The 2000s were an amazing time for performance cars. Natural aspiration, big displacement, and huge jumps in torsional rigidity resulted in cars we’ll never see again like the E90 BMW M3, the C6 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and the V10-powered Audi S8. Sure, Japan might not have had the same presence as it did in the previous decade, but the 416-horsepower Lexus IS F absolutely deserves to be part of the conversation.
While it didn’t have the 8,300 RPM redline of the V8 BMW M3 or the massive 6.2 liters of displacement boasted by the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, the IS F still had a baritone naturally aspirated five-liter V8 that’s since been updated for use in cars like the LC 500 and IS 500 F Sport Performance. Nowadays, this is your entry point to one of the greatest engines still on the market, and you can pick up an IS F for the price of a new Corolla.
What Are We Looking At?
Back in 2003, Lexus tapped Rod Millen to put the V8 from a GS 430 into an IS 300 sports sedan. The resulting show car was called the IS 430, and it was spectacular enough to start a burning desire to compete with cars like the Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG and the Audi S4. The seeds were sown, and for the next generation, Lexus would put a V8 in its compact sport sedan. However, it wouldn’t be just a standard model with more power. Instead, Lexus put together a skunkworks team, and tapped Supra engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi to lead the effort.
Lexus started with the UR family of V8 engines, used in models like the Lexus LS 460. However, the brand couldn’t leave that engine alone for this application, and so it was punched out to five liters before Yamaha was given the task of designing the cylinder heads. The result included titanium valves, unique camshafts, provisions for direct injection in addition to port injection, and an 11.8:1 compression ratio. Revving to an initial 6,800 rpm, the 2UR-GSE pumped out 416 horsepower and 371 lb.-ft. of torque in the IS F, putting it comfortably ahead of the four-liter V8 in the BMW M3 of the time.
Next came what some might regard as a misstep. Instead of offering a manual transmission, Lexus bolted up an eight-speed torque converter automatic, specifically the AA80E shared with the LS 460. It might not have offered a third pedal, but thanks to being able to lock the torque converter in second through eighth, shift times were as good as 100 milliseconds, and effective highway gearing was long enough to help the IS F escape the U.S. gas guzzler tax. Add in lower and stiffer suspension, six-piston front calipers, widened fenders, a bulging hood, and BBS forged wheels, and Lexus ended up with a seriously credible sports sedan. When Car And Driver took a 2008 example in for long-term testing, the magazine’s example ran from zero-to-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, dashed through the quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds, and reportedly awed with the soundtrack from its dual-stage intake. There was just one problem, as the outlet explained:
Because the IS F sits so low to the road and its big wheels leave little space between fender and tire, there is very little suspension travel available, and the resulting tune is firm. The car bucks and heaves and never settles down; it will bob like an apple over a seemingly good freeway. Nonetheless, Lexus claims its sophisticated sport-tuned suspension offers improved body control without degrading ride quality. We disagree. One of our number with deep technical credentials noted astutely: “Lexus really needs a good suspension consultant to fix this car.” Indeed.
Alright, so the ride quality on early IS F models was apocalyptic, but Lexus improved the car over the years. In 2010, it got a standard Torsen limited-slip differential. In 2011, it got significant suspension revisions that vastly improved comfort. Flash forward more than a decade, and the aftermarket has devised a litany of alternative spring and damper setups that can soften the ride, so if you’re still in for a thunderous V8 sports sedan that costs new Corolla money, the IS F is still on the table.
How Expensive Are We Talking?
These days, a well-equipped Corolla XSE stickers for $29,175, and that’s before any options. Can you buy a Lexus IS F for less? Can you ever. Take this Matador Red 2008 example, which recently sold on Cars & Bids for $27,250. Sure, the aftermarket Linea Corse wheels might not be to everyone’s tastes and there’s a minor hit on the Carfax, but with a reasonable 81,600 miles on the clock, this is a reasonably low-mileage example that might be worth rolling the dice on.
Is red not your color? How about black? This murdered-out 2008 example up for sale in Georgia flies a bit further under the radar, and it’s listed for a reasonable $26,999. Sure, 112,920 miles is daily driver stuff, but four name-brand Toyo tires is usually a good sign, which may allay fears over the aftermarket taillights.
Look a bit harder, and you might even be able to find an updated 2011 model within budget. This Matador Red 2011 IS F is up for sale in Arizona for $27,499, and while it does have two minor hits on its Carfax, 125,408 miles on the clock, and a few cosmetic mods that aren’t to everyone’s liking, the suspension tweaks make a huge difference and this is an IS F you won’t feel bad about street parking.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong On A Lexus IS F?
Unlike just about all of its competitors, the Lexus IS F seems to be aging well from a reliability standpoint, with few common problems. Other than the potential for exhaust manifold leaks which can happen to many 17-year-old cars, the only majorly expensive one that’s really surfaced is a common slow coolant leak from the valley plate under the intake manifold at higher mileage. Access sucks, it’s a 14-hour job, and there’s also a wiring harness in that vicinity that may break when removed. If you want this one done at a Lexus dealership with a loaner car, coffee, and a warranty on the repairs, expect to spend between $2,000 and $3,000.
On a less expensive note, radiators are known to fail internally with mileage, which can be a problem considering it’s a shared heat exchanger for both the coolant and the transmission fluid. Proactively replacing the radiator will run you $528.15 for the part and calls for three hours of book labor, meaning you should be in at about a grand even if you want to dealer service it. Otherwise, these cars are rock-solid. Early water pump issues should all be addressed by now, and both the engines and transmissions seem incredibly robust, capable of more than 200,000 miles with few unscheduled repairs. Yep, it’s a Lexus, alright.
Should You Buy A Lexus IS F For The Price Of A New Corolla?
Usually, buying a heavily depreciated luxury performance car instead of something new and reliable is a great way to spend a lot of time in service loaners. However, the IS F isn’t some complex Autobahn warrior. It’s a Lexus, and it seems to be aging like a Lexus should. If you don’t mind expensive brake discs or V8 fuel economy, and the idea of potentially doing one major repair at most isn’t a turn-off, absolutely buy one because it’s real daily driver material. Just maybe buy a set of coilovers too for a pre-2011 model to mellow out the ride.
Top graphic credit: Cars & Bids
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These are pretty cool, there is one in my area that is slammed on the ground and has an exhaust that will rattle your teeth. It’s obnoxious, but it’s always odd hearing it first and expecting to see some dude bro in his clapped out Camaro/Mustang and then seeing a Lexus.
I would not buy one at that price though, mostly because it would be a daily driver and over 25k for a vehicle with over 100k miles is just asking for trouble.
My mother in law had an IS250 of this gen. It was terrible to drive on the highway. Not because it was firm, loud or anything like that, but because it required constant steering input to stay straight. I just read a review of the ISF, and they had the same sentiment. As cool as the engine is, if it’s annoying to try and drive straight, that’s irredeemable. The article’s author said Lexus needs to hire a suspension consultant. haha.
These cars are probably worth the premium if, and only if, you can find one that hasn’t been screwed with by a prior owner. At the very least you would need to look for one with mods that can be reversed. The I KNOW WHAT I HAVE factor will only get worse as not ruined examples become less common.
“The 2000s were an amazing time for performance cars. Natural aspiration, big displacement, and huge jumps in torsional rigidity resulted in cars we’ll never see again like the E90 BMW M3, the C6 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and the V10-powered Audi S8”
Funny, I seem to recall similar lamentations about the cars of the 1960s and how thanks to the triple whammy of stringent emissions, safety and fuel shortages those days were gone for good.
To be fair they are. And what we have now is SOO much better!
I started the article thinking “now why didn’t I consider one of these?” Got to the part about no manual transmission and said “Oh. Yeah.”
It’s got some other compromises, but I recently got my Japanese sport sedan fix via a post-facelift 4th gen Acura TL with a manual and the SH-AWD system for about half what one of these goes for, and I’m pretty jazzed about it. I can’t see the beak or beltline from the driver’s seat.
I’ve wanted one of these for a very long time. I worry they are becoming long in tooth now. Plus, where I am, rust is an issue, unless I went south to get one.
Such a neat vehicle though. I’d love a Grey one with the brown interior.
I had to jump at the clean, one owner example that came up. It’s the youngest manual transmission AWD sedan with luxury pretenses we’re likely to ever see again. I’m also in the rust belt and bought it from not very far South, but it’s in the least rusty condition on the bottom you could hope for. Inside edges of the fenders wipe off shiny. I suspect Honda was taking corrosion seriously when they developed it.
The reputation at high mileage seems to be good, but the the 3.7L is known to have serious oil consumption problems. Mine is consuming some, but not so much and I’m hoping to get it down with some engine oil that’s been getting attention for unsticking rings. 93 octane is a bummer for only 305 horsepower. Expect to pay about 50% over the going rate for an auto to get a manual, and don’t hesitate or it’ll be gone.
I think it’s time to start buying up the fun manual transmission cars. They’re going to be very rare very soon.
This is depressing.. both that a Corolla costs $30k and that these are actually going up in value the older they get.
Just what I need, another car to buy.
This was very high on my list but ultimately I decided I really wanted something with a manual and I knew I didn’t need that much power.
Lexus makes clothing?
The only time I’ve driven on a racetrack was at a Lexus event, in an IS500. Nice car, but yeah too much hp for me.
Yeah these are WAY over-valued, Ive been keeping an eye on prices for years but they dont go down. I was thinking fun car for 15k, not 25-30k. I can get a C6 Corvette Gran Sport for $30k that has been babied. Ricers love the Lexus and its hard to find one that hasnt been effed with.
Where you guys located that you think Lexus dealer labor rate is going to be about $150 per hour?
I’ve been eyeing an ISF ever since I got my IS350 almost a decade ago. It’s been astonishing seeing the values actually go up even as the IS500 got released; the IS500 is not a full F car by Lexus enthusiasts, so people have more appreciation for the more hardcore out-of-production ISF/GSF/soon to be RCF. I still remember when 08-09 ISF’s were easily sub-$20k, but now anything under 100k miles and not modded to hell command easily a $25k+ price. The later model years (anything past 2010) are more desirable due to the addition of better suspension and an LSD, but the 2013 and 2014 MY’s are so inflated due to low production numbers that they’re nearing the cost of a new RAV4 Prime.
Aside from the listed valley plate leak and exhaust manifold cracking (these are commonly inquired about whenever a used one pops up for sale), if you’re in the Southern US make sure you check if the door cards and the dashboard have been replaced. Lexus had an issue in hotter climates where the fake leather/foam/whatever they line the dashboard with started melting/getting sticky the longer a car was in hotter climates. Lexus did offer a recall with a very slow rollout, but now that it’s ended a lot of older IS’s including ISF’s will have a “sticky dash” problem. The replacements do fix the issue, but definitely inquire about that especially if you’re looking for an 08-10 ISF (I believe later model years didn’t have an issue as much).
A good friend had one purchased lightly used in 2012. It was an absolute beast of a car, and amazing at switching between brute sports sedan and a docile highway cruiser. Unfortunately, like the IS500, the IS F just simply isn’t depreciating enough for me to ever be able to buy one.
I mean yeah… awesome cars. But not 27k awesome.
For that money, I’d rather grab Stinger GTS that is 10 years newer with half the miles if I wanted a hot sedan.
you will not be sad picking up a higher trim Stinger let me tell you
Counterpoint: I’d rather have this than any Corolla for the same money.
While your statement is true, my point was that for the same money there are better options than an old IS-F.
It’s a really nice car, but not 27k nice.
Yeah, I agree with your point as well. I guess I’m just saying I would never pay $27K for a Corolla. But also that at any price $X, if the nicest Corolla is $X, and the IS-F is $X, I’ll take the IS-F.
I owned a 4 cylinder Acura TSX, it was honestly all I really needed. Probably on par with my older ’94 SHO 5 speed. I’d rather have the softer, more livable V6.
“I’d rather have the softer, more livable V6.”
The trade off is less agility and a wider turning radius.
At a certain point cars like that go down a dark road where they start getting questionable modification and damage. I think that one is already on that road. The older IS are almost impossible to find that have not been hot boy boy racer riced out . I fear they have gotten their slimey little hands on these as well.
Back when I was cool and did cool things, I got to sling an IS F around an autocross down at Sebring for a photo shoot. In fact, it was probably 17 years ago this week that I was slinging an IS F around an autocross down at Sebring.
I haven’t been cool or done cool things for a long time.
I get that it’s a Lexus, but when a brand new IS500 is $60,000, $27K for a variety of 15+ year old examples with six figure mileage and/or accident history don’t strike me as screaming deals.
Agreed. These seem to have stalled out depreciating with the Toyota tax that they inherit.
I got an off lease BMW last year for $32k that’s just as fast, a lot nicer inside (every option) and had just 26,700 miles.
Granted, a little bit more and not a Toyota, but these seem way overpriced.
While I’d generally agree, I look at this more as a “I can’t afford an IS500, but I have half, what’s the closest/best sports sedan I can get?” and the end result is this. It may not be available in manual like BMWs of the same era, but you can bet this is going to be a far better car to own than an SMG E90 M3, and that delta seems to have dictated the used pricing. On the flip side, the IS500 starting at right around 60k seems like screaming deal in its own right, given the current M3 starts at 76k and has a single more horsepower.
I guess my larger point was unless you’re extremely budget constrained, it seems like a better one wouldn’t be that much more, and there are a lot of sport sedan options out there at $30K.
Now this I agree with wholeheartedly. Cadillac being unwilling to make a V8 CT4 makes the Lexus the only buy in the class for me.
It is crazy to me just how well these have held their value, I know it comes with the Toyota tax and all that stuff but I remember comparing these several years ago to M3s of a similar vintage and these commanded a premium despite the M3s generally being regarded as a better drive.
I do find it sad that we didn’t get the IS-F one generation earlier with the 2JZ-GTE from the Supra. Could’ve been a sweet car.
https://images-stag.jazelc.com/uploads/theautopian-m2en/lexus-is-430.jpg
To paraphrase Lazlo Cravensworth, as played by Matt Berry, “That two-tone paint job gives me the pip!”