IS350 Upgrade to ISF
 

Guys,
I just upgrade the new 2013 GT86/FRS sport car for daily commuting. I want to upgrade wkend family car 2009 IS350 currently have 20k miles. I know the ISF has an advantage in V8 power, sound, quad exhaust look other than that it feel the same as the 350 if you don't push it hard. So what would be best ISF model year should I pick for good trade deal ? I see the 08/09 has some good deal around 40k. I like the 10/11 model year b/c it look newer to consider an upgrade over my 09 model car. The 11 has better drive b/c of new suspension design, new odo, and new DRL. I will only use for my wkend family car and vegas trip 3, 4 time a year with the ISF would be awesome :)
Thanks

Which model to choose? There are lots of comparison topics if you do some searching. My brother has a 2008 and I have a 2011 and I guess I've spent enough time in both to have an opinion. Here are the main differences I notice:

1. 2011 is more comfortable on the freeway and at any speed going over large bumps such as railroad tracks and pot holes. There have been a few times on the freeway in my brother's car where he hit a bump and it felt like his car was going to take flight. My 2011 floats over them. Sometimes the difference is huge!
2. In sport mode, the 2011 steering is more taut and precise.
3. 2011 alcantara seating is a bit more supportive. I actually prefer the leather for maintenance reasons but whatever.
4. 2011+ tachometer with integrated electronic speedometer is an improvement in my opinion. It's easier to monitor speed and rpm.
5. Mechanical rear differential is added but I honestly don't know how it compares to the 2008-2009 model as my brother has never snapped his car into a corner with me sitting shotgun. All the reviews say the newer model can hold a corner better and oversteer is easier to control -- but I wouldn't know personally because there's never any open public roads where I live and it's just too crowded and dangerous to try the limits of this car. :cry: I need to look into tracking my car!

Thanks for your comparison. The 2011 has few major improvement especially the revised suspension design.

I would go for the 2011 if money is not a problem, but if you can get a good deal for an 08. Thats what I would do.

By "GT86" are you simply using the JDM name for the FRS? :egads: Please don't...unless you shipped a LHD overseas, you just remind me of when I was a tool and had a Fairlady Z emblem on a previous car. No offense intended. Am I driving an Altezza-F? :chicken:

Anyhow, you can find 2008's ISFs for really nice deals now. But if you have an 09 IS350 already...the only reason to upgrade would be if you wanted significantly more grunt.

If you have the budget for a 2011+ ISF then absolutely go for it. All of the revisions to that year and since are definitely worth the extra money. They were all nicely mentioned above.

But if you just want to move sideways from an 09 IS350 to an 08 ISF...but have other cars in the stable...I can't say I'd recommend it to be honest. The ISF is awesome but an older one will not feel as nice for a family DD.

Yes, that jdm GT86 has to be coded back on the car for me. The re-badge FRS here in the US make no sense for that car. Anyway I will need to check out the improved 2011 ISF vs 08-10 for sure.