Newbie - Considering ISF

[TonkerToy]

Hi all,

Thanks for having me!

Long story short, I’ve got a new car on order, due to come in December. In the extended time I’ve been waiting for the car, I’ve been thinking should I bin it off and have one last roll of the metaphorical naturally-aspirated dice.

I’m calling on the wealth of knowledge to confirm what the general consensus is of running an ISF as a daily doing 15k miles a year, if I was to go down this route instead.

Is there a buying guide or some fundamental do’s and don’ts when considering one?

TIA
 

Matt

[Womble72]

1 hour ago, TonkerToy said:

Hi all,

Thanks for having me!

Long story short, I’ve got a new car on order, due to come in December. In the extended time I’ve been waiting for the car, I’ve been thinking should I bin it off and have one last roll of the metaphorical naturally-aspirated dice.

I’m calling on the wealth of knowledge to confirm what the general consensus is of running an ISF as a daily doing 15k miles a year, if I was to go down this route instead.

Is there a buying guide or some fundamental do’s and don’ts when considering one?

TIA
 

Matt

Make sure it has a “good service history”…….manifolds have been replaced OR there’s no ticking on cold start up, radiator has been changed (not a common issue BUT the gearbox oil runs within the same unit and corrosion can take place) gearbox will cost u £8k for new one……water pump has been replaced (would imagine all out there have been)……. Check on here as most are known (there’s a couple of “no goes” about)…….other than that they’re pretty bulletproof, expect to get 24-26mpg as a daily on that millage unless your heavy footed, can get 34mpg at a steady 75ish……although great cars expect it to be harder to shift than most cars…….they’re still under the radar compared to the common Merc, BM, Audi etc…….but are far more reliable and fuel efficient.

[TonkerToy]

8 hours ago, Womble72 said:

Make sure it has a “good service history”…….manifolds have been replaced OR there’s no ticking on cold start up, radiator has been changed (not a common issue BUT the gearbox oil runs within the same unit and corrosion can take place) gearbox will cost u £8k for new one……water pump has been replaced (would imagine all out there have been)……. Check on here as most are known (there’s a couple of “no goes” about)…….other than that they’re pretty bulletproof, expect to get 24-26mpg as a daily on that millage unless your heavy footed, can get 34mpg at a steady 75ish……although great cars expect it to be harder to shift than most cars…….they’re still under the radar compared to the common Merc, BM, Audi etc…….but are far more reliable and fuel efficient.

Thanks for the above - really useful.

I know there aren’t many about at the best of times, so will keep an eye out over the next few weeks.

There’s a 2010 low mileage example at Lexus Swindon in blue on AT. Looks good, but assuming priced at a relative premium as it’s a main dealer…

[steve2006]

There were 3 recently auctioned by BCA and I seem to remember one now being at a Lexus dealer “at a premium price”

[Arnett]

3 hours ago, TonkerToy said:

Thanks for the above - really useful.

I know there aren’t many about at the best of times, so will keep an eye out over the next few weeks.

There’s a 2010 low mileage example at Lexus Swindon in blue on AT. Looks good, but assuming priced at a relative premium as it’s a main dealer…

Lexus Swindon seems to have become the biggest F seller of 2021 by a country mile, and probably the dealer mainly at fault for the current inflation of F cars.

They have been buying any and all Fs being sold privately. 

Yes it's a premium but for how long these premium prices will last is unknown as the chip shortage has made it a seller's market. 

That ISF is currently about a grand less than I bought a GSF for 12 months ago, the problem is those prices are just gone and probably 2 years before we see normality return. 

 

It's a stunning car the blue ISF I would be tempted myself 

 

[Womble72]

20 minutes ago, Arnett said:

Lexus Swindon seems to have become the biggest F seller of 2021 by a country mile, and probably the dealer mainly at fault for the current inflation of F cars.

They have been buying any and all Fs being sold privately. 

Yes it's a premium but for how long these premium prices will last is unknown as the chip shortage has made it a seller's market. 

That ISF is currently about a grand less than I bought a GSF for 12 months ago, the problem is those prices are just gone and probably 2 years before we see normality return. 

 

It's a stunning car the blue ISF I would be tempted myself 

 

I think the ISF will definitely be the car that will be the collectors item, the GSF and RCF are in the next league BUT the ISF was the mould breaker, MK1 escort, MK1 golf, definitely not the best BUT by far the most expensive…….. I think the prices will remain steady and increase over time, the cheapest time to buy was probably 2 or 3 years ago……. As for over inflated dealer prices all I will say is their warranty is the only warranty worth having, u wouldn’t be able to extend it after BUT those first 12 months will set your mind at rest that you’ve bought a good one

[Charliecloud]

6 hours ago, TonkerToy said:

Thanks for the above - really useful.

I know there aren’t many about at the best of times, so will keep an eye out over the next few weeks.

There’s a 2010 low mileage example at Lexus Swindon in blue on AT. Looks good, but assuming priced at a relative premium as it’s a main dealer…

The low mileage USB at Swindon was the car that was sold at BCA auctions, it will be eligible for a Lexus extended warranty, which is worth having for that peace of mind. From memory it didn't have any major damage, just the odd few car park dings, which Swindon will have sorted. As Paul has said the ISF will be a car that will retain its value over the next few years. 

[TonkerToy]

Thanks both.

I think main dealer would be the way to go for the warranty.

The only problem with a £30k ISF is you’re then not far off an RCF.

[Womble72]

12 hours ago, TonkerToy said:

Thanks both.

I think main dealer would be the way to go for the warranty.

The only problem with a £30k ISF is you’re then not far off an RCF.

Think u need to drive both then, unfortunately one will become more expensive over time, I’ve a friend who’s just paid £25k for a 2010 (facelift model) with full history and 50k miles, could be a benchmark for negotiations?……he doesn’t regret the high price purchase at all and had a 2008 one prior……the car is lovely BUT after selling one he’s said this is a keeper as is mine after 7 years of ownership……prices are high on non main dealer cars, Mo was selling his 2010 Mesa red for £17k from memory, not sure if it’s gone though.

[Arnett]

13 hours ago, TonkerToy said:

Thanks both.

I think main dealer would be the way to go for the warranty.

The only problem with a £30k ISF is you’re then not far off an RCF.

Ironically Ive driven neither but have heard countless times that they feel very different. The two cars are so different aswell one being a sports saloon sleeper the other being a coupe, personally I would go with the RCF. The interior is incredible the seats are out of this world in terms of comfort and bolstering.....BUT!.. The USB UNICORN ISF - Now I love a nice bit of rare factor.... 

 

 No matter what you buy I think youll end up being happy haha 

[Arth_Vader]

Depends what you want, i only started off looking at Lexus because of the LC500 - to replace my boxster gts.  This was impossible in 2018 due to the price difference and I was just married and expecting a kid.

So we needed a family car, and bought an RS4.  After a year I started looking around as it left me cold.  Once again, LC500 quickly proved impractical, looked at RCF, but 3 doors meant infant handling was impossible.

Next looked at ISFs, the “also ran” supersaloon mostly coming in third to M3/C63 in 2009 road tests……

While the ISF exterior and interior isn’t as pretty as those on an RCF, which is stunning. with 4 doors and a reasonable boot an ISF can be a proper family car, as ours has been for nigh on 18 months, and it’s done this admirably well.  We just got back off holiday where we had me, the missus, our two year old and his car sear, two large suitcases, a buggy and a load of hand luggage in the car.

ISF is not the MOST practical car in a world of SUVs but it’s certainly handsome enough, reliable, really really fast, fun to drive and also a monstrous sleeper.  With a H&S exhaust the package is complete for a petrolhead with a family  .

If you can get one with a warranty that’s a big bonus.  I wouldn’t have bought ours without one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TonkerToy]

4 hours ago, Womble72 said:

Think u need to drive both then, unfortunately one will become more expensive over time, I’ve a friend who’s just paid £25k for a 2010 (facelift model) with full history and 50k miles, could be a benchmark for negotiations?……he doesn’t regret the high price purchase at all and had a 2008 one prior……the car is lovely BUT after selling one he’s said this is a keeper as is mine after 7 years of ownership……prices are high on non main dealer cars, Mo was selling his 2010 Mesa red for £17k from memory, not sure if it’s gone though.

That’s good to know, thanks.

I’m aiming to drive them over the next few weeks. I also need to fit a pram in it and although doable, I know the RCF boot is a squeeze.

[Arth_Vader]

If you have, or plan to have, more than one child I’d avoid both, unless you have another car.

RCF boot is bigger I believe but getting young kids in and out of a three door coupe will get tiresome very quickly, especially if the little darlings are not helping or actively resisting….   I quickly deduced that I would do my back in at some point, then you’re not much use as a parent. (I’m 50 odd.)

Me and the wife have argued in a mostly good natured fashion about the ISF practicality all the time but overall the car is just about big enough for family of three and their stuff.  When we needed space for another person or two plus stuff I had to take the boxster as well.

 

 

 

 

 

[Uzi]

58 minutes ago, Arth_Vader said:

If you have, or plan to have, more than one child I’d avoid both, unless you have another car.

RCF boot is bigger I believe but getting young kids in and out of a three door coupe will get tiresome very quickly, especially if the little darlings are not helping or actively resisting….   I quickly deduced that I would do my back in at some point, then you’re not much use as a parent. (I’m 50 odd.)

Me and the wife have argued in a mostly good natured fashion about the ISF practicality all the time but overall the car is just about big enough for family of three and their stuff.  When we needed space for another person or two plus stuff I had to take the boxster as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We use our ISF with 2 baby seats and it's been fine so far. I understand it's not the most practical car but it can be done. My wife prefers to drive the smaller size cars and ISF was fitting. She does complain it's a tad loud considering I have PPE headers on it ( OEM headers cracked - seems like a common issue).

 

[F.A.]

1 hour ago, Arth_Vader said:

If you have, or plan to have, more than one child I’d avoid both, unless you have another car.

RCF boot is bigger I believe but getting young kids in and out of a three door coupe will get tiresome very quickly, especially if the little darlings are not helping or actively resisting….   I quickly deduced that I would do my back in at some point, then you’re not much use as a parent. (I’m 50 odd.)

Me and the wife have argued in a mostly good natured fashion about the ISF practicality all the time but overall the car is just about big enough for family of three and their stuff.  When we needed space for another person or two plus stuff I had to take the boxster as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Sounds like a GSF would be perfect if you have / or are considering kids. We have two young kids and there is plenty space in the back and the boot of our F. 
 

We had a 2011 IS250 before and that was a real struggle with the car seats in the back, let alone getting the pram in the boot without fully dismantling it. 

[Womble72]

2 hours ago, TonkerToy said:

That’s good to know, thanks.

I’m aiming to drive them over the next few weeks. I also need to fit a pram in it and although doable, I know the RCF boot is a squeeze.

I’m lucky I suppose, I’m late 40’s n kids are 23 n 21, although I’ve two dogs now 😂……. I’ve always run two cars n the wife has hers, I’ve a daily Insignia estate which is used n abused with everything thrown in it, although the F did have a Spanish jaunt last year, normally the daily as we normally take the dogs n loads of decorating stuff etc etc 🙄……. U really need to drive both, the ISF is a better handler out of all of them BUT the GSF n RCF are smoother and more luxurious and are probably better for everyday driving, I’ve never had a 2 door when kids were young and tbh I don’t like the struggle to get in when the moron parks to close next to you, experience this with my C70 convertible…….probably associated with age though 😂🤣

[TonkerToy]

Thanks all, great advice as I expected!

GSF would be ideal really, obviously fewer about though and I’m personally not sold on the looks (but not a deal breaker).

For context, the car I’ve ordered is an M235i GC. Not a big car but pram and see seat(s) fit in fine.

[hockeyedwards]

If you can find all 3, why not treat yourself and drive them all! 😆 I wanted an ISF, by the time I was in the market to purchase, the GSF was reasonable stretch and personally I preferred the looks and the more modern interior. I get golf clubs, golf trolley, shopping, dog food run, luggage bags etc all in boot no probs, only down side being rear sets don't fold but cant have everything!

Whatever your decision, as all the comments have hinted at above, you really won't go wrong and it will come down to preference, if I didn't have the GSF, it would be an RCF or ISF for sure. Happy hunting and look forward to hearing your thoughts if you get out for a drive and of course if you cancel your order 😛

[RichGS11]

Great cars the lot of them. Lexus comfort, build and exclusivity, plus enough power on tap to have some fun, the sound of a V8 and the confidence it won't suddenly implode and crave thousands of pounds from your wallet to repair it.

As with above there were two deciding factors for us, do we like big grills and how many doors. We went with the IS for the family and it's more than big enough for us. The Range sits on the drive for those days where the IS cannot fit all the luggage of a family on a big adventure, but with a smaller pushchair now little man is 2, the IS has plenty of space for a week or so away for a family.

[Silkmen]

I considered purchasing an ISF whilst owning a IS300h and having a family. However prior to the 300h I owed a IS220d for 7 years and I couldn't bring myself to move back to an older interior and tech.

Considered a GSF, but decided RCF was the car for me even with a missus and 2 kids. The final hurrdle was my partner fitting in the back, fortunately she did and a couple of months later my car was on the drive after 300 mile round trip to collect it 👍

 

 

 

[Northern isf]

Contemplating selling mine as I'm just not using it as much as I should sits in my unit covered up most times and only driven in dry conditions and when the roads are unsalted. Got a few mods though ppe headers with remote controled valved exhaust sports cats carbon stacked tips, tein edfc with in car adjustable damping rates, rr racing tuned intake and map, genuine Tom's carbon front lip and sides. The later headlights with drls. 

Full lexus history just a tad over 72000miles had water pump done a few years ago had the radiator checked doesn't need it as no corrosion as yet pm if interested. 

[hockeyedwards]

1 hour ago, Northern isf said:

Contemplating selling mine as I'm just not using it as much as I should sits in my unit covered up most times and only driven in dry conditions and when the roads are unsalted. Got a few mods though ppe headers with remote controled valved exhaust sports cats carbon stacked tips, tein edfc with in car adjustable damping rates, rr racing tuned intake and map, genuine Tom's carbon front lip and sides. The later headlights with drls. 

Full lexus history just a tad over 72000miles had water pump done a few years ago had the radiator checked doesn't need it as no corrosion as yet pm if interested. 

I am quite particular to white, got any pics of the car so I can have a nosey at some of the styling changes? 😄

[Northern isf]

5 minutes ago, hockeyedwards said:

I am quite particular to white, got any pics of the car so I can have a nosey at some of the styling changes? 😄

No problem 

[Northern isf]

Saying there's a server error uploading on the forum side ill try in the morning. 

[d3ron]

These threads make me think I should sell my usb isf whilst there's demand. 

These threads make me think I should hang onto my usb isf forever. 

🤷🏾‍♂️