I am considering an 2008 ISF. My concern is with the contraversial topic of suspension. Is the ride harsh or not? That seems to be the dilema.

In the Car & driver article half reviewers had a problem the others did not mention it. I think the discrepancy boils down to point of reference of the reviewer. If coming from an ls460 ,cadillac dts or mercedes sedan ( couch on wheels ) then I am sure the ISF would come off as harsh.

So it would help me a great deal if memebesr who have experience with the ISF and other vehicles could give their opinion as comparing the two.

I have experience with the gen I IS300, BMW 335i sport suspension, audi TT, 2003 Bmw M3, 300zx Acura TL 2008 & 2010. Porsche Cayenne T and a number of others.


I am leaning towards a more compliant ride. One that can be used as a daily driver and not drain ones energy by fighting with the car or being jarred around during a trip and feeling every pothole, railroad track or defects in the road.

If the ride is classified as Harsh how costly & easy is it to fix with suspension swapping? Can the ride be brought into the realm of compliant?


Thank-you for your help

I have a 2010 and would say the ride is compliant. It is my daily driver, even in the winter. It does have a harder ride than a regular IS, but for good reason: lower ride height and a desire to corner harder = less suspension travel, firm spring rates, and greater chance of achieving full jounce. Everyone who has been in the car loves it and never complains about teeth chattering ride qualities, it more or less feels confident and a joy to drive on long trips with 4 in the car.

I have been looking at coilovers and they range from $1000 for BC Racing (used by many and have lots of adjustment for comfort to hard) to $8000+ for Toms or other race ready kits. Check Fig Engineering(a member on the forum) for BC and others as well as suspension components. Vipautosalon? I think has a large selection of Japanese and other kits not easily found in the north American market.

Coming from a few Evo 8's and Subarus with various coilovers and what-not, the 08 ISF is probably a little more harsh than a stock Evo in my opinion. On nice roads all is good. But over bumpy pavement or freeways it's a very busy suspension and definitely bouncy.

The issue is really with what you like day-to-day. I prefer a firmer suspension (but not track-ready) and really hate floatiness so I don't mind the ISF being a little annoying at times. But really that's only when I want to kick it into full Auto and just chill or I'm trying to drive nicer because of passengers.

My wife complains on occassion...although she also falls asleep most of the time when we drive back from visiting her folks. And this is on So Cal freeways so obviously it's not atrocious if she can fall asleep.

The one thing I feel the need to mention (briefly) is build quality. In nearly every previous car with more firm suspension, random parts of the car would rattle or vibrate. In the F all is silent so it's a nicer, yet firm, experience. That has been the big difference for me.

Personally, if you have the money to spend a few $k on suspension stuff to make it better...just use that money to get a newer model. They really improved things 2010+ and then you won't have trial-and-error trying to get it right yourself.

I have an 08 and have had it several years. Its not bad but it is still firm none the less. The car is so much more fun than any you mentioned regardless of ride. My only issue is when I have to take exec's out and they DO notice the ride but they also know its a purpose built 4 door super saloon and its not an LS460. The 2011 has the new suspension and I'd be lying if I didnt tell you I am actively looking for a 2011 but not for ride quality alone, I want the new diff and the new dash and the ride is just an added bonus because as stated in the beginning, the ride is not bad.
Good luck on your decision and you really cant go wrong. As anxious said, its firm but its quiet as a mouse inside.
Andy

I don't mind the ride quality at all as my previous car was a Crossfire SRT-6 and you talk about brutal........... Like some others have mentioned, you have a couple options to help in that area if you feel the need. The difference in price is not worth a little extra compliant ride in my opinion.

There is a difference from all the test drives I've conducted lately.

The 2011's will take a dump in price soon, as the 2013's are rolling out in Ocober. (was told by a Lexus Dealership)

Wait a few more months for a 2011.

I went from stock IS300
To lowered IS300 Koni Yellows. Larger wheels (always on firm)
To 08 ISF.
Just test drove a 12 ISF yesterday and didnt really like the change in suspension and IP. I like a stiffer ride. LUV my O8 I still smile every time I fire it up.
I have to agree with IS F Steve on this one "The difference in price is not worth a little extra compliant ride in my opinion"

How much softer is the 12 ISF than the 08?