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Lexus IS: Spoiler Modifications

A spoiler can give your Lexus IS a very sporty look. Here's how to add one yourself.

By Jeffrey Smith - January 12, 2015

This article applies to the Lexus IS (2005-2013).

Adding a spoiler on your Lexus IS is quite an easy process. If you do it right, you won't believe how good it looks. Spoilers can make your car look sporty and slick, and the end result really is well worth the effort put into it.

There are two types of spoilers to consider: trunk and roof. You can do either or both; it all depends on how you want your car to look in the end. There are a couple of things to consider when choosing a spoiler. Do you have to drill holes and bolt them on? Or can you use adhesive and stick them on? Should you use a big, fat and wide trunk spoiler or a sleek, narrow one with a comparable roof spoiler? Will your gas mileage suffer using either one or both together?

Spoilers come in a variety of styles, and understanding what each style does will greatly help in identifying which is right for you and your car:

  • Front spoiler: This is an air dam that is mounted below the front bumper. This is really reserved for high-performance vehicles as they are designed to increase airflow to the radiator, keeping the engine cooler. On anything else, they are purely cosmetic.
  • Lip spoiler: This is really a cosmetic look all-around. There are front lip spoilers which make a longer silhouette, which is a nice sporty look. On the rear, they add a subtle line to the top rear edge of the trunk lid. They give a nice look to the Lexus. If they are installed with brake lights, they add a huge safety factor, which is always a good thing.
  • Pedestal spoiler: These are the tall spoilers on the rear of the vehicle. They actually disrupt the drag and can increase the aerodynamics and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. If they are done well, they can look really nice. They are not as popular with Lexus aficionados as the rear lip spoilers.
  • Roof spoiler: These are subtle lip-type spoilers that are installed on the rear roof edge of the vehicle. They increase the handling and (slightly) increase the aerodynamics of the car. They are mostly cosmetic, complimenting the looks of the Lexus brand nicely.

This article will focus on the most popular spoiler modifications that appear to Lexus owners.

Rear Spoilers

DIY Cost - $100-$500

Professional Cost - $300-$800

Skill Level - Easy if you use the adhesive method.

The lip spoiler is by far the most popular modification that Lexus owners prefer when choosing a spoiler to add to their car. Its sleek lines enhance the look and the sportiness of the ride. This spoiler can be installed in about an hour with minimal tools and mounted with double-sided outdoor mounting tape. Even at extremely high speeds, this spoiler will not give. It's an excellent modification to perform yourself, a considerable cost savings than having it professionally installed. A couple of popular brands and styles are the F Sport spoiler and a molded Wald spoiler. The Wald will set your wallet back just south of 5 large bills; the F Sport is considerably cheaper. They are both lip-style spoilers, but the Wald has a higher profile design. They both look awesome on the back of your Lexus.

Figure 1. Rear spoilers enhance the look of your ride.

Roof Spoilers

DIY Cost - $100-$300

Professional Cost - $300-$500

Skill Level - Easy if you use the adhesive method.

When it comes to roof spoilers, there isn't a whole lot of difference in design that works well with the Lexus. The slim, low profile designs enhance the sleek, luxurious look of the brand. Among Lexus owners, eBay is a good source for inexpensive roof spoilers. In many cases, one can be had for under a hundred dollars, one that is painted as well (assuming your Lexus is a standardized color). Be careful when ordering a paint scheme that is to match your customized car color; a chief complaint is that they don't match up well. Your best bet would be to order an unpainted one and then take it to a shop you trust to match it up. This will add a considerable cost onto the price of this modification.

Figure 2. Most roof spoilers for the Lexus are low profile.

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