IS F "Stiffness" how bad is it?
#31
Advanced
2010 here, wifes daily. No issues, could it be a little softer, sure. But no problems on rough city streets with me, wife and kids in the back. It ridesw like a sports car and less like a family sedan. If that is your only hang-up from getting and ISF then just go for it, you will love the car, completely different animal than an IS 350.
#33
Rookie
Thread Starter
I went to the next city over's Lexus dealer which had not one but two used IS F on their lot. They had a 2010 and a 2012 IS F. Their asking prices for the two were:
2010: 40,000 miles $43,000
2012: 6,000 miles $48,000
They were willing to drop both by about $3,000 ish them down to 40k and 45k respectively.
I found that the 2010 suspension wasn't that bad compared to my current IS300. In fact, my IS300 takes the bumps a bit harder than the ISF probably due to the rigidity of the newer car but the 2010 bounces you around in the seat a bit more if you know what I mean. There were a few undulations in the highway and I agree with a previous poster that the 2010 IS F exhibits a little bouncy feeling in the front. The 2012 version on the other hand doesn't have this but between the two cars, I found very little difference in the suspension. The 2010 has a SLIGHTLY more jostling ride compared to the 2012 but I can't call either one harsh. It's not even "stiff" as much as it bounces your head a bit more.
I wasn't able to hit any really nasty bumps, just the regular concrete slaps on the freeway and a crack here or there. Though I can see if I were to drive this car back up in Michigan and its concrete freeways, I'd have a busted neck within a few days. Roads up there are absolutely terrible.
Thoughts on the values of the cars? http://www.augustalexus.com/VehicleD...-GA/2084002813
EDIT: Apparently the previous owner was an 80 year old man who babied the car. Luckily, when I test drove the cars, the sales rep had no desire to be anywhere near the passenger seat and just gave me the keys and said have fun. Not long after I was doing 120 on the freeway.
2010: 40,000 miles $43,000
2012: 6,000 miles $48,000
They were willing to drop both by about $3,000 ish them down to 40k and 45k respectively.
I found that the 2010 suspension wasn't that bad compared to my current IS300. In fact, my IS300 takes the bumps a bit harder than the ISF probably due to the rigidity of the newer car but the 2010 bounces you around in the seat a bit more if you know what I mean. There were a few undulations in the highway and I agree with a previous poster that the 2010 IS F exhibits a little bouncy feeling in the front. The 2012 version on the other hand doesn't have this but between the two cars, I found very little difference in the suspension. The 2010 has a SLIGHTLY more jostling ride compared to the 2012 but I can't call either one harsh. It's not even "stiff" as much as it bounces your head a bit more.
I wasn't able to hit any really nasty bumps, just the regular concrete slaps on the freeway and a crack here or there. Though I can see if I were to drive this car back up in Michigan and its concrete freeways, I'd have a busted neck within a few days. Roads up there are absolutely terrible.
Thoughts on the values of the cars? http://www.augustalexus.com/VehicleD...-GA/2084002813
EDIT: Apparently the previous owner was an 80 year old man who babied the car. Luckily, when I test drove the cars, the sales rep had no desire to be anywhere near the passenger seat and just gave me the keys and said have fun. Not long after I was doing 120 on the freeway.
Last edited by Syan48306; 01-18-14 at 02:15 PM.
#36
Intermediate
iTrader: (1)
For those of you who have driven both a pre 2011 IS F and after, is the difference noticeable? Just how "stiff" is stiff? I've never had the opportunity to drive the IS F and I'm trying to get an idea before I get around to finding one. Can a 2011+ IS F compare with an 2014 F Sport IS 350 in sport S+ mode in terms of ride comfort?
#37
i dont think its a stiff ride ppl are just picking and want something wrong with the car. its an ISF a sport sadan its supposed to be stiff. i dont daily drive my F but i have no problems with comfort on long road trips. i say you drive one for yourself and see what the hype is about.
#38
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
Coming from a 2007 IS 350 to a 2012 IS-F I was concerned about the stiffness too. I read the suspension was upgraded in the 2011+ so I took the risk.. but the 2012 IS-F was just too stiff for me.. in no way was it even close to an 2007 IS 350.. the suspension seems to pick up every imperfection on the road (great for the track but not a daily driver) and transfer it to my *** and body.. I eventually installed BC Racing Coilover (14K/10K) + Swift Spring and now I am happy.
#39
I'm also curious to know about this. My 2011 has a more brittle ride than I'd like.
#41
Driver School Candidate
I haven't driven an earlier version of my 2011, but the LSD, suspension and other improvements kept my shopping list at '11+. I'm coming from an FRS, so it's not feeling too stiff for me. It's really a personal thing. I like a firm/performance setup. If I wanted comfort, I'd have bought an LS .
#42
On a crap road, it can definitely be a bit less than comfy. I just know that it's stiff for a reason. If anybody riding in my car says anything, I just tell them that's the price of owning a race car