RRocket

I know...talk about polar opposites! I currently love my 2004 LS430 Ultra. But I've been preparing to buy an IS-F as my next car. But I'm having 2nd thoughts. For the past week or so, I've been driving my wife's 2002 IS300 manual. It's a fabulous car, she has it modded just right (short throw shifter, intake, ECU, exhaust, 18" wheels). And despite how fun it was...I find myself missing the peerless luxury of my LS. Don't get me wrong, her IS300 is nice (as was an IS350 I had)..but it's not LS nice. While the LS isn't sporty, there's something very special and deeply satisfying about driving such a fine vehicle. And I felt pretty much the same during my IS-F test drives. While the engine is awe inspiring, the rest of the package left me wanting from the luxury side. Again, that's not to say the IS-F is cheap or of low quality...it's just not an LS. Honestly, I think the GS-F is what ticks the boxes for me, but that's out of budget.

So now I'm considering a 2010-2012 LS460 Sport. Ticks most of the boxes (though I do wish it had the IS-F engine...it would be perfect then!). It's certainly more fun to drive than a "regular" LS, but maintains the luxury I'm accustomed to.

Just wondering if anyone else has gone through the same thing..or perhaps even better, someone who has owned both? Just looking for insight...anything you can provide.

VanCityLS4

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Dave144239

I spent a lot of time researching the IS-F and the GS 350 before deciding on the LS 460.

For me, the thought process really came down to where I end up driving most of the time, as opposed to dreams of canyon roads in CA. The reality is bumper-to-bumper traffic, crappy roads, and the only opportunity to floor it being at a traffic light. That's why I ended up with an LS, and now that I've owned it for eight months, I'm really happy with it.

tofuprod

Like stated, the LS is no slouch, obviously you're keenly aware of the difference between the ISF and the LS. Drive both back to back and then some, if you can - then decide.

Funny story, I used to have a 5 speed Is300 as well ('02 black onyx on black, single turbo) miss it time to time.

kevin3344

Almost my exact question.. recently I test drove a friends IS-F and while it is very fast I question how often I'll be able to use the power. That and we already have 3 Lexus vehicles in the family (GS400, SC430 and GX470). My '99 GS400 has been in the family almost 20yrs and is my daily so she's not going anywhere. The GX470 is hers. So we would have to sell the SC430 which we both love to drive on the weekends and take on trips. It's more of a cruiser of course but tons of fun with the top down. I'll be interested to know what you decide. On a good note we bought the SC430 last year for around $12k and could get just about what we paid for it (or even a little more).

RRocket

Oh you sound very much like my wife and I! Having owned 2 GS, the last of which I sold with 425k on it! The wife's IS is going nowhere...she LOVES it and refuses to sell it.

And yes, we're also considering an SC..a Pebble Beach in the incredible looking color Tiger Eye Mica.

At this point, I have no idea which way we'll go. A wildcard, though non Lexus that intrigues us and bridges the gap between IS-F and LS460 Sport is the V10 powered Audi S8. We both love the car tremendously...but not sure if we're inclined to deal with the high running costs associated with it.

SatComm302

I currently own both an IS-F and LS460L. While they're two entirely different cars, I love them both in their own way. The IS-F is an absolute blast to drive and the best of both worlds; a high performance luxury car that can hold its own on the track. It's a sleeper and I love blowing the doors off the younger generation's modded cars that dare tempt fate not knowing what the IS-F is hiding under her hood, LOL. But, I couldn't use the IS-F as a daily driver. My wife loves it and drives it every day, but I prefer the refined drive and luxury of my LS460L. While our trips are always traveled in the LS, I'll steal the IS-F from time-to-time to run a few errands and have some fun. If you can...get both!

kevin3344

Haha, that's what I want one for! For those young kids with Mustangs haha. When I bought my 2GS in 1999 I Googled "fastest sedans built" and the GS400 came up in the search results. After a test drive I couldn't believe how fast and smooth it was. Back then 0-60 in 5.7 seconds was fast and no one knew 300 hp was under the hood. Today though 300hp is par for the course lol.

After the test drive of my friends IS-F I realize it's is a different car than the GS...that thing is a beast when you want it to be.