Tro209

As the title states, I was wondering what is it about the ISF that makes it special to those of you who own one? I don't own one yet, but to me I feel the ISF is special because it was Lexus first attempt at making some performance oriented. Something that wasn't anything like the Lexus people knew before. Plus the fact that the ISF has always been one of those cars that I wished to own one day and is a rare car for the most part, it really makes me have a love for the vehicle even more so than the RCF, GSF, etc.. I actually like the fact that most people, even self proclaimed car enthusiasts, don't know what an ISF is. It really makes for a great sleeper and a somewhat hidden treasure so to speak.. I've been thinking about other cars that people normally cross shop with the F such as the M3 and C63 or even the CTS V. But none of those call out my attention like the ISF..

What say you Club Lexus? What makes owning the ISF special to you and would you ever trade it for something else?

Bigjon3475

iTrader: (2)

Not in any particular order:

• Sleeper
• Decent gas mileage on the highway
• Fun to drive -- 8 speed paddle-shift full manual lock-up
​• Decent reliability (with some piece of mind with a ext. warranty to 100K)
• Tight car all around -- you can tell it's a well put-together vehicle
• 4 Doors
• Alcantara interior
• Updated suspension
• I like the ML sound system although I can see where it needs some more bass
• I like the dual-personalities of the car
• Looks
• 1 of 654 2011 US models (no idea of breakdown by color or other features -- Curious how many are still in the road)
.......

Tro209

Yeah it's crazy to think that they only sold 654 of these in 2011. Also I remember reading elsewhere in the forums that the total number of ISF's sold throughout the years is only a little over 5,000. With 2008 being the most sold model.

Jz39

iTrader: (2)

To me the most impressive thing is the transmission. With the fast, rev matched shifts and occasional burbles it turns a rather sedate sedan into a race car, relatively speaking. And I love telling people that don't know what it is that the F is "everything you don't expect a Lexus to be".

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

It was the first crack at a performance Lexus, even before the LFA...with a tune and exhaust there are people running high 11's in these things....that is faster than a stock Camaro ZL1...

AndrewISF

I concur with the above posters. What I love most is owning a rare luxury performance sedan that isn't a drain on my wallet to fix or constantly in the shop.

ROYALISF

I've always loved the idea of a 4 door rocket (RS4, C55/63, E55/63, E90 M3, M5, etc.) and when this came out I was in love. Fast, fun, and reliable. Also as mentioned above the small amount that were made makes it that much more special.

tpham32

Not everyone and their grandmother has one.

2010ISF

I 100% agree with this. My car has 90,000 miles with zero hiccups or rattles. I mean common, for the price that some of these are going for these days you get a car that performs way above its price range. Plus if you add some basic aftermarket parts it's game over for the competition

Tro209

Yeah I see what you mean. I've seen some 2008 models selling for low 20's lately. Granted some of them have about 100k miles, it's still not that bad considering the car should last you quite a while. And with the new performance developments of RR Racing and Sikky, there's never been a better time to own an ISF.

Drok149

My car has close to 140k and probably 200+ passes at the drag strip as well as beating on it daily with zero issues. the reliability is unparelled and with an exhaust and tune running high 11's is just icing on the cake.

Tro209

What year is your F if you don't mind me asking?

I8ABMR

Rarity , reliability, build and development story, historical significance as the first F car, and total balance .

Drok149

My car is a 2008

bnizzle87

For me, what makes my 2008 IS F special had nothing to do with the Special Build badge, the fact that it was a black car, or even that it was a Lexus. The sacrifices made and dedication to my education and pushing myself to get this particular car as a graduation gift to myself meant more than anything. I'm blessed enough to have parents who instilled great mannerisms in me as well as teaching me the necessity of being humble in life. It just so happened that my graduation year lined up with this particular model, and I am still humbled to this day of the ownership experience, great relationships both business and personal that have born from owning this ride, and ability to sculpt it to my own liking with the specific mods I have installed on my IS F.

No car is really an investment, and I viewed purchasing my F as a way to invest in myself by pushing myself harder. Working multiple jobs, having the desire to save every last bit, and learning more about budgeting beyond just the car itself were items I carry daily and pass onto friends and family who come to me for advice when it comes time for a purchase.

Simply put- I sought after her. I lusted after her. I sacrificed for her. I earned the right to have her in my garage. And above all else, I did it on my terms.