[2URGSE]

01/05/2013 - UPDATE!!!!

Well, the big day has arrived, 6 years after driving it on the track and 4 years after joining the forum. It's been a crazy day and I'm finally home, but it was worth it.

New beast is here, 2013 ISF, Nebula Gray Pearl with black interior. NAV + ML. It was worth the wait.

There she is at the detail shop.

First night in the garage, away from the rain!

Still can't believe this quest is actually over.


Back then....

New to the forum. I currently drive an 04 WRX STi, but may have to get rid of it for a house.

I first saw the ISF at the SF AutoShow in 2007,it was love at first sight. I then got to drive it in Fontana International Raceway, here is car # 1 that I drove and a few other shots, it was a blast:

I have another junker car that I drive, but if I do get rid of the STi, the ISF is the only car I would consider as a replacement.

As with any car I plan on buying, I always research it out for at least a year. I did so with the Nissan 350Z back in 2003, and ended up not buying it due to all the issues it had, and ended up with the STi.

Here is a picture of the current beast:

Only 16K miles on it, it's a weekend toy.

The car is "fully loaded" compared to what it came with when it was stock. Well, it didn't even have a radio when it was stock. (All 2004 STi did not have a radio or floor mats)

• Cobb Stage 2 package, custom tuned, 91 pump gas
• APS 65 mm Cold air Intake
• Some engine dress up pieces
• StopTech stainless brake lines/Motul 600 RBF fluid
• Lancer Evolution RECARO seats (yes, from an Evo 8)
• Pioneer Avic F900BT, Boss 600 amplified sub, XM, NAV, DVD...the works...
• Custom Valentine 1 Radar/Laser detector setup with kill switch
• ATi gauge pod, 52 mm matching gauges boost & oil pressure
• Custom shift boot, ebrake, center consule in leather and custom shift knob

In my free time, I like to detail cars.

 

[BigMikeISF]

Welcome to the site! Great looking subie you got there. The STI's are some of my favorite cars Feel free to chime in on any topics and ask any questions you might have about the F

 

[2URGSE]

Thank you! Yes, the STi is fun, especially when moded correctly. It just not as comfortable with the stock seats, and attracts a whole lot of attention from everyone.

 

[Flipside909]

Welcome! Maybe you should keep test driving an IS F til you finally decide to give in and take one home?

BTW. Did you do the Ultimate half day session or the regular free day sessions of the Lexus Performance Driving Academy?

 

[Jeff Taylor]

Welcome to the site. Feel free to ask any questions you have about the F. Everyone is very helpful and friendly on this site.

Thanks for the detail guide on the other thread. Definitely some good info!

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F

 

[FChampOH]

Peleg, welcome to the world of the IS-F! You should be able to find all kinds of info here. I think you'll find there are quite a few owners here who made a long term, educated decision before buying their F. And a lot of the research was done right here!
Good to have ya,
Doug

 

[isflojo]

Welcome Peleg, and thanks for the detailing thread. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with your research.

 

[oarngemig]

I think it's time for you to get an F, follow the heartbeat, 98% of the time it's correct. I also had two Stis before, an '04 2liter JDM and an '07 2.5liter. I had Recaro SRs, ECUTEK re map, Pipercross filter and intake, 3 in exhaust from downpipe with no internal mods doing 310whp. I love the Scooby and have great respect, value for money. I also have an Evo 7 by the way. Anyway, I gave up the Scooby for the ISF, I just couldn't help it.
The first time I saw the ISF thru spy shots a few years back, I said I have to have it, having had an LS400 since 96 and very happy with it.
I have no regrets whatsoever and everytime I drive the F it gives me a smile.
I'm sure it'll do the same to you once you have yours.

 

[2URGSE]

Well, got my own place now. Sold my old car and got an 06 Honda Accord fully loaded to roll in.

Trying to sell the STi now.....

ISF is still the ultimate destination.

 

[Flipside909]

Almost there! Good luck.

 

[2URGSE]

A few questions, I'm researching the car.

1. What oil grade does the ISF use?

2. How long are your tires lasting?

3. How is the gas milage if you don't "play" too much on the freeway?

4. What RPM does the engine run at, at 80 MPH in 8th gear?

5. How is the factory sound system and Navigation?

6. Is this car equipped with laser or radar guided cruise control?

7. Are the brakes dusty? (Do they create a lot of brake dust)

8. What kind of cars did you beat with the the ISF? I know this is M3, RS4 and AMG territory but just curious.

 

[Gymkata]

1) Sorry...not sure.

2) I have 10,000 miles and the tires are probably at 75-80%.

3) If I am driving nice, I get about 22 mpg when cruising at 80+ mph on the freeway.

4) The engine is running just over 2000 RPM at 80 MPH in 8th gear.

5) The ML stereo is great in my opinion. I absolutely hate the navigation system because you cannot use most of its functions while the car is in motion. You have to spend over $400 if you want to by a hack for navigation to stop this.

6) I don't know what the standard cruise control is, but there is an option for radar guided cruise control.

7) The stock brake pads do create a lot of brake dust, but there are good ceramic aftermarket pads available.

8) The only car that has beaten me in a roll-on is a brand new Z06 Corvette. My best victory is against a 2004 Audi RS6 twin turbo V8. I have never raced a new M3, C63 AMG, or an RS4, but the C63 AMG is the only car in the ISF's class that can beat it in a straight line.

 

[2URGSE]

4) The engine is running just over 2000 RPM at 80 MPH in 8th gear.

5) The ML stereo is great in my opinion. I absolutely hate the navigation system because you cannot use most of its functions while the car is in motion. You have to spend over $400 if you want to by a hack for navigation to stop this.

Interesting, I was hoping the engine would be able to turn less than 2K RPM due to the displacement/V8 but oh well.

Care to elaborate on the Nav defeat gig? I did a defeat on a Pioneer F900BT in my Subaru, but ofcourse that's an aftermarket unit.

 

[Gymkata]

You can find more information on the Navigation override at http://www.prestigioussociety.com/le...-override.html

As for 8th gear cruising RPM, it is lower in the ISF than any other car I have ever driven, including my truck, which runs about 2150 RPM @ 80. But unlike my truck, the ISF has a redline of 6800 RPM, which gives it a theoretical redline limited top speed of 259 mph. Of course nobody will ever see redline in 8th gear, but its nice to know you will never be limited by gearing. Did you want a low cruising RPM for better fuel economy? The ISF does get much better gas mileage than any of its competition.

 

[isflojo]

This might help you...
http://www.lexusfforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1575&highlight=plug+play+units

 

[Gymkata]

Interesting, I was hoping the engine would be able to turn less than 2K RPM due to the displacement/V8 but oh well.

Care to elaborate on the Nav defeat gig? I did a defeat on a Pioneer F900BT in my Subaru, but ofcourse that's an aftermarket unit.

Peleg, I was curious myself about IS F 8th gear cruising RPM, so I calculated it out in 500 RPM increments from 1500 RPM to redline...kinda puts things in perspective compared to most "performance cars" out there.

Calculated using a 255/35R19 tire size, a 0.69:1 8th gear, and a 2.94:1 final drive ratio:
1500 rpm – 57 mph
2000 rpm – 76 mph
2500 rpm – 95 mph
3000 rpm – 114 mph
3500 rpm – 133 mph
4000 rpm – 152 mph
4500 rpm – 171 mph
5000 rpm – 190 mph
5500 rpm – 209 mph
6000 rpm – 228 mph
6500 rpm – 248 mph
6800 rpm – 259 mph (redline)

Once again, obviously the ISF is governed at 170 mph, and doesn't have enough power to push past abou 185 mph, or sufficient aero to safely handle if pushed around 200 mph.

One of the reasons I love the ISF is it is pushing 140 mph in top gear at the same RPM as my wife's Honda S2000 at 80 mph!!!

 

[Flipside909]

Here's a gear ratio chart that is a bit more detailed:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f/417920-top-speed-in-each-gear.html

 

[2URGSE]

Great info Flipside! I appreciate it.

The STi is sale pending, I'm one step closer to the ISF.

 

[2URGSE]

I've been reading about the 2UR-GSE engine last night, very impressive technology.

I like the fact that you can cruise at 70 at around 2000 RPM's or less.

 

[2URGSE]

My research shows the depreciation hits hard after 1 year.........the average price for a 2008 ISF in excellent condition (private party) is around 45,000 (20,000 miles give or take)

My target purchase date is end of 2011 although it might be sooner.