JayLexin

Hi,

I have owned my car a 2012 IS350 F Sport (currently 68,000 miles) with FBO for 7 years and love it very much. When purchasing the car I always knew it would not be a car forever / super long term because I always knew I had a desire to own an F model.

I am planning in a couple of months to buy either a ISF or RCF, I am currently leaning towards an RCF because I plan to drive/own my next car for a long period of time and figured with the upgrade in technology the RCF would keep up with the trends over the time better. Plus as the chassis/platform is totally different to 2IS therefore would feel more like a new car with new interior layout. When comparing the 2 cars exteriors eye appeal, I prefer the ISF lines and in Australia ISF's are on average cheaper than RCF's.

I am not concerned about miles on as I know 2UR is tough and seen countless YouTube videos of the car going 300,000 + miles no problem, no loss of power.

Now understanding my circumstance, here are my questions:

- Do you think it makes sense to purchase an older MY model ISF compare to my current MY12 IS350 ie: buy an 2009 vs. my 2012 IS350?
- I cannot find a solid YES or NO answer on whether 2008-2011 ISF's have Bluetooth audio ie: the ability to stream music via Bluetooth?
- For street/daily driving and on a rare occasion a spirted drive on back roads - what would be the more responsive & enjoyable platform ISF or RCF? Most of driving enjoyment talks place on the highway now.
- Predicting the long term future ie: next 10 years what will be the more desirable platform for enthusiasts ISF or RCF, commanding better resale from a stronger cult following that of course drives prices up. "Brotax" think of the GTR, Supra, DC2 Integra Type R. all expensive cars considering their production year.. which platform will go down in cult history?

Thank you by having these questions answered, will help me out on my decision.

esaino

I have ‘13 IS350 f-sport 87k km.
I would consider RCF instead of ISF because it is newer and I prefer coupe with back seat for my next car.
my other choice is to wait couple more years for the refresh model of next gen Toyota GT86/BRZ (hopefully it comes with manual gearbox) or next gen STI (FA engine)....

davidbusta

iTrader: (1)

IMO the ISF looks better. and is even a sleeper that not many people know about. just like the is350 is. everyone knows about the is250 that its not that fast but not many people know about the is350 and very little know about the ISF and how quick they both are. since they look like any other 4 door lexus which are not known to be fast or sporty. the RC F has a very aggressive appearance which looks nice but im sure people can tell that its fast by just looking at it. and i like being in a sleeper(IS350) that will surprise people when i gap them. but i would say try to get the refresh version of the ISF, 2011+. i heard Lexus made significant improvements to the feel and drive of the car over the 2008-2010 ISF, primarily with the handling and suspension. An ISF of any year is always going to be better than your IS350. Im not sure about the bluetooth. but i think the 2009 is350 had the Bluetooth to stream music so it would make sense that at least a 2009 ISF had Bluetooth too. I think the ISF can go up in value IF lexus doesnt released an ISF when they announce the 4IS in a year or 2 but only time will tell.

redspencer

iTrader: (1)

Unless you go with a 2011+ MY Lexus IS-F, the 09 IS-F that you are considering buying would be a downgrade over the RC-F as it has an open differential, overly stiff and unbalanced suspension tuning, and poor steering feel and feedback. The 2010 MY IS-F included a much needed Torsen LSD and the 2011+ MY received further improvements with a revised suspension setup for a more balanced at-the-limit feel and greatly improved steering feel/feedback. You also run the risk of the coolant valley leak with the 2UR of the IS-F; AFAIK, there are no known coolant leak issues on the revised 2UR used on the RCF. Straightline performance is near identical between the IS-F and RC-F as the RC-F is 200+ lbs heavier; RC-F will inspire more confidence on the back roads over the 09 IS-F but the 11+ MY IS-F will be of equal footing to the RC-F on both the back roads and on the track. Despite the performance strengths of the RC-F, the 09 IS-F may offer a higher 'hooligan' value with its lighter curb weight and lack of a differential.

Regarding streaming music via the bluetooth audio, I believe the 2010 MY for the IS-F/ISX50 were the first to obtain the ability to stream music via bluetooth without the use of aftermarket accessories.

With the eventual demise of the naturally aspirated V8 and the rapid shift towards electrification, both the IS-F and RC-F will command a premium in the future, despite the model flaws over their german rivals of the era. I've personally considered adding a late model 2UR V8 equipped Lexus to my stable for this specific reason but instead of the IS-F or RC-F, I've strongly considered the LC500 which may end up commanding the highest prices of the three models whenever internal combustion engines become extinct...

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Don't forget the GS-F! I'd have one over the IS-F and the RC-F personally.

AMIRZA786

If you decide to buy an IS F, buy a 2010 or 2011, as they did not have an LSD until 2010. As far as an RCF, any year used is good. BTW, you can upgrade the older infotainment system with a third party option that supports either Android auto or apple carplay for around $800 and change

JayLexin

Thanks everyone for the advice, much appreciated.

For the very fact that I currently own a 2IS I will be targeting a RCF for the next platform as it will give me a totally different feeling, this is what is needed when you plan to spend along time with a car, plus the refresh of tech and interior will help out.

The RCF weight is a issue and all reviews mention how it impacts extreme driveability on the track, I am not a full blown tracker so this won't phase me. I am a street driver and occasional spirted back roads.

2UR in ISF and RCF are almost identical with RCF having more HP overall (equal to ISF with full FBO) and the dual cycle engine.

With that being said is the low end torque the same in ISF vs. RCF from 0-4000 RPM? This is of course important for street drivers and red light hero's . FYI my 2IS with FBO beat a few ISFs at the red lights....

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

I had my 2008 ISF (with FBO and RCF wheels) for 11 years. When I upgraded I went for a new LC500. And, yes, technology has increased by leaps and bounds in the ensuing years. Go with the RCF. As far as a GSF, if you don't need the room or added doors, the RCF, IMHO, makes more sense.

Lou