Planning to buy a ISF but what year should I be aware of or stay away?
#2
Lexus Fanatic
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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
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
#3
Racer
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.
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.
#5
Pole Position
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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.
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#10
Lexus Fanatic
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
For the money you spent on those parts and labor you could have just bought a newer one
#13
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
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
#14
Lead Lap
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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
#15
Tech Info Resource
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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.
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.
Last edited by lobuxracer; 08-07-14 at 05:27 AM.