Lexus IS-F input needed | FerrariChat

Lexus IS-F input needed

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by futureowner, Jul 2, 2014.

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  1. futureowner

    futureowner Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2006
    1,469
    Brookfield, WI
    Full Name:
    Thad
    #1 futureowner, Jul 2, 2014
    In the market (have been for some time) for a four-door car. I would like it to be as fun as possible but recognizing that it will need to be a daily driver for myself, my wife will need to be able to drive it (means automatic is a must) and that I frequently drive in heavy traffic. I have been looking at a range of things, mostly the Jaguar XF but lately the Lexus IS-F has popped up on my radar.

    The numbers are certainly impressive however, does anyone have real experience with them? I know Lexus makes a quality vehicle but I've never found them to be "fun". Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you.
     
  2. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 4, 2008
    33,571
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Rich
    #2 rdefabri, Jul 2, 2014
    Driven one, didn't do much for me over my Lexus GS400. Definitely more powerful (400hp v. 300hp), but a little cramped for my taste.

    That was when it was introduced (~2007?). Now my GS400 is seriously long in the tooth (13 years old), and I'm looking around for a "fun" DD. IS-F would be considered, but I want a manual, so I'd probably consider E46 M3 or E39 M5. I've also considered a Subie WRX / STi...when I purchased the GS400, I seriously considered the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT...that was a rocketship with 5-speed and all-wheel drive. Hellacious fun in a completely non-descript package - perfect for me!
     
  3. platinumsc

    platinumsc Formula Junior

    Apr 15, 2004
    256
    #3 platinumsc, Jul 2, 2014
    The early ones did feel cramped but I'm comfy in the later models. I'm 6-2, 250 and feel fine. The suspension is much better in the later models as well. They are a blast with good handling and excellent Lexus reliability. Only problem is those late model examples are pricey....but worth it.
     
  4. Roupin

    Roupin Formula 3

    Oct 7, 2013
    2,167
    Encino
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    Roupin
    #4 Roupin, Jul 2, 2014
    They're right near Mercedes C63 prices. The C63 does everything better than the IS-F.
     
  5. kev360

    kev360 Formula Junior

    Feb 19, 2006
    437
    #5 kev360, Jul 3, 2014
    I love my IS-F. Bought it new in 2011 and its my favorite sedan. Had e55, c55, Alpina B7 and like the Lexus the best. Not the fastest but drives great. Don't compare it to the regular Lexus models. And i mentioned in another thread, Lexus service is the best (at least in Houston)
     
  6. Kyoso_Joey

    Kyoso_Joey Formula Junior

    Nov 7, 2010
    275
    Scottsdale
    Full Name:
    Joey
    #6 Kyoso_Joey, Jul 3, 2014
    A co-worker had an IS-F and absolutely loved it. He loved it so much he even took it behind a middle school and tried to get it pregnant. Ok he didnt do that but he did do full bolt-ons, got it tuned and ran low 12 second quarter mile times with a trap speed in the low 120's.
    He also took it on a road trip starting from Arizona to Florida to California then back to Arizona with no problems. It was definitely a cool car.
    If you drive one and it doesnt work out you should also check out an E90 M3 or even the new F80 M3. The DCT transmissions in them arent bad at all. I would however just teach your wife how to drive stick so you can get the car you really want.
     
  7. Jaguar 15

    Jaguar 15 Formula 3

    Mar 27, 2013
    1,837
    Hunt. Bch/Palm Dsrt/Virginia
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    Jim Crawford
    #7 Jaguar 15, Jul 3, 2014
    They are great cars but over priced. I'll take my XF Supercharged anyday over the IS-F without hesitattion.
     
  8. Schimpf

    Schimpf Karting

    Jul 20, 2005
    137
    CO
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    Schimpf
    #8 Schimpf, Jul 3, 2014
    Haven't driven either. But if you're up in C63 prices you may as well wait for RC F.
     
  9. futureowner

    futureowner Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2006
    1,469
    Brookfield, WI
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    Thad
    #9 futureowner, Jul 7, 2014
    Thanks all, appreciate the feedback. Yes there are lots of alternatives in this price range, a good problem to have :)
     
  10. futureowner

    futureowner Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2006
    1,469
    Brookfield, WI
    Full Name:
    Thad
    #10 futureowner, Jul 14, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Picked up last week, absolutely loving this car! Navigation and Levinson sound system, definitely feels more grown up than my RSX, though I still love that car too.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  11. kev360

    kev360 Formula Junior

    Feb 19, 2006
    437
    #11 kev360, Jul 15, 2014
    Congrats. It's a great car
     
  12. platinumsc

    platinumsc Formula Junior

    Apr 15, 2004
    256
    #12 platinumsc, Jul 17, 2014
    What year is it?
     
  13. futureowner

    futureowner Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2006
    1,469
    Brookfield, WI
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    Thad
    #13 futureowner, Jul 17, 2014
    Thank you all very much. It's an 08, 36k miles.
     
  14. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    #14 DriveAfterDark, Jul 17, 2014
    Congratulations on the car!
     
  15. Tyler

    Tyler F1 Rookie

    Dec 19, 2001
    4,274
    dusty old farm town
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    Tyler
    #15 Tyler, Jul 17, 2014
    Beautiful car! Congrats!
     
  16. jlonmark

    jlonmark F1 Rookie

    Mar 29, 2005
    3,173
    Beverly Hills, CA
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    Jay
    #16 jlonmark, Jul 18, 2014
    I too am a fan! They have a new 2 door coupe coming out
     
  17. futureowner

    futureowner Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2006
    1,469
    Brookfield, WI
    Full Name:
    Thad
    #17 futureowner, Jul 21, 2014
    Thanks again everyone, had it up at the Brian Redman at Road America this past weekend, was really cool to see everyone come up and look at it since they'd never seen one. It is a very rare car around these parts.

    As to the RC F that's coming out, hard to deny the performance numbers but I needed four doors and I'm not crazy about the RC F styling.
     

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