Quadrphnia

Let's put it this way - you ask about mechanical issues and CL members bring up water pumps... There once was a world where this was considered a maintenance item...

If you're interested in mechanical issues, google "BMW M3 M5 M6 rod bearings." Or "BMW N63 Customer Care Package."

F.

786

^ seriously

i can get my mechanic to send you parts numbers if you want, he was shocked at how cheap everything was too. he told me the parts alone for a C63 would have been around $2k, and it has the same size brakes.

I8ABMR

I cant believe someone is asking this question. LOL

ISF all day. The car is extremely reliable, 200 extra HP, its rare and unique, will turn some heads, AND GAS IS CHEAP !!!! GET THE F!!

bnizzle87

If you want better gas economy, added fifth seat, and some tech updates, the IS250 will suffice. For a power perspective, exclusivity, and the prestige of owning Lexus' first F performance variant, even a 2008 example will be plenty. There wasn't a power bump, but there were revisions from the factory with regards to suspension, lighting, and steering and LSD.

If you can afford the maintenance and higher cost of ownership compared to the 250, then jump on the F! Everyone will say automatically to jump on the F, but ONLY if it financially appropriate. Being able to afford it without impacting the finances and budget and replacing the necessary parts (typically tires, oil changes, brakes and rotors) is more important than being in over your head just to say you can own an F.

Zelfiris

Totally agreed with bnizzle87.

Before I purchased my F, I saw the following things would increase and I was still comfortable going forward:
- Increase cost for oil change
- Increase cost filling gas more often
- Possible water pump replacement
- Quicker wear on brake pads, rotors and tires
- 8 spark plug replacement (compared to 6 on IS250, mentioning this since I'm going get it done soon)
- Increased car insurance cost by $300 a year (it was going down by $240 this year if I kept IS250, so $540 difference)

My daily commute is short and it was feasible for me to get an F.

Go with what you're comfortable with

YotaLex

Yes. Great advice bnizzle87. I believe this is something I can afford after doing my monthly budget. But like I said, the monthly ownership of the 08 ISF will actually be $50 cheaper than the 2011 IS250. That is one of the main reasons I am looking into getting the F. Sure insurance might drop a little when I turn 25-26 but currently the insurance + the car payment is more expensive for me on the 250.

The only thing I can really look at the 08 and say I like [this better] on the 250 is the upgrade on headlights/taillights. I traveled 150 miles this morning to test drive the car and after test driving it I'm hooked. So much raw power. Suspension didn't really bother me either.....

So I've added the extra 3 quarts of oil I will need for oil changes.. I called a buddy @ the dealership and he said I could get Toyo Proxes @ $150 ea front and back... Or BStones @ $199 ea front and back. I saw the water pump for $150 how much could I expect to have this installed if the pump is an issue?
And a slight fortune to do a brake job... How often are y'all actually replacing the rotors? Can I make it through getting them resurfaced for a few pad changes?
Also... Other than that and the other things you mentioned (Zelfiris) is there anything else you can think of having to pay more for on monthly basis than an IS250?

Thanks to everybody who reached out.

Zelfiris

Will you be tracking? If yes, someone more experience can answer you

For daily commute, my rotors are looking great at 40k miles. I had the front pads replaced before I took ownership. I purchased the rear brake pads from sewells and they're not wore enough to change yet.

Honestly, it is still a Lexus, so on a monthly basis just your gas bill will shoot up. I used to fill up every 8-9 days, now its every 4-5 days but again, I have a short commute.

I do check my coolant level every 2 weeks (paranoid of any leaks) and that's really about it.

YotaLex

Zelfiris,
I don't plan on tracking, just the occasional red light to red light.
My commute has recently become shortened, I now have a company truck to drive to and from work.

Now all I have to do is sell the 250 tomorrow and pray the dealership has the ISF come Monday or Tuesday.

Thanks for your help!

zen

iTrader: (6)

compare with ISX50, the F suspension should be stiff. I feel the MY 08 stiff suspension has faster acceleration than 12 suspension that I have on the car now. Also, the wheels are bigger and with lower tire height which it's another key point for the ride.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

IMHO, The ISF has no place in YotaLex's life. He's concerned with finances, and only finances. The Main Reason for getting an ISF should not be finances it should be performance - Pure and Simple. That's what an ISF is about. Sure, Finances play an important role, but the MAIN REASON, No!

If I couldn't afford an ISF, a Corolla or an IS250, or even an IS350 would never be on any list of vehicles I would consider.

I believe all of us hear have a performance car background, and have owned High Performance machines in the past, and going forward will only consider an higher performance automobile in the future.

Going from a Corolla to an IS250 is a good progression. An IS250 to an ISF, IMHO, certainly is not. Have you ever driven a high performance car? Do you know how to drive one. Driving a HP car is different than driving a, for lack of a better word, regular car. I believe, you should be looking at an IS350 at this point in you maturation.

Maybe I sound like a Pompous Old ***, and maybe I am one. But I've been driving and modifying cars for the last 59 years. From the OPs posts, he just doesn't sound like an enthusiast to me.

Lou

YotaLex

Your opinion is valued and I appreciate the thought. Finances are the first thing to evaluate when making a purchase any time. (To me) I have driven fast cars, my background comes from Motorcycles, Dirtbikes, Etc..... I grew up around speed. Sure my first car was a newer Corolla because that was all I could finance.I continued building my credit and purchased the Lexus. My credit score is closer to 800 then it is 700....I've worked for every bit of it... I'm in my early 20s and haven't had time to establish a car history of my own. Trust this.... in 30 years I too will say, I've been around performance vehicles for X amount of years.
Cardinal rule to a powerful engine is respect it.... Speed is no joke.
We all have to start somewhere.
Good day.

ACE350

OP, it sounds as if your mind is already made up and you are going with the F. I think it's a great choice (biased lol) . I've had my 08 F for a little over 3 months and I enjoy it every time I drive it. I don't think you have to be a "full blown" enthusiasts to enjoy this car. Me personally I am very much into cars in general although i do not consider myself to be a pro at driving and extracting every ounce of performance out of my car. The F can be a good daily driver or a highway cruiser... As long as you feel it's the car you want to be in. Coming from a Acura TL-S the increase in power and having RWD with a stiff suspension did give me a small learning curve to get over with the F.. At the end of the day it's still a lexus, reliability and quality are present and accounted for. Good luck on your decision, it sounds like you weighed your options and will make an informed decision. Also we need more F's in the Carolinas lol, I'm stationed at ft bragg.

kiryu

i think no one will ever regret getting a F vs a 250 as long as you are financially capable to pay for gas, shorter tire life, pricier brakes and higher car payments

I had a 2014 loaner IS250, great car, rides sweet, handles easy but the power makes it pretty boring
the IS350 has great power but the F is just in another league