Flashkid

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4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

major changes were in these years:
2010 - gained LSD, flash card based navigation
2011 - gained revised suspension, LED DRL, redesigned gauges, updated steering ECU
2012 - gained .5" wider wheels, gained slightly revised suspension

if you dont plan to track or care about those above upgrades then you can save money and get an 08/09

Vervish

iTrader: (4)

^ that pretty much sums it up.

When I was shopping I was convinced that the biggest/best changes came in 2011 with the revised suspension and updated steering ECU.

Bottom line tho - all of the model years are pretty bullet proof from a reliability perspective. There was some issues with water pumps leaking in the pre 2011 models and an issue with the LED headlights bubbling in the 2011 models. But these issues were relatively minor.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

you could find an 08 and add some of the items after the fact. Buy a 2011 steering ECU and get it installed/calibrated, find somones take off 2011+ suspension or go aftermarket, LED DRL headlights are able to be added too. Just depends how much you want to spend

zen

iTrader: (6)

I picked the 08 to save money, and the HP is well over enough for a daily car. if the vehicle is less than 60k miles, most likely you can get the water pump replaced under warranty depends on the VIN. mine was replaced under warranty. for the suspension, if you don't track the car, I really don't see the reason to upgrade them. 08 has firmer suspension in the front.

TLe2006

how much are the LED headlights? they're the same ones as ISX50 correct?

robertrios

iTrader: (11)

I have an 08 with '12 suspension and '12 headlights...oh and '12 wheels. Was the steering ECU alot better? Maybe that should be next for me.

zen

iTrader: (6)

The headlights are pricy. yes they are the same ones as ISX50

zen

iTrader: (6)

notice any differences on suspension besides softer than 08 ? I'm thinking to get them when my originals are in need for replacement.

I8ABMR

truth....get the newest one you can. I was after the 2010 because I wanted an LSD for the track. Bottom line is the best ones are the 2010 and up. Its gets sweeter between 2010-2012. 12-14 not much changed I think.



For the money you spent on those parts and labor you could have just bought a newer one

fstpassat

All years are bullet proof, get the one that best fits your budget. FYI - the 08's seem to be the fastest :P

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

0-60 times are conservative. ISFs did not suddenly get slower in the 0-60

calteg

2011+ are better, if you have the cash.
Personally, I live in abject poverty, so I bought a 2008. It now has a 2011 suspension under it, and I'm eyeing the 2013 steering ecu. Used OEM suspensions are surprisingly cheap

RedlineAZ

iTrader: (5)

If you go with an 08 -09 I believe, check the water pump to make sure it isn't leaking (common issue on these cars). Mine went bad by 26k miles on my 08. The newer the car and the lower the miles is always best, usually you will have remaining warranty and a better resale value down the road. Good luck on your search

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

There are no years to avoid. Just options on what the car has from the factory as well commented on above.

If you plan to track the car, buy the latest model year you can afford. Lexus continuously improved the suspension and steering over the car's run, and the Lightning Lap times show dramatic improvements.