RE: Lexus IS-F | Spotted
Discussion
biggbn said:
I think you can buy an RC-F for the same money? Much as I adore the IS-F, my money would go on the coupe which seems criminally undervalued
We had an RC-F after the IS-F. It wasn't anything like as good on a twisty road for reasons I don't understand, and it lasted a few months if that. It was so underwhelming that I'd forgotten all about it until I read your post.Nik Gnashers said:
95% of the positive comments about this, are basically the same. It's reliable.
Reliability is obviously a factor, but so many more things come above that, when buying what is supposed to be an exciting & sporty car.
Looks has to be top 3, and while this doesn't look 'bad', it's just a bit bland for such a 'special' car. The wheels are that far inside the arches they look lost.
The slightly wider arches aside, it doesn't look any different to the standard models.
You could argue that a German car of the same category and price range, is too shouty and trying too hard, but I'd bet the vast majority of people looking for an exciting and sporty saloon would prefer something which does actually look exciting and sporty, and stands out from the lesser models.
This is almost certainly why the M3, RS4, C63, etc sell many times more.
The point about the M3 (for example) interior being almost the same as the 118 just with a few bits of carbon fibre included would hold more weight, if the 118 interior wasn't already a much nicer and more special place to be than this top of the range Lexus.
I don't dislike this Lexus, I just find it a bit 'meh' and appeals to less number of car buyers than German cars, similar to a Jaguar I suppose.
I'm not saying an M3 is a significantly better car, just that there are reasons why they sell more. An M3 would make each journey (even a boring one) feel much more special and exciting I think.
I wouldn't agree with you that these look like a standard IS. Look at two parked together and there are many very obvious differences. I think there is a more significant difference between these and their base model than there is between a C63 and it's base model. Reliability is obviously a factor, but so many more things come above that, when buying what is supposed to be an exciting & sporty car.
Looks has to be top 3, and while this doesn't look 'bad', it's just a bit bland for such a 'special' car. The wheels are that far inside the arches they look lost.
The slightly wider arches aside, it doesn't look any different to the standard models.
You could argue that a German car of the same category and price range, is too shouty and trying too hard, but I'd bet the vast majority of people looking for an exciting and sporty saloon would prefer something which does actually look exciting and sporty, and stands out from the lesser models.
This is almost certainly why the M3, RS4, C63, etc sell many times more.
The point about the M3 (for example) interior being almost the same as the 118 just with a few bits of carbon fibre included would hold more weight, if the 118 interior wasn't already a much nicer and more special place to be than this top of the range Lexus.
I don't dislike this Lexus, I just find it a bit 'meh' and appeals to less number of car buyers than German cars, similar to a Jaguar I suppose.
I'm not saying an M3 is a significantly better car, just that there are reasons why they sell more. An M3 would make each journey (even a boring one) feel much more special and exciting I think.
Wider arches, side vents, huge bonnet bulge which probably doesn't come across in photos, different rear light clusters, spoiler, side skirts, stacked exhausts, more aggressive front bumper. The 2010 models came with wider wheels which fill the arches better.
I think they are a bit under-appreciated although I don't know too much about them TBF.
When I get to the point when I want an Auto saloon I'd have one on my list along with an AMG of some sort, an XFR and if I was feeling brave a Maserati Quattroporte because they are so stunning - and the engine sounds pretty good too!
So as a manual gearbox die-hard that only leaves the E9* M3s and I don't think sitting in a 3 Series like my 330i daily would fell special enough to tempt me out of my Z4M.
A VXR8 might though!
When I get to the point when I want an Auto saloon I'd have one on my list along with an AMG of some sort, an XFR and if I was feeling brave a Maserati Quattroporte because they are so stunning - and the engine sounds pretty good too!
So as a manual gearbox die-hard that only leaves the E9* M3s and I don't think sitting in a 3 Series like my 330i daily would fell special enough to tempt me out of my Z4M.
A VXR8 might though!
havoc said:
A question for the owners on here - is the boot as impractical as it looks?
Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
It’s not the biggest of boots, because of how big the wheel tubs are:Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
The most annoying part is that the rear seats don’t fold down. You just have a small “ski hatch” in the centre.
My cars just about to hit 90k miles and the interior is still in fantastic condition. No worn buttons or faded plastics and the leather hasn’t worn at all on the seats.
I had an F82 M4 and an M2 Competition before this and neither of those felt anywhere near as special to drive as the ISF. It’s not perfect dynamically but the engine more than makes up for it. I’ve only ever seen 1 other on the road too. There are only around 180 in the UK.
Nik Gnashers said:
An M3 would make each journey (even a boring one) feel much more special and exciting I think.
Get where you are coming from but depends what special means to you, although haven't driven an M3 have had and driven many similar and owned an IS-F for 5 yrs. And yes it was reliable with the exception of a starter replacement (13 hrs Lexus labour) but luckily covered by warranty.For me the rarity (same colour as the ad car so less than 40 in the UK) and the fact it had a dual personality (lazy in auto and a comfortable cruiser but transformed in sport and using some revs in manual) and that the subtle looks made it a sleeper also made it special.
Great car, hence the 5 yrs, but not without it's flaws - suspension as has been mentioned by others (the stock pre-2012's inability to ignore small compression's meant hitting a cats eye was like taking the kerbs at Knockhill) and that Lexus strangled the engine (an exhaust can release 40hp). Could have all been sorted for maybe £4k but I wasn't convinced that would give it the soul the engineering clinicality had removed.
So in the end I am now in something less special but more fun, an XF-R that has cost me exactly the same as I sold the IS-F incl the upgrades to take it to 600/600. So from a pensioners car to an old mans in the eyes of many, not that I care and I did try to conform by running a large SUV for a year in between the two (large German thing with a chocolate gearbox that cost me £10k for that year) but from the 2013-ish period of the 4 door V8's the Jag has to be the bargain choice.
havoc said:
A question for the owners on here - is the boot as impractical as it looks?
Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
Boots not great to be fair. Very small relative to the size of the car. Rear is fairly cramped too. I don't think you can get two full size suitcases in side by side. Definitely not with a carry on suitcase too. Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
[quote=T_S_M The most annoying part is that the rear seats don’t fold down. You just have a small “ski hatch” in the centre.
[/quote]
I would have looked into fitting an IS250 rear bench if I'd kept ours. Extra seat would have been useful. Never followed it up and not sure if it would have been possible.
[/quote]
I would have looked into fitting an IS250 rear bench if I'd kept ours. Extra seat would have been useful. Never followed it up and not sure if it would have been possible.
T_S_M said:
havoc said:
A question for the owners on here - is the boot as impractical as it looks?
Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
It’s not the biggest of boots, because of how big the wheel tubs are:Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
The most annoying part is that the rear seats don’t fold down. You just have a small “ski hatch” in the centre.
My cars just about to hit 90k miles and the interior is still in fantastic condition. No worn buttons or faded plastics and the leather hasn’t worn at all on the seats.
I had an F82 M4 and an M2 Competition before this and neither of those felt anywhere near as special to drive as the ISF. It’s not perfect dynamically but the engine more than makes up for it. I’ve only ever seen 1 other on the road too. There are only around 180 in the UK.
Just shows that the brand Lexus is worth the extra outlay. 911Spanker said:
No LSD as standard on the original car is a massive omission.
This has always baffled me to be honest as well. All performance RWD cars should have one as standard for me(especially at this level of performance I think). Even my ancient S14a 200SX with only a 197bhp had one on it as standard for example. llcoolmac said:
havoc said:
A question for the owners on here - is the boot as impractical as it looks?
Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
Boots not great to be fair. Very small relative to the size of the car. Rear is fairly cramped too. I don't think you can get two full size suitcases in side by side. Definitely not with a carry on suitcase too. Those (wheelarches? suspension box-outs?) really intrude - can see it being nigh-impossible to get 2 suitcases and a holdall in there.
Bugger. Might have to be a C63 507 'wagon then!
Or a Panamera at a push...havoc said:
Might be a dealbreaker then - we've two kids and the current c.480 litre boxy boot gets a semi-frequent workout. Plus rear legroom sounds like it'd start to be a problem with our eldest.
Bugger. Might have to be a C63 507 'wagon then! Or a Panamera at a push...
Or something in between the two:Bugger. Might have to be a C63 507 'wagon then!
Or a Panamera at a push...https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405129...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404309...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312154...
& they're good value comparded to their C63 brethren
Or the totally bombastic 5.5TT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311063...
Nik Gnashers said:
95% of the positive comments about this, are basically the same. It's reliable.
Reliability is obviously a factor, but so many more things come above that, when buying what is supposed to be an exciting & sporty car.
Looks has to be top 3, and while this doesn't look 'bad', it's just a bit bland for such a 'special' car. The wheels are that far inside the arches they look lost.
The slightly wider arches aside, it doesn't look any different to the standard models.
You could argue that a German car of the same category and price range, is too shouty and trying too hard, but I'd bet the vast majority of people looking for an exciting and sporty saloon would prefer something which does actually look exciting and sporty, and stands out from the lesser models.
This is almost certainly why the M3, RS4, C63, etc sell many times more.
The point about the M3 (for example) interior being almost the same as the 118 just with a few bits of carbon fibre included would hold more weight, if the 118 interior wasn't already a much nicer and more special place to be than this top of the range Lexus.
I don't dislike this Lexus, I just find it a bit 'meh' and appeals to less number of car buyers than German cars, similar to a Jaguar I suppose.
I'm not saying an M3 is a significantly better car, just that there are reasons why they sell more. An M3 would make each journey (even a boring one) feel much more special and exciting I think.
The IS-F looks much meatier in the flesh than it does in pictures.Reliability is obviously a factor, but so many more things come above that, when buying what is supposed to be an exciting & sporty car.
Looks has to be top 3, and while this doesn't look 'bad', it's just a bit bland for such a 'special' car. The wheels are that far inside the arches they look lost.
The slightly wider arches aside, it doesn't look any different to the standard models.
You could argue that a German car of the same category and price range, is too shouty and trying too hard, but I'd bet the vast majority of people looking for an exciting and sporty saloon would prefer something which does actually look exciting and sporty, and stands out from the lesser models.
This is almost certainly why the M3, RS4, C63, etc sell many times more.
The point about the M3 (for example) interior being almost the same as the 118 just with a few bits of carbon fibre included would hold more weight, if the 118 interior wasn't already a much nicer and more special place to be than this top of the range Lexus.
I don't dislike this Lexus, I just find it a bit 'meh' and appeals to less number of car buyers than German cars, similar to a Jaguar I suppose.
I'm not saying an M3 is a significantly better car, just that there are reasons why they sell more. An M3 would make each journey (even a boring one) feel much more special and exciting I think.
The interior of the IS-F will have worn it miles better than an E9x M3 and I say that as a BMW fanboy. I can definitely see why it was criticised when new, but 15 years down the line it’s fine. The seats are comfy, with nicer leather than BMW’s efforts and as previously mentioned the paddles are lovely to use. They make a good noise too.
I’m a huge fan of the E9x M3 but I totally see why people say they’re not that special especially lower down in the rev range. A lot of people are very critical of the E9x interior too (I think it’s fine).
cerb4.5lee said:
911Spanker said:
No LSD as standard on the original car is a massive omission.
This has always baffled me to be honest as well. All performance RWD cars should have one as standard for me(especially at this level of performance I think). Even my ancient S14a 200SX with only a 197bhp had one on it as standard for example. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff