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ISF long term reliability?

43100 Views 25 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  pat.ross
Hello newbie here. I did a research on the ISFs performance,test drive,mag tests. So I have a interest in buying one. But I want to know from ISF owners long term reviews. I know Lexus has a good reputation of being very reliable. I'm also considering the C63 AMG. Thank You all.
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Welcome to the site :cool:

As far as long term tests/reviews, there are multiple people with well over 20-25k miles on their F's thus far with no problems what-so-ever. I haven't heard or talked to anyone with tons of miles on their F's as it is still a relatively new vehicle (2008 was the first year it was introduced incase you didn't know). If you like to read magazine articles, one magazine has conducted a long-term review on the F (I can't remember if it's Road and Track or Car and Driver). I would check that out if you had the chance. I would also read on this site as well as clublexus.com in their IS-F section as many people have posed similar questions to yours. There are also a lot of reviews/comparisons between the F, C63 and M3 that have been typed up by members of the sites.

One thing to remember with Lexus is that you're getting Toyota reliability with their vehicles. Toyota is known throughout the world for it's reliability and long term success. I hope this helps, please feel free to ask any other questions.
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23k miles thus far.

6 oil changes = $240 (At Toyota, not Lexus)
Detailing Supplies = $200
Brakes = $300



That is all. No problems whatsoever.

We've had an SC400 Lexus before that for 12 years which has never encountered a mechanical difficulty. It needed a new battery and air conditioner after quite a few years, and that's it.

Lexus = bullet proof reliability...
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I subscribe to Road&Track,Car&Driver,Motor Trend. So I have a pretty solid knowledge about the ISF:) Also I'm a real car enthusiast. I own a C36 AMG, Clk55 AMG which are rare as the ISF. I would replace the C36. Having 3 cars wouldnt be practical. Anyway I test drove the 2010 ISF. Very tight steering, Shifts in manual mode is fast,V8 rumble is nice,great topend.
I'm still debating should I get the 08 ISF with low miles or get a base 2010 ISF. The thing is first year model cars scare me. Yes I had a 03 350z first owner with minor problems here and there. It was a little bit of a headache going back to the dealer. So keep those reviews coming!
If you read other car forums, you will realize it is very common for the people to complain about all the common problems with their cars... I came from an Infiniti G35/G37 forum and if you go there, you will see alot of complains for their trannies, rattles, exhaust problem, dead battery, etc..... the bmw with all their electrical problems, their fuel pump problems, turbo problems, etc..... and then you come to the Lexus Forum,,, People over here cry about paying $600 for brembo brake pads, but they never realize their 3900lb 400+hp never fail them with their brembo brakes. they complain about their Mark Levinson stereo's bass suck but it wont leave them stranded on the side of the highway,, people complain about their rear view mirror vibrating too much with their "sucky" Mark Levinson,,, Haha,, their is an bulletin for a revised version, again, wont leave them stranded on the highway.... I think thats basically pretty much it with the F,,, No common engine problems, no common trans prob, no common anything problem....
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I have about 28,5xx on mine and it still runs like its new! I haven't experienced any problems yet, its a great car!

Also I'm still on my original set of brake pads... Only thing that sucks is I'm getting ready to buy a new set of tires, but that's my fault...

I lowered my car and it gave it horrible negative camber, but if I didn't bring it down so low I know my tires would have lasted a 1-2K more miles...
3o,ooo and still runs like new stiill same pads changing soon and changed tire to 245 front 275 rear made a world of difference car handles like it is stuck to the road. only problem i have is staying at the speed limit
Long term reliabilty with any Toyota/Lexus product is second to none. Here's my 1 year/24k mile review of my 2009 ISF:

http://www.lexusfforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2120

Good luck.
Great write up guys! What about the paint? Do they chip easy on the front end of the car? I had a bad experience with the 350z getting sand blasting,chips all over the front end. My 2 Benzs hardly has chips.
Get a clear bra. It's a must. I had an IS350 without a clear bra that took a sand blasting. Learned my lesson and got it on the IS-F.
I have over 42,000 miles on my ISF without any problems whatsoever. I replaced the front brake pads at about 25,000 miles because I was going to a Track Day. They still had about 40% left. I replaced the tires when I had about 32,000 miles on the car. I replaced the tires with Vredesteins 245/35/19 on the front, 285/30/19 on rear.

I cannot tell any difference between the car I drove from the dealers March 1, 2008 and now.

Pat Ross
I have over 42,000 miles on my ISF without any problems whatsoever. I replaced the front brake pads at about 25,000 miles because I was going to a Track Day. They still had about 40% left. I replaced the tires when I had about 32,000 miles on the car. I replaced the tires with Vredesteins 245/35/19 on the front, 285/30/19 on rear.

I cannot tell any difference between the car I drove from the dealers March 1, 2008 and now.

Pat Ross
Damn you love to drive! So did you replace the tranny fluid yet? Since you track your car your drivetrain must take a beating.
Get a clear bra. It's a must. I had an IS350 without a clear bra that took a sand blasting. Learned my lesson and got it on the IS-F.
I guess Japanese paint is soft. My Benzs has no sandblasting.
I lowered my car and it gave it horrible negative camber, but if I didn't bring it down so low I know my tires would have lasted a 1-2K more miles...
I am wanting to lower mine but there is no rear camber. Were you able to get it aligned somewhat???
I guess Japanese paint is soft. My Benzs has no sandblasting.
Probably, Toyota paint is softer (in general). It has its benefits as well though, being much easier to correct defects and not having to use such abrasive polishes. Honestly the clear bra has saved me a lot of damage repair. Something large flew out of the car in front of me and slapped the front of the car at 90mph and the clear bra saved the paint completely.
I don't have my F yet, but I had many Toyotas in my family and my mechanic is a Toyota Master Mechanic.

They make very reliable cars.

I'd say it comes down to this:

1. If you do the maintenance on time.

2. Don't abuse the car.

3. Don't start it up when it's 30 degrees outside and redline it.

Your car will last for a long time.
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Correction on rear tire size

I typed my rear tire size incorrectly. They are 275/30R19 not 285.

Pat
I have over 42,000 miles on my ISF without any problems whatsoever. I replaced the front brake pads at about 25,000 miles because I was going to a Track Day. They still had about 40% left. I replaced the tires when I had about 32,000 miles on the car. I replaced the tires with Vredesteins 245/35/19 on the front, 285/30/19 on rear.

I cannot tell any difference between the car I drove from the dealers March 1, 2008 and now.

Pat Ross
Pat
How are the Vredesteins working for you, any rubbing issues, where did you buy them, are they installed on the original rims?
Thanks
Angel
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