Barry

[Cactus]

Hi all

i am new to all this. I am looking for an f car now (feel like if i dont try it now, i wont get a chance to as less of them are being made). 

I have been looking at isf and rcf noticing that some of the used isf (13 plate) are priced very similarly to an rcf (15 plate) of similar mileage around 30k. 

Am i missing something that i should know i.e reliability/maintenance cost between the two models? 

On another note, or is it worth spending extra 4-5k getting a used gsf (if one shows up)?

many thanks

[Toothy]

Nothing different reliability wise between all the F's. Servicing is mostly the same cost too. RC-F might be a touch more but nothing significant.
I think the later ISFs are holding their value slightly better than the equivalent RC-F due to their practicality, and being the very last always holds a little premium. IS-F is easier to live with if you have children for example. Interesting to see what other people's opinion on this is.
I'd go for a GS-F if you need the extra space or want the presence of a larger car. If not, get an RC-F if in budget and suitable for your needs, or an earlier IS-F.

[NothernDan]

If you are looking at spending that amount of money, get on eBay right now and buy Pete's supercharged ISF and you will have the best car that this amount of money can buy.

That is all.

😎

 

 

[gb1600e]

Well my plan is to keep my ISF for 18 months or so and then change it for an RCF and when I decide I'm too old to hoon around in 2 door coupe (or my lad is too big get in the back) I could get a GSF. So why not hatch a plan to have all 3   

[Womble72]

“Personally” the ISF was the mould breaker for Lexus and as most “firsts” of anything that becomes iconic it’s normally that that will hold its premium best and future classic premium too. There isn’t much difference in engine/drivetrain. There is a big difference in interior refinement, the ISF has basically been about since 2005 on an interior aspect and things move on “obstetrically speaking”......I’ve had my ISF for four years and there still isn’t something “affordable to me” to change it for, prior to this I had an IS250-Sel for five years so I’ve been in the same car for nine years on an interior aspect. I like both the RCF and GSF but again it’s a personal matter of 2 Vs 4 doors. GSF were lowest built units but then so is the M5 and RS6.....a size market I never got my head round from manufacturers to try and master. I’d be careful with spending more as potentially you lose more upon resale, a car will only make what someone is prepared to pay.

good luck with your decision, one thing I’m certain of.......whatever one you choose I’m sure you’ll be over the moon with.

Paul 

[Bluethunder]

The cheapest RCF for sale on AT is 6K cheaper than the most expensive ISF!..

[doog442]

33 minutes ago, Bluethunder said:

The cheapest RCF for sale on AT is 6K cheaper than the most expensive ISF!..

That RCF at £25,992 has just appeared. The cheapest example for some time but private / higher mileage. 

[Cactus]

On 5/23/2019 at 9:13 PM, gb1600e said:

Well my plan is to keep my ISF for 18 months or so and then change it for an RCF and when I decide I'm too old to hoon around in 2 door coupe (or my lad is too big get in the back) I could get a GSF. So why not hatch a plan to have all 3   

Good idea! May be the lc500 at some point too 😉 or the convertible if they do eventually decide to make it

[Cactus]

12 hours ago, Womble72 said:

“Personally” the ISF was the mould breaker for Lexus and as most “firsts” of anything that becomes iconic it’s normally that that will hold its premium best and future classic premium too. There isn’t much difference in engine/drivetrain. There is a big difference in interior refinement, the ISF has basically been about since 2005 on an interior aspect and things move on “obstetrically speaking”......I’ve had my ISF for four years and there still isn’t something “affordable to me” to change it for, prior to this I had an IS250-Sel for five years so I’ve been in the same car for nine years on an interior aspect. I like both the RCF and GSF but again it’s a personal matter of 2 Vs 4 doors. GSF were lowest built units but then so is the M5 and RS6.....a size market I never got my head round from manufacturers to try and master. I’d be careful with spending more as potentially you lose more upon resale, a car will only make what someone is prepared to pay.

good luck with your decision, one thing I’m certain of.......whatever one you choose I’m sure you’ll be over the moon with.

Paul 

Thank you!

i am quite fond on the old school interior of the isf, just cant justify the cost compared with the rcf 😭

am i right to think the gsf has the better interior kit compared to the rcf?

[Cactus]

11 hours ago, Bluethunder said:

The cheapest RCF for sale on AT is 6K cheaper than the most expensive ISF!..

I know right. And then the one and only gsf on AT is 40k priced similiar to an equivalent rcf of the same year and mileage. 

The depreciation value of gsf > rcf? Would people agree?

[Cactus]

What are people’s view on the isf on the manufacturer web/ 08 plate 58k mile priced just  under 20k

is it too old?

[dandydons]

Pete's one much better option at 21k . 

[Womble72]

1 hour ago, Cactus said:

What are people’s view on the isf on the manufacturer web/ 08 plate 58k mile priced just  under 20k

is it too old?

To old?.....the 08-09 are faster as they’re Euro 4, the Euro 5 has slightly different figures for emission purposes but not noticeable in real driving, the big difference was 2010/11 I think but again unless you want to track the car and track it hard as a novice the difference probably isn’t that noticeable. You tend to get a feel for the right car so go with your gut feeling not your heart

[NothernDan]

Buy Pete's car. 

If I was in the market right now I would do it immediately. There is not a better ISF out there. 

In fact, what an I saying, forget that. Buy MY car so I can buy Pete's. 

I am deadly serious. PM me if you like. 

[gb1600e]

19 hours ago, Cactus said:

What are people’s view on the isf on the manufacturer web/ 08 plate 58k mile priced just  under 20k

is it too old?

I toyed with the idea of buying a late model ISF but went 2009 and am very very happy with it and will sit on the £10k difference for when I trade up. More important to get a good one than a newer one I think. I guess the low miles dealer one has a warranty which is a plus although some quality cars on here being offered for sale now.

[Cactus]

On 5/22/2019 at 9:08 PM, NothernDan said:

If you are looking at spending that amount of money, get on ebay right now and buy Pete's supercharged ISF and you will have the best car that this amount of money can buy.

That is all.

😎

 

 

Not that i am not interested. I have very little knowledge on car mechanics and, for this reason, i have very cautious approach in buying cars/ i tend to opt for manufacturer approved/under warranty car as i dun have much financial room for unexpected high repair cost.

On that note, i believe a modified car has implication on warranty/ insurance/ more importantly i am concerned as to how many mechanics incl lexus would be willing to look at the car if problem arises.

thanks for your advice! Grateful if you can share some thought on this 

 

barry

[Killysprint]

I’m with you and can understand your apprehension on buying a car outside the approved manufacturers used car program / warranty.

However I’m now on my 2nd F, and the reason I stuck with the brand instead of straying to the inevitable German competition was the absolute bomb proof reliability of the things.

My ISF was bought from a specialist and I immediately put a Lexus 2yr warranty on it. Purely because the M5 before it had so much work done under warranty that the boss insisted the car was covered.

however it was totally un-necessary. Outside the regular annual service, and a set of brakes, it had 2 wiper blades. Didn’t even burn any oil. In 2 1/2 yrs and 25k ish miles, and to be honest when the warranty expired, I didn’t renew it, down to the reliability of the thing. I’m sure many others on the forum have had similar experiences.

Personally if I was looking for an ISF I’d go for a later facelift car, just to have the updated tech, Bluetooth streaming, DAB etc. But from my experience,  if you can stretch to it and can find one in the colour you want I’d go for a GSF. 

i bought my GSF earlier this year and it’s a very different car to the ISF and love it.

Inside you can see and feel the 10 years since the IS was first launched. The driver interface in the GS is so much better.

The GS is more composed and not as figetty on the road, with the TVD on the twisties it feels a smaller car.

I’m sure I’m like most of the other members of the forum, when you buy a new car you’re immediately thinking what to get to replace it. And honestly for the first time in a long time, I’m struggling to think of what’s next.

if you want a run out in a GSF drop me a PM - I notice you’re in Tyne and Wear. I’m in Newcastle so won’t be far away.

[Cactus]

On 5/27/2019 at 3:47 PM, Killysprint said:

I’m with you and can understand your apprehension on buying a car outside the approved manufacturers used car program / warranty.

However I’m now on my 2nd F, and the reason I stuck with the brand instead of straying to the inevitable German competition was the absolute bomb proof reliability of the things.

My ISF was bought from a specialist and I immediately put a Lexus 2yr warranty on it. Purely because the M5 before it had so much work done under warranty that the boss insisted the car was covered.

however it was totally un-necessary. Outside the regular annual service, and a set of brakes, it had 2 wiper blades. Didn’t even burn any oil. In 2 1/2 yrs and 25k ish miles, and to be honest when the warranty expired, I didn’t renew it, down to the reliability of the thing. I’m sure many others on the forum have had similar experiences.

Personally if I was looking for an ISF I’d go for a later facelift car, just to have the updated tech, Bluetooth streaming, DAB etc. But from my experience,  if you can stretch to it and can find one in the colour you want I’d go for a GSF. 

i bought my GSF earlier this year and it’s a very different car to the ISF and love it.

Inside you can see and feel the 10 years since the IS was first launched. The driver interface in the GS is so much better.

The GS is more composed and not as figetty on the road, with the TVD on the twisties it feels a smaller car.

I’m sure I’m like most of the other members of the forum, when you buy a new car you’re immediately thinking what to get to replace it. And honestly for the first time in a long time, I’m struggling to think of what’s next.

if you want a run out in a GSF drop me a PM - I notice you’re in Tyne and Wear. I’m in Newcastle so won’t be far away.

Thanks. I have made my mind up, gsf it is. I need the practicality aspect. Just need to wait for one in my budget bracket 😑 

[hockeyedwards]

On 5/31/2019 at 9:01 AM, Cactus said:

Thanks. I have made my mind up, gsf it is. I need the practicality aspect. Just need to wait for one in my budget bracket 😑 

Put your shrewd negotiator cap on 😜

[Cactus]

12 hours ago, hockeyedwards said:

Put your shrewd negotiator cap on 😜

Lol i think the market is too small and competitive at a moment for any kind of negotiation

[hockeyedwards]

4 hours ago, Cactus said:

Lol i think the market is too small and competitive at a moment for any kind of negotiation

I am shocked, appalled and offended (just kidding), there’s always room for negotiation 😜