Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • That 5.0-litre V8
  • The engine note
  • Japanese engineering at its finest

Cons

  • Cramped rear seating
  • Interior isn’t ageing gracefully
  • Driving tech is ageing
  • Infotainment needs an update

Verdict

If you require a fast, engaging and genuinely entertaining sedan that is built to the highest quality, sounds like an angry thunderstorm and is free of the frustrating, niggling mechanical and electronics issues that are commonly reported on its German competitors, then yes, you should buy a Lexus ISF.

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2020

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The Lexus ISF was arguably the conservative Japanese brands first foray into serious performance cars and what an entrance it was.

Taking on some serious competition in the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the Lexus ISF may not have provided quite the match for the Germans in terms of driving dynamics but it offered immense value for money, superb build quality and more importantly, a genuine alternative.

But now this Japanese muscle car is reaching a decade old, how has it aged and should you consider buying one? Read on.

The Lexus ISF was arguably the conservative Japanese brands first foray into serious performance cars and what an entrance it was.

Taking on some serious competition in the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the Lexus ISF may not have provided quite the match for the Germans in terms of driving dynamics but it offered immense value for money, superb build quality and more importantly, a genuine alternative.

But now this Japanese muscle car is reaching a decade old, how has it aged and should you consider buying one? Read on.

The Lexus ISF was arguably the conservative Japanese brands first foray into serious performance cars and what an entrance it was.

Taking on some serious competition in the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the Lexus ISF may not have provided quite the match for the Germans in terms of driving dynamics but it offered immense value for money, superb build quality and more importantly, a genuine alternative.

But now this Japanese muscle car is reaching a decade old, how has it aged and should you consider buying one? Read on.

  • The valley leak plate & headers can crack & leak
  • Lower control arm bushes can perish over time
  • Leaking water pump for ’08 – ’09 models

 

Short of the common issues that can occur on any performance car when they have been abused or driven beyond their limit, we could find no other “common” problems or issues inherent with the ISF. Being a highly-tuned engine, it is crucial to service the ISF regularly with frequent oil and filter changes. There was a recall in October 2014 to rectify an issue with the gasket between the fuel pressure sensor and fuel delivery pipe that could result in a fuel leak with the possibility of a fire. Check that this recall has been seen to.

  • The valley leak plate & headers can crack & leak
  • Lower control arm bushes can perish over time
  • Leaking water pump for ’08 – ’09 models

 

Short of the common issues that can occur on any performance car when they have been abused or driven beyond their limit, we could find no other “common” problems or issues inherent with the ISF. Being a highly-tuned engine, it is crucial to service the ISF regularly with frequent oil and filter changes. There was a recall in October 2014 to rectify an issue with the gasket between the fuel pressure sensor and fuel delivery pipe that could result in a fuel leak with the possibility of a fire. Check that this recall has been seen to.

  • The valley leak plate & headers can crack & leak
  • Lower control arm bushes can perish over time
  • Leaking water pump for ’08 – ’09 models

 

Short of the common issues that can occur on any performance car when they have been abused or driven beyond their limit, we could find no other “common” problems or issues inherent with the ISF. Being a highly-tuned engine, it is crucial to service the ISF regularly with frequent oil and filter changes. There was a recall in October 2014 to rectify an issue with the gasket between the fuel pressure sensor and fuel delivery pipe that could result in a fuel leak with the possibility of a fire. Check that this recall has been seen to.

Body Styles

  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 5.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 311kW / 505Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 8.3 – 16.8 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 4660mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1815mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1415mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2730mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1700kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Not listed (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars (All Models)

Body Styles

  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 5.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 311kW / 505Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 8.3 – 16.8 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 4660mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1815mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1415mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2730mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1700kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Not listed (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars (All Models)

Body Styles

  • 4 door Sedan

Engine Specs

  • 5.0 litre, 8-cylinder petrol, 311kW / 505Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 8-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 8.3 – 16.8 / 100km (All Models)

Length

  • 4660mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1815mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1415mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2730mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1700kg (All Models)

Towing

  • Not listed (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • 5 stars (All Models)

Warranty

  • 4 years / 100,000 km (All Models)

Servicing

  • 15,000 km / 12 months (All Models)

Model range, pricing and features

Lexus ISF-10

IS F Sports Luxury

Price when new: $129,000

Price used: $22,200 - $25,700

Equipment

  • 14 Speaker Stereo
  • 19″ Alloy Wheels
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Adjustable Steering Column – Power & Memory
  • Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
  • Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
  • Air Conditioning – Sensor for Pollutants
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Knee Driver
  • Airbag – Knee Passenger
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Alarm
  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Blind – Power Rear
  • Bluetooth System
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Full
  • Body Kit – Lower (skirts
  • F & R Aprons)
  • Brake Assist
  • CD Stacker – 6 disc In Dash/Cabin
  • Calipers – Front 6 Spot
  • Calipers – Painted Front
  • Calipers – Painted Rear
  • Calipers – Rear 2 Spot
  • Camera – Rear Vision
  • Central Locking – Key Proximity
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Chrome Exhaust Tip(s)
  • Chrome Grille Surround
  • Chrome Window Surrounds – Exterior
  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Park Distance Front
  • Control – Park Distance Rear
  • Control – Traction
  • Cruise Control – Distance Control
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Cup Holders – 2nd Row
  • DVD Player
  • Data Dots – Part Identifiers
  • Digital Sound Processing
  • Disc Brakes Front Vented Drilled/Grooved
  • Disc Brakes Rear Vented Drilled/Grooved
  • Drive-by-Wire (ETC) – Selectable Multi Mode
  • Dry Sump
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Electric Seats:- 1st Row (Front) with Memories
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Exhaust – Stainless Steel Dual System
  • First Aid Kit
  • Fog Lamp/s – Rear
  • Fog Lamps – Front
  • GPS (Satellite Navigation)
  • Gear Shift Paddles behind Steering Wheel
  • Headlamp Washers
  • Headlamps – Active (Cornering/steering)
  • Headlamps – Bi-Xenon (for low & high beam)
  • Headlamps – Electric Level Adjustment
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Independent Rear Suspension
  • Intermittent Wipers – Variable
  • Leather Seats
  • Leather Seats – Embossed
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Leather Trim (Incl. Seats
  • inserts)
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 2nd Row
  • Mesh Grille
  • Mesh Grille – Lower Bumper
  • Metallic Finish Centre Console
  • Metallic Finish Door Inserts
  • Metallic Finish Interior Inserts
  • Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Navigation System – DVD Audio
  • Navigation System – DVD Video
  • On-board Computer
  • Pedals – Sports
  • Power Door Mirrors – Folding
  • Power Door Mirrors – Heated
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Premium Sound System
  • Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
  • Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
  • Remote Boot/Hatch Release
  • Remote Fuel Lid Release
  • Scuff Plates (on door sills)
  • Seat – Ventilated Drivers Side
  • Seat – Ventilated Passenger Side
  • Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
  • Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Spoiler – Rear
  • Sports Exhaust
  • Sports Instruments
  • Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
  • Starter Button
  • Steering Wheel – Sports
  • Sunroof – Electric
  • Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirrors Dual
  • Suspension – Sports
  • Tacho
  • Tail Lamps – LED
  • Trip Computer
  • Vented – Guards Front
  • Voice Recognition
  • Warning – Speed Alert

IS F

Price when new: $126,300 - $132,900

Price used: $25,000 - $40,900

Adds

  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – Input for iPod
  • Leather Steering Wheel – Two Tone
  • Limited Slip Diff

MY11 update

  • Carbon Fibre – Interior Inserts
  • Daytime Running Lamps – LED

update

  • CD Player
  • Heated Seats – 1st Row
  • Inbuilt Harddisk Drive

If you require a fast, engaging and genuinely entertaining sedan that is built to the highest quality, sounds like an angry thunderstorm and is free of the frustrating, niggling mechanical and electronics issues that are commonly reported on its German competitors, then yes, you should buy a Lexus ISF.

Just keep some money aside to pay for the petrol and legal representation when fighting to keep your license.

If you require a fast, engaging and genuinely entertaining sedan that is built to the highest quality, sounds like an angry thunderstorm and is free of the frustrating, niggling mechanical and electronics issues that are commonly reported on its German competitors, then yes, you should buy a Lexus ISF.

Just keep some money aside to pay for the petrol and legal representation when fighting to keep your license.

If you require a fast, engaging and genuinely entertaining sedan that is built to the highest quality, sounds like an angry thunderstorm and is free of the frustrating, niggling mechanical and electronics issues that are commonly reported on its German competitors, then yes, you should buy a Lexus ISF.

Just keep some money aside to pay for the petrol and legal representation when fighting to keep your license.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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