove it, ha ha).
You can’t go wrong with either.
It will come down to what feels better to you. My wife has been the primary driver of our IS (s). The ride will be better on the IS 350 (Later F models have had improvements to suspension) along with the things you mentioned. The 350 has ample power in everyday driving, but if the power and track performance (so to speak) are very important to you, I would chose the IS F. I don’t think my wife ever used the paddle shift mode in the F, didn’t make a lot of sense for us (I was sure to use them when I drove it, ha ha).
You can’t go wrong with either.
#12
Driver
Thread Starter
I had a 2009 ISF and now have a 2012 IS 350. I’ve also previously owned IS300 and IS 250.
It will come down to what feels better to you. My wife has been the primary driver of our IS (s). The ride will be better on the IS 350 (Later F models have had improvements to suspension) along with the things you mentioned. The 350 has ample power in everyday driving, but if the power and track performance (so to speak) are very important to you, I would chose the IS F. I don’t think my wife ever used the paddle shift mode in the F, didn’t make a lot of sense for us (I was sure to use them when I drove it, ha ha).
You can’t go wrong with either.
It will come down to what feels better to you. My wife has been the primary driver of our IS (s). The ride will be better on the IS 350 (Later F models have had improvements to suspension) along with the things you mentioned. The 350 has ample power in everyday driving, but if the power and track performance (so to speak) are very important to you, I would chose the IS F. I don’t think my wife ever used the paddle shift mode in the F, didn’t make a lot of sense for us (I was sure to use them when I drove it, ha ha).
You can’t go wrong with either.
Thats why Ive choose between the IS350 and ISF
#14
I say ISF. Trust me, the car is rare and when your driving a 350 and see an ISF you'll regret it!
I would wait till the 2013 IS comes out and if you don't like the design, go buy a 2012 IS350 or 2008 ISF for a lot lower. Patience is key!
I would wait till the 2013 IS comes out and if you don't like the design, go buy a 2012 IS350 or 2008 ISF for a lot lower. Patience is key!
#15
Driver
Thread Starter
I agree, especially since ive only seen 1 or 2, in Toronto, and none around my area lol. Which would make people turn there head more haha. Patience is key, but not when Ive been wanting this car for the past year or two lol