Ok, yes, I know what you’re thinking… I’m well aware that this is not a new car, in fact it was actually released back in 2007, but a few days ago I was given the opportunity to drive the updated Lexus IS-F, now fitted with limited slip differential. Having never driven one without LSD, that’s a moot point. It’s also a moot point in the context of this feature, read on to see why.
When launched, the Lexus IS-F was due to be a competitor to the mighty BMW M3. it was never going to be an easy fight, since the M3 has built up somewhat of a cult following since the early 1990’s. Now up to the E92, they are as prominent as ever. With bulging bonnets, wide wheels and of course that famous hammer sound exhaust system. If Lexus wanted to be in with a chance on grabbing a percentage of the M3 buyers market, they were going to have to put together something pretty special. And in my opinion, they did. However, the sales figures back when the car was first released suggested otherwise, with the M3’s outselling the IS-F by a staggering percentage. So why am I talking about this now?
I was handed the keys to the IS-F at the world famous Millbrook Proving ground, an almost magical playground for testing new, prototype and current models or car and car components. Having not actually driven an IS-F previously I had an open mind but again, there was already a level of biased opinion from myself with its main competitor being the M3. I have previously tested the BMW and was blown away by it, it’s no secret that I am a bit of a BMW advocate(I even own one!) so this was going to be interesting.
First things first; the styling of the car. Its true to say that Lexus’ design department have really stepped up their game over the past few years, and the IS-F came at a time when this was most obvious. It’s an incredibly good looking car, with aggressive headlamps and wide bodied stance. The interior follows suit with its bold and confident surfaces. There is a definite feel of very high quality about the IS-F. The seats almost hug you into place and the location of all the components and gadgetry just feels right and well thought out.
Upon driving the car, the expectations I had after giving it a good look over weren’t just met, they were exceeded. I guess the most accurate word I can use to describe it is ‘solid’, I know it’s not exactly the most creative wording but it is exactly that. The car feels like it has a real purpose, when you throw it into a corner the car feels like it’s supposed to be there, it’s ready and composed for anything you can throw at it. Then of course there is the noise. Its savage. You can drive the car quietly, you can even accelerate up through the rev range hearing just a gentle rasp and subtle growl, but when you want it to, you can open it up for so much more. Planting your foot in the IS-F is takes everything up a level, the torque levels from the engine push you back into the forgiving seats, the whole car appears to hunker down and the noise is simply phenomenal, suddenly you really do feel like you’re driving something very special, and I have to admit there was quite a bit of childish giggling as I was throwing it around the tight and twisty roads on Millbrook’s alpine course.
A lot of journalists have written about the IS-F and given it some pretty heavy criticism. Yes there are annoying beeps and bongs warning you about the fact that your door is open and that shortly you might have to change up a gear. And yes much of the noises and visuals you see on the car are overly manufactured and in places even fake, but all round nobody can deny this is a superb luxury sports car. But that’s not even the best bit yet, nor the reason I’ve decided to write about it.
Here’s the thing; once I got back to the office after driving the IS-F, I got straight onto a popular used car website and did a little bit of searching. I looked up the cost of the IS-F’s production rival, the BMW E92 M3, and the results brought up over 50 cars averaging at a cost of around £45,000. I then decided to search for the IS-F as a used car. The number or cars for sale was less than half of that of the M3, and the prices we’re as much as £15,000 cheaper too! With the economic climate the way it is and an ever growing fashion to be individual in your choice of car, I have to say the IS-F suddenly looks like a cracking purchase.
A week ago, if anyone searching for a used sports saloon asked me what to buy with £50,000, I’d have said the M3 without even hesitating. But now, honestly speaking, with the Lexus’ price to performance ratio in mind, if it were my £50,000 I had to spend on a used sports saloon…sorry BMW but I think my mind might be inclined to give the IS-F some further thought.
John Marcar
Found this article/post when googl’ing the ISF for classified ad websites and having read it I have to say I couldn’t agree more.
Just to confirm the writers point I actually bought an M3 over the ISF back in eairly 2008 having test driven both but I’ve now sold my M3 for the simple reason that it’s not a special car anymore, they’re bloody everywhere.
With the funds from the sale of the M3 I’m now scouring the classifieds to find a ISF and look forward to having some change leftover too.
I’ll be more than happy to keep you updated!
Hello Steve,
Glad you liked the article. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the Lexus very much, it’s quite a car! Usually very civilised, but savage with a prod of the left foot. We’d be interested to hear about how your purchase goes, as well as your experiences of the car, so do keep in touch via the ‘Contact’ page at the top of the website.
Thanks,
John
I also meant right foot. We even get it wrong from time to time!