Fellas... I've been after an F for quite some time now, and this one came up in the color combo I'm preferring. However, it also seems to have some mods on it that the average driver wouldn't have.

So far I'm seeing a Tom's steering wheel, Joe Z intake, oil catch can, exhaust, OEM led headlights, newer OEM wheels (with spacers?), suspension, blacked out emblems, window frames, etc.

Lexus records show all recalls done, and recently new dash and doors. Carfax is pretty clean (2 minor accidents under $500), 3 owners, each having it over a few years. Dealer is asking $22k. 129k miles.

So, does anyone know this car? Did it belong to anyone here by any chance? Run away? Run to buy?

Thanks, all!

 

The wheels are RCF wheels that are wider (9" and 10") with more aggressive offset. I ran RCF wheels on my ISF. To run 295/30 on the back I needed to roll the rear fender flat and cut 5mm from the rear wheel hub. I ran 255/35 on the front with no issues. I also had an F-Sport rear sway bar and RRRacings USRS on the front. With those changes the car handled like a slot car.

Lou

 

I do not but the mods look good and quality items.

 

Looks like aftermarket rear lights - car looks great in those photos.

 

Thanks, fellas. Yea those tails would go. I prefer either stocks or the all red Vlands...

I have a feeling this car is hiding a lot more quality mods... Probably headers, tune, and chassis/suspension goodies are lurking underneath.

 

Looks like the emergency brake pedal was replaced with probably a sport clutch pedal.

 

So I made the drive and went to see this car. Along with the mods mentioned before, it also has Sikky headers, a Magnaflow exhaust, some red adjustable upper control arms, and BC Racing BR coilovers. Possibly a tune to go with all that.

I took it for a spin and the thing is ROWDY. It's so loud you can't do anything discreetly in this car. For those days you are feeling frisky, it's awesome. Not sure it's something to deal with everyday or commuting.

On the test drive it was an animal. Wow. Engine and trans are working perfectly.

Now for the bad stuff.

Paint is swirled pretty bad. Front and rear bumpers need repaints. Front from bug chips, rear from previous accident repair. Front passenger fender same story from a separate accident. Every piece of trim is covered in carbon fiber vinyl wrap that's done. It's peeling all over. Front tires Hankooks, rear Pilot Sports. Tire pressure light flashing from dead sensor.

Valve cover gaskets are leaking both sides. (Not sure how difficult this job is, I need to look it up.) There seems to be another oil leak in the front center of the engine. The engine is generally just oily all over. No sign of valley plate leak but I really couldn't get in there.

One 2012 headlight is wet inside. Undercarriage shows signs of scrapes throughout.

Water pump was replaced evidenced by oozing FPIG. Interior is pretty much perfect.

Cargurus values this car at $17.3k. These people are asking $22. I have no idea how they got to that. They seem to not know much about it or the mods it has. Not sure what street price is for this, not counting the mods since I don't really care all of them. (The Tom's carbon steering wheel is work of art, tho) The exhaust I'd likely need to replace.

Comparing to prices of IS-F's sold here on CL, it does seem to be priced pretty high.

Either way the vibe off the car was that it was heavily modded, and used for such purpose. But she's still tight as a drum. That drivetrain can take it as we all know.

Anyhow, I just went to see it and walked. Told the salesman and his manager what I found and it's too high for what it is, but you have my number, I'm willing to talk.

Thoughts?

 

Couple of pics.

 

Sounds like it was ridden hard and not cared for. Expensive mods don’t mean much when general maintenance is neglected. If I see a leak on a car, I tear it apart and fix it. Just my two cents. I’d wait for a better kept car.

 

I would like the fact that the interior is in good shape, has some mods (same camber arms I have on my F), and feels tight. I get the vibe cars that are really beat on, dont feel that way. The valve covers are probably easy to do (I work on my own vehicles), and the leaks on the front could be timing cover, or something as simple as the oil cooler O-ring that just went bad on my car. Made a big mess but was a cheap and very easy repair

If it were me looking at it and had a set budget, I'd consider it if it was under $20k, there were no abnormal noises/sounds during the drive and under the hood, transmission shifted like it was supposed to, and the valley plate leak was fixed. But everyone is different when it comes to things to consider before a car purchase

 

Very true. Keep us posted, and stick around. I’m sure the members on here can help you get it running in tip top shape!

 

My 08 is flawless in comparison. 78k miles,
I’m thinking of getting a 2012 or 13.
Absolutely love these cars.
Mine is worth $17,000 with a branded title.
Can’t beat low miles and flawless paint.

 

Yea I'm not afraid of some work. In fact, I prefer it if the price is right. I rather do some repairs if the car comes with an appropriate discount. But this is above market even in good condition.

Yesterday they called me back and offered a $2k discount. Out the door it was still like $24k with their exorbitant fees. I very directly told them I'm not the ideal buyer for this car. Some flashy sap with some credit is going to overpay for that at 24% APR and be happy. It's a buy here pay here type of place so they have their target market. Tho when I told him it was a cash transaction, his ears did perk up.

I'm surely not paying $6k over fair market value for it. It's a 3rd play car for me, I'm in no hurry. I'll keep watching it just in case. He knows I'm interested just at a certain price point.

 

rare color and looks like the interior and exterior is clean. I dont think $20k is out of the ballpark. I bought mine last year as my beater car and its nowhere near as nice, but it was under 15k and the engine and trans was solid. I wouldnt mind paying 20k if the color and condition was right

 

Branded title cars are worth significantly less than a normal title car. 17k May be a little optimistic, regardless of how clean and low mileage it is. Idk though, maybe someone will pay that. 08 is a common year, and good titled ones can be had in the teens, and even clean ones with 100k can be had for around 19... I just saw one on Facebook for 19k I wanted to buy myself.