Thoughts on the Lexus IS-F?
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Thoughts on the Lexus IS-F?
I know a few people on these board have experience with owning or driving the IS-F. What are some of your thoughts? I'm looking at a 2011 version, where the suspension updates made the ride less harsh and faster on a track (if that's your thing).
I'm lazily shopping for my next car, targeting a purchase in 2013. I have 2 kids now, vs. 0 when I got my S2K (though the wife was pregnant and STILL let me get the S, definitely a keeper) and the frequency at which I can find the time to drive my S2000 has dwindled in to almost nothing. Less than 6K miles in the last three years to be exact. I drive my TSX 90% of the time because it is far more convenient to commute in, and it has room for when I do need to haul the kids, take the coworkers around, etc. The problem with this is that it is quite a boring drive (though I love the interior). So I'm looking for my next car to be something that can combine what I like about the S2K (fun, quick, sporty) with what I like about the TSX (heated seats, bluetooth, comfortable), and I'm looking to spend less than $50K. While I know I can still have two cars for that price range, or just keep what I have, the more I've thought about it, the more I want one car that I can enjoy all the time rather than spending money on something that sits in the garage 6 days a week.
Since I'm not going to purchase til next year, I've been spending a lot of time kicking around all sorts of different options. Right now a gently used M3 sedan is the leader in the clubhouse for me, but I'm a little nervous about owning a BMW out of warranty. If I get a 2010-11 in 2013 I'll have a couple of years of factory warranty left, and then I'll be either forced to extend it for $$$ or I'll have to buy a CPO which the dealers try to bend people over backwards on.
Before kids, my wife drove an IS250 and I had a BMW 335i, so I have some experience with the baby models of the IS-F and M3. Our Lexus was better on the interior, gas mileage, layout, and reliability and the BMW had the driving feel, speed, and looks. Apparently the 2011+ IS-Fs are much better than the earlier ones though, and it now runs neck and neck with the M3 in most objective tests. I kinda like Lexus/Toyota reliability for a car I'm going to daily and have out of warranty... but the M3 is well, an M3. So, thoughts?
I'm lazily shopping for my next car, targeting a purchase in 2013. I have 2 kids now, vs. 0 when I got my S2K (though the wife was pregnant and STILL let me get the S, definitely a keeper) and the frequency at which I can find the time to drive my S2000 has dwindled in to almost nothing. Less than 6K miles in the last three years to be exact. I drive my TSX 90% of the time because it is far more convenient to commute in, and it has room for when I do need to haul the kids, take the coworkers around, etc. The problem with this is that it is quite a boring drive (though I love the interior). So I'm looking for my next car to be something that can combine what I like about the S2K (fun, quick, sporty) with what I like about the TSX (heated seats, bluetooth, comfortable), and I'm looking to spend less than $50K. While I know I can still have two cars for that price range, or just keep what I have, the more I've thought about it, the more I want one car that I can enjoy all the time rather than spending money on something that sits in the garage 6 days a week.
Since I'm not going to purchase til next year, I've been spending a lot of time kicking around all sorts of different options. Right now a gently used M3 sedan is the leader in the clubhouse for me, but I'm a little nervous about owning a BMW out of warranty. If I get a 2010-11 in 2013 I'll have a couple of years of factory warranty left, and then I'll be either forced to extend it for $$$ or I'll have to buy a CPO which the dealers try to bend people over backwards on.
Before kids, my wife drove an IS250 and I had a BMW 335i, so I have some experience with the baby models of the IS-F and M3. Our Lexus was better on the interior, gas mileage, layout, and reliability and the BMW had the driving feel, speed, and looks. Apparently the 2011+ IS-Fs are much better than the earlier ones though, and it now runs neck and neck with the M3 in most objective tests. I kinda like Lexus/Toyota reliability for a car I'm going to daily and have out of warranty... but the M3 is well, an M3. So, thoughts?
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I would buy and is350 - I like the standard styling more and the price is much less without a massive drop off in performance - there are people with bolt ons and tuning that are getting the IS-F's performance without the ugly body work and bloated price.
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depends on how much room you need. I found both the IS-F and the M3 pretty tight on rear seat space.
Is manual transmission a priority?
How about gas mileage?
Handling prowess?
Is manual transmission a priority?
How about gas mileage?
Handling prowess?
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The latest iteration of the IS-F put down some serious numbers at its last appearance in the CD Lighting Lap. But since you can't get an MT, I would never buy it.
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I'd consider it.
Meh. I know what the GXP is capable of, but I am just not a Pontiac fan. Plus there's a Lexus dealership and a Toyota dealership closer to my house than a Pontiac dealership if that is an issue.
#9
I love my 2008 IS-F, but be warned that to get a rear facing car seat to fit in the back requires moving the front seat up quite a bit. My wife's knees nearly hit the glovebox to get the car seat in.
The only things I would change would be the ride quality (I have a 2008), the rear legroom, and I would also like a bench in the back. So far car is at 58k miles. Water pump replaced under warranty (was leaking, did not strand me), one headlight went out, and brakes/rotors just about in need of 2nd replacement. Pretty good track record for a car of that performance level when compared to the competition, all while getting ~22-23 MPG.
The only things I would change would be the ride quality (I have a 2008), the rear legroom, and I would also like a bench in the back. So far car is at 58k miles. Water pump replaced under warranty (was leaking, did not strand me), one headlight went out, and brakes/rotors just about in need of 2nd replacement. Pretty good track record for a car of that performance level when compared to the competition, all while getting ~22-23 MPG.
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In for more info too.
I am looking at M3, B8 S4 and the Is-F too. I like the idea of Toyota reliability as well German cars scare me in that sense.
Not financially per se but I just hate when shit breaks.
I am looking at M3, B8 S4 and the Is-F too. I like the idea of Toyota reliability as well German cars scare me in that sense.
Not financially per se but I just hate when shit breaks.