JamesAce99

Hey guys, so I am about ready to pull the trigger on an ISF. I am considering two options, one an 09 black on black ISF with carbon diffuser, RR intake and catch can with 78k miles for $31K CAD. The second option is a grey on black 2012 with 43,000 miles for $30K CAD. The 2012 is not a salvage title but was in a major front end collision, front right door, hood, bumper and right fender amounting to $24K CAD in repair costs. It was repaired at a reputable facility and I haven't seen the car in person but it looks to be clean. The 09 is a 3 owner car and the 12 is a 3 owner car as well, both don't have superb maintenance records but they're not abused cars either from talking to the owners. I probably have a bit more confidence in the 09 owner's maintenance as his paint is perfect (Im OCD about that). If the 09 was lower mileage, I'd hop on it over the 12 but I'm just conflicted as the 12 is the same price with the updated Lexus changes and less mileage albeit the accident.

Looking for some second thoughts, if the 12 runs perfect and is in good body/mechanical shape should I get that or should I go with the clean 09? To be fair the 09 also does have a $1200 claim from 2016 but that was just someone backing into his fender in a parking lot lol. Not that many options for Canadian ISFs and I'm looking to spend under $33-34k CAD so I'm basically limited to 08/09s. Would appreciate some insight.

Morantz

Hi!

The reality is the 12 model is and will be the more desired model later on if you are to place it on the market alongside the a 09 model. That is certainly the case over here in Australia where the later models are fetching good money compared to the 08 and 09 models. The later model just came with more improvements which would warrant the preference over the 09 model, namely the torsen LSD, DRL, different instrument cluster, updated infotainment system and arguably better looking alloy wheels. The two examples you've provided have the same amount of owners, both have been in an accident to some extent, yet the later model has less miles, going for $1k less. If the repairs on the 12 model were flawless, I'd pick that over the 09 model.

The intake and catch can on the 09 model may give you an indication on how that car was used thus far, whilst the 12 model is bone stock, therefore may have never been tracked. Despite that, I'd like to be proven wrong on the earlier model if it was never tracked or driven hard.

Maybe don't rush and wait for better examples to hit the market, but do aim for the 10 models and later which came with the torsen LSD.

Jwconeil

The intake and catch can is a negative to me. Those catch cans have had issues with the hoses leaking, allowing unmetered air into the engine. The oem intake is the best intake for the ISF. Makes as much power and isn’t as prone to heat soak. Out of the 2, If the 12 were truly fixed 100% correctly, I’d buy it. Front impacts can usually be fixed, as most stuff unbolts. When the rear of the car is involved, I would walk. You can unbolt the body panels back there, so then you get into welding and uncoated sheet metal replacements more prone to rust.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I'd buy the 2012 just for the improvements in suspension and differential.

Vitveet

Test drive them both if possible. Thoroughly inspect the '12. I love my '12 and can't see myself getting rid of it anytime soon. Super fun car! Good luck!

V.

MMI

I'd probly opt for the '12 model too. But agree with others' comments definitely test drive it at highway speeds checking for weird vibrations and or pulling. I'd probly want to get it checked out by a frame and alignment shop too and make sure that's all good.

iH8RICERZ

iTrader: (3)

As the others have stated, I'd also opt for the '12 model for resale, suspension, suspension, diff, gauge cluster and instrument panel updates, led strip headlights, etc. But, it would be worth test driving the 12 model to see how the doors shut, if the panels align, paint matches, and most importantly, how it drives. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Jwconeil

Maybe call a reputable auto body shop and pay them for a full assessment, Including frame and body alignment?