arnage

Hi all,
I wanted to ask you for some of your help and expertise on this local-to-me IS-F. It's a 2008 USB with what appear to be a couple of mods, offered at $38k with 55k miles. Seems like it's priced a bit on the high side, relative to some of the other comps I've seen in the forums.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-IS-w-Navi-rearCam-Ultrasonic-Blue-Clean-Carfax-5-0L-V8-416hp-4-Door-IS-F-CALL-FOR-FINANCE-/370967888657?forcerrptr=true&hash=item565f68c311&item=370967888657&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
I'll try to find some time soon to visit it and see what it's about, but I'm not very familiar with what to look for (and what's stock, and what isn't). i notice it has a carbon front splitter, which is likely aftermarket. and yellow fogs. are the brake calipers (gold brembos) aftermarket (big brake kit?) or have they just been painted over..?

Lastly, for a 2008 with this many miles, is the dealer's price fair? I've been driving a '99 LS400 for several years now, and it's never given me a problem. Maintenance costs have been extremely low, save for the water pump / timing belt replacement and an O2 sensor replacement. Will getting an IS-F wind up costing me a lot more, with respect to maint (besides the initial purchase price...)? Figure the wheels are more delicate and prone to getting bent. and tires will wear a lot quicker. Interestingly enough, gas mileage probably won't suffer by too much in comparison, but I guess that's about 10 years of technology for you.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-IS-w-Navi-rearCam-Ultrasonic-Blue-Clean-Carfax-5-0L-V8-416hp-4-Door-IS-F-CALL-FOR-FINANCE-/370967888657?forcerrptr=true&hash=item565f68c311&item=370967888657&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

VtotheJ

iTrader: (2)

You are correct, maintenance will be more than your current Lexus. Seems like the car has been kept in great shape with a few tasteful mods. Oil changes will run you about $130 unless you do it yourself. Some things to watch out for are leaky waterpump, this will be indicated by a low coolant level, pulling to the right, can't really think of much else. Did you check the CarFax?

$38K is high considering the mileage. I see you're in NY, I'd be down to check out the car with you and offer some assistance.

Mrd916

I got $35k in trade in price on my 08 with 53k miles about 5 months ago and they priced it at $40k then $39k then $38k as it sat for awhile, not sure what they ended up selling it for but u can def bargain on this car. The mods it has are good ones as far as not being abused looking. My Lexus dealer in Florida only charges me $60 for oil changes on my F which isn't bad at all.

dannyk8232

Looks like it has painted calipers, front lip, maybe aftermarket fogs, and tint. I would ask if anything has been done to the suspension and exhaust, too.

I went from a 96 LS400 and the gas milage is very similar (right around 20). Bought my 08 F in September with 56k and bought a 4yr/48k comprehensive extended wty to cover anything that could happen...Dealer wanted $42,500 and tried to act firm on the price, so I started with having them pick up the wty ($2,800 iirc) for me as well as taxes and docs and fees. Maybe trying to start haggling over wty and taxes will work for you too.

Either way, best of luck!

Dan

Raybean

iTrader: (3)

If your only looking for a USB color one then your choice is very limited. From the looks on cars.com there is only 10 isf's for sale around the nyc area and only 1 is USB. However there for other colors with lesser miles for lesser price. I would pass on a moded car usless its dirt cheap, but thats just me.

chrisp1

those look like cheap $100 plastic front splitters
http://www.autotecknic.com/product_p/un-0001.htm

kauaian

iTrader: (18)

A friend of mine picked up a 2010 stock obsidian with no accidents and 32,000 miles for $40,000. I would keep looking unless you feel that is the one then by all means. Get the car that you feel you want unless you are willing to sacrifice certain things for +/- a few thousand.

I know when I was on the hunt I had my mind made up on getting a SFP. Closes one was in CT and it had an accident on file but I still purchased it. It came with a Joe-Z exhaust and intake pipe. Owner even delivered it to MD!

Good luck with the search!

Sello

I'll sell u my mrm isf with 60k miles for 33k and I'm in ct

arnage

thank you, everyone, for your feedback.
and thanks, vtothej, for your offer to check the car out with me. as it turns out, they have 2 -- one here in SFP? but again, priced very highly at $43k with 37k mi. this example appears "unmolested" though, save for some window tint and interesting looking custom pinstriping...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lexus-IS-w-Navi-rearCam-2008-lexus-w-navi-rearcam-/370967224494?forcerrptr=true&hash=item565f5ea0ae&item=370967224494&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
I guess I'm just a bit hesitant to get into one of these, as I would be concerned over how much more $ (and psychological worry) one of these cars would be. I can pretty much park my current LS400 anywhere without the constant worry that someone will steal its wheels or the car itself, etc. The other thing is I've never driven an IS-F.

So in test driving it, I'd either be disappointed, or walk out of the dealership some $40k poorer! =) suppose I'll never know until I try.

kteng7

iTrader: (1)

^^^ i like this one much better (all stock and low mileage) than the USB you found

VtotheJ

iTrader: (2)

Test drive it guy, you'll be hooked. You do have to watch where you will park it as I do consider the ISF somewhat of an exotic due to its rarity. As usual I got the question today from an old college friend "so is that a 250/350"... so even car enthusiasts can't figure out what it is off the bat. In all seriousness I make sure the parking situation is safe where ever I go... which comes with the territory of having a nice car. Let us know what you decide to do!

ISF001

The car, if it is in primo condition, should fetch $40K to $42K.

Remember: the ISF has become a collectible over night given the RCF, and it's one hell of a bullet-proof machine that will still give the new RCF a run for its money. (The weight of the car is troublesome for me. I do hope that it can beat 4.2 seconds for the 0-60 time.)

2012s with 10K mileage are fetching around $60k in the northeast, and this could go up.

If you like what you see, grab it. The price IS right and a bit low.