Next car...IS-F?

dparm · May 14, 2011

Thinking I'll sell my car next spring and possibly move into a 2011 Lexus IS-F.

I rather like the over-the-top styling. I know it's not an M3 but I really don't want a BMW. Only downside is this thing is automatic transmission only (an 8 speed, at that).

Anyone have any experience with this car?

dparm · May 14, 2011

BTW, it takes 10qt of 5w30. Lexus isn't as picky as VW.

spasm3 · May 14, 2011

For that price, you could be in a vette convertible!!!

SLCraig · May 14, 2011

I see those around my neck of the woods every now and then, It's a hot car, no doubt.

I myself, would rather have an RS-4 with proper 6MT. But that is just me. Aside from the auto trans issue, the car is awesome.

dparm · May 14, 2011

I need a car that has some utility. Already went down the two-seater route for a year with an S2000 and realized it's just too much of a hassle.

Honestly the RS4 isn't much of an upgrade in my opinion, and with the reports of leaking DRC (suspension) systems and horrendous carbon buildup...no thanks.

dailydriver · May 14, 2011

I realize you might be a domestic nameplate-phobe, but I would go for the CTS-V sedan or wagon myself.

Heavily modded Supra MKIVs are the only Toyota you would EVER have to worry about.

Nick R · May 14, 2011

M3 is better see top gear comparison eisode

Spazdog · May 14, 2011

Originally Posted By: dparm
I need a car that has some utility. Already went down the two-seater route for a year with an S2000 and realized it's just too much of a hassle.
....

The backseat in the IS is comically small. I sat back there and thought, "An RX-8 has more room than this."

I was right, it does.
Lexus IS-F rear legroom: 30.6 "
RX-8 rear legroom: 32.2 "

I don't know how that happened. The RX-8 has two tiny half suicide doors and it's bigger in the back than a car with real back doors. And the RX-8 is small so the IS is tiny. Might as well just get a coupe.

Hokiefyd · May 14, 2011

It's a Toyota; naturally, many will try to talk you out of it.

I think it's a stellar machine myself. It's probably safe to assume that most of us DON'T have first-hand experience with this car. But you only go around this world once; in my opinion, buy what you want and don't look back. Time will tell if these machines hold up to abusive driving. Looks like you have a year to figure that out.

The Critic · May 14, 2011

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
It's a Toyota; naturally, many will try to talk you out of it.

And talk him into buying a Ford or GM product.

JHZR2 · May 14, 2011

I love the IS. It just feels so right sitting in the driver's seat, with a quality feel hugging you all around. Plus it looks good.

That said, it is a VERY small car despite its fairly large exterior proportions.

For the price, I would look for an M3 or CTS-V. I think youre getting better value for your money.

And this is if you have to have a go fast car. Maybe go the economical route, get an MT IS sedan, and then a fun go fast car...

rjundi · May 14, 2011

None.

However the automatic may bore you irrelevant to the power on tap. Drive an automatic for a while before leaping.

I was able to borrow a 2008 Vette convertible for a weekend and the power was a novelty at first. But the automatic bored me and my wife.

Nice choice though.

daves87rs · May 14, 2011

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I love the IS. It just feels so right sitting in the driver's seat, with a quality feel hugging you all around. Plus it looks good.

That said, it is a VERY small car despite its fairly large exterior proportions.

For the price, I would look for an M3 or CTS-V. I think youre getting better value for your money.

And this is if you have to have a go fast car. Maybe go the economical route, get an MT IS sedan, and then a fun go fast car...

This.

Spyder7 · May 14, 2011

Really like the styling of that car. Very, very sharp looking (but not over the top to me). Not familiar with it, but were I looking at something in that price range, the styling combined with the Lexus brand would lead to me to take a very serious look at it.

-Spyder

dparm · May 14, 2011

My S4's backseat isn't too big either (34.3 in), though I've learned not to trust those figures too much merely because you can move seats to give people more space. It's not like I'm perpetually hauling 4 adults, I just need something for those rare times. Plus, when I go to the track I want to be able to jam my track wheels in there.

I actually like the new CTS-V. If the prices are reasonable in a year or so, I'd consider it.

90Notch · May 15, 2011

What about a used E60 M5?

dparm · May 15, 2011

Maybe. I'd actually considered a used S6. 5.2L V10, roomy, and sounds like sex. Again, auto only, and it's a big heavy beast.

cbear · May 15, 2011

The IS is great, but I'e heard the IS-F is brutal as a daily driver. A good friend was looking to trade his IS for an IS-F. He went with a M3 instead.

90Notch · May 15, 2011

Originally Posted By: dparm
Maybe. I'd actually considered a used S6. 5.2L V10, roomy, and sounds like sex. Again, auto only, and it's a big heavy beast.

I remember seeing this video or one similar. I agree, the S6 is a sick car!!

whip · May 15, 2011

According to the C&D test, the IS-f has a really stiff suspension, and it's unbearable on all but the smoothest roads. Personally, I think the AMG C63 has a better engine. The CTS and M3 offer manual transmissions.
I'd avoid any of the used options like the plague. Repair cost will be very high.

Next car...IS-F?

Similar threads