LexusfanVA

iTrader: (1)

I have no regrets of buying an earlier model and was not a fan of the LED lights, nor the alcantara, though as a package the 11+ are obviously better. Just not $10k+ better. I was going to add different wheels/tires, and different suspension anyways and have enjoyed the car immensely over the past 13 months/27k.

For OP, the updated OEM lights can be found for $900-1500 and a good budget coilover setup would be BC racing+swift springs for around $1300. Obviously you can get better options, but I wouldn't go cheaper than those and I couldn't own the car without an upgraded suspension as Baltimore/DC roads are unforgiving.

Jondls33

Congrats on your new pick up! I myself have a 2011, I searched for over a year to find the right one and still didn't get it right. I wanted a 2011+ and wasn't gonna settle for anything older..

I really wanted LSD, Dual cluster, sport button on the steering wheel, Bluetooth, LED strip headlights, which all came with 2011. I wanted USB or white but it was super hard to find in my price range. I got lucky and smokey grey popped up in my local dealer (2011 with 40k miles) and fought for a good price. Took it home the day next day.

as for suspension, The ride comfort didn't really bother me much from pre 2011 to 2011+ because I knew Id be purchasing coilovers. it was more of what I listed above that made me want 2011+.

If it helps, I still have my stock 2011 suspension, 42k miles on them, not blown or anything. I purchased coilovers 3 months after owning the car and I don't see putting my car back to stock ever. ill sell em for cheap. and im located sac/Fairfield.

GR4NR1C3RF

Careful!, '12-'14 models receive the C0$T-CUTT'N = 41108-50050, rear diff Al cover....Yota is WELL KNOWN for C0$T-CUTT'N as their models age...

jspecvtec

iTrader: (4)

I didn't want to regret it so i got an 11'+

threefiveo

Huh? First I have heard, I just looked up the diff cover, lists IS 350, LS 460, LS 600h. ??

For what its worth, I have a 14 with the F emblems in the headrests that were on the 08 NM edition, alcantara on the door panels and center console (seats are perforated leather), carbon rear spoiler, and the final suspension & steering revisions. Probably the update I notice the most on a daily basis is the navigation update which has the enform app suite w pandora, slacker radio, etc. The interface can be a bit slow but I still prefer the touch screen to the current mouse / trackpad setup in the current models.

At the end of the day, I wouldn't have any regret with a specific model year, just look for the best condition / mileage car in your price range. Nothing wrong with a 2010 ISF! :-)

isfvss

LOOK this has got to be the only car they didn't change the shape in 8 years, they got it RIGHT first time. THE ONE THING IS THE TORSEN DIFF it is great, and the improvements in suspension and the HD entertainment system. tell me another car that has lasted that age of time the ISF KICKS ***.

jdmSW20

iTrader: (12)

Yeah I'm with some of the other guys with early model ISF. I have no regrets about an early model except I didn't get a 2010 with LSD, that's where I would've stopped even if I had the choice. Because I liked the interior and speedometer setup better for the early model but would've had LSD like the later model, but no regrets at all.

But I am on the side of the fence of "if you can get a newer model, get it"

Vitveet

IMO, it's common sense to get a newer model if that's in the budget.....no sense in being outdated if you can afford not to be. Of course this is out the window if you're getting it for a track car to build, etc. But a no brainier for a daily or weekend toy.
But like the above poster mentioned, ALL of the are supurb vehicles and a joy to own/drive. We are just now seeing and realizing that the 2008 ISF, when released, was indeed ahead of it's time!!!!!

blackisF08

iTrader: (2)

coming from a guy that owned both a 2008 and 2012, i can tell you there's a night and day difference from the suspension and how it handles the road. i can actually daily drive the car without complaints. on my 2008 i had kw v3 coilovers which help with daily driving the car. my suggestion to you would be if you can sell it and buy the 12 do it but it that's out of price range or to much hassle then just upgrade the suspension and you will be fine

FlexedLEX

Now Im curious to how much better the 11+ are, i tret drove a 13’ but i had no base reference when I did at the time. now in retrospect its hard to compare my car and that 1 test drive given the time thats passed since.

im getting used to the ride, its not as bad as the initial transition. its perfect on smooth roads as mentioned, but which car isnt? lol

maybe in a couple years i’ll get a 14’ when they come down in proce.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

The steering wheel changed for 2011, (silver trim, different colours, some earlier wheels change up to the newer ones if ordered now - minus the silver bits).

The Suspension geometry was revised for 2011, and then updated again for 2012, and then again for 2013. 2012+ has SACHS/ZF suspension.

Jeff

Vitveet

The steering wheel MOST DEFINITELY is thicker in my '12 than earlier models. Believe when they put the 'sport' button on the wheel is when they changed it.
Here's a thread confirming this:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f-2008-2014/759972-did-lexus-change-the-is-f-steering-wheel-in-later-model-years.html

V.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

Sorry, I think my post wasn't worded particularly well. The steering wheel didn't stay the same for all of the years, but it didn't change for 2012, it was updated for 2011. Post updated.

Jeff

GR4NR1C3RF

Sum upgrades you could do to that '14...

1) 49/15 = 3.266 final drive = 41201-80763 205mm crown gear
2) O.S. GIKEN LSD = TY391-HC
3) Al diff cover = 41108-53040 (has cooling fins on it)