RichGS11

I use Powerstop Carbon Ceramics from RockAuto.com as a temporary measure and they're really good against OEM discs for dust and stopping power. Worth a pop for the casual driver.

I live in Cambs and picked my car up from Aberdeenshire. It was a lovely 9 hour bonding session coming home!

Depends on what you consider important but all three are much of the same. If I was to start again I'd look at VED as that's something that will always creep up, and any car before 2017 will be on a collision course with £1k a year in the not to distant future. If running costs are a concern that is. As for fuel, the F range is kind on fuel considering the engine capacity. Styling will always be a decider and the spindle grill is like marmite, and something that put me off of the newer vehicles. It's not my bag so I went with the ISF which was also kinder when it came to garage space. Perfect 4 door for my family and because I'm someone that likes to play with cars, a platform that has some pretty good support for modifications, mainly overseas. The only issue is the fact that all three models are pretty much the same performance wise, the ISF being the lightest out of the three, including the RCF track edition, which is still heavier than the first ever F car! There's no head and shoulders performer, unless you modify them, which is where I'm at now with my ISF. I thought about chopping it in for one of the other models, but everything else would be a lot slower than where I'm at now with the ISF and they can't really do anything better than what I have, bar a nicer interior which seems to have delamination issues with its carbon trim! This is fundamentally why the F range is so unappealing to anyone outside of it. Lexus just don't push the boat out or go all in, they play safe and all the cars have kept almost identical performance figures over the years, whilst the competition have moved on. I'd certainly look at the competition and see what's out there too. There's some good cars kicking around like the M8 competition, which for the price looks like an animal. Good luck with your hunt.

The issue with an import will always be the gamble on a car that's £20k and you haven't seen it in person or test driven it. Personally I've never fancied that but it works for some. I'm a little OCD so I have to see the car and drive it, feel it, hear it, before I part ways with money, purely because I know what I want when I'm looking to buy and you most certainly can find the right car here, but the key is waiting and being prepared to. If however you gamble and go for it, you can find some gems. Fortunately for the ISF, rust isn't that much of an issue due to the plastic trims underneath, there are few rust horror stories with this chassis and Lexus generally. The upside of an import is the tax, but again, the downside is the resale value and limited insurance options. Lots to consider but having both options is a good place to be.

Interesting as I'm also looking to part ways with mine in the next 6 to 12 months. I do feel that the government may make that very difficult with a potential tax hike (one of the reasons I think it's time to call it a day). Thanks for the spreadsheet. I feel pricing an ISF is a completely random affair. I have a 60k 2010 USB, which will make the sale a lot easier compared to some, but I feel for ease I'll be headed to a dealer to see what they'll price it up as, when the time comes.

Does it have a USB slot under the centre arm rest? I was always told that was a good sign as that came with the LSD upgrade in 2010. I would say it's 2010 or newer because it would be pretty pointless making some of those upgrades unless you somehow were super keen on it being a 2010. You'll know when you get it I'm sure.

I couldn't possibly say on that one I'm afraid. I'd check on parts websites to see if it's the same part number across the two models.

It's a relatively easy to replace. The only issues are exhaust and heatshield removal taking into account removal or disconnection of downstream O2 sensors. Once you're past the heatshield it's easy.

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

Thanks man. Very kind of you to say 🙏🏽

Nice build and good to see the maintenance parts being addressed early on. Regarding the front plate conversion to JDM, the main issue you'll have is the large, square holes either side that the UK sized plate covers. The mounting bracket fits into them and when you remove the mounting bracket you'll see them. They'll need filling and painting.

Caught the sunrise on the way to work today. Thought I'd add them to the build thread.

My only issue with these aftermarket set ups. They look good, but I need 100% Lexus functionality and reliability. Shame it hasn't worked out.

You can repair the crushed pipe. Heat gun and an object round enough to reform the pipe and you're sorted. It's also oddly string too, so won't do it again unless you over tighten again.

I think it was 2012 onwards in the UK. As for Imports I've no idea, but Stateside it's was compulsory earlier.