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47 Posts
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.
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.