ISF vs. IS500
02-04-22, 09:08 AM
#1
ISF vs. IS500
Just wondering how many of us ISF owners would consider trading for an IS500. The late model F's, MY2011 and newer are selling for pretty good money these days. It almost makes me think it might be worth selling off my 2012 and looking at an IS500 as a replacement. Especially if the F is primarily used on the street with no track action, I am thinking the IS500 might be a better car to own. Thoughts?
02-04-22, 10:29 AM
#4
02-04-22, 10:33 AM
#5
Agreed what others have said... I like the idea of new tech and the new car smell, but I think our 2IS platform is more of a "drivers" car where you feel more connected to the car and road. BUT, if something happened to my ISF, I'd definitely look into a GSF or IS500, but in the end, I'd probably find myself back into another ISF
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Greatest (02-08-22)
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02-04-22, 02:42 PM
#9
Moderator
Good friend of mine drove one and said it was underwhelming. I’d never trade, but I like a drivers car. The ISF is tactile in a way that modern cars will struggle to match. I also like have a track bred car.
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02-05-22, 02:05 PM
#10
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
Never even considered it. I'd drop $25k into my IS F before I'd spend a dime on an IS500. They didn't make that car for someone like me.
02-06-22, 11:09 AM
#11
Moderator
I honestly can’t figure out who it is marketed for. I can only imagine for people who just want a sporty daily driver, but not a sports car. I really just view it as a more powerful is350, which is exactly what it is. I daily an is350. It’s an excellent car… but it isn’t a sports car.
02-06-22, 10:57 PM
#12
Intermediate
If you plan to garage queen it, I guess keep the IS-F.. But from an owner who drives it daily, and enjoys it everyday, get the 500. Repairs are getting costly. Just this year my ac compressor broke ($2300), amp stopped working ($400 IS-F donor car). last year my two front wheel bearings gave ($1600). things I've replaced in the last 4 years includes the radiator, pulley tensioner, transmission seal, rear oil seal bearing, and the infamous valley plate leak. Still not bad for a 14 year old car, but I feel like I'm constantly saving up for the next repair (knock on wood).
02-07-22, 08:34 AM
#13
I will be a little different and say I appreciate the IS500 and am genuinely interested in owning a CPO used one in 2-3 years. Before I get flamed please let me try to explain. I'm not a new car buyer, but at $55-65k new it makes a lot more sense and competes better in it's class than the $80-95k RCF/GSF ever did. Yes, the ISF was engineered at the track, but it was also a skunkworks effort with lots of room to improve as it did in later years. Anyone who tracks the ISF eventually upgrades the radiator/oil cooler, the brakes, the suspension, the bushings, sway bars, even the LSD. All things you can do to the IS500, without having to pay for it up front first. The initial ISF reviews were also lukewarm at best and driving a stock ISF compared to my modded 12 was easily felt. Personally I think the new IS's are the best looking of all the previous generations, and while I wish there is an ISF or that the IS500 looked more different, the best ingredients are still there. Yamaha V8, Aisin 8 speed, LSD in a small sedan, now with updated and adjustable suspension and a 2015 level interior, for the price of a new Q50RS. That being said, I have yet to drive one, but I can't imagine a softer suspension or brakes or weak exhaust note can't be upgraded.
The ISF was great for me as a reliable and low depreciating daily driver that had the luxury and comfort features, but also the power to surprise pony car owners and German saloon owners alike. It's a very respectable and special car even more so in 2022. After loving and owning an 08 ISF and a 12 ISF, I sold my 2012 this weekend with an extra pair of wheels and a lot of goodies for over $48k. In 100k miles between them, I did autox and drag strip a few times and many cruises and spirited driving days, but never took it to a track day. Perhaps I never truly enjoyed what it was meant for, but I also understand that it may have struggled unless I had multiple track necessary upgrades. In 100k between them, I was lucky to only have a handful of minor repairs. VP leak on my 08 largely covered by warranty, a bad cam motor gear and intake MAF pipe issue on my 12, and recently a overfilled evap canister from topping off fuel on my 12.
The IS500 I imagine is perfect for someone a little older than me with a larger budget, who doesn't want the attention of a scat pack, but also doesn't want to be the typical 340i or Q50 owner. That being said, I came to the conclusion that if I wanted more power or more comfort a GX460 and a coupe are my next goal. I really wanted to like the GSF, but it was simply slower and I feel the IS500 will be a bigger hit. I will still stick around though as this community is the best by far of many I have been a part of.
The ISF was great for me as a reliable and low depreciating daily driver that had the luxury and comfort features, but also the power to surprise pony car owners and German saloon owners alike. It's a very respectable and special car even more so in 2022. After loving and owning an 08 ISF and a 12 ISF, I sold my 2012 this weekend with an extra pair of wheels and a lot of goodies for over $48k. In 100k miles between them, I did autox and drag strip a few times and many cruises and spirited driving days, but never took it to a track day. Perhaps I never truly enjoyed what it was meant for, but I also understand that it may have struggled unless I had multiple track necessary upgrades. In 100k between them, I was lucky to only have a handful of minor repairs. VP leak on my 08 largely covered by warranty, a bad cam motor gear and intake MAF pipe issue on my 12, and recently a overfilled evap canister from topping off fuel on my 12.
The IS500 I imagine is perfect for someone a little older than me with a larger budget, who doesn't want the attention of a scat pack, but also doesn't want to be the typical 340i or Q50 owner. That being said, I came to the conclusion that if I wanted more power or more comfort a GX460 and a coupe are my next goal. I really wanted to like the GSF, but it was simply slower and I feel the IS500 will be a bigger hit. I will still stick around though as this community is the best by far of many I have been a part of.
Last edited by LexusfanVA; 02-07-22 at 08:51 AM.
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02-07-22, 08:43 AM
#14
Moderator
It’s not likely to be cheaper to buy a 60-70k car. Grab a set of wrenches. Most of what you listed costs hundreds to repair, not thousands, if you turn a wrench. Even paying for repairs, it’s cheaper.
My ISF is a 13, but my daily is an 08 Is350. Both my cars take oil, gas, and tires. I guarantee you a brand new Lexus costs more to own than both of my cars.
My ISF is a 13, but my daily is an 08 Is350. Both my cars take oil, gas, and tires. I guarantee you a brand new Lexus costs more to own than both of my cars.
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