ThisOldNSX

I have been searching for a while and I found a decent example:
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/ct...457682490.html

It is nearby, decent price, the upgrades are nice (wanted to do both the exhaust and coils anyway) and it is the color I want.
It has a few rock chips, the wheels have some curb rash, and it will need the 60k mile service soon, which should only require spark plugs getting replaced, but otherwise it is in great shape.

I have done my research and it sounds like 2011 do not suffer from the valley plate leak, tacky dash and other problems that troubled some earlier model years.

Is there anything I need to look out for with these mods? Leaky exhaust? Blown shocks?

Of course I plan on taking it in for a PPI, but is there anything else I should look out for or keep in mind? What might it take to touch up small rock chips and fix the curbed wheels?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

It is missing two Service Campaigns - the airbag replacement (still available from Lexus) and the cooling fan screw replacement (expired). The bad news on the cooling fan replacement is it often came with a new radiator because the old radiator was too brittle to remove without damage, so many of us ended up with a new radiator when it was all said and done. I would carefully check the fan motor screws. I had loose screws on mine and didn't know it. It got fixed under the Service Campaign, but not before the motor was ruined. I ended up buying a new fan assembly (can't buy the motors or screws separately now) and installing it because the rear bushing on the fan was 1mm oversize from wear.

Other than that, nothing special about this one from TIS.

ThisOldNSX

I will look for that during the PPI. Sounds like it costs about 800ish to fix?
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...eak-photo.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...in-08-isf.html

s2kjer

The Valley plate is on every year... I just had to deal with it on my 2012.
Check the coolant level and make sure its not leaking any alongside the transmission or back of engine.

Fadeaway

Not bad at all man, I say pull the trigger! I bought mine private party in Plano, TX and I paid significantly less than Blue Book. Dealerships really try to stick it ot you. The one I bought had 55k miles but it was single owner and well maintained.

Also as an FYI: Park Place no longer does pre-purchase inspections in case you wanted to get it done at a Lexus dealer. I was kind of bummed out about that since they were the closest to me.

Best of luck!

BlckGhst

My 2011 has had the valley plate leak repaired

The marks from old coolant on the back of the engine and transmission when it was leaking are still visible

ThisOldNSX

I only find the airbag recall when using the vin.
I have not come across the cooling fan screw recall anywhere. Is that just because it is expired?
NM, I found this:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...y-plate-2.html

graphX250

Not to sound dumb, but what is TIS ?

ThisOldNSX

Please pardon the "philosophical" nature of this post. I was talking to a friend about this particular car and he pointed out that there are quite a few options in the $35k price range. I lean toward the ISF for the reliability, exclusivity, It's looks and the engine. An M3 would be alright, but I have a hard time trusting its reliability, same with an Audi and Merc. A CTS-V would be alright, but it's GM and its not as reliable, plus the looks don't quite do it for me. There are Porsches and even the 2018 mustang for a similar price. The mustang is pretty tempting, but it will depreciate pretty quick. Everyone and their mother owns one.

There are some cars I should probably try before I buy an ISF, but I can't think of much that checks all the same boxes. Does anyone regret their purchase? If you could do it again, what would you look at?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

techinfo.toyota.com. It's the same resource the dealer uses to service your vehicle. I pay an annual subscription for it and have access to everything include reflashes, but you can get shorter ones if you just want the service manual information. They all include the ability to see when the vehicle was originally placed in service, what the original configuration was when it was first sold (FIO and PIO, not DIO) and see what service campaigns have been completed (or not). It is truly a wealth of information.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I recently had to think about this, and I couldn't find something I really wanted to buy that fit all the necessary parameters - four doors, reasonable power, better than average reliability, fun to drive even on a track day, able to embarrass lots of "sports" cars with ease, and fit two child car seats in the back.

Not sure what your key requirements are, but for me, there really isn't anything else in this space. The only thing I wish the car was and isn't is 300 pounds lighter.

BlckGhst

No regrets. Absolutely love the car and love to drive it. And its nice to own something rare that you dont see every day

ThisOldNSX

I have been driving an S2000 for nearly 7 years, also have an NSX for the past 2.5 years. Time for a fun, powerful four door v8 that is also kinda rare and reliable. I like cars that feel a bit special and I don't think the ISF competition really fits that.

Vitveet

^^^^all of that, lol!

V.

NSXGuy

Owner of a 1991 NSX and my 2011 IS-F has been my daily since 2014. Absolutely love it and it's been perfectly reliable. Like lobuxracer said, it would be nearly perfect if a bit lighter.