Future ISF Buyer
01-02-19 | 12:56 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 12
From: SC
Future ISF Buyer
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to post in the ISF area since I’ve been lurking around in here for more info on the ISF. I’m looking to possibly get one in the near future, as I am starting to need a 4 door car again, currently have an MR2 Turbo and 05 Pontiac GTO Manual.
I had a previous 2nd gen IS350, and loved it, but wanted more power and tunability, so I got a WRX. Then wanted a manual V8 so i got the GTO.
Anyway, I’m married now and have a dog, later kids, so for the future a two door isn’t going to fly, and I’ll need a 4 door. Also an auto so my wife can drive it some times if necessary, she can drive manual, just doesn’t like to : ) At this point the ISF looks like the one to be my DD, so on to my questions:
1. Is there much of an advantage to having the 2010 with mechanical LSD versus the 08/09 without? I’d prefer an 2010+, but depending on price, I’d be willing to go 08/09.
2. Are the 08/09 Water pump issues really a concern at this point or have most of them been swapped?
3. Right now there are 3 relatively near me, I wanted peoples opinion of what seems to be the best option, is rather be at the lower price point, but if it’s newer with less miles, I’ll happily pay more
a. 2010 grey with 83k miles $27k
b. 2008 white with 93k miles $22k
c. 2008 silver with 70k miles $28k
Sorry for the long post, just looking to get feedback
thanks
I wanted to post in the ISF area since I’ve been lurking around in here for more info on the ISF. I’m looking to possibly get one in the near future, as I am starting to need a 4 door car again, currently have an MR2 Turbo and 05 Pontiac GTO Manual.
I had a previous 2nd gen IS350, and loved it, but wanted more power and tunability, so I got a WRX. Then wanted a manual V8 so i got the GTO.
Anyway, I’m married now and have a dog, later kids, so for the future a two door isn’t going to fly, and I’ll need a 4 door. Also an auto so my wife can drive it some times if necessary, she can drive manual, just doesn’t like to : ) At this point the ISF looks like the one to be my DD, so on to my questions:
1. Is there much of an advantage to having the 2010 with mechanical LSD versus the 08/09 without? I’d prefer an 2010+, but depending on price, I’d be willing to go 08/09.
2. Are the 08/09 Water pump issues really a concern at this point or have most of them been swapped?
3. Right now there are 3 relatively near me, I wanted peoples opinion of what seems to be the best option, is rather be at the lower price point, but if it’s newer with less miles, I’ll happily pay more
a. 2010 grey with 83k miles $27k
b. 2008 white with 93k miles $22k
c. 2008 silver with 70k miles $28k
Sorry for the long post, just looking to get feedback
thanks
01-02-19 | 05:01 PM
#2
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: AR
They're reliable-- go with the '08/'09
Hi Ace,
Can I point something out? You're a car-hopper. It's ok, so am I and a lot of car enthusiasts.
Given that, I'd recommend a nicely cared-for 2008 or 2009. You'll miss the fancy differential, but I don't miss it and I don't really think a lot of people drive to use it. Going with an early model will save you thousands, which is money you can use to maintain the IS F which will make it reliable for a very long time. It'll be cheaper on insurance, too.
Another advantage: If the worst should happen and you later decide you really want a 911 (or Mustang GT, or Charger 392 or something else) you won't leak so much cash when you reluctantly sell the IS F. A newer one would deliver a bigger hit to your wallet.
Good luck, and enjoy your IS F! I love mine.
Can I point something out? You're a car-hopper. It's ok, so am I and a lot of car enthusiasts.
Given that, I'd recommend a nicely cared-for 2008 or 2009. You'll miss the fancy differential, but I don't miss it and I don't really think a lot of people drive to use it. Going with an early model will save you thousands, which is money you can use to maintain the IS F which will make it reliable for a very long time. It'll be cheaper on insurance, too.
Another advantage: If the worst should happen and you later decide you really want a 911 (or Mustang GT, or Charger 392 or something else) you won't leak so much cash when you reluctantly sell the IS F. A newer one would deliver a bigger hit to your wallet.
Good luck, and enjoy your IS F! I love mine.
01-02-19 | 09:27 PM
#3
Buy my car
30k$ for 107k miles 2008 black/black IS-F
You'll get
- car
- novel headers
- greddy ti exhaust
- rr racing usrs
- oem cf rear lip
- rc-f wheels
- rr racing intake
- rr racing chip
- rr racing aos
- figs motor mount
- ivic5i
- cf rear diffuser
- kw coil overs
- illuminated door sills
- f logo on front door lights
- vland rear tail lights
- valley plate done
- cracked headers replaced
- dash and door panels replaced
- water pump replaced
- radiator replaced
- starter replaced
- oil change every 5k miles
- spark plugs changed
- full paint correction within last 12 months
things i dont have
- the new model head lights (i dont want the AFS light to be on)
- cf hood
- cf fenders
- cf trunk
- supercharger
Texas car, no rust.
30k$ for 107k miles 2008 black/black IS-F
You'll get
- car
- novel headers
- greddy ti exhaust
- rr racing usrs
- oem cf rear lip
- rc-f wheels
- rr racing intake
- rr racing chip
- rr racing aos
- figs motor mount
- ivic5i
- cf rear diffuser
- kw coil overs
- illuminated door sills
- f logo on front door lights
- vland rear tail lights
- valley plate done
- cracked headers replaced
- dash and door panels replaced
- water pump replaced
- radiator replaced
- starter replaced
- oil change every 5k miles
- spark plugs changed
- full paint correction within last 12 months
things i dont have
- the new model head lights (i dont want the AFS light to be on)
- cf hood
- cf fenders
- cf trunk
- supercharger
Texas car, no rust.
Last edited by vraa; 01-04-19 at 03:30 PM.
01-03-19 | 02:43 AM
#4
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 261
From: Nc
Buy my car
30k$ for 107k miles 2008 black/black IS-F
You'll get
- car
- novel headers
- greddy ti exhaust
- rr racing usrs
- oem cf rear lip
- rc-f wheels
- rr racing intake
- rr racing chip
- rr racing aos
- figs motor mount
- ivic5i
- cf rear diffuser
- kw coil overs
- illuminated door sills
- f logo on front door lights
- vland rear tail lights
- valley plate done
- cracked headers replaced
- dash and door panels replaced
- water pump replaced
- radiator replaced
- oil change every 5k miles
- spark plugs changed
- full paint correction within last 12 months
things i dont have
- the new model head lights (i dont want the AFS light to be on)
- cf hood
- cf fenders
- cf trunk
- supercharger
Texas car, no rust.
30k$ for 107k miles 2008 black/black IS-F
You'll get
- car
- novel headers
- greddy ti exhaust
- rr racing usrs
- oem cf rear lip
- rc-f wheels
- rr racing intake
- rr racing chip
- rr racing aos
- figs motor mount
- ivic5i
- cf rear diffuser
- kw coil overs
- illuminated door sills
- f logo on front door lights
- vland rear tail lights
- valley plate done
- cracked headers replaced
- dash and door panels replaced
- water pump replaced
- radiator replaced
- oil change every 5k miles
- spark plugs changed
- full paint correction within last 12 months
things i dont have
- the new model head lights (i dont want the AFS light to be on)
- cf hood
- cf fenders
- cf trunk
- supercharger
Texas car, no rust.
V.
01-03-19 | 05:56 AM
#5
OP:
1. I would say it depends if you track it or want the best of the best. I've done a few autox and drag strip days, drive 25k a year, and constantly love the twists. I have not missed an LSD as much as I thought I would. Would it be better, sure, but when I bought my 08 the 10+ were easily $6-7k more. Money I spent on upgraded lights, exhaust, wheels coilovers, tune, and aesthetics instead.
2. I have an 08 with 85k and have constantly checked the water pump/valley plate and have found zero issues. A local mechanic friend of mine(with an ISF also) told me those were primarily for VIN's before 1569 that had issues. Not sure if that' correct, but I don't plan until spring/100k to change mine.
3.
a. 2010 grey with 83k miles $27k
b. 2008 white with 93k miles $22k
c. 2008 silver with 70k miles $28k
Of those 3, if the titles/accident history are all the same and clean then I'd say the white one is the closest to a good deal. Personally I think grey is the worst color on the car too, seems to hide all the lines. The main thing with these is the condition in and out and maintenance history. Maintenance is cheap enough, but if not done you're just asking for trouble. By far my ISF has been my favorite car of all, and I've had plenty of them.
Also, don't get scared about paying $$$ for brakes, I got oem rotors off eBay for $305, and pads were $100 auto zone duralast golds. Perfect for a daily and over $1k cheaper than what the dealer quoted.
01-03-19 | 06:22 AM
#6
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: West LA, California
LSD is a big improvement on this car. If the conditions of the three were similar, I'd pick the 2010. Just my opinion though. 2011+ you get a revised suspension. Something else to consider.
01-03-19 | 06:56 AM
#7
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,086
Likes: 972
From: Indiana
IMO 2010 or newer is a must. I have an 08 IS350 and a 13 F. My friends make fun of me for driving slow, and I still have one wheel spin issues in the 350. I feel my F diff lock pretty regularly in normal driving, helping the car to rotate or take off (esp. when wet). I don’t see how people don’t feel the one wheel spin issues in an F. It drives me nuts in my 350, so much so that I will eventually install an LSD most likely. This is all noticed in street use. My 350 cannot drift or do donuts.
These cars are super tight for kids in car seats. Frankly, they aren’t great cars for space. It works for us, but I’m 5’9” and my wife is 4’10”. She had the seat all the way up to fit a reverse facing car seat. Her purse had to be in her lap. If we didn’t have an SUV, I’d sell my 350 and buy an LS460. We take my car on short trips, but even all day in the 350 just driving around town is annoying. We could never leave overnight in either of my cars with luggage. My taller friends cannot fit in the front if my kids are in the back.
If this is going to be your main family car, you will need a bigger car. Trust me on that.
These cars are super tight for kids in car seats. Frankly, they aren’t great cars for space. It works for us, but I’m 5’9” and my wife is 4’10”. She had the seat all the way up to fit a reverse facing car seat. Her purse had to be in her lap. If we didn’t have an SUV, I’d sell my 350 and buy an LS460. We take my car on short trips, but even all day in the 350 just driving around town is annoying. We could never leave overnight in either of my cars with luggage. My taller friends cannot fit in the front if my kids are in the back.
If this is going to be your main family car, you will need a bigger car. Trust me on that.
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01-03-19 | 08:07 AM
#8
I owned an 04 and 06 GTO and was big into the LS1GTO forums.
Coming from a GTO with a clutch into a 08/09 IS-F you will be disappointed with how the rear of the car behaves.
Get a 2010 or up, or replace the differential in the 08/09 car you buy.
Coming from a GTO with a clutch into a 08/09 IS-F you will be disappointed with how the rear of the car behaves.
Get a 2010 or up, or replace the differential in the 08/09 car you buy.
01-03-19 | 09:07 AM
#9
01-03-19 | 12:21 PM
#10
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 523
Likes: 169
From: Alberta
ITs a GREAT car. I have 5 Lexus's and it is by far the best of the bunch. Find one that has not been driven hard, and the mileage won't be much of an issue. I prefer my 2010 ISF to the 1996 tt 911 I had. Unfortunately it only gets driven 4 months of the year due to Canadian winters.
01-03-19 | 02:40 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 12
From: SC
Well thank you everyone for the feedback.
its a lot to process haha.
At this point I think 2010+ is preferred, but if an 08 or 09 is a good deal, then I might do that.
I’m a long time Lexus fan and this will be my third. Just want one I’ll keep for a long time...hopefully.
its a lot to process haha.
At this point I think 2010+ is preferred, but if an 08 or 09 is a good deal, then I might do that.
I’m a long time Lexus fan and this will be my third. Just want one I’ll keep for a long time...hopefully.
01-04-19 | 08:53 AM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,303
Likes: 181
From: North Carolina
I test drove a 2008 silver with 70k miles $28,998 at Carmax the other day. The car didn't look as good in person as it did in the pics. However, it did drive well. This car is a beast! I felt it was worth closer to $26k though than $29k.
01-04-19 | 09:36 AM
#14
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,086
Likes: 972
From: Indiana
Since these cars are rare and sought after, they generally move fast. This has caused most of them to be priced high. If your patient, you will find the right one.