Lexus Swindon Orange RCF

Jgtcracer · April 18, 2022

Hi All,

Been quite some time since I posted on here but as a previous ISF owner im now in the market for an RCF. Not a huge amount for sale that meet my requirements but have seen the orange RCF at Swindon and it has peaked my interest. Looking for larger infotainment screen and ideally heated steering wheel. Whats the crack with this car? Seems to have been advertised for some time without selling. I'm up north so don't really want to sit in the car for 6 hours to find its not what I'm after.

Please see link below to the car and appreciate the help in advance.

https://usedcars.lexus.co.uk/en/used-lexus/Lexus/Rc-F-Coupe/Plus-Pack-kmcrf39

Marcus

Flytvr · April 18, 2022

Hi Marcus.

Possibly the orange has been putting people off?

Also, I suspect the market is cooling for large engine capacity cars.

Jgtcracer · April 18, 2022

The principle reason for returning to an F car is the larger capacity, and I must admit I actually quite like the colour!

With NA V8 engines becoming more and more scarce, finding something with all the mod cons and a glorious engine is actually quite hard.

Marcus

Rob RCF · April 18, 2022

I've always found the orange looks a bit strange, almost plastic-like in photos. Apparently it looks great in real life though so if you like the colour I wouldn't hesitate to check it out.

If you do go look at it be picky. Check over the car as much as you can and point out any damage, even minor stuff - since this is a Lexus Approved the car should be essentially in new condition or very close to it, and so they should be willing to rectify most stuff. And of course drive it hard, I find you really need the car in the full Sport S+ with Expert mode and manual shifting to truly reveal its high performance side.

Jgtcracer · April 19, 2022

Thanks for the response. Lexus Edinburgh told me about the car but mentioned they would need to buy it from Swindon before they could bring it up. Would be nice to deal with a dealer 90mins away, rather than have to go to Swindon. Have also noticed that it’s been for sale for a few months now so there may be a deal to be had with them however.

As for seeing the car, keen to do this and having not driven an RCF I’m also interested in how it is dynamically. My wife recently got a new car and I now appreciate things like comfort, heated seats, apple carplay etc so it being a nice place to sit is probably paramount over pure performance.

It will certainly get a good thrashing occasionally however so would do that on a test drive!

DamianLEX · April 19, 2022

Can I ask what drives you to a car for £36k when you can have one for £26k in similar spec, still manufacturer warranty etc?

Only difference seems to be a mileage but for £10k?

I mean if you or someone could explain this to me I would be thankful.

I talk about blue one for £26k.

DamianLEX · April 19, 2022

Similar to Birma's car for £42k. Lovely car, no doubt but again for £16k difference I would mod RCF like hell including supercharger pack...

B1RMA · April 19, 2022

5 hours ago, DamianLEX said:

Similar to Birma's car for £42k. Lovely car, no doubt but again for £16k difference I would mod RCF like hell including supercharger pack...

Watch this space, if it doesn't sell (I don't care either way if it sells) I may well lower it then supercharge it that may tempt me to use it a bit more.

Jgtcracer · April 19, 2022

6 hours ago, DamianLEX said:

Can I ask what drives you to a car for £36k when you can have one for £26k in similar spec, still manufacturer warranty etc?

Only difference seems to be a mileage but for £10k?

I mean if you or someone could explain this to me I would be thankful.

I talk about blue one for £26k.

Im after a couple of things that only seem to be available on the later cars such as the larger infotainment screen and heated steering wheel. Also like the black leather and relatively low mileage.

For me personally the warm fuzzy feeling is worth the difference.

B1RMA · April 19, 2022

Just to add my 2p as someone who test drove an earlier non AVS car and then later that day a later AVS car I bought the far more expensive (£12K more) later car.

Now in time hopefully Tein will make a kit for the RCF and that will be a great option particularly the EDFC range. It will transform the car.

Ashrez · April 20, 2022

5 hours ago, B1RMA said:

Just to add my 2p as someone who test drove an earlier non AVS car and then later that day a later AVS car I bought the far more expensive (£12K more) later car.

Now in time hopefully Tein will make a kit for the RCF and that will be a great option particularly the EDFC range. It will transform the car.

They have, the one I'm using are the Tein Monosport and can confirm they have improved the ride. Have been interested in getting the EDFC fitted but will have to source it from overseas as local prices for it is quite ridiculous.

B1RMA · April 20, 2022

6 hours ago, Ashrez said:

They have, the one I'm using are the Tein Monosport and can confirm they have improved the ride. Have been interested in getting the EDFC fitted but will have to source it from overseas as local prices for it is quite ridiculous.

That is excellent news for RCF owners, I know it is available for the ISF. I have Tein EDFC on my Mini Clubvan it is superb. Anyone who has driven a Mini knows they are fun but the ride is harsh mine is like a Limo then when you put your foot down on a fast twisty road it tightens up.

The only fault I found in the RCF was the ride, admittedly I'd just sold my CL65 AMG with fully active ride was the rather firm ride, but now if the Tein EDFC is available for the RCF that opens another whole world of comfort.

Arnett · April 20, 2022

Hey Marcus,

In terms of concerns none to be had afaik, I've watched this for a while and its 99% due to colour.

The solar flare is very niche and personally I'm a huge fan, standard imagery doesn't so it justice but my local lexus has another car in the same colour years ago and I've never been able to get it out my head.

The last orange F car that got sold was sent straight to Yiannimize and then wrapped in purple, and a similar story sat on a forecourt for a while.

Another thing is 100% to do with coat of living and larger capacity cars, 2 years ago my wife wouldn't of stopped me buying a moving power station however, now days the sales are being "spouses" a lot more & compared to a year ago people were convinced the costs would drop fuel, home bills etc. But there is no end of that in sight

In terms on negotiating honestly I wouldn't hold your breath to much, Swindon over the last 12 months have purchased and sold the most F cars out of any UK dealer, they know what they look for when buying stock and are superb to deal with also.

You've mentioned luxuries a few times:

Heated / cooled seats are there and the lexus F seats are incredible.

The infotainment system is trash and you'll want to retrofit one.

Heated steering wheels again retrofit but I would highly recommend Elvin Carbone fibre his wheels are stunning personally better and look just as good as stock. You wouldn't have a clue it was OEM.

Driveability the rcf is lovely, you can take an F round a corner sideways or drive it within the law with no feel like the car is punishing you

Jgtcracer · April 20, 2022

28 minutes ago, Arnett said:

Hey Marcus,

In terms of concerns none to be had afaik, I've watched this for a while and its 99% due to colour.

The solar flare is very niche and personally I'm a huge fan, standard imagery doesn't so it justice but my local lexus has another car in the same colour years ago and I've never been able to get it out my head.

The last orange F car that got sold was sent straight to Yiannimize and then wrapped in purple, and a similar story sat on a forecourt for a while.

Another thing is 100% to do with coat of living and larger capacity cars, 2 years ago my wife wouldn't of stopped me buying a moving power station however, now days the sales are being "spouses" a lot more & compared to a year ago people were convinced the costs would drop fuel, home bills etc. But there is no end of that in sight

In terms on negotiating honestly I wouldn't hold your breath to much, Swindon over the last 12 months have purchased and sold the most F cars out of any UK dealer, they know what they look for when buying stock and are superb to deal with also.

You've mentioned luxuries a few times:

Heated / cooled seats are there and the lexus F seats are incredible.

The infotainment system is trash and you'll want to retrofit one.

Heated steering wheels again retrofit but I would highly recommend Elvin Carbone fibre his wheels are stunning personally better and look just as good as stock. You wouldn't have a clue it was OEM.

Driveability the rcf is lovely, you can take an F round a corner sideways or drive it within the law with no feel like the car is punishing you

Much appreciated, I like the colour though the wife isn't so sure! I’m a total sucker for apple CarPlay so will be using that, it’s why I wanted the updated infotainment. Active suspension is also a bonus as my current car has it and appreciate the range of comfort it gives. I’m not too concerned about running costs having ran an ISF so have some idea what to expect.

Nice to hear it’s a good car and Swindon are specialists - my experience with them so far has been top notch!

hockeyedwards · April 20, 2022

I have dealt with Lexus Swindon on two occasions, what a lovely bunch! Saw that RC F in the flesh late last year, it is a marmite colour in all fairness and would agree with others about it being a turn-off for most buyers, I wanted it for mine but with only 2 GS's in the UK, was going to take forever most likely to source! It is wonderful in the flesh imo.

Also echo the comments regarding Swindon and F cars, they have got it down to a fine art if you ask me, might get some money off or bits thrown in, if it moves it on then I can't see too much of a fight.

Unfortunately those discussing the supercharger, I've heard from overseas users that unless the conditions are bone dry, the car is essentially undriveable. I was interested at one point, but with the UK weather and reflection on whether I needed the extra horses, I bought an exhaust instead 🙂

Two V8's in the line-up, about to try and add a 6 cylinder, the heart wants what the heart wants... if you get cold, just put more layers on and cold showers are good for mental health 😛

Look forward to welcoming you to F club 😉

DamianLEX · April 20, 2022

Thanks guys for showing me the difference between earlier and later cars.

I mentioned about supercharger but personally I took completely different route few weeks ago and… purchased is250 F sport 2015 in red :))) Just to have something 4-d to take kids to school ha

Am I becoming Lexus fanboy?

Jgtcracer · April 25, 2022

Quick update on this thread - ended up buying the car and collected it on Saturday, even managed 33mpg on the drive home! Still have the Civic but quite a different driving experience, having to re-learn how to drive an auto V8 though its coming back quick. Certain things remind me of the ISF with the major difference being interior quality, its such a nice place to be!

Thanks for the help throughout this thread, Swindon were great and the car is all I hoped for. Looking forward to starting to contribute to the forum once more

Marcus

Arnett · April 26, 2022

12 hours ago, Jgtcracer said:

Quick update on this thread - ended up buying the car and collected it on Saturday, even managed 33mpg on the drive home! Still have the Civic but quite a different driving experience, having to re-learn how to drive an auto V8 though its coming back quick. Certain things remind me of the ISF with the major difference being interior quality, its such a nice place to be!

Thanks for the help throughout this thread, Swindon were great and the car is all I hoped for. Looking forward to starting to contribute to the forum once more

Marcus

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

hockeyedwards · April 26, 2022

On 4/21/2022 at 12:01 AM, DamianLEX said:

Am I becoming Lexus fanboy?

one of us... one of us... 🤣

V8Mamma · August 25

.

Oracle · September 25

Glad to hear that Lexus Swindon are a decent dealership, I’m picking up an RC-F from them on Friday 😁

gb1600e · September 26

17 hours ago, Oracle said:

Glad to hear that Lexus Swindon are a decent dealership, I’m picking up an RC-F from them on Friday 😁

Which one did you buy, They're doing well to have 3 at present👍 I had a test drive in the Blue one on Monday but turned out not to be the one for me.

Oracle · September 26

The white one with the red interior, seemed fairly priced and in decent condition. Though had a very strange tyre setup (cross climate on the fronts and random brand on the rears) which has now been replaced with pilot sport 4s’s

Oracle · October 14

Sadly the RC-F I bought seems to be a bit of a lemon:

radar cruise broken, squeaky brakes, dumped transmission fluid over the exhaust and needed over half a litre of coolant in under 17 days.

The first two issue are annoying but can be resolved, the second two are much more concerning.

I’ve reported this to the dealer and am awaiting a call back.