Likes
- Excellent performance
- That 5.0-litre V8
- The engine note
- Japanese engineering at its finest
Used Lexus IS F review
2007 - 2014
Dislikes
- Cramped rear seating
- Interior isn’t ageing gracefully
- Driving tech is ageing
- Infotainment needs an update
Stuff you should know
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.
What goes wrong
- 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.
Should you buy it
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.
Should you buy it
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.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech Specs
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 & servicing
Warranty
- 4 years / 100,000 km (All Models)
Servicing
- 15,000 km / 12 months (All Models)
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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.
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