[Mr. Lex]

Hello all, I am new to the forum. In late 2010 i should be in the market for a new car and have been doing my research. I have looked into the M3, C63, Audi S4 and IS-F.

M3 and C63 are most expensive, not really feeling the C63 anymore, too plain jane for me and just the thought of being a Mercedes Owner kind of turns me off for some reason, sounds weird?

I like the S4, probably the most inexpensive of the group, not so sure about the V6 supercharged engine but probably best on gas and everyday driving

IS-F never seen one in person on the road, which is a lot of bonus points, which subtracts points from BMW and MB. I like that the Lexus can blend in but stand out at the same time.

Now to my question, what made some of you want to buy the IS-F over its competitors? I am sure most of you looked into getting some of the other cars listed above. I know it will come down to the test drive and cant wait to visit all those dealers.

 

[infinus]

I was looking at all of those cars you mentioned except the S4 which I felt was too slow and overpriced for its performance. Honestly at first I was dead set on the M3 and didn't even want to consider the F but then a buddy of mine took me to see one and I fell in love. I bought the F for the rarity, at the hospital I work at M3's are a dime a dozen. Also the reliability, I'd heard too many horror stories about the out of warranty M's and we've owned Mercedes cars that were plagued with problems and vowed never to buy one again. The service staff at the Lexus dealer were very pleasant. I also average 22 mpg city (I don't have the lightest foot either) and on my last road trip got 28.2 mpg driving back from California.

 

[abyars]

I had the IS350 and loved it. I looked at the M but as most here will say, they are everywhere. I bought the IS-F just because its bulletproof, gets 30mpg on the highway, can be an executive shuttle and still run high 12's. Just a blast to drive and rare. Good luck with whatever you choose and enjoy it
Andy

 

[Mr. Lex]

thx for all the input. I do not see too many M3s around where i live, but when i head into the city (Boston) i see atleast one everytime. And on my drive to work i see countless BMWs. I love BMWs but that fact makes me not want to own one. It may sound dumb, but that fact that i have never seen an IS-F intrigues me.

Now my next question, when will the next IS-F come out? I do not want to look into buying this model if a new model will come out in 2012

 

[hahaha]

http://lexusenthusiast.com/2010/07/21/2011-lexus-release-schedule/

 

[Turk]

I too was looking at the M3 and C63 AMG.

Between the M3 I thought the IS F had a much more useable power delivery in daily commuting where I do most of my driving. I considered the C63 AMG but when I saw it in person I was not digging the front end of the car and fish gill slots.

The IS F to me looked much better in person than pictures and when i drove the F it was a done deal...Sold

 

[Mr. Lex]

thanks for that link ha and turk, if you dont mind me asking what kind of price did you get the IS-F for? were you able to negotiate down a bit? The price range of the IS-F is a big plus to me and would be bigger if i could negotiate down.

on to my next question, what price did most of you get for the IS-F and were you able to negotiate down a bit? I am sure any car price can be brought down with the... "let me check out the M3 or C63 and i will get back to you" tactic.

 

[chris6878]

Got mine for 38,9 plus tax tag and title. I have 3 lexuses now. I have a gs 3 with 152k and she still pretty. So reliability was the biggest factor and the fact that I am a lex lover. I owned a bmw 535 for about 6 months until the engine blew. Dont care for Benzes. Plus I love the fact that many lexus owners dont even know that the F exists! But when I ride pass someone who knows about the F and I get a thumbs up I love it!

 

[abyars]

42,500 with 11k on it last year. Certainly worth everyy penny

 

[DINO ISF]

thanks for that link ha and turk, if you dont mind me asking what kind of price did you get the IS-F for? were you able to negotiate down a bit? The price range of the IS-F is a big plus to me and would be bigger if i could negotiate down.

on to my next question, what price did most of you get for the IS-F and were you able to negotiate down a bit? I am sure any car price can be brought down with the... "let me check out the M3 or C63 and i will get back to you" tactic.

I got mine for $41500 from a used dealer in queens ny. The guy gets them from auctions he goes to. Turns out my car was a repo from Florida. It also had 19in lumari morro rims, tint, navigation, mark levinson stereo and tinted windows and 16500 miles on it. Its silver and mint condition. I love this car and I got it for a steal. You have to look if you want a great deal. Thats what I did for a year and a half and after the new year all prices come down just a bit more

 

[Ted C]

Choices

Audi S5/S4 + design and looks,especially the S5. - massively overpriced. They don't hold their value well. Electrical problems
BMW M3 + holds their value, - uncertain reliablity, heard of fuel pump dying, exploding diff etc and M3 drivers have a bad image (think they are god)
MB C63 + love the power and torque, great seats, - reliability or lack thereof, horrendous gas mileage, eats rear tire
I owned Alfa, Jag before and although they are wonderful to drive, they are just too temperamental. The upside is that the car really communicates with you. Even though the IS-F (which I currently own) is an engineering marvel, it doesn't give me the same level of feedback. I cannot read the car as well. The downside of European cars is lack of reliablity. I had so many problems and I learn to never assume that I can complete a trip everytime I get into the car and that sucks. Owned a Celica way back in the early 80s and that thing was bulletproof. The IS-F is a better balance of power and practicality for a daily driver.

 

[Mr. Lex]

I think i have narrowed it down to either the Audi S4 or IS-F, it will just have to come down to sitting behind the wheel and driving

 

[IS-FTW]

I think i have narrowed it down to either the Audi S4 or IS-F, it will just have to come down to sitting behind the wheel and driving

then congrats on choosing the IS-F

 

[TXISF]

looked at M5's and C63's...went with the IS F because it's more practical and i can drive the hell out of it and still have pleasant experiences at the dealership. for a daily driver the car is enough to keep me from getting bored

 

[Mr. Lex]

looked at M5's and C63's...went with the IS F because it's more practical and i can drive the hell out of it and still have pleasant experiences at the dealership. for a daily driver the car is enough to keep me from getting bored

plus you will have to sell your kidney to pay for gas for either of those cars

 

[infinus]

Yes I forgot to mention the M5/M6 I looked at that too the 13 mpg was not on my list of things I liked. The 500 hp V10 was but once again reliability came into play and the styling just didn't do it for me and knowing that a new M5 will be out soon I knew I just wouldn't be happy long term in an "older" car.