Quality of your IS-F: not sure about mine

10242 Views 40 Replies 24 Participants Last post by LNL HUTZ, Jan 9, 2010

UNK

Discussion Starter · May 15, 2009

What do you guys think so far of the quality of your IS-F??????????
I personally am a little disappointed. The leather looks used after about 4 months of having the car. A lot of rattling inside and the breaks squeak none stop; which I was basically told that I would have to live with it... I've never had a car for more than 2 years and I am planning on keeping mine for about 4 years and I have to say I am really concerned. The car is black and I feel like the paint is really soft, lots of swirls!!!!!!!!!!!! What do you guys think??? Plus lexus service department does not seem to know how to handle such a car. Last week I caught the guys revving up my engine not knowing I was there as they were pulling the car out, they figured it was funny to play around with other people's property..... My service adviser basically tried to make it up to me by offering me a little detail..... I hope it wasn't a mistake going with the F since it is the first time Lexus has done a car like this.

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F'n around

· #2 · May 15, 2009

I have not had any issues with rattling that I have read about in these posts. My breaks do squeek and I get a lot of dust, but I just keep them clean, and try to bed the breaks every couple of weeks and it seems to keep the squeeking to a minimum. I have had mine since April 08 and have yet to have any real issue with the car.

Sorry to hear about the service department that you had your car serviced at. That is completely unacceptable. This is your car, not theirs, they should treat it with respect even if what they did did not cause any damage.

As for the leather, Mine looks good. The driver seat does have a few new wrinkles on it, but still looks good to go. I get nothing but compliments on my car as for how it still looks new. Most people that get in question if I just bought the car. Find a good leather cleaner and conditioner and use it regularly (I'm partial to Mcguire's products).

Nightspore68

· #3 · May 15, 2009

Sounds like a fluke to me

UNK said:
What do you guys think so far of the quality of your IS-F??????????
I personally am a little disappointed. The leather looks used after about 4 months of having the car. A lot of rattling inside and the breaks squeak none stop; which I was basically told that I would have to live with it... I've never had a car for more than 2 years and I am planning on keeping mine for about 4 years and I have to say I am really concerned. The car is black and I feel like the paint is really soft, lots of swirls!!!!!!!!!!!! What do you guys think??? Plus lexus service department does not seem to know how to handle such a car. Last week I caught the guys revving up my engine not knowing I was there as they were pulling the car out, they figured it was funny to play around with other people's property..... My service adviser basically tried to make it up to me by offering me a little detail..... I hope it wasn't a mistake going with the F since it is the first time Lexus has done a car like this.

I too have a black ISF, but I haven't had the problems you've had. The paint seems fine. I did have to get an invisishield as the bumper and hood were a magent for road debris. The car is still very solid, no squeaks or rattles. That's a first for me. Even the Porsche I had started to rattle early on.

I was dreading dealing with the service department at the closest dealer because their sales staff was so rude they drove me to another dealer for purchase, but it turned out they're very good and professional. I can't imagine them abusing my car.

I think maybe you should try another dealer if there's one nearby.

Also you might want to change the front brake pads. I did and the horrible grinding noise I experienced daily disappeared. Also it was pretty easy to do myself. See my post under Brakes for details.

Hope your experience improves,
-N

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Belmont

· #4 · May 15, 2009

Im going to have to agree with UNK on this. I have had mine since June of 08 and my leather is also looking fairly old for how "new" the car is. As for rattling my car makes a really bad noise when I hit a decent size pothole or dent in the road. Sounds like something is loose underneath. I have had the service department try and find whats making the noise and they have told me there is nothing they can see... On top of this I have received the absolute worst customer service with my F. I have had phone conversations with corporate serveral times with complaints I have had about the service department at my dealer and they seem not to care.

The performance is awsome just not the full package like i was expecting.

UNK

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 15, 2009

Don't get me wrong I love the car. Everytime I hit the pedal I am reminded why I got a 4 year lease but I just feel like the quality of the material they put in the car could've been better. What products exactly do you put in your car and how often to maintain the leather? This is my DD car and I not a heavy person by any mean (135 pounds) so there is no reason why my seat needs to be in the shape it is...

F'n around said:
I have not had any issues with rattling that I have read about in these posts. My breaks do squeek and I get a lot of dust, but I just keep them clean, and try to bed the breaks every couple of weeks and it seems to keep the squeeking to a minimum. I have had mine since April 08 and have yet to have any real issue with the car.

Sorry to hear about the service department that you had your car serviced at. That is completely unacceptable. This is your car, not theirs, they should treat it with respect even if what they did did not cause any damage.

As for the leather, Mine looks good. The driver seat does have a few new wrinkles on it, but still looks good to go. I get nothing but compliments on my car as for how it still looks new. Most people that get in question if I just bought the car. Find a good leather cleaner and conditioner and use it regularly (I'm partial to Mcguire's products).

UNK

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 15, 2009

Sorry to hear that but potholes are definetly an issue... I always feel like I would get pulled over for drunk driving sense i am always avoiding any type of pot holes.... My rear view mirror alone needs to be replaced and I get a lot of rattling from that plus the fact that the minute i put up the music it starts vibrating and becomes a visibility hazard. Like i've said before I feel they could've put better quality material in this car....

Belmont said:
Im going to have to agree with UNK on this. I have had mine since June of 08 and my leather is also looking fairly old for how "new" the car is. As for rattling my car makes a really bad noise when I hit a decent size pothole or dent in the road. Sounds like something is loose underneath. I have had the service department try and find whats making the noise and they have told me there is nothing they can see... On top of this I have received the absolute worst customer service with my F. I have had phone conversations with corporate serveral times with complaints I have had about the service department at my dealer and they seem not to care.

The performance is awsome just not the full package like i was expecting.

jctheplaya888

· #7 · May 15, 2009

Sorry for those who are having issues with the car...

I pretty sure, its nothing bit even its a rattle, about the brakes they are going to squeek no matter what? especially during the amount of times that you wash your rims and what not, its inevitable, but hey it happens to everyone, but that shouldn't be your reason to be disappointed about the car. As well as the leather and the swirls, find a good wax, you know that you can work with or go to some shop see what they can recommend to you, I use the Meguiars NXT 2.0 Liquid Wax, and I am speechless, I am almost about a year into my car, well August it will be a year, but it has no swirls or anything still mint clean, leather is holding up, but its good leather thats why you see creases and what not, but at least twice a month you should wax your leather inside your car whether you drive the car or not, don't use cheap stuff keeps the longevitiy of your leather, hopefully that will help you get the dissappointment out of your mind.

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F'n around

· #8 · May 15, 2009

I'm in mine everyday too, but with a little work my car still looks pretty new. I use Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Wipes. Then I go back over it with a clean microfiber cloth to make sure it is evenly distributed and don't leave any marks behind. I did have a protectant put on my leather prior to using any other product on the car. I had this stuff called "Zylon." I think Lexus offered something similar, but wanted way too much for me to consider it, luckily for me my little bro is the service manager for an Acura dealership nearby and he hooked it up for me, did the paint and interior with those products and I ended up bringing my Sequioa over for the same treatment...amazing stuff.

A03

· #9 · May 16, 2009

Personally these guys sum it up on what I was gonna say..
Except since mine is Pearl white I wash it completely once a week or every 2 weeks and occasional rinse the car once a week due to excessive dirt build up from driving..Looks Brand new from the day one I bought it(03/31/08)..
As for service WTF!! Lot of balls messing around with someone else's car..
Kinda jumping the subject but my friend has a Black Acura TL and I do feel your pain b/c he has the same problem with swirlies what not..

Forgot to mention also last I use Meguiar's Speed Detailer once a week to keep the shine after finishing up the rinse and then drying the car..

You could also try using car covers from excessive sun and rain drops..Which I'm about to do..I found recently that rain on the car is NOT GOOD for cars in general..

YellowJacketISF

· #10 · May 16, 2009

UNK said:
and the breaks squeak none stop; which I was basically told that I would have to live with it...

Just curious, how much driving are you guys doing before you notice the brakes squeaking? This seems like a common occurrence judging by other posts on the forum, but I have yet to notice this *knock on wood. Maybe I haven't put enough miles on mine yet (2500ish) but I haven't noticed any squeaking.

kingpreetham

· #11 · May 17, 2009

I think brake squeaking is not a worry. All uf us have it due to the high performanc nature of the brakes. It is normal. Keep em clean and you should be fine.
Otherwise, i do not notice the rattling..maybe thanks to the ML Audio system

..atleast in my car i do not find any rattling. I have 18K miles on it.
I am happy with the overall quality of the interior.

MoparMan

· #12 · May 17, 2009

My only complaint with the F is the ease with which the paint is chipped. I've never owned a car that chips so easily.

jctheplaya888

· #13 · May 17, 2009

MoparMan said:
My only complaint with the F is the ease with which the paint is chipped. I've never owned a car that chips so easily.

Honestly...I've gotten a few chips already as well, clear bra comes in handy, but Im pretty sure its not beacuse this car chips easily, maybe its because your driving fast and the rocks are just coming at much higher speeds so thats why its causing chips. i know when I'm going fast thats chips on my car come from.

Reciprocal

· #14 · May 17, 2009 (Edited)

I've been driving Lexus since the first LS400 in 1990, including the LS430, LS460 and IS-F. The only one that wouldn't rattle or squeak a little bit at some point was the first one, the LS400. That car set the standard for all Lexus to follow. Aside from ongoing imrovements in sophistication and luxury, as the gadgetry piled on none of the subsequent cars matched the build quality of the first, for me.

The IS-F is huge fun and I love mine, but it isn't remotely rattle or creak free. Anyone who would say otherwise is just being a shill for the brand because the IS-F has too many niggles (everywhere) to count, everything from noisy leather, visors, door and window moulding, dash fitment and air vent, seat belts, not all at the same time. It's a very quiet and solid car over smooth pavement, but it will buzz and creak in harmony over rough roads.

On the other hand, the paint quality seems to be just outstanding, leather wear normal. Leather wrinkles and dries out, just the nature of it.

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Nightspore68

· #15 · May 17, 2009

No shill here!

Reciprocal said:
I've been driving Lexus since the first LS400 in 1990, including the LS430, LS460 and IS-F. The only one that wouldn't rattle or squeak a little bit at some point was the first one, the LS400. That car set the standard for all Lexus to follow. Aside from ongoing imrovements in sophistication and luxury, as the gadgetry piled on none of the subsequent cars matched the build quality of the first, for me.

The IS-F is huge fun and I love mine, but it isn't remotely rattle or creak free. Anyone who would say otherwise is just being a shill for the brand because the IS-F has too many niggles (everywhere) to count, everything from noisy leather, visors, door and window moulding, dash fitment and air vent, seat belts, not all at the same time. It's a very quiet and solid car over smooth pavement, but it will buzz and creak in harmony over rough roads.

On the other hand, the paint quality seems to be just outstanding, leather wear normal. Leather wrinkles and dries out, just the nature of it.

I'm not being a "shill" for Lexus. My IS F has no squeaks or rattle. Maybe it's because of low mileage, but so far it's my quietest car yet (except for the engine of course). If I advocated for any manufacturer, I'd "shill" for Porsche, although my last one had plenty of squeaks. Except for the IS F, Lexus makes cars for grandmothers and people who don't care about performance.

Reciprocal

· #16 · May 17, 2009

and pigs have wings...

hahaha

· #17 · May 18, 2009

my front windshield sucks
within the first week i bought the car i had at least 6 tiny nicks on it
i took to a glass repair place and they said they couldnt do anything because they werent deep enough
i didnt hit anything or take any rocks to warrant this issue
i didnt think
but i must have
and i agree the paint is weak

UNK

Discussion Starter · #18 · May 18, 2009

I actually had the zylon put on my car (cost about $800.00) and I am not sure about it so far.... I guess time will tell.

F'n around said:
I'm in mine everyday too, but with a little work my car still looks pretty new. I use Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Wipes. Then I go back over it with a clean microfiber cloth to make sure it is evenly distributed and don't leave any marks behind. I did have a protectant put on my leather prior to using any other product on the car. I had this stuff called "Zylon." I think Lexus offered something similar, but wanted way too much for me to consider it, luckily for me my little bro is the service manager for an Acura dealership nearby and he hooked it up for me, did the paint and interior with those products and I ended up bringing my Sequioa over for the same treatment...amazing stuff.

UNK

Discussion Starter · #19 · May 18, 2009

Well mine is my DD and I drive on average about 1000-1100 miles a month. Plus I just probably mention that I go to the industrial side of Los Angeles so the roads are bad at best....

YellowJacketISF said:
Just curious, how much driving are you guys doing before you notice the brakes squeaking? This seems like a common occurrence judging by other posts on the forum, but I have yet to notice this *knock on wood. Maybe I haven't put enough miles on mine yet (2500ish) but I haven't noticed any squeaking.

UNK

Discussion Starter · #20 · May 18, 2009

Agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!! Last time I was washing my car and was in shock how many chips I had. It's crazy it either a chip or not. I'll take pictures and post them...

MoparMan said:
My only complaint with the F is the ease with which the paint is chipped. I've never owned a car that chips so easily.

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