My IS-F test drive

9842 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Menayswpol, Jan 8, 2015

WillRockwell

Discussion Starter · Aug 3, 2012

After deciding that an IS-F is the right car for me based on internet videos and road test reports, after seeing one on a pedestal in the Manhattan Lexus showroom, I finally got to drive one. It was a gently used 2011 model with the Levinson stereo and 9000 miles on it. The tires seemed a bit worn for that mileage, so it may have been driven hard in its short life.

What I quickly learned is that this is two cars in one...a transformer. It's both a Camry and a Corvette...Beauty and the Beast. When the test drive started I put it in Drive and cruised gently to get the feel of the car. My wife could drive this with no problems. Suspension was much more comfortable than my Mazdaspeed, response was direct and predictable, unlike the Jaguar F I recently drove which felt like a boat.

The salesman directed me to a curvy back road, and by this time I was ready to put the car in Sport mode and engage the paddles. A smile grew on my face as the exhaust opened up and the Camry became a Corvette. When I downshifted, the engine automatically blipped before entering the lower gear, all in microseconds. I quickly had the salesman holding on to his seat, though I barely had it open and never got beyond 5th gear.

I was thoroughly satisfied by the feel and handling of the IS-F, not disappointed by any aspect of the ride. I'm sold.

Save

1 - 11 of 11 Posts

Carbon

· #2 · Aug 3, 2012

Great to hear

But the best part is unlike any other super sedan, 4 years from now the car will still feel tight and the engine/ drive train will be as good as ever. The leather is super soft quality stuff.... But just like a good jacket, the better the leather, the easier it damages. that really is my only problem. If they used some cheaper hard stuff I may not mind.

Also the Mark Levinson system is by far the best I have heard.

Welcome and enjoy the F!

Save

WillRockwell

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 3, 2012

Carbon said:
Great to hear

But the best part is unlike any other super sedan, 4 years from now the car will still feel tight and the engine/ drive train will be as good as ever. The leather is super soft quality stuff.... But just like a good jacket, the better the leather, the easier it damages. that really is my only problem. If they used some cheaper hard stuff I may not mind.

Also the Mark Levinson system is by far the best I have heard.

Welcome and enjoy the F!

Thanks Carbon. I didn't even turn on the radio, and asked not to get a tour of the features, I already knew them. Your point about the leather is a good one, I'll have to be careful. If my plans develop as expected (no, not the lottery) I'll be able to pay for a car in September. I want a low mileage 2011, in blue or red, and will fly out to get it if necessary. I wonder if by September the prices on 2011 models will have dropped as the 2013's come in?

Save

Carbon

· #4 · Aug 4, 2012

September/October is always a good time to buy, but most of my experience is with buying new. If you buy new, Lexus may have some very favorable rates come October, especially if you can do security deposits to lower the rate further. I was able to get 0.7% on my 2010 IS-F back in October of 2010. At 0.7% I'll gladly borrow someone else's money than use my own that could be earning interest.

Is the 2011 that much cheaper than a 2012? Also if someone drove the crap out of the 2011, you could be looking at new tires $1500, brakes $1000, and regret for not buying a new one $priceless.

Save

faeflora

· #5 · Aug 11, 2012

WillRockwell said:
I quickly had the salesman holding on to his seat, though I barely had it open and never got beyond 5th gear.

I would be holding onto the seat too if you were on curvy roads at the top of 5th gear ha ha ha

Save

Damo

· #6 · Sep 23, 2012

Carbon said:
Great to hear

But the best part is unlike any other super sedan, 4 years from now the car will still feel tight and the engine/ drive train will be as good as ever. The leather is super soft quality stuff.... But just like a good jacket, the better the leather, the easier it damages. that really is my only problem. If they used some cheaper hard stuff I may not mind.

Also the Mark Levinson system is by far the best I have heard.

Welcome and enjoy the F!

Be really really carefull with the leather!! Espically if your using the ISOFIX seats in the rear. My wife won't put the seats in or take em out for fear of damaging the seats. To my shame, I have to say I put a small tear in the leather installing these seats. A tip is to move the passenger front seat fully forward to give more space in the rear for installing!! Enjoy the car when it arrives, you won't be disappointed.

Save

2URGSE

· #7 · Sep 26, 2012

I remember my first time in Fontana International Raceway..............0-100 MPH was awesome....

Save

fastarp1122

· #8 · Dec 13, 2012

My buddy just bought an ISF and he loves it. He actually bought it in California and needed it brought here in Texas. Being that it is a fairly high value car, he didnt want to take any chances so he used and enclosed car transport to get it here. The company he used also moved some freight for him and gave him an all inclusive price. He was very happy!

Save