this just sounds as someone hating on the F because their pocket wasn't as big.. mejj

 

Don't let someone else convince you to buy an ISF. If after driving one, you don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling, it's probably not the car for you.

There is nothing wrong with an IS350.

 

Yes, if the F isn't different enough to you from an excitement standpoint dont bother. Find something else that is.

 

hey fellas and ladies. I am new to this forum and realize this one is old. my question is which year is best for the 350 and ISF? I've seen post about going with a 2011 IS-F or newer due to suspension upgrades etc... I have a 250 and have been looking to upgrade all the way up to the ISF but this thread is making me look at the 350 as well. I would love the bragging rights of owning an IS-F but I would also love the best bang for the buck as I can use the extra cash for some upgrades. any input is appreciated.

 

2008 Model Year (MY) IS-Fs are the most common and are likely the MY that you'll find the best deals on.
2010 MY retains the same suspension of the 08-09 MY but now includes a Torsen LSD.
2011 MY is where the IS-F receives a more complaint suspension set-up and improved steering feel.
2012-2014 MY received additional tweaks such as wider wheels, revised gauge cluster, etc.

2011+ MY IS-Fs are the most sought after years as this is where the IS-F received a significant model refresh but available quantities are severely limited compared to the 08 MY so prices will reflect that.

IS350s haven't changed much between MYs (besides mostly cosmetic changes) but I recommend getting a 07+ MY as you can easily turn off the stability control via the press of a button (instead of doing a cumbersome pedal dance that's required on the 06 MY).

 

Are there significant cost difference in annual maintenance? such as breaks, and other IS-F specific items between 350 and IS-F?

 

I'd say def brakes and rotors in annual maintenance. They're a lot more expensive on the IS-F side of things (mainly because of the Brembo name), and you may end up changing them more often if you tend to drive the car harder (although this is common amongst all cars). If you want OEM parts, they have a kit on eBay for around $600 that includes all 4 rotors and pads. As for the 350, if you grab the low dust variation of the 350 pads, they'll last longer than the original high friction pads, but at the cost of a little bit of braking performance. You'll get more life out of the 350's brakes than the F's most likely. The F also uses more oil, you may end up changing it less though if you don't drive the F as a daily vs the 350. Other than those things, the rest of the maintenance is the same as the 350 really. Both cars will chew up tires, the bigger sizes are more expensive too as the F has 19's, or the 350 has 17/18 (not sure how common 17s are on the 350, I've only seen a few), believe I went through a set of Yokohamas in 10-15k (although fronts still had plenty of tread left, rears were done)

It really comes down to what you're looking for. Do you want more power, better driving dynamics, and the fact that the F is not common (well, the 350 isn't very common either)? Or are you okay with pretty decent power, cheaper maintenance and better MPG? (trust me, with that v8, you won't be seeing the advertised MPG). The 350 is no slouch in the power department, but the F will kill it. Of course the 350 can be modded to get pretty similar driving dynamics at least (springs, struts, F steering ecu, damper, you could even put in an LSD diff).

As mentioned above, the 350's had changed very little over the years (minor interior cosmetics, 09-10 revised taillights and LED turn signal mirrors, 11+ got a revised front end and LED DRL headlights). I'd recommend at least an 07+. 08 had a revised steering feel over the 06-07 (which again, can just be changed with a IS-F steering ECU), and also for the fact of the melting dash/door panel problem which I believe primary coverage on those cars should be ending soon, after which it'll only last for 10 years since the car entered service to be able to be repaired.

All that initially kept me away from the F, and the lack of any 11+'s near me. Would of splurged on one had I found one, but I settled for a 350.

 

From the FAQ sticky, buyer's guide thread
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...e-threads.html

 

You cant just look at the rear gear, have to consider transmission gearing as well. ISF has way lower rear gear, I believe 2.93 but the 1st gear in the 8 speed is more aggressive than the 1st gear in the 6 speed in the 350 so the 1st gear is actually pretty similar.

This is a weird thread as the F is quicker than the 350 in every way.

0-60 in the 350 is in the low 5 second range where as the F has tested in the low 4 second range and only gets worse from there

Sure on the street you arent going to see an F pull 10 cars on a 350 by 60 mph thats just not how it works but theres no doubt the F is faster to every speed.

The F does seem to have pretty lazy electronic throttle tuning which maybe done just to make pedal feel more realistic and not overly sensitive like manufactures tend to do in lower powered vehicles.

The 350s is probably way more aggressive and you are essentially fully throttle at half throttle or something. It gives the illusion of power and speed when the car is opening the throttle 50% when you give it 15% input I guess

 

..........

 

I read thru a few threads about this. I've owned an 07 350 and now a 11 isf. There is no contest stock vs stock isf for the win in every way. Is350s wish they were isfs.

 

And i wish the isf was the 350 price

What exactly are you trying to convey

 

I think we all love our Lexus and each model has it's own merits depending on what your priorities are. We all value the reliability of the best engineered car brand in the world. That said, there will always be a newer, faster, fancier car.

I've been watching and low mileage F's sit on the market for months and months due to pricing. Nothing against the F which is clearly an exceptional car, but I do see prices having to come down due to the RC F. The market is reflecting that not many people are willing to spend upwards of 40k on a 10 year old body style when for about 5k more you can get a (used) RC F and all it offers.

You don't see 2IS 350's sitting on the market. They are a lot of bang for the buck. But again, it all comes down to priorities. If comfort, price and gas mileage weren't issues, I think most of us would be driving the fastest thing we could get our hands on.