yooniverse

You definitely need to get headers for your car. It's a must have.

BJM2014

05RollaXRS

Aftermarket parts do not void warranty unless they can prove the aftermarket part caused an issue.

Tempest

There's a guy here in WA state that does some unbelievably detailed reviews of countermeasures for both the States, Canada, and even Europe. You can find him on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TravelCam1111
I had an Escort Passport 9500ci installed in my IS F. Was pulled over 3 times, never ticketed in the 6 years I owned the car. I haven't chosen a new setup for the RC F yet though.

Like the guys above, I agree that the tech and the fit and finish of the car is just plain superior to the IS F. Having friggin' Bluetooth for audio playback was kind of amazing for me. Regarding the performance, the RC F spends a fleeting moment in 1st gear and definitely pulls harder than my IS F, but the ~50hp you gain from the RC F is not as noticeable as I would have thought it would be (could just be me). The ride is moderately less bouncy than my 2008 IS F, but pretty much every car in the Lexus lineup is these days. My favorite feature in the RC F is ironically the sound system. I absolutely love the Mark Lev sound quality, but alas, the interface leaves much to be desired (the IS F has it beat in my opinion). I'm going to attempt to retrofit the 2018 nav system into my 2015 and try to reclaim the screen space we were all robbed.

05RollaXRS

One thing I must mention, the ISF came with XL rated PS2 tires while the RCF MPSS are non-XL rated. Maybe, that is why the ride is a bit more compliant.

When I purchased my RCF, I was rather unhappy with the sidewall flex at around 32 - 33 psi. I had to raise the pressure to 37 psi rear and 36 psi fronts to get the tire wall roll stiffness I was hoping for. After researching, it turns out the RCF MPSS are non-XL rated for better daily drivability. XL rated tires have extra reinforcement to resist tire wall roll under high cornering G loads.

The new MPS4S are only available in XL rated so that is the good news that when I switch my tires in 2 year's time, I will make sure they are XL rated MPS4S. I am OK with a bit more stiffer ride, if it can provide more tire roll resistance under high cornering G loads.

Ne1tHeRe

iTrader: (3)

Wow! Good luck and keep us posted!

BJM2014

Thanks Tempest, yes know him well Vortex does a fantastic job in his reviews and demos, I actually based on my recent RD choice Uniden R3 based on his results and other reviews in the RDF forum.

BJM2014

So going to get out for another test drive tomorrow in Sport+ mode.

ct6978

I've driven a few ISFs over the years, had a 2015 RCF, and now have a 2017 RCF. I feel the 2017 suspension is definitely an improvement over both the ISF and 2015 RCF in daily comfort, while still stiffening up in Sport+ for those times you want it. I felt the 2015 RCF had a great suspension, but found it a bit too harsh after a while on my local, badly maintained surface streets...eventually felt my brain bouncing around in my skull a bit. The AVS in the 2017 cured that, yet never felt too soft.

Kramer

iTrader: (15)

I owned a 2009 ISF in Ultrasonic blue. The 08-09 had very stiff rear suspension compared to later models. 2010 got a significant tweak to soften the rear suspension. I owned many cars in between that and my 2015 RCF in USB 2.0 loved the color so much had to have it twice. Major improvements over the ISF in every way..... Power, ride quality, interior materials etc etc. The 2015 models have leveled out some so getting one in your budget range should be pretty easy. Keep us informed and good luck in your search!!

EddyRcv

I made the switch from an IS-F to an RC-F (Carbon) back in Nov. This is what I can tell you (pros and cons)

1. RC-F steering - much more pleasurable than the IS-F. IS-F always felt a little numb

2. The RC-F is bigger. Feels bigger and is a tighter fit in the garage

3. Performance between IS-F / GS-F and RC-F, it's like splitting hairs.

4. The ride - is definitely better in the RC-F. IS-F was more firm and choppy

5. Sport+ is crap. The fake engine noises drive me mad.

6. The biggest difference between the IS-F and the RC-F is the attention the RC-F gets. With the IS-F, I could drive it through my local town and nobody would notice it. Same journey in the RC-F and I am amazed at the people that stop, watch as it drives by and crank their necks. The RC-F is a massive head turner

With the weather in the UK at this time of year being...... cold & wet, I've really not had chance to explore the handling of the car, but hopefully this will be positive.