MileHIFcar

Hey guys,

I'm looking into getting an IS F and am a newb about the IS F and some of the intricacies of the car and differences in model years as they went by:

I test drove a 2008 today that had 67,000 miles on it and they wanted $29,998 for the car, I asked them about to pull up the carfax and it showed that the car had 5 previous owners and was in an accident in the rear of the car but was not totaled or a salvage title. It could've been something as small as a damaged bumper or more significant I just don't have a clue since the carfax doesn't go into details about how much damage was done to the vehicle. Not saying that I would pursue this car but what do you guys think this thing is worth?? It was black and had the upgraded Mark Levinson audio.

There are 3 total in the Denver metro area that are for sale:

The one I drove 2008 for $29,998

Another black 2009 w/26k miles and they want $39,998

The third one is a 2011 w/33k miles and they want $ 44,980

I don't want to spend anything over 40k and would prefer to stay closer to 35-38kish but if I can get a smoking deal on a 2008 then I might go that route if there aren't too many tradeoffs with the 2008 model compared to the later models?

I'm not worried about miles on a Lexus/Toyota engine as they have the reputation they have for a reason (run forever) so I'm not concerned.

I read that the 2010 model they introduced the Torsen LSD to the car, did they not have a LSD on the 2008,09 models? If so it was an open differential??

Sorry for the long post guys but I'm trying to ask everything that is on my mind right now and want to make the best choice possible.

By the way I loved the way the car drove and preferred it over an M3 DCT that I test drove prior as I was looking into getting an E92 but ultimately decided not to based on the feeling I got when I drove it and the maintenance costs associated with owning a German make and the possible rod bearing issue that has been affecting some M3's which grenades the engine requiring a new engine!

Thx guys

liquidtek

For the most part 2010+ is when the majority of changes happened cosmetically. 2010 they did introduce the LSD. Prices seem pretty consistent with CO pricing but I don't think I'd pull the trigger on the low priced one based on the carfax. Weston Auto always is cycling thru IS-F they must ****** them up at auctions all the time. Last year CO BMW up north had a beat up Silver 08 they sold for about 26k. If you don't mind traveling you can probably find cheaper cars in other states. I looked for a long time and ended up buying out of state.

MileHIFcar

Cool what year did you end up getting? I didn't see anything in your sig?

Your local where do you live at?

By the way the 2008 & 2009 were at Carmax and the 2011 was at some dealership up in Ft. Collins

liquidtek

I live in the Aurora area. I was originally looking for 2011+ but got a good deal on an 08.

kevintari

iTrader: (1)

I'd go for the '11 but they're asking too much. I think that's when they introduced the differential, not in '10...but I could be mistaken.

MileHIFcar

Same here, I wonder how good of a deal I can get on an 08 since it's the first year model??

Any negatives about the 08 that you can think of??

JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

08/09 had an ELSD. It used abs. For $30k, the car is a good deal.
I would search more, just because I'd be iffy about 5 owners + accident history.
But from the 3 cars you listed, I'd pursue the 08 for $30k thus far.
The car is pretty bulletproof, so if you find one cheaper with more miles and a prettier history, I would opt for that.
08 + OS giken LSD is the way to go. I'd wanna upgrade the Torsen anyways

93MSB

iTrader: (8)

08-09 have an electronic lsd, mechanically it's an open diff.

2009: interior trim on doors, center console, nav changed from silver to black
2010: mechanical lsd, updated nav (gen 6), new style wheels
2011: suspension updates, new style headlights (no longer adaptive), alcantara leather, updated gauge cluster, updated steering wheel
2012: more suspension updates?, Newest style wheels
2013: minor nav updates
2014: minor nav updates, carbon fiber rear spoiler, F embossed headrests & maybe a couple other minor interior updates?

MileHIFcar

From what I read on Wikipedia about the car it said the LSD started in 2010 and then certain cosmetic changes in 2011

What do you think would be a fair market price for that 2011?

kevintari

iTrader: (1)

If it's not a CPO car, I'd say max $40k-ish. If it is a CPO car, then a couple grand more.

MileHIFcar

Awesome thanks for the response! So that's a good deal that they're asking for? They said the car has been sitting on the lot for over 30 days so I wonder if they'd go even lower?

Didn't know about the ELSD, is that inferior to a mechanical one? How much would a OS giken LSD be anyway? Are there members here who have upgraded their 2008's to that LSD you mentioned?

93MSB

iTrader: (8)

The miles to me are on the low side for the 2011 you listed. I would say 41-43 would be a fair price depending on your local market

MileHIFcar

Thanks for that list!

Is there a big difference between the (gen 5) 08/09 Navigation systems and the gen 6 that you mentioned that started in 2010?

Also you are saying that the 08/09's had adaptive headlights and the 2010 and later models didn't?? Why would Lexus take out that feature?

MileHIFcar

Seems like the consensus is 41-43k depending on it it's a CPO car

Thanks

93MSB

iTrader: (8)

Gen6 nav is hard drive based (gen5 is dvd). Gen6 also does Bluetooth streaming (music). I think there's other changes/features added but I couldn't tell you what they are.

2008-2010 have adaptive headlights
2011+ have the led strip along the bottom and lost the adaptive headlight, I do not know why they chose to drop the adaptive part of it