Monday 27th October 2014

Lexus IS F: PH Carpool

Overlooked Japanese M and AMG rival celebrated by its proud PHer owner

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Name: Graham Heron
Car: Lexus IS F
Owned since: March 2012
Previously owned: "Ford 105E, Ford Cortina Mk1, Vauxhall Viva, Sunbeam Alpine, Ford Capri 1.6, Ford Capri JPS 2.0, VW Derby, Talbot Horizon, Fiesta XR2, Ford Escort 1.4, Renault 21, Vauxhall Cavalier SRI, Mercedes C200, Mercedes CLK320, Mercedes E320 CDI, Lexus IS250 - see if this list gives a clue to my age and at what points I got married/had kids..."

Why I bought it?
"After several Mercs I'd fallen out of love with them for a variety of reasons and, seduced by their reputation for reliability, went for a Lexus IS250. Great car, no problems at all but not quite scratching my itch for some performance. I spent a long time looking for an AMG CLK or E-Class but after looking at a few and picking up on the problems discussed on forums I decided I might be better staying with Lexus for their bulletproof reliability and brilliant warranty, so the IS F was in my sights. After all, it doesn't matter how fast the car is - if it's in the garage being fixed it isn't much use.

AMG's loss was Lexus's gain

"I spent about two months looking for a Mesa Red one and gave up - these are rare as hen's teeth and there tend to be fewer than 10 for sale countrywide in any colour at any one time. Finally a 2008 Slate Grey car turned up in my local Lexus dealer - more miles than I really wanted (44K) but priced accordingly. I went to see it. The car was in really good condition, newish tyres and more importantly, new brakes and discs. Then I made the mistake of accepting the salesman's invitation to take it out for a drive before we had really discussed money. He knew that once I'd driven it all the advantage would lay with him and he was right. This car is so different to the IS250 even though it more or less shares the same platform - it feels so pumped up and ferocious. The deal was clinched in my head by the time I brought it back. He did give me a credible trade-in on the IS250 though! Interestingly I found out after buying it that it had been used in the Top Gear review where JC was unjustifiably rude about it!"

What I wish I'd known:
"Nothing much really, after all it's a Lexus. I'd researched as much as I could but there are no real known problems with these cars apart from the cost of the brake pads. £350+ for parts alone from Lexus so a £500 bill per axle! But equivalents are available on the 'net for about £50. The ride is very hard so our roads make for a bumpy ride. I believe the later 2010 models had the suspension modified. Oh, and the sat nav is not the friendliest to use but it always gets you there. Lastly, if you are looking to buy one of these get the financial discussion out of the way before you drive it!"

Things I love:
"The acceleration and the noise. Up to 3,500rpm it burbles along nicely. When the revs get past 3,500 the engine note takes on a NASCAR edge and things start to happen very fast, but equally it is happy to potter along in traffic with 1,000 rpm showing on the tacho.

"It is also a great Q-car. Nobody, even petrolheads, knows what it is! To most, it's just another Lexus - until the pedal gets pressed...

"The quality - this car is really well put together, nearly seven years old now and no squeaks or rattles even with the rock hard suspension and poor roads."

Fast, stealthy, reliable, Clarkson hated it - ideal!

Things I hate:
"The ride on our poor roads. Also, the wheels are painted in a dark grey colour for which there is no known touch-up code (Toyota IE3 is the nearest I can find), and even the slightest contact with a kerb leaves an unsightly white scar. They also chip easily. Refinishing is on the cards as soon as I can find someone to match the colour.

"If it snows - take the bus. 400hp+, rear-wheel drive, fat tyres and snow are not a great combination."

Costs:
"Nowhere near as expensive as I thought it would be. OK, VED is £500-odd but insurance is cheap (I paid £350 fully comp with max NCD) and fuel consumption has averaged out at about 24-26mpg with 34mpg being seen on one run. However <10mpg is quite possible if you push it. Servicing with Lexus is dear but the local Lexus dealer (Twickenham) has been good, and not tried to rip me off. Tyres are around £200- £250 a corner (for Michelin Supersports) but they stick well and have worn quite well (fronts started at about 6mm and wore down to 2.5mm in 20K). Nothing has gone wrong in two years and 22,000 miles except for the battery in the key fob failing without warning a couple of times - always keep a spare in your wallet!"

Where I've been:
"The car has been mostly used for commuting but we've had a few enjoyable trips to the West Country, Peak District and the north. This car is effortless to drive, there is no hill or twisty road it cannot eat and despite what JC said the clever auto box always seems to be in exactly the right gear."

What next?
"I cannot imagine what I would replace this car with. Perhaps another, later model IS F or even an RC F when they come down to an affordable price?"

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Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at [e-mail]!

 

[Cable]

Great car!

After nearly 10 months looking for one, I bought mine earlier this year. Initially only intending to own it for a year, to get the V8 lust out of my system, I just can't see myself selling it for a while yet.

Though I found the standard exhaust lacking in noise, something you really do want from a V8, so I've fitted a Borla exhaust, which was a much better purchase than I thought it would be. Not droney on a cruise, but suitably enough noise to bring a smile to your face when you want it.

[Cable]

ocrx8 said:

Love these. Cable - did fitting the Borla also mean you changed the fake exhaust tips?

No, unfortunately they stay

I also fitted a K&N, and though whether or not power gains can be achieved have been debated at length (in the US), I cannot stress enough how much better it sounds; it really has an evil hard edged intake noise, like a V8 version of a E46 CSL.

I have to say I preferred the grey over any of the other colours, and I also think that photos don't do these justice; much more muscular and impressive in the flesh.

[Cable]

Gorbyrev said:

(even though two of them are fake).

It's not that any of them are fake, they just not attached to the mufflers themselves. There's an exhaust exit floating behind each one of those tips.

[Cable]

Redgate said:

OK, the pipes are an acquired taste but just knowing that you can get all that performance AND proper reliability, that sells it for me.

I honestly don't know why this car seems to be remembered for those exhaust tips. It's a pretty standard thing from manufacturers these days, where the tips aren't attached to the exhaust... even the Ferrari 458 has them!

Admittedly they are not to my tastes, but it's such small thing to worry about, and the rest of the car is so good...
They do have their benefits too, as they don't get anywhere near as hot as your traditional tips, so they don't bake on carbon

[Cable]

stuno1 said:

Ha! Nice...Values seem to have increased from this time last year by 1-2k. With so few about cant see this dropping much if at all any time soon. I am a happy owner!

Agreed, between May 2013 and March 2014, I saw prices go up slightly...

I do believe there are approximately 220 ISF's in the country. Slim pickings