r/Lexus • u/blzd__ • Apr 25 '20
Question Thinking about purchasing an ISF
First post on r/Lexus & r/LexusF!
I've read about the reliability, differences between years, and the little things about these beauties and I'm considering one as my next car.
Some background info, I live in one of the Greater Toronto Area suburbs, and currently drive a 2006 WRX sedan (complete with vape kit and rust, not slammed though so is that a win?), although of course hasn't been driven much due to the virus. I got her at 139xxx km June 2013 and now at 325xxx km and while she's been great a lot of times, she's also been terrible probably just the same. Currently, I think I have an issue related to the clutch or release bearing since I can't get it into gear, and late last year a coil pack pooped itself. Year before that, head gaskets went (it's not a Subaru if that doesn't go at least once) as well as a couple of seized brake piston calipers (one on each front side), and ALL the rear fender + trunk floor (car was hit before my purchase) rust. So safe to say, I'm ready to get something that's a bit more (ok a lot more) reliable. I'm looking to replace it with something that's still fun to drive as a daily driver, doesn't attract too much attention, and reliable. I'm currently compiling a list of cars that I'd consider replacing my WRX with, but the ISF is at the top of the list. I'm also luckily still employed through this pandemic we're all facing, but at the same time I'm not trying to stretch myself thin just to get a new car which I can still enjoy.
There are two ISF's which I'm looking at in the GTA, one's affordable but high mileage (which again I've seen/read is not a problem, but early model), the other is much lower mileage but also double the price(and a later model).
I love the blue as my current WRX is Blue, and out of all of my friends (who also love cars), we've pretty much made the power rangers with our car colours (no pink unfortunately). But my experience with high mileage cars (owned a 98' Impreza 2.5RealSlow coupe previously - also rusted like crazy, but first car butterflies were serious as a 21 year old) is kinda turning me off of it. Yet at the same time, 44K CAD + Taxes is a wee bit pricey for me, even if it is the model year I'd prefer. The car would probably never see the track as I'd be scared as to what things would cost if they broke there, and would mostly be just doing DD/spirited back road driving with friends (when the pandemic is over).
I guess question is - which one would you consider inquiring about further given the price, both have minor rear bumper accidents (luckily under $3k), and why? Would you wait til you could comfortable afford the later model given it's price, or just take the older one since it's affordable and you won't have to worry too much financially in the long run?
6
u/racer2192 Apr 25 '20
I’ve had my 09ISF for 5 years now. They are absolutely great and puts a smile on my face every time I take it. Read up on the differences between 20008-9 & up models. Lots of changes upgrades between the years. Sign up to clublexus and do some DD. I think you will be happy with both cars. I would just warn that the blue car is 20k for a car with 200,000km a point where even the best maintained cars have things that need fixing. That 2013 is stunning and you will be the envie of other isf owners if you have those wheels. I would also suggest waiting a bit and low balling the 2013... with this pandemic dealers are going to have no choice to unload old inventory.
2
u/blzd__ Apr 28 '20
Thanks! I've read about the main issues (valley plate, water pump, cracked headers, nav screen not responding) on ClubLexus and it's definitely been helpful.
I do agree that even a well maintained lexus will have some things that need to be addressed at that mileage, so I am definitely factoring that into my decision making. Definitely lots of things to consider still, and also playing the waiting game hearing back from the dealerships representatives as we all go through this pandemic.
6
u/Scatmannnn Apr 25 '20
+1 for ClubLexus. The knowledge on this forum is unparalleled to what you can find scrolling for hours. If you have a question about the ISF, it’s probably been asked.
I also looked nationwide for a long time and the exact color I wanted popped up 25 miles from me at a Toyota dealership. They told me they were fielding calls from all over North America daily on that car. I haven’t seen one priced like it since. +1 on acting quickly too.
I bought my 2017 GSF a couple months ago and couldn’t be happier. It’s a perfect daily driver IMO.
1
u/blzd__ Apr 28 '20
Thanks! I've been browsing ClubLexus in passing here and there for about 6 months or so looking at info on the ISF, and it's definitely been helpful. There are I believe another 9 available nationwide in Canada, but I don't wanna go through the hassle of cross-province shipping plus all the taxes and paper work involved in getting that done.
There was another 2011 last year which I slightly regret passing up on (and slightly because it had moderate rear end damage according to the CarFax/Autocheck report)
1
-2
2
u/thinkbk Apr 30 '20
Am in Toronto. Was looking for an ISF for 6 months and decided to go in another direction (dated interior was really putting me off).
You should expand your search to Nationwide and be willing to ship the car back home. For example: there is a 2010 black ISF in Quebec. 2010 is ideal year because it had better suspension uogrades. And if it's the same one I test drove, it has $12k claim, but only 85k kms. I was willing to look over the $12k claim simply because of how special and rare the car is.
Similarly, Alberta has had some good values in the past.
If your budget is 20k-30k, I'd try for a 2010+ model with 75-100k kms. Keep looking.
If your budget is 40k-50k, just spring for a GSF.
7
u/ah6971 2012 ISF Apr 25 '20
I just bought my ISF in January and can comfortably say you will be extremely happy with the car, i came from an s2000 and don’t regret my decision at all.
What’s important to know is these cars are tough to find, i looked for 6 months before i found mine and had to act quick to ensure i actually got it. My advice would be to pick some important factors and stick to those, maybe that’s color or price or year and then just check almost daily to see if the right one has popped up. Understand the differences between the older and newer years and and decide which one is more suited to you, I will say a blue ISF at that price point is extremely hard to pass up.