Syan48306

I'm currently in the market for a IS F and I've been eyeing used 2011+ IS F. I currently drive an IS300 and am looking at either a 2014 IS 350 or a 2011+ IS F as a daily driver.

The reviews of the 2007 to 2010 have pretty much all claimed that the suspension was too stiff and brutal to be a daily driver. Since 2011, Lexus revamped the suspension making the front softer while stiffening up the back. Since then, many of the reviews have claimed that "The IS F can be comfortable and quiet when you want it to be."

For those of you who have driven both a pre 2011 IS F and after, is the difference noticeable? Just how "stiff" is stiff? I've never had the opportunity to drive the IS F and I'm trying to get an idea before I get around to finding one. Can a 2011+ IS F compare with an 2014 F Sport IS 350 in sport S+ mode in terms of ride comfort?

daedalus

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't worry about it. I've got a 2010 which is the stiffest of all the model years and for 95% of the roads I don't think it's too stiff. There is 5% of road surfaces that will make it seem bumpy but it's not uncomfortable. My 911 is way more stiff and uncomfortable than the ISF by comparison.

The ISF is a very comfortable DD.

Rossi

iTrader: (4)

I have 2010 too, agree 100% ^^^^^^^^^^^.
Not bad at all, I recommend switching the OEM tires to Michelin PSS tires for
all 2008-2010 cars. Better in every way. Comfort and performance

Mrd916

I had an 08 F and I traded it for a 2011 a few months back. The 11 def rides better but I was never one who hated the harsh 08 ride. Personally didn't think the 08 ride was that harsh anyway. If anything buying the 11 will def have the best resale value with the other upgrades. I don't know about the 14 F-Sport but my wife's 2011 IS-350 was a much softer ride than my 08 F.

PatrickISF

I have a 2010 and you just get used to it. I don't think its that stiff at all. There are some parking decks that have really uneven sections of pavement where it will drive you bonkers but that is less than 1% of where I drive. You'll be fine whether you do a 2008 or 2011.

Syan48306

How does it compare with an IS300 does anyone have any experience with both cars? I feel like the IS300 is a bit rougher than the ISx50s (might be my suspension just giving out ) but if its much worse than that, it'd be pretty rough.

Boma

iTrader: (4)

I have a 2009 and whoever says the earlier model ISFs aren't suitable daily drivers is overexaggerating. Sure compared to other cars (like a Corolla or a Camry for example ) it feels pretty stiff but it is definitely not unbearable. After a while it isn't a thought in your head anymore once you feel the V8.

There is also the option of upgrading the stock suspension with softer springs or coilovers but it's not absolutely necessary unless you also want a drop.

J2K

I can't comment on the MY11+ ISF suspension, but I went from an 01 IS300 to an 08 ISF and the suspension in the 08 F is noticeably firmer IMO.

ISF4life

iTrader: (30)

Dont worry about the suspension , just worries about getting the F lolz . When u find it, u going to love it

is2506spon

I have a 2010 dd, no issues at all with ride quality. I came from a 09 xpackage 250 and I find the ride fine.

like the others have said only on very bumpy roads or speed bumps do you notice the stiffness.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I've been on road trips from Atlanta to Dallas, Atlanta to Eastern Iowa, and Atlanta to Key Biscayne in the F. Never once did I think the ride was unbearable or even harsh. It certainly isn't an LS, but it doesn't lap like one either. Besides, the F is way softer than my Supra, and I've driven it across country a few times.

Syan48306

If the '08 and '10 owners say it's not that bad, I'll certainly keep in mind for a '11 when one does pop up. The instrument cluster on the '11 IS F hands down beats all of the cluster in the IS including the redesigned '14 F Sport.

I remember when they premiered the IS F in Detroit back in 2007 and wanting it. Then 2010 for its refresh and seeing its new cluster and LEDs and thinking gosh I've got to have it. It's been a long time coming. I think I'm finally set on looking for one.

bnizzle87

I never found my 08 to ride too harsh. Yes, there were some gut punches every now and again, but it comes with owning a more performance-oriented ride. It's firm, but definitely not too unbearable IMO.I doubt you'll think it's really that harsh, but a set of coilovers might do the trick in terms of ride quality for you.

Best of luck and hope to see pics of your F soon.

VtotheJ

iTrader: (2)

The stiffness in my 08 is perfect, it IS a sports car after all.

CodyJames

iTrader: (2)

My comments mirror most of those above. I have an '08, and I've never noticed the ride being too stiff. I had an '06 IS-350 that was lowered on Eibachs, and I thought that was significantly more stiff. As VtotheJ says, it's a sports car, it shouldn't feel like a Camry.