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.
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.