Why IS-F?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: CA
Why IS-F?
I'm only a few months away from needing to make my next car purchase. Coming from several prior Lexus and Toyota purchases (current car = '12 RC350 with all "sport" options), I'd love for my next car to be a IS-F as I want the torque of a V8 and 4 doors again.
However, I'm struggling with IS-F premium prices. To really get what I want - great condition (no accidents or flood), color (no maroon or black), and mileage (sub 45K) that I want - I should be realistically looking at $35-$40K priced IS-Fs.
For ~$5-$10K less I can also consider C55s, E55s, C63s, and E63s. Late v-10 M5s (standard transmission - not the automatic) can also be had for sub $40K. And the twin-turbo V8 F10 M5s are just starting to hit $40K too.
Since I've also owned a string of German cars (E39 M5, several E36 M3s, E30 M3, C43) the German cars don't scare me away as far as maintenance or early repair (i.e. main bearings on M5). Except the E90 5 series non-M V-8 engines do cause me to pause...
Other than scarcity and almost bulletproof reliability, what other options did you consider and what kept you locked into the IS-F search and eventual purchase?
However, I'm struggling with IS-F premium prices. To really get what I want - great condition (no accidents or flood), color (no maroon or black), and mileage (sub 45K) that I want - I should be realistically looking at $35-$40K priced IS-Fs.
For ~$5-$10K less I can also consider C55s, E55s, C63s, and E63s. Late v-10 M5s (standard transmission - not the automatic) can also be had for sub $40K. And the twin-turbo V8 F10 M5s are just starting to hit $40K too.
Since I've also owned a string of German cars (E39 M5, several E36 M3s, E30 M3, C43) the German cars don't scare me away as far as maintenance or early repair (i.e. main bearings on M5). Except the E90 5 series non-M V-8 engines do cause me to pause...
Other than scarcity and almost bulletproof reliability, what other options did you consider and what kept you locked into the IS-F search and eventual purchase?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 89
From: New Hampshire
I have a '10 IS-F, low miles (11,500) because we're snow birds. There are many good cars out there. I picked the "F" after having the chance to drive it at the Skip Barber School. The car handled well, I liked the balance and as you said Lexus' tend to be bullertproof. I also tried an M-5 at the same time but found the skid control to be too intrusive. I later discovered you can dial it back with the computer.
I certainly have no regrets with the IS-F
Good luck with your decision
I certainly have no regrets with the IS-F
Good luck with your decision
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 400
Likes: 45
From: az
It was time to go V8 fast again after many years of having 4's and 6's. Parents, close friends and myself are all long time Toyota people. And I've been in the auto repair field long enough to know I will never ever own a German car. I do my own work on vehicles. Toyota products make it easy
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 773
Likes: 385
From: CA
I'm only a few months away from needing to make my next car purchase. Coming from several prior Lexus and Toyota purchases (current car = '12 RC350 with all "sport" options), I'd love for my next car to be a IS-F as I want the torque of a V8 and 4 doors again.
However, I'm struggling with IS-F premium prices. To really get what I want - great condition (no accidents or flood), color (no maroon or black), and mileage (sub 45K) that I want - I should be realistically looking at $35-$40K priced IS-Fs.
For ~$5-$10K less I can also consider C55s, E55s, C63s, and E63s. Late v-10 M5s (standard transmission - not the automatic) can also be had for sub $40K. And the twin-turbo V8 F10 M5s are just starting to hit $40K too.
Since I've also owned a string of German cars (E39 M5, several E36 M3s, E30 M3, C43) the German cars don't scare me away as far as maintenance or early repair (i.e. main bearings on M5). Except the E90 5 series non-M V-8 engines do cause me to pause...
Other than scarcity and almost bulletproof reliability, what other options did you consider and what kept you locked into the IS-F search and eventual purchase?
However, I'm struggling with IS-F premium prices. To really get what I want - great condition (no accidents or flood), color (no maroon or black), and mileage (sub 45K) that I want - I should be realistically looking at $35-$40K priced IS-Fs.
For ~$5-$10K less I can also consider C55s, E55s, C63s, and E63s. Late v-10 M5s (standard transmission - not the automatic) can also be had for sub $40K. And the twin-turbo V8 F10 M5s are just starting to hit $40K too.
Since I've also owned a string of German cars (E39 M5, several E36 M3s, E30 M3, C43) the German cars don't scare me away as far as maintenance or early repair (i.e. main bearings on M5). Except the E90 5 series non-M V-8 engines do cause me to pause...
Other than scarcity and almost bulletproof reliability, what other options did you consider and what kept you locked into the IS-F search and eventual purchase?
Do you mean a 15 RC350 ?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: CA
Lol. Not sure how I typed '12 RC350. Too many Modelos this holiday afternoon I guess...
Yes it's a '15 RC350. Got it early '16 as one of the last '15s. Originally set out to get a 3rd gen IS but the dealer gave me a great deal on the RC. It's not a bad car at all but I really miss the V8 torque from my E39 M5 and could use more interior space.
Yes it's a '15 RC350. Got it early '16 as one of the last '15s. Originally set out to get a 3rd gen IS but the dealer gave me a great deal on the RC. It's not a bad car at all but I really miss the V8 torque from my E39 M5 and could use more interior space.
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Like you, I miss the v8 of my GS cars.....everyone who owns the IS F seems to love it, so no doubt it's a great car, but it's near impossible to logically justify the $35k-40k asking prices on a 12 year old body style. I will say that in the last 6 months the prices on low mile examples have come down from 40 to 35 and they'll hit 30 soon. At $35k+ they just don't move when buyers can buy a very low miles 16' RC F, newer everything, for $45k.
If you can handle red, there is a $30k, 9000 mile IS F in Queens on Craigslist.
https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/c...591837952.html
If you can handle red, there is a $30k, 9000 mile IS F in Queens on Craigslist.
https://newyork.craigslist.org/que/c...591837952.html
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 270
From: Nc
A '12+ F at $35k-$40k, in good condition with low mileage is worth EVERY PENNY!! Nothing will beat it all around for the price....youre y getting a helluva lot of car for the money! And as the '12+ become for desirable, the price will creep up imo. Only 568 '12's out there, 168 '13s, and 87 '14s, around about. That's not very many cars....then minus the high mileage ones, minus the damaged/non taken cared of ones, and you only have a handful left.
V.
V.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: West LA, California
That's the exact reason I bought mine. I wanted a M3 for years but just didn't trust it enough to be a daily driver. No such issues with an IS-F!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 74
From: FL
If you want bulletproof reliability and cheap maintenance go with the IS-F. I have close to 50,000 miles and have spent $0 on repairs. If you don't care about possibly expensive maintenance and the possibility of bringing the car in to the mechanic more often then go German.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Pa
What about American? Something not often mentioned but seems to share a lot of the IS F’s good points is the ATS V. If you all are correct (and I think you are) and the IS F actually starts to appreciate in value the ATS V will definitely start to enter the conversation.
This may sound silly, but the thing that won me over was the MPG. Sure, it's a reliable, rare, fast, and sexy car, but it gets better MPG than my previous 6 speed G37 sedan with 100 more whp. I bought my 08 with 29k in November 2016 and in the past year and a half I've put 40k on it with only one minor issue, headlight condensation(covered under extended warranty). My commute is 50 miles a day, 70% highway, and I tend to take a lot of "fun" cruises and road trips, still avg 20-21 easy. Took it DC to FL and back in 4 days and it ate up the miles like nothing else. 90 in this car feels like 45. Took it to autox and drag strip and it put down good times and drew some stares. I have several friends with E63 and C63 and they struggle to get over 15mpg. My friend with an E9X M3 6 speed sedan even liked my car more due to the torque and sound, though his handles better than my 08 no doubt. Nothing has broken and maintenance is cheap(relative to the segment). I absolutely freaking love this thing.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 674
Likes: 50
From: CA
I don't agree with "Daily Driver" being an advantage of the ISF purchase option, because, one way or another, ISF's always ends up being the weekend or special-occasion car. This car's harsh suspension and the long gears make it not so daily friendly in comparison to others (Mustang/Camaro, for example). In fact, if you're looking for a mint-condition unit with low mileage and minimal modifications, I don't see how this requirement holds an ounce of water for your consideration.
Why anyone would buy this car because it's daily friendly is a little mind-boggling to me. Yes, you can drive it on the street and enjoy it; it is reliable enough; and it is cheap enough to fix if things do break. However, this vehicle is NOT daily friendly by any means.
Why anyone would buy this car because it's daily friendly is a little mind-boggling to me. Yes, you can drive it on the street and enjoy it; it is reliable enough; and it is cheap enough to fix if things do break. However, this vehicle is NOT daily friendly by any means.