Asking for a favor, little IS-F pre-ownership experience

Prospero88 · August 27

Hey guys,

as I wrote here and there I will be after an IS-F around spring next year. I've been scanning UK market, some japanese ads (for comparison purposes), did a lot of research throughout (things to look at and be aware of, that folder is quite fat now 😄 ), many videos later too. I'm 99% convinced I want one in my life, a first not boring car which I can now afford and is well earned (delayed gratification thing). There is one BUT - I've seen it in person twice so far, not really next to me. Both sounded great (one was black '08 or '09, the other pearl white 2011+ judging by wheels)! I'm stronger and stronger leaning into an import, especially seeing how TorqueGT handles things and what they achieved so far.
Long story short - I've never sat in one, even in the passenger seat. Would any of you good fellow Lexus IS-F enthusiasts and owners be so kind and meet with me, take for a short spin, let me look around the car up-close? I'm based in Manchester, but anywhere around 1-1,5 hour drive away I'm okay with.
Honestly, even half an hour would do and I would really appreciate it. To see the goal in the flesh would be an awesome motivation kick!

P.S. I know every creep would say that, but - I'm not a creep. 😆

DamianLEX · August 27

Why don’t you drive to see 2012 sold by Lexus on AT? You can have an extended ride in a facelift car for free + coffee + biscuit.

RichGS11 · August 27

I'm with Damian. Go to Lexus if you can and ride in one they have. I'm sure there'll be someone close to you that can oblige if not. Hopefully you get in one and enjoy it. They're different animals in manual mode and sport,but comfortable cruisers in drive. It's nice to have a powerful V8 at your toes, that can also be driven like a Lexus.

Prospero88 · August 28

Cheers for replies guys. Didn't notice this one, been busy lately. This seems like a good idea, will give them a call.

@RichGS11 yeah, that's how I picture it right now, but haven't had a chance to confront it with reality. I'm closest to 2011 year, as it has everything I would want in my IS-F. Dark interior, don't mind the exterior colour (maybe except Starfire Pearl, USB and Matador Red)... I'll stop here , before I start dwelling about specs. 😄

DamianLEX · August 28

Just one clue if you decide to go for an import. If you import late 2013/early 2014 you will not change your sat nav unit at all. No genuine replacements nor aftermarket. Reason being it looks similar at the front but the back connection is basically from is mk3.
A transition model it seems so be aware of you want to play with it take >2011<=early 2013

Cactus · August 29

Find some uneven road and be sure you are happy with the ride.

Prospero88 · August 31

On 8/28/2024 at 10:01 PM, DamianLEX said:

Just one clue if you decide to go for an import. If you import late 2013/early 2014 you will not change your sat nav unit at all. No genuine replacements nor aftermarket. Reason being it looks similar at the front but the back connection is basically from is mk3.
A transition model it seems so be aware of you want to play with it take >2011<=early 2013

Yeah, I read about these units to be pain to replace in some cases on imports. The sweet spot for me would be 2011 (obvious lsd, updated steering ecu and suspension, interior wise - updated center tach and sport mode button on the wheel). Thanks for the tip though.

@Cactus will do, cheers!

eightk · August 31

Lexus are super helpful so I’d guess any main dealer with an ISF would offer a test drive. I drove one on the UK launch alongside a racing driver - bloody awesome - then I test drove a couple a few years back but went for an AMG instead. Silly boy. A friend had a white ISF for a few years with absolutely zero problems. They’re ace. Well worth the effort finding one compared to a sea of knackered M3s and worn smooth Audis.
When I was looking I viewed a private sale car north of Manchester somewhere - the owner drove - I have never been more terrified in my life. 60+ in 30 limits, full bore max revs gear changes… it did sound good though…

DamianLEX · August 31

8 hours ago, eightk said:

Lexus are super helpful so I’d guess any main dealer with an ISF would offer a test drive. I drove one on the UK launch alongside a racing driver - bloody awesome - then I test drove a couple a few years back but went for an AMG instead. Silly boy. A friend had a white ISF for a few years with absolutely zero problems. They’re ace. Well worth the effort finding one compared to a sea of knackered M3s and worn smooth Audis.
When I was looking I viewed a private sale car north of Manchester somewhere - the owner drove - I have never been more terrified in my life. 60+ in 30 limits, full bore max revs gear changes… it did sound good though…

At least you knew there was no carbon built up in the engine...

Prospero88 · August 31

Did a trip to Lexus Carlisle today, had great weather and really quite exceptional experience with 2012 IS-F. Good to know - I fit, I even fit in the back when the drivers seat is set for me (I'm 6'1"), the seat height is in the highs of acceptable, could indeed go lower, than the lowest. The steering wheel is so good, perfect size, thickness and weight to it. Not that of a bumpy roads, but then had a chance to open up a bit. It's more quiet, than I thought, but it wasn't in sport mode nor manual. Still, very pleasant ride, will be my benchmark from now on. Need to do more research, try '08 or '09, as they are the most common in the domestic market from what I can see. Can't spot that much in a short test drive though, especially when most differences are where you won't be allowed on that test drive (at least I wouldn't even with permission with someone elses car). I know now, I'm getting one for 110%.

DamianLEX · September 1

Now you can visit me in Swansea to test 2014 model with full iCode mods on.

I will give you a ride to set up new bar.

PS 2 days ago racing hard against latest BMW M4 with “pop corn” and the guy could not catch me up at all… something to have a think how capable ISF chassis is.

Prospero88 · September 1

Hahah, tempting, however I'm afraid if I would travel further, than today I would have to end up buying it. And it doesn't go in line with me thinking of around 20k to be reasonable budget. 😄

RichGS11 · September 2

Best of luck finding one. It's a great platform and the fun gets better the more serious you get with the modifications (obviously that's not everyone's preferred route, it is however mine lol). Bar a slight hiccup this week, purely down to my own lack of research, my car is incredibly competitive with today's market of newer cars (it's also a bit louder and harsher lol).

Enjoy the hunt for your ISF and the collection day when it comes. I travelled to Aberdeenshire for mine from Cambridge on the train. Stayed the night in Aberdeen (I didn't sleep a wink), then collected her and drover her the 9 hours back home. A fantastic memory!

Prospero88 · September 4

Cheers Rich and everyone. 🙂 I bet it was unforgettable to travel with the final goal to be the IS-F, I cannot wait! Btw not had the best sleep even before that test drive on last Saturday, so can't imagine what will be happening due the collection. 😄

Every now and then (likely too often 😄 ) I scan the domestic market and within the budget there are 2008/2009 models, so I will most likely head to the nearest one (not modified too much) over weekend in late September. Need more data to get at least some idea of the differences between early and late model.

Currently it looks like I will be either after a UK based, but earlier model or later, but imported. Anyway, keeping my eyes peeled and not ruling out any option, researching old topics and making note of anything helpful - possible issues, any details to pay attention to.

RichGS11 · September 4

1 hour ago, Prospero88 said:

Cheers Rich and everyone. 🙂 I bet it was unforgettable to travel with the final goal to be the IS-F, I cannot wait! Btw not had the best sleep even before that test drive on last Saturday, so can't imagine what will be happening due the collection. 😄

Every now and then (likely too often 😄 ) I scan the domestic market and within the budget there are 2008/2009 models, so I will most likely head to the nearest one (not modified too much) over weekend in late September. Need more data to get at least some idea of the differences between early and late model.

Currently it looks like I will be either after a UK based, but earlier model or later, but imported. Anyway, keeping my eyes peeled and not ruling out any option, researching old topics and making note of anything helpful - possible issues, any details to pay attention to.

I did a lot of waiting (COVID helped lol). I found a USB 2010 with no sunroof and under 60k. I absolutely had to get it!

Prospero88 · September 21

A little update, today I've just been to view and drive the one from AT listed for £19500. An early model, bit modified, but mostly exterior, exhaust, spacers. Suspension haven't been touched apparently. It does feel firmer, than 2012 one, exhaust bit too loud, wouldn't want an aftermarket one for sure. Exterior mods not my style at all. Was surprised how much different the steering wheel feels, again, prefer the later model thicker one. Interior was nice and dark, pretty much mint condition. The only downside, which I didn't notice on pictures - sunroof. As a 6'1" dude with long legs, would rather have bit higher roof (and less weight on top). Nice, mostly Lexus history service. However not this spec, not this year and not for such money. But I'm happy about the experience, now I have more clarified what I want and prefer in my future one, had a nice chat with the seller too. 99% would go for 2011 JDM import somewhere in 2025, the biggest concern is the head unit, the rest seems easy to sort.

DamianLEX · September 22

If you buy 2011/2012 there is plenty of units available for a full swap in UK. Nothing to worry about.

FTBBCVoodoo · September 23

On 9/21/2024 at 11:57 PM, Prospero88 said:

A little update, today I've just been to view and drive the one from AT listed for £19500. An early model, bit modified, but mostly exterior, exhaust, spacers. Suspension haven't been touched apparently. It does feel firmer, than 2012 one, exhaust bit too loud, wouldn't want an aftermarket one for sure. Exterior mods not my style at all. Was surprised how much different the steering wheel feels, again, prefer the later model thicker one. Interior was nice and dark, pretty much mint condition. The only downside, which I didn't notice on pictures - sunroof. As a 6'1" dude with long legs, would rather have bit higher roof (and less weight on top). Nice, mostly Lexus history service. However not this spec, not this year and not for such money. But I'm happy about the experience, now I have more clarified what I want and prefer in my future one, had a nice chat with the seller too. 99% would go for 2011 JDM import somewhere in 2025, the biggest concern is the head unit, the rest seems easy to sort.

That was my old ISF. I owned her for about 5 years and she was a pleasure to own.

She didn't look like that when I sold her (attached)

Got rid of her during Covid for about 10k while she had 93k on clock.

She did need some TLC wrt stone chips and some wear and tear to seats as she was used daily for school runs while also being used on track.

The paint has been sorted and she has since been put onto a different plate but used to be MK58 VKU.

As you can tell, she has also been "modified" somewhat although I did put exhaust on and some RR Racing bushes. The rest was done by chap who bought her

Has been up for sale for years now both privately and via a trader so am interested to see if/when she finally goes.

I plan to return to the Lexus fold some day but can't face £700 a year in tax compared to £160 a year or so on the FK8 😉

Mind you, High Command has an NX300h which is slower than death but fairly comfortable so I haven't left the fold completely

I am just waiting for @RichGS11 to put his up for sale 😉

Good luck in your search... great cars 🙂

RichGS11 · September 23

Very kind to mention me mate. Made me chuckle @FTBBCVoodoo 😂 Thank you!

Prospero88 · September 23

Nice story @FTBBCVoodoo 😊 I keep hearing this, if you ever enter Lexus world, you will not want to leave, like ever. Nothing tastes the same after such experience. Thanks and crossing fingers for your return to the F. 👍

Ceramicolive · September 24

Just to round this off, the 2012 at Lexus Carlise was sold when I rang about it this morning.

The new owner is coming from warwick to pick it up tomorrow according to the salesman, I hadn't realised that faceloft cars were quite so rare so was toying with the idea of buying the car and loooking into either dyeing the seats or swapping them at some point.

Anyway, it's out of my hands now as the car has gone...

Good luck with your search!

Prospero88 · September 27

Yeah, I saw this one being sold, as I was checking on it again to make sure they dropped the price second time (it's been 25k when I went there, few days later it's been discounted to 23 and then 22,5). Good luck with your search too Anthony. 🙂

hondansxr · September 29

i brought mine 2 weeks ago sat , guy delivered it ...2008 MY and on sunday nite i thought what have i done the ride is so jiggly /firm ( as i took 2 poeple with me to a show see pic ) I took it out monday on my own and now i just love it , the power is intoxicating and you forget the ride .. its seems to get better the quicker you go !!! i am in the trade ( please dont hold it against me ) and would have purchased from lexus they had a usb one but i wanted a moonroof model , i purchased my rc300 from dealer as you get all the bells and whistles with them , incl warranty . i did all the checks prior and the 2008 had the best service record...incl 1 just carried out .

if i was a private buyer i would def go to dealership , as you get back up. just my opinion.

DamianLEX · September 29

I would not mind you are in the trade BUT I do mind that you forced a desperate private seller to drive to your place few hundred miles to save few quid. And you will never convince that he was happy with it nor that you fully paid for his travel. Any comments?

AdamWantsAnF · October 2

Hi all,

I find myself in a similar position but different location 😅

Any RCF/ISF owners living in Sussex, who would be willing to take me for a ride? Ideally either bone stock or minimal mods.

I've been looking on AT for a while now, not much has surfaced within reasonable reach for me to look at 😞 one which I did manage to see in person was nice but seemed to have been sold the following day... didn't even get to hear the engine.

Coming from a megane 275 cup-s, so a very different cup of tea and need something to help make my mind up before the gearbox goes bye bye!