RE: Lexus IS F: Spotted

RE: Lexus IS F: Spotted

Thursday 17th August 2017

Lexus IS F: Spotted

You can now get an IS F for £15K - fancy it?



Credit where it's due to Lexus, it's a manufacturer that isn't afraid to do things differently. The LFA wasn't really like any other supercar by the time it came out, but what a supercar it turned out to be. And while all other premium manufacturers have downsized their sports coupe engines, Lexus has stuck with a V8 in the RC F. The cynical may argue it's because there isn't another engine to use, but we're not complaining about another 5.0-litre V8 that's still on sale.

No, really, this is the fast one
No, really, this is the fast one
That defiant spirit was alive and true with the RC F's predecessor too, the IS F. If you were to create your company's first performance model, the temptation would probably be to enter a less busy sector, or certainly one that contains a few duff cars. Not Lexus. It went straight for the M3 - in then-new V8 form - and the fantastic C63 AMG, formidable rivals for any car. The Audi RS4 was only recently off sale in 2008 too, a reminder that even Audi could do a sterling sports saloon. Tough gig.

Yet the Lexus was competitive. It didn't come romping home to crushing group test victories but it was, to use an overused phrase, in the mix; perhaps lower down the order, but not disgraced. The ride was tough and the gearbox a bit lethargic (the latter of which became more problematic when the dual-clutch M3 arrived), though the engine in particular came in for praise.

It was rare, too, which made it more interesting. Funnily enough it still is rare, in fact, arguably giving it more kudos as a secondhand purchase. When was the last time you saw one? Perhaps you can't remember, given the makeover to this Japanese saloon was a relatively subtle one, but it was likely to be a while ago. The British public doesn't like to divert from the German brand even where diesel saloon are concerned, so it probably shouldn't be surprising to see that attitude unchanged when it comes to V8s.

Look at the pipes, see
Look at the pipes, see
The rarity hasn't stopped the IS F from depreciating though, this black car the cheapest on PH at the moment at £15,995. £15K! 87,000 miles will put off some people, but it has been at a main dealer for all bar one of its services and looks to be in tip top condition. The spec is safe (can those tints be removed?) and it's worth noting that very few options could be added to the IS F so you don't need to worry much there. It does, pleasingly, have the optional sunroof.

However, what about those rivals? Nearly a decade on they still make a compelling case against the Lexus, even at a little more money. M3 saloons are difficult to come by, this E90 £3K more than the IS and the most affordable on PH. Doesn't it look cool? E92 coupes are around at £15K, though seemingly not many nice ones at the moment... Like the BMW the C63 is between the IS F and £20K for now, this silver saloon appearing to all intents and purposes really rather nice. And if you're willing to take an older design, plenty of those B7 RS4 saloons are within budget. Spoilt for choice...

So what'll it be? Dare you think differently? Can the Lexus's curio value win you over? Perhaps it has and you're enjoying life with an IS - as always, comments and thoughts are welcomed!


LEXUS IS F
Engine
: 4,969cc, V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 423@6,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 373@5,200rpm
MPG: 24.4
CO2: 270g/km
First registered: 2008
Recorded mileage: 87,000
Price new: £51,000
Yours for: £15,995

See the original advert here.

 

 

 

 

Author
Discussion

DBRacingGod

Original Poster:

609 posts

191 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Was that interior part of a pre-GT86 collaboration purchase to sweeten the deal with Subaru? There is dishwater with more verve.

generationx

6,645 posts

104 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
My boss has one of these and adores it. I must admit the V8 does sound pretty epic.

Slurms

1,252 posts

203 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
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I had one of these a few years ago and they're brilliant.

Actually looks like Lexus Bristol have my old one for sale.

Shame that the RC-F that replaced it lost much of the character.

Cable

239 posts

182 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
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I had one of these and loved every minute of it. I changed the exhaust for something a little fruitier (standard one is far too quiet for a performance V8) and that was glorious fun. I didn't find the gearbox 'lethargic', well, no worse than a ZF 8 speed anyway. The interior was fine and seats comfy. I'll be tempted to get one again in a few years.

Roger Irrelevant

2,899 posts

112 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
I've been poring over these on Autotrader (all 11 of them), for a while now, as I'd really like to get one as a treat once I've finished doing up our house. I'd be after a 2010-on model as I understand they've got a slightly less firm ride, but then again I've heard people who have owned 2008/9 models say that the ride isn't actually that bad, so I guess I'd have to see for myself. The one thing that puts me off a bit (and I appreciate this sounds ludicrous and rather picky), is that the rear seats don't fold down. I know that's not too surprising for a car of this type, but as it would be my daily and not just a weekender it would be a bit of a pain. I'm not discounting them though so I'm really interested to see what people have to say about them on here.

BUG4LIFE

2,007 posts

217 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
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Has PH been reading my mind?! I must make one of these my next car. Been keeping my eye on them for a bit...so I can pounce when I'm ready to buy!

Cable

239 posts

182 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Roger Irrelevant said:
The one thing that puts me off a bit (and I appreciate this sounds ludicrous and rather picky), is that the rear seats don't fold down. I know that's not too surprising for a car of this type, but as it would be my daily and not just a weekender it would be a bit of a pain. I'm not discounting them though so I'm really interested to see what people have to say about them on here.
I have to admit, that's one of the reasons why I sold mine. I couldn't fit my mountain bike in the boot, and I really didn't want to be faffing around with roof bars etc, if I'm just popping out for a bit.

BUG4LIFE

2,007 posts

217 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Roger Irrelevant said:
I've been poring over these on Autotrader (all 11 of them), for a while now, as I'd really like to get one as a treat once I've finished doing up our house. I'd be after a 2010-on model as I understand they've got a slightly less firm ride, but then again I've heard people who have owned 2008/9 models say that the ride isn't actually that bad, so I guess I'd have to see for myself. The one thing that puts me off a bit (and I appreciate this sounds ludicrous and rather picky), is that the rear seats don't fold down. I know that's not too surprising for a car of this type, but as it would be my daily and not just a weekender it would be a bit of a pain. I'm not discounting them though so I'm really interested to see what people have to say about them on here.
Get in the queue mate smile

Roger Irrelevant

2,899 posts

112 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
BUG4LIFE said:
Roger Irrelevant said:
I've been poring over these on Autotrader (all 11 of them), for a while now, as I'd really like to get one as a treat once I've finished doing up our house. I'd be after a 2010-on model as I understand they've got a slightly less firm ride, but then again I've heard people who have owned 2008/9 models say that the ride isn't actually that bad, so I guess I'd have to see for myself. The one thing that puts me off a bit (and I appreciate this sounds ludicrous and rather picky), is that the rear seats don't fold down. I know that's not too surprising for a car of this type, but as it would be my daily and not just a weekender it would be a bit of a pain. I'm not discounting them though so I'm really interested to see what people have to say about them on here.
Get in the queue mate smile
It's ok I won't be buying for a year or two! Maybe you could get one, keep it in good nick, then sell it to me?!

culpz

4,881 posts

111 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
I would assume that mileage such as 87k on these shouldn't really be an issue, should it? I know the IS250's are capable of high mileage without much fuss. An unstressed Lexus V8 should be much of the same. Can anyone confirm this?

Obviously, it may soon require a complete suspension refresh, which i gather won't be cheap. I think the standard exhausts can have an early life too but i may be wrong there. Whichever way you look at it, it will be a much cheaper ownership proposition to an E92 M3!

Something different aswell. I like it! One to watch for in the future for sure thumbup

Roger Irrelevant

2,899 posts

112 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Cable said:
Roger Irrelevant said:
The one thing that puts me off a bit (and I appreciate this sounds ludicrous and rather picky), is that the rear seats don't fold down. I know that's not too surprising for a car of this type, but as it would be my daily and not just a weekender it would be a bit of a pain. I'm not discounting them though so I'm really interested to see what people have to say about them on here.
I have to admit, that's one of the reasons why I sold mine. I couldn't fit my mountain bike in the boot, and I really didn't want to be faffing around with roof bars etc, if I'm just popping out for a bit.
Precisely the reason I'd prefer folding seats too (though it'll usually be a road bike). Non-folding seats and poor boot space (especially with hybrid models), does seem to be a bit of a theme with Lexus. I wish they'd made more estates!

Mike1990

962 posts

130 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
So much love for these! In that lovely Blue for me Tar.

FTBBCVoodoo

64 posts

106 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
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I have owned a 2008 ISF for 18 months now.

I love it. Interior (centre console) lets it down a tad as it's still based on a car from the early 00's and the seats aren't as good as the winged Recaro items in an RS4.

I was attracted to the rarity as there are only 200 or so in the UK so it's pretty rare when you take into account that there are 365 E9x M3's for sale on AT at time of typing this aged between MY2008 - MY2013 when the ISF's were sold in UK.

The reliability was also a factor. I had come from a nosebleed of an E90 335i (N54 - Turbos, Fuel Pump, Injectors as per usual) so was turned off BMWs.

Serviceable items are cheap as well. Brembo discs from Euro Car Parts come in at under £200 for the pair when using their frequent discount codes and front and rear Brembo pads are £80 for the lot :-)

It sounds great over 4000rpm when the 2nd intake flap opens. Reminds me of my old Intergra & S2K days when VTEC kicked in but this time with added torque.

8 speed gearbox changes are very smooth in full auto and great fun in manual (I believe it changes quicker than an Enzo in manual mode but I may be wrong). The blips on the downshift are pretty addictive.

35mpg on the motorway is nice for a V8 as well :-)

She goes quite well around the Nurburgring as well without moaning at all.... please excuse my language :-)

https://youtu.be/zRotG1juVbo

FN2TypeR

7,091 posts

92 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
article said:
You can now get an IS F for £15K - fancy it?
I do, yes! yes

I'd imagine that would sound t'riffic indeed with a good quality aftermarket exhaust

Are these things liable to destroy your wallet and soul with a large bill or two? (I don't mean the fuel hehe )

Chris Type R

8,018 posts

248 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Article said:
...the cheapest on PH at the moment at £15,995. £15K!
The man-maths school of rounding down.


anonymous-user

53 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Slurms said:
I had one of these a few years ago and they're brilliant.

Actually looks like Lexus Bristol have my old one for sale.
Buy it back.

Buy. It. Back.

You know you want to.

giblet

8,824 posts

176 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
FN2TypeR said:
article said:
You can now get an IS F for £15K - fancy it?
I do, yes! yes

I'd imagine that would sound t'riffic indeed with a good quality aftermarket exhaust

Are these things liable to destroy your wallet and soul with a large bill or two? (I don't mean the fuel hehe )
Apologies for the Instagram link but it's all I have to hand -

https://instagram.com/p/BQtiRQhjVcR/

That was mine with a custom exhaust. I still regret selling it! Bills wise the only real issue is the waterpump which was solved on later revisions. Sadly mine went before I had purchased a warranty and the radiator also needed replacing so thick end of £1000 at a main dealer. Aside from that it was perfectly fine!

ZX10R NIN

27,494 posts

124 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Sounds good I rate these they're underrated but a decent steer.

Oliver-2optb

29 posts

101 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
Apologies for the Instagram link but it's all I have to hand -

https://instagram.com/p/BQtiRQhjVcR/

That was mine with a custom exhaust. I still regret selling it! Bills wise the only real issue is the waterpump which was solved on later revisions. Sadly mine went before I had purchased a warranty and the radiator also needed replacing so thick end of £1000 at a main dealer. Aside from that it was perfectly fine!


If that was unlucky, it sounds as cheap to run as a normal car! When I had a WRX and an STI it was pushing that on a normal service each time.
I too like everyone else on here, am drawn to these. they are cramped in the back and the boot is tiny, but you can't have it all.
Lexus seem to engineer things very well for long life, not just 3 years, that probably means you loose a little of the savage perfomance of some othger cars, but could mean a better ownership proposition.

Good spot

starionex

4 posts

185 months

Thursday 17th August 2017
quotequote all
I've owned one for 6 months and absolutely love it. I came from a B7 RS4 which had way too many common issues for my liking, of which the ISF has barely any. I've just bought front brembo discs and pads for £180, that cost over £700 on the RS4.

Reliability wise, no need to worry. You can still buy the 2 year extended warranty on most of them for £900. There's one for sale in the US with 330,000 miles on the clock!!