RE: Lexus RC F 10th anniversary

[mrfunex]

cib24 said:

Has anyone thought about a supercharger kit on this car to increase power to 550-600?

Can the transmission, diff, etc. take the extra power?

I don’t know of anyone in this country (a few in the US though) who are running a supercharged RCF. There are one or two supercharged ISFs here, the extra power isn’t a problem.

[Trevor555]

Would the supercharger give the car some low down grunt?

Or do they just increase the type of power delivery the car has already? Or lack of it at low revs.

[culpz]

gigglebug said:

Heaveho said:

Couldn't you just buy one of the last IS-Fs with low mileage? I reckon it'll still work better than almost anything else you could mention after 10 years, so what's the difference?

Looking at ordering a brand new car, not buying second hand. I was saving for something completely different but circumstances have changed so it's the type of car I'm looking at now. I really fancy having a Lexus but there isn't a current Lexus I really fancy having if that makes sense.

I wouldn't go for a brand new Lexus regardless. The sheer amount of money that you'll lose in depreciation will be eye-watering. The ISF is probably the better car anyway and, despite it being used, it will have that great reliability record that shouldn't leave you crying in a big wad of bills like an M-Car will.

[gigglebug]

mrfunex said:

You couldn’t live with the fact that some journos you’ve never met weren’t quite sold on it? Why don’t you try one? You never know, you might even form your *own* opinion!

Because it's not just some journos but pretty much everyone, professional or otherwise, who writes an opinion on it saying that it isn't as good to drive as the older IS F, which I have had brief exposure to, and the GS F and to be honest I wouldn't want anything that felt worse to drive than the IS F. I would prefer a saloon as oppose to a coupe as well given the choice so a GS F would be the obvious option but it's just a bigger car than I am looking to buy this time. The other thing I'm leaning towards as I get older is looking to cars that are as compact as possible, they are just more usable on the compact roads where I live.

How do you persoanlly think the RC F stacks up against the other two, is there a lot in it as far as you are concerned? If opinions were flipped and nearly everyone was raving about the RC F from a driving perspective it would be a no brainer to give it a go and accept the compromise of it being a coupe. Which goes back to my original point that it looks to be a missed opportunity to have developed the one criticism of the car. Maybe too late in its life cycle to make it worth while?

I really like the styling of the current cars, compared to the last generation and it's current contemporaries, and a previous company I worked for has various Lexus' as company cars, from CT's through to RX's and thay have all have been pleasant places to be in. Not had myself up to this point though.

Of course it would all be academic if a current îC F were available and it was as well received as the GS F. I would have no hesitation about trying one of those.

[Trevor555]

culpz said:

I wouldn't go for a brand new Lexus regardless. The sheer amount of money that you'll lose in depreciation will be eye-watering. The ISF is probably the better car anyway and, despite it being used, it will have that great reliability record that shouldn't leave you crying in a big wad of bills like an M-Car will.

Wise words.

Mine wasn't quite two years old, 14k, apart from the wheels it was like new.

And £23,000 less than a new one.

You can extend the warranty after three years for £500 per year which included full AA cover for You, and spouse, for any vehicle. Not just the Lexus.

I nearly bought a mustang, but the interior on the RC was so much nicer.

And the RC is a proper rare car, people keep asking "what is it?"

It's well down on performance though compared to an M4. I can't believe they even tested the RC against an M4.

The RC is a lovely GT car, but it's no M4.

Now, tell me about this supercharger thingy.

[gigglebug]

culpz said:

I wouldn't go for a brand new Lexus regardless. The sheer amount of money that you'll lose in depreciation will be eye-watering. The ISF is probably the better car anyway and, despite it being used, it will have that great reliability record that shouldn't leave you crying in a big wad of bills like an M-Car will.

I've not really considered depreciation to any great extent to be honest. I'm in no great rush to jump into any car but whatever I buy this time will be a long keeper so I'm not looking at what it'll be worth down the line so much but more just getting a car that I know I'll be happy with for a substantial length of time. I like Lexus styling at the moment and I'm obviously drawn to the reliability and dealer service, I'm at the point where I just want motoring to be as hassle free but enjoyable as possible.

[cib24]

Trevor555 said:

Wise words.

Mine wasn't quite two years old, 14k, apart from the wheels it was like new.

And £23,000 less than a new one.

You can extend the warranty after three years for £500 per year which included full AA cover for You, and spouse, for any vehicle. Not just the Lexus.

I nearly bought a mustang, but the interior on the RC was so much nicer.

And the RC is a proper rare car, people keep asking "what is it?"

It's well down on performance though compared to an M4. I can't believe they even tested the RC against an M4.

The RC is a lovely GT car, but it's no M4.

Now, tell me about this supercharger thingy.

£10-12k purchased, shipped to the UK, and fitted (maybe slightly more fitted). Increases power from 470 to about 550-600 depending on the pulley used. Huge gains and apparently the drivetrain can take the extra power and torque without a sweat as the Lexus is over-engineered as most Toyota-based cars are.

See here: https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-Supercharger-K...

They have this kit available with small tweaks to fit a ISF, RCF or GSF.

I'm really tempted by this opportunity to pick up a RCF or GSF for £30k-£40k and add the supercharger. The car would really be an animal afterwards. MPG shouldn't be affected all that much as it's a V8 so you won't be getting 30 MPG on the motorway and will be stuck with teens MPG in town.

[culpz]

gigglebug said:

culpz said:

I wouldn't go for a brand new Lexus regardless. The sheer amount of money that you'll lose in depreciation will be eye-watering. The ISF is probably the better car anyway and, despite it being used, it will have that great reliability record that shouldn't leave you crying in a big wad of bills like an M-Car will.

I've not really considered depreciation to any great extent to be honest. I'm in no great rush to jump into any car but whatever I buy this time will be a long keeper so I'm not looking at what it'll be worth down the line so much but more just getting a car that I know I'll be happy with for a substantial length of time. I like Lexus styling at the moment and I'm obviously drawn to the reliability and dealer service, I'm at the point where I just want motoring to be as hassle free but enjoyable as possible.

Regardless, it's still alot of money to lose for quite a similar car. 15-20k gets you a decent ISF, which shouldn't lose much value over x amount of years. Depreciation is a killer on brand new Lexus models. Reliability shouldn't be an issue either. The way i'd be looking at it is that the money you'd lose in depreciation should cover any issues that need sorting ten-fold, with alot of change to spare. I just couldn't throw my money away like that just for a the sake of a new car.

Unless you can get a decent lease deal on them, which is unlikely, that's where my head would be. I do like the hassle free side of motoring though, but only if it makes financial sense and you get a great deal out of it. Obviously, this is just my opinion here. The RCF is a cracking car. Maybe look at getting a low-miles used example of one of those or nearly new model and still save a fair bit of cash? Just and idea really.

[James Junior]

I feel disappointed with the RC-F all round. I am a huge JDM fan and currently own an MR2 Turbo and Supra TT. I have considered an E92 M3, C63 and RS5 as a modern car for touring, so surely I am exactly the target audience the RCF is aimed at.

I find the styling bloated and overly contrived and the poor power and torque to weight figures turn me off completely. From the side profile I think they look like they have melted and the models with the carbon bonnets are particularly crass. The interior of this one looks especially hideous and what are those horrible stuck-on black bits?! Leaves me totally cold.

[gigglebug]

culpz said:

Regardless, it's still alot of money to lose for quite a similar car. 15-20k gets you a decent ISF, which shouldn't lose much value over x amount of years. Depreciation is a killer on brand new Lexus models. Reliability shouldn't be an issue either. The way i'd be looking at it is that the money you'd lose in depreciation should cover any issues that need sorting ten-fold, with alot of change to spare. I just couldn't throw my money away like that just for a the sake of a new car.

Unless you can get a decent lease deal on them, which is unlikely, that's where my head would be. I do like the hassle free side of motoring though, but only if it makes financial sense and you get a great deal out of it. Obviously, this is just my opinion here. The RCF is a cracking car. Maybe look at getting a low-miles used example of one of those or nearly new model and still save a fair bit of cash? Just and idea really.

Yeah, you do have a point. The relative lack of options makes it easier to choose second hand as well, not much hunting around the for exact spec you want. Just not overly sold on the RC F that's all and fancy a factory fresh new car. it could well be the last time I have a substantial amount to spend on one hence wanting something special and exact to me.

[Trevor555]

James Junior said:

I feel disappointed with the RC-F all round. I am a huge JDM fan and currently own an MR2 Turbo and Supra TT. I have considered an E92 M3, C63 and RS5 as a modern car for touring, so surely I am exactly the target audience the RCF is aimed at.

I find the styling bloated and overly contrived and the poor power and torque to weight figures turn me off completely.

Hi James

Looking at your past cars I agree the RC wouldn't be for you.

Turbo MR2 and the supra's have great power delivery, the RC is lazy in comparison and only pulls hard at higher revs.

You must go and look at the new RS5

I've just sold a TTRS so I've done with the racer for a Bit, hence getting the RC as a comfortable GT car, but if I wanted a coupe I'd def be looking hard at the RS5 or, dare I say it, M4

Just be aware though, Audi are rubbish at dealing with any issues with their cars, they annoyed me so much that my TT just had to go.

What about the new Supra?

I was going to deposit a build slot, I may still do, but I got bored of the lack of info coming from Toyota.

[James Junior]

Trevor555 said:

Hi James

Looking at your past cars I agree the RC wouldn't be for you.

Turbo MR2 and the supra's have great power delivery, the RC is lazy in comparison and only pulls hard at higher revs.

You must go and look at the new RS5

I've just sold a TTRS so I've done with the racer for a Bit, hence getting the RC as a comfortable GT car, but if I wanted a coupe I'd def be looking hard at the RS5 or, dare I say it, M4

Just be aware though, Audi are rubbish at dealing with any issues with their cars, they annoyed me so much that my TT just had to go.

What about the new Supra?

I was going to deposit a build slot, I may still do, but I got bored of the lack of info coming from Toyota.

Thanks Trevor, it's interesting that you have gone in that direction. I bet the RC is a completely different proposition to the TTRS. Much more grown up.

My plan is to buy something a bit older that has already done the bulk of it's depreciating. I am now considering a 2011+ GTR or maybe an R8, though an M3 with the competition pack is still an attractive proposition that would be easier on the pocket!

[culpz]

gigglebug said:

culpz said:

Regardless, it's still alot of money to lose for quite a similar car. 15-20k gets you a decent ISF, which shouldn't lose much value over x amount of years. Depreciation is a killer on brand new Lexus models. Reliability shouldn't be an issue either. The way i'd be looking at it is that the money you'd lose in depreciation should cover any issues that need sorting ten-fold, with alot of change to spare. I just couldn't throw my money away like that just for a the sake of a new car.

Unless you can get a decent lease deal on them, which is unlikely, that's where my head would be. I do like the hassle free side of motoring though, but only if it makes financial sense and you get a great deal out of it. Obviously, this is just my opinion here. The RCF is a cracking car. Maybe look at getting a low-miles used example of one of those or nearly new model and still save a fair bit of cash? Just and idea really.

Yeah, you do have a point. The relative lack of options makes it easier to choose second hand as well, not much hunting around the for exact spec you want. Just not overly sold on the RC F that's all and fancy a factory fresh new car. it could well be the last time I have a substantial amount to spend on one hence wanting something special and exact to me.

I'd have an ISF over the RCF i think. I actually prefer the looks of the latter car, but the former is a performance bargain these days and is really quite a rare and understated car too.

I'd probably much prefer an E92 or F80 M3 but they're definitely cars that you want some kind of decent warranty or a slush fund behind them. They're more special but cost more cash (to run).

[Trevor555]

James Junior said:

Thanks Trevor, it's interesting that you have gone in that direction. I bet the RC is a completely different proposition to the TTRS. Much more grown up.

My plan is to buy something a bit older that has already done the bulk of it's depreciating. I am now considering a 2011+ GTR or maybe an R8, though an M3 with the competition pack is still an attractive proposition that would be easier on the pocket!

Yes, the RC is totally different to the TTRS

The TT is an amazing car at getting the power down with minimum fuss, and covering ground better than any other car I've owned.

The special feeling didn't last long though, to most people it was just another TT that sounded a bit exotic.

The RCF does feel special, but in more of a GT car way. Lexus build and reliability was the draw for me, and the rarity. If I wasn't bothered about rarity id have gone M4 or DB9/Vantage.

Of your list id recommend a manual V10 R8. Get a good one for 50 to 60k and I don't think they'll depreciate any further.

They can throw up some big bills so get them checked over, the pipes around the engine can corrode and fail. I saw some large repair bills when I was last looking for one for someone.

I think the R8 will feel special for longer than the GTR would. The GTR is a bit like the TTRS in the way it's hyper efficient at simply getting the job done.

Also, in this kind of budget you should look at the new M2. If you do please let me know what you think.

I nearly went Aston, but with a budget of mid thirties I was looking at 10 year old cars, many had body corrosion issues. For the same money the RCF was under 2 years old, 14,000 miles.

I now think some naughty person on here is going to convince me to get it supercharged.

[TeaVR]

It amazes me how many people take the word of the journalists as the bible.

I can speak from experience having owned an IS-F, driven GS-Fs and now own an RC-F CE. Without a shadow of a doubt, the steering in the RC-F is much sharper than that of the IS-F. The vast majority of those people in the know i.e. those that have owned both will agree. The differences between a GS-F and an RC-F - you'd be hard pushed to notice the difference.

With regards to the IS-F, they are great cars. If you want a stealth car - one that NOBODY will notice - then get an IS-F. In the best part of two years ownership, hardly anyone asked me about the car. Even self confessed petrol heads haven't got a clue what an IS-F is.

If you want admiring glances, people videoing your car etc - get an RC-F. People literally stop, watch and turn as the car goes by. The RC-F is a head turner.

Finally, I think it's wrong to compare the RC-F to the M4, it just happens that the RC-F does 9/10ths of what an M4 does. Of course it's all subjective, but if you want to compare them, the RC-F has some tricks up its' sleeves. It's easier to push the RC-F to the limits (especially in the wet), it has better traction, Lexus reliability and unarguably a soundtrack that makes the M4 sound like a fart machine. I do however acknowledge that the M4 is a beautiful car and quick in the dry.

At the end of the day, no car suits the needs of all!

[Olivera]

gigglebug said:

Because it's not just some journos but pretty much everyone, professional or otherwise, who writes an opinion on it saying that it isn't as good to drive as the older IS F

Not the case, some very respected UK journos really like the RCF.

Initial Evo review: http://www.evo.co.uk/lexus/RC/F

Richard Meaden from Evo also had one on long term test, he raved about it. Not once did I hear any of them comment that it wasn't as good to drive as the ISF.

As more of a GT it doesn't have the outright sporting credentials to challenge the M4, but the ISF would fare even worse in this comparison.

[TeaVR]

Olivera said:

Not the case, some very respected UK journos really like the RCF.

Initial Evo review: http://www.evo.co.uk/lexus/RC/F

Richard Meaden from Evo also had one on long term test, he raved about it. Not once did I hear any of them comment that it wasn't as good to drive as the ISF.

As more of a GT it doesn't have the outright sporting credentials to challenge the M4, but the ISF would fare even worse in this comparison.

Well said!

[gigglebug]

TeaVR said:

Olivera said:

Not the case, some very respected UK journos really like the RCF.

Initial Evo review: http://www.evo.co.uk/lexus/RC/F

Richard Meaden from Evo also had one on long term test, he raved about it. Not once did I hear any of them comment that it wasn't as good to drive as the ISF.

As more of a GT it doesn't have the outright sporting credentials to challenge the M4, but the ISF would fare even worse in this comparison.

Well said!

Which still means absolutely nothing to me as if you had read everything that I have wrote you would be aware that I have already stated that the RC F would have to be universally considered exceptional for me to be interested as it is a coupe and my preference as it stands is to have a saloon. It is far from being universally considered exceptional. The GS just happens to be larger than I would consider at this time otherwise it would be on my list of cars to try.

I appreciate that there are those who have found that the RC F gets better with extended exposure to it but I'm not willing to take the risk of finding out for sure as I won't be chopping and changing cars for as long as I possibly can this time around. Hence not accepting the compromise of a coupe.

I personally have not made any comparisons to the M4 as it is a car that I also won't be considering as again, it's a coupe.

A 4 series Gran Coupe is on the list of cars to try as is an M3 and an RS3 saloon (we have recently purchased our first Audi, an A3 sportback, so will see what sort of ownership experience it provides). Probably an RS4 but I think they may have stopped taking orders on these?

To be fair I have a house move and child going back to school after a period of being taught at home to get through before I start worrying about the new car in anger so there may will more options, even a new IS F, by then. Hope that helps.

[gigglebug]

And an Alpina. I've always liked the thought of one of those.

[gigglebug]

TeaVR said:

Well said!

I thought that it amazed you that people took the word of journos as the bible? I take it you willing to overlook it in this instance?