omg jdm

I've been lurking the forums for a bit while browsing for a few different options for a new car. I'm leaning heavily towards getting an F. I've done many searches and i've educated myself on the differences between the different years, but i'm still torn on what to get.

If money grew on trees, I would get a 2011+ but unfortunately it doesn't. My current budget is the in low 40s OTD and it's near impossible to find a 2011+ in the price range. My only criteria is that i'd like to get a USB one, which brings me to the debate of 09 vs 10. It seems harder to find a 2010 USB than a 2009 USB.

I don't plan on tracking the car so the LSD isn't a huge concern. My concern is the difference in the navi system. Is the 09 that much crappier than the 2010? I don't like the lack of bluetooth streaming. Are there third party add-ons that can support bluetooth streaming?

Anything i'm missing? Would you choose an 09 over a 2010?

RCB

iTrader: (18)

Some people will tell you otherwise but I don't think the nav in my 08' ISF is that far off of the nav in my G.F.s 2011 RX. Not enough so that I wish I had the newer nav.
In my opinion, if your not going for a 11+ with all the performance updates the don't choose a lesser 2010 in exchange for a really clean 2009 if it comes down to that.
As far as streaming audio goes there are multiple ways to go about that in a car that isn't facroty equipped with BT.

Rickna

iTrader: (3)

My 1st choice was a 2010. However I came across a 2009 with less than 17k mi and very clean. No regrets at all.

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

The lsd makes a big difference in daily driving as well....

I8ABMR

I actually went with the 2010 because of the LSD when I was shopping for my F

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

In daily driving - not so much. On the track - YES


Lou

vbb

iTrader: (3)

This is my story exactly. I bought mine 2 years ago, and back in 2012 08s, 09s, and some 2010s were in my budget. Couldn't find a '11 that fit the budget at all since they were only 1 year old at the time. I ended up with an '09 because the one I found was so squeaky clean... 13,500mi, 1 owner and in the color I wanted. I paid a bit more for it than I would have if I had bought a higher mileage 2010.

But you should be able to find a USB 2010 model for the low $40s if you keep looking.

MYISF

I have never driven another year other than my 2009 but I cannot see that it really matters that much if u r mainly going to be using this car for the street...just find u a quality ISF (regardless of the year) and join the club...heck they r not going to be producing these any more and in my book (and many others) this car is iconic from the fact that it was the first attempt at performance by Lexus mass produced...and even at the productions numbers (total world wide between 11-12K) they r rare. Good luck!

daedalus

iTrader: (2)

Do the 2010. It's worth the upgrade. The LSD is noticeable in acceleration and as far as i'm concerned makes a difference even in daily driving and the twisties. The Navi upgrade I think polish off the interior and the added resolution and nav updates really make the car feel modern, whereas the 08/09 feels dated. Is it a deal breaker - no. But you should be able to get one in your budget if you keep looking and you'll be glad you went for it.

The 2010 will have better resale down the road and is much rarer so again, these are all +'s to go for the 2010.

KushinGS4

Just grabbed a clean 2010 IS-F ... Paid 42k CAD ... Pick it up Thursday .. Black on black , this machine is crazy .. Good luck with the search

omg jdm

Thanks for the input everyone. Is there a difference in screen resolution between the two years?

I guess it comes down to what I find first.

FD3SISF

iTrader: (2)

I would stick with the 2010 model even 2011 if you can find a deal.

KushinGS4

Some of my pics ... 2010 ISF SERIOUS PAC 2







Cheers

SeanGTS

iTrader: (1)

The streaming bluetooth features of the 2010 is almost worth it alone. I know you can buy aftermarket fixes for this, but I enjoy having the ability to do so without extra stuff in the cabin.

I really think the 08/09's are faster on the drag strip.

I8ABMR

why would the earlier cars be faster ?? I think the older cars are just more modified because they are older.