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The IS-F is a Performance Bargain for Under 20 Grand

Looking for a new ride? We might have the perfect car just for you.

By Neftali Medina - December 5, 2017

Jz39

iTrader: (2)

Not sure where you are finding ISFs for under 20K with all service records and tires that check out etc etc. Take a look on Carmax and there are three 2008s in the US ranging from 27-29k with between 66 and 99k miles. That title is almost insulting to the F. The F is a bargain at 30k, forget 20. At 30 you could almost have a new loaded Camray or Accord, LOL! To all owners—don’t dump your F! Get what it’s worth and keep prices high! Supply and demand...we own a car that outperformed the most recent Lexus F models in the Lightning Lap and you can own this for FORTY TO FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS LESS THAN A GSF! Buy two ISFs and keep one for the winter

isfvss

For a second I thought it was I8ABMA car

Vitveet

Well said. Values will stay high, and possibly climb, as long as people keep the cars clean/unmolested. Not very many isfs out here in the first place. Tons of people out here looking for a clean example and willing to pay $3k-$5k MORE than market value just to prevent from looking for a year or more and to prevent from traveling across the country to pick up the right one.

V.

Dragtek

iTrader: (2)

I️ agree that the title is almost insulting.

TsunamiF

It's a reality.

Dragtek

iTrader: (2)

Perhaps, but those are some pretty weathered examples. I️ wouldn’t be surprised if some of them have accidents and/or are salvaged.

Jz39

iTrader: (2)

I like the third one—$18995 with 11,000 miles! Pretty sure that’s a typo....

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

^^^^I agree, but a google search brings this up:

https://www.carsforsale.com/lexus-is...463210-L124211



Lou

Vitveet

Yep. From the pictures in the ad, it has 111,295 miles on it, lol. Interior a bit worn as well.
Have to agree, these are bottom of the barrel examples.

V.

Jz39

iTrader: (2)

I once test drove an 08 that had ISX50 wheels on it with crappy all season tires and every check engine light lit up like a Christmas tree. The car was a mess all over, but it was damn fast and loud—I have to now assume that it probably had headers, exhaust, cat delete etc and bad O2 sensors etc. When I came back the salesman asked me if I liked the car and I told him that I loved the car, just not “that” car! And trust me when I tell you that even that car wasn’t under 20k!

liazon

iTrader: (1)

High Performance car values drop dramatically after 100k. Same thing happens to BMW M-series, Vetts, etc. The perception is anyone who buys a performance car, like the F, is going to drive it pretty hard. After 100k such miles, significantly higher maintenance costs are inevitable. So yes you can buy an 110k F for 20k, But you better budget several grand a year for maintenance. I think we all recognize Lexus engines are as resilient as any and it’s not necessarily the engine that’s gonna cost you money....it’s all the high-performance hardware that goes along with it.

Like most, I’d rather pay more upfront for lower miles.
Keep the miles low and the value stays high...

that said, if you can afford 30,40,50,60 grand for car I don’t think you’re too worried about depreciation. No better way to spend your money then on something you can enjoy every day.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

Yep, you were right. Did some more digging. found this.

Lou

ImportISF

iTrader: (9)

+1

I know ISF's are generally cheaper outside of CA. But here in CA, after looking everywhere from Craigslist to Autotrader to CarGurus, both NorCal & SoCal most early year (2008) ISF's are still hovering around $25k+ for a clean title one. The ones priced around $20k-$25k all have 100k+ miles and/or salvaged title.

Patton6964

iTrader: (3)

I bought one 2 months ago for 22k with 100k miles on it. Pervious owner was a military vet who would store it when he would go over seas. I thought 22k was a great deal for the car. Interior is 9.5/10 exterior is 8/10 ( just do to rock chips). He had extensive service records and did all routine maintenance so I was happy to pay the 22 and would assume he didn't beat on it too hard due to the condition it was in. I actually looked nation wide at F's before the one I bought appeared here locally to me. Most of the cars that are under 20k listed above I looked at and are trash, been in accidents, not cared for, terrible interior. I think I was lucky to find the one I did. I would just pay few k more to get one I know was cared for.