RE: Lexus IS-F | The Brave Pill
Discussion
These aren't even particularly bad on fuel, I'm averaging 23 and that is with a considerable amount of "hooning" on every tank. If I drove it like a normal car it would average around 27-28 which I think is pretty good for what it is. Hypermiling will get into the 30s alright. Not really sure there is much point to that though.
Owned an LS since the mid noughties, so love the brand.
These are typically Lexus reliable (ie worlds best), built like a tank, comfortable, and the ISF in particular has decent power. If you're into minor mods, you can do things with the exhaust to add noise, and possibly free up some horses, but really, it's a great car as it is.
If you've been through other brands and found reliability to be an issue, once you give Lexus a genuine try (say, for a year or two), you will have to really find a good reason to leave the brand.
I love mine, and would buy Lexus again in a heartbeat.
These are typically Lexus reliable (ie worlds best), built like a tank, comfortable, and the ISF in particular has decent power. If you're into minor mods, you can do things with the exhaust to add noise, and possibly free up some horses, but really, it's a great car as it is.
If you've been through other brands and found reliability to be an issue, once you give Lexus a genuine try (say, for a year or two), you will have to really find a good reason to leave the brand.
I love mine, and would buy Lexus again in a heartbeat.
I also love mine, 09 in Cadoxton slate - 66k miles.
£12.5k is I imagine about the lowest they will go unless accident damaged. Mileage doesn't seem to be an issue, plenty of examples in the US hitting 200k without any reported issues.
Starter motors are a pain as I found out, gets pretty hot where they are and whilst only £200 odd Lexus have it as a 13hrs labour job. As others have said plenty of aftermarket bits for brakes etc and easy (although not cheap - but its all relative) to release another 50 - 70hp through removing inlet and exhaust restrictions. Or near 800hp with a charger - see r&r racing in the states.
Front tyres tend to wear - replacement harder lca bushes help. The Lexus soft leather wears on seats easily, I threw a packet of ham into the back and the corner of the plastic actually holed the seat.
Suspension is the biggest issue, anyone who says it isn't harsh must drive on track only. Driving over painted lines sends a thump into the cabin. Possibly the very last cars are better (post 2014) when they did receive softer springs and different shocks but haven't driven one myself. Bilsteins are available and others if you pay a bit more but considering the dual nature of the car Lexus missed a trick by not having adjustable modes.
I intend to keep mine, I have a couple of race cars that have been taking precedence since I bought it a couple of years ago but plan on treating it to some upgrades next year.
Can't compare it to rivals as haven't spent any real time in them but for me this is a great drivetrain combo and a car that provides an ideal balance of serious usable performance vs reliability, practicality and both purchasing and running costs. The only slightly brave part about an ISF is that as a car person you are sitting in something that looks like a diesel reps car to those not in the know.
£12.5k is I imagine about the lowest they will go unless accident damaged. Mileage doesn't seem to be an issue, plenty of examples in the US hitting 200k without any reported issues.
Starter motors are a pain as I found out, gets pretty hot where they are and whilst only £200 odd Lexus have it as a 13hrs labour job. As others have said plenty of aftermarket bits for brakes etc and easy (although not cheap - but its all relative) to release another 50 - 70hp through removing inlet and exhaust restrictions. Or near 800hp with a charger - see r&r racing in the states.
Front tyres tend to wear - replacement harder lca bushes help. The Lexus soft leather wears on seats easily, I threw a packet of ham into the back and the corner of the plastic actually holed the seat.
Suspension is the biggest issue, anyone who says it isn't harsh must drive on track only. Driving over painted lines sends a thump into the cabin. Possibly the very last cars are better (post 2014) when they did receive softer springs and different shocks but haven't driven one myself. Bilsteins are available and others if you pay a bit more but considering the dual nature of the car Lexus missed a trick by not having adjustable modes.
I intend to keep mine, I have a couple of race cars that have been taking precedence since I bought it a couple of years ago but plan on treating it to some upgrades next year.
Can't compare it to rivals as haven't spent any real time in them but for me this is a great drivetrain combo and a car that provides an ideal balance of serious usable performance vs reliability, practicality and both purchasing and running costs. The only slightly brave part about an ISF is that as a car person you are sitting in something that looks like a diesel reps car to those not in the know.
100 said:
They look a bit sorry now... styling controversial!
When was the last time you saw one in person? They really have aged quite well.I don't find the ride harsh but then I didn't find it harsh in my Fiesta ST either and apparently people think they are bone shatteringly hard. And the roads where I live are anything but smooth. Maybe I just have high tolerance and enjoy the trade off in terms of handling enough to justify it?
Edited by llcoolmac on Saturday 15th February 14:15
I ran one for a couple of years and loved it, and despite owning far more exotic cars over the years, it's one of the ones I miss most.
THAT engine noise, and of course the Lexus dealer service.
It looked like a taxi inside and out, but by god, could it pick up it's skirt tails and f
king fly.
Amazing car.
THAT engine noise, and of course the Lexus dealer service.
It looked like a taxi inside and out, but by god, could it pick up it's skirt tails and f
king fly.Amazing car.
I think they have aged really well. The rear exhausts are a bit ugly (IMO) but easily sorted. It's a car that is very discreet, is cheap apart from its thirst, which tbh is likely way better than an E90 M3 and unlike the S56 engine it wont suffer with lots of annoying issues.
Brave pill, no. The thinking mans M alternative.
Brave pill, no. The thinking mans M alternative.
rosetank said:
I think they have aged really well. The rear exhausts are a bit ugly (IMO) but easily sorted. It's a car that is very discreet, is cheap apart from its thirst, which tbh is likely way better than an E90 M3 and unlike the S56 engine it wont suffer with lots of annoying issues.
Brave pill, no. The thinking mans M alternative.
I'm not sure I've ever see anyone 'sort the exhausts'....they are what they are and have been carried forward to the RCF. Brave pill, no. The thinking mans M alternative.
The best examples are unmolested.
doog442 said:
rosetank said:
I think they have aged really well. The rear exhausts are a bit ugly (IMO) but easily sorted. It's a car that is very discreet, is cheap apart from its thirst, which tbh is likely way better than an E90 M3 and unlike the S56 engine it wont suffer with lots of annoying issues.
Brave pill, no. The thinking mans M alternative.
I'm not sure I've ever see anyone 'sort the exhausts'....they are what they are and have been carried forward to the RCF. Brave pill, no. The thinking mans M alternative.
The best examples are unmolested.
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