2009 Lexus IS F Reviews

Later, the Mercedes C-Class was also in Lexus’s sights as Mercedes quietly moved it from the boring sedan into the sporty sedan segment.All Lexus are immaculately finished inside and out in a tradition that has been with the marque since day one in 1989.The quality of materials and workmanship not only makes the car a delight to look at and sit in, but also makes for high level reliability.Interior space is good for a rear-drive car, but the little Lexus has less room than a front-wheel-drive of this size would have.Try the back seat for size if adults will be frequently using it.The quality of materials and workmanship makes the car a delight to look at with high level reliability.In its earlier iterations, it’s possibly best to regard it as being a two-plus-two rather than a four-seater for adults.Later models are better but still nothing special.That’s for the sedans, the IS hardtop convertibles, launched in July 2009, are very tight in the back seat, as is generally the way in this class.The first Lexus IS generation used straight-six engines, for smoothness; and rear-wheel drive for precise handling balance.Later it changed to V6 powerplants to free up space at the front.Power for the IS200 originally came from an engine with a capacity of just 2.0 litres, hence the ‘200’.While many praised the car others said it didn’t have enough grunt to match the chassis so a 3.0-litre IS300 was introduced in 2001.Splitting the difference is the IS 250, (yes, 2.5 litres) which replaced both the 200 and 300 with the introduction of the second generation IS Series in 2005.The third generation Lexus IS retained the 2.5-litre V6 in uprated format and added a 3.5-litre V6, to the lineup.Lexus decided to tackle the German marque’s high-performance divisions with a hot model called Lexus F.Things became interesting in the powerplant field with the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, the Lexus IS300h, in the gen-three car in July 2013.This time around the engine is a four-cylinder petrol 2.5-litre assisted by an electric motor.The ‘300’ indicates the hybrid provides the sort of performance normally requiring a 3.0-litre unit.After years of competing only against the mainstream models of BMW and Merc, Lexus decided to tackle the German marque’s high-performance divisions with a hot model called Lexus F in October 2008.With a 5.0-litre V8 engine and semi-race suspension, steering, brakes and serious aerodynamic enhancements it’s something right out of the ordinary from a Lexus point of view; deliberately so, the Japanese marque really wants to make a statement.Note that the Lexus F shouldn't be confused with the Lexus F Sport, which is a far tamer model, sold from 2010, with the same engine output standard IS 250 or IS 350 on which it is based, but with uprated suspension, steering and brakes, as well as a sportier look in body details.Spare parts and servicing are reasonably priced for a car in this class.Lexus dealers are fairly limited in number, particularly in rural areas, though that situation has changed in recent years as major country cities are now being serviced.Some senior Toyota technicians are trained in most aspects of the car. Toyota is, of course, the parent company of Lexus.Insurance is generally moderate in price for a car in this price and social class and we haven't noticed any worthwhile variation between the major companies in normal premiums.Look for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim and remember the car should be close to immaculate in all areas.If not it may have been mistreated by an uncaring owner.During your test drive check for anything out of the ordinary in the way the car drives, sounds and feels.Look over the complete vehicle, preferably with the owner’s handbook in front of you, these are complex cars.At the very least, test each of the functions on the stereo, climate-control, windows and door locking.Make sure the engine starts virtually instantaneously, idles so smoothly that you can barely feel it and doesn't hesitate when accelerated.The automatic transmission should operate almost imperceptibly and not hold onto any gears unnecessarily.A manual gearbox should be smooth and light not baulk on any changes, no matter how fast you make them.Unless you’re very confident in your technical ability it’s silly not to call for a professional inspection.Don’t rush into specific details of a car when checking it out - rather do an overall walk around to get a big-picture of its condition.

Mr Zo is interested in buying a used Lexus ISF, but because they are quite expensive he wants to be careful and know what he's getting into. He wants to know about common problems, servicing expenses, and the cost of parts etc. NEWThe F is to the IS what the M3 is to the BMW 3-Series. It's the seriously quick model that gives a tinge of credibility to the rest of the range.Since beginning with a single luxury model in the 1990s Lexus has grown into the fully-fledged prestige marque that holds its own with the acknowledged prestige brands from Europe.Like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class the IS gives the masses the opportunity to participate in the dream, or at least aspire to be part of it.Much of the development of the IS was done on racetracks around the world. Indeed the F is said to stand for Fuji, the Japanese track where much of it was carried out. The result is a car with real sports credentials.One look at the compact sedan tells you it's conceived for speed, with a wide airdam, sweeping lines, and bulging wheel arches full of massive alloy wheels, low profile rubber and huge brakes.The sporting feel carries through to the stylish cabin with its real sports seats, carbon-fibre accents, leather trim and F badges.But it not only looks the part, it has the performance to back it up.Lift the bonnet and you discover the dual-injected double-overhead camshaft 5.0-litre V8 that delivers the punch. It's related to the V8 in the LS luxury saloon, but has been enlarged and enhanced with unique heads, conrods, pistons, intake and exhaust. With all that working in unison the result is 311kW at 6600 rpm and 505Nm at 5200 rpm.A new 8-speed auto transmission processes the engine's output and sends it back to the rear wheels. It features paddles on the steering wheel to change gears and boasts quick-fire shifting.In addition to the normal driving modes there's the F sports mode, which locks the torque convertor in second to eighth gears and changes the throttle characteristics, steering assistance and chassis settings.The IS F brought a new feeling of freedom to the otherwise staid Lexus brand, one with an impressive performance edge heralded by a throaty roar. NOWLexus has a well-earned reputation for the quality of its build, which is a great start to a long and reliable life of driving.There is the odd report of a problem with the IS F, but there are no serious problems we can report.If pressed some owners complain about the firm ride, but that comes with the territory, the F is a performance car and the suspension settings reflect that.For anyone contemplating buying one it's important that they carry out a test drive to thoroughly familiarise themselves with all aspects of the car and reassure themselves they can live with it.The one issue that does often crop is the life of the brakes. Again that is one of the things that can affect a performance car, and it seems that it does with the IS F. Most owners accept that it's a part of the ownership experience. When conducting a pre-purchase test-drive listen for squeaking rear brakes, it's a sign the brakes will soon need replacing.Like all cars servicing is crucial to maintaining reliability, and regular oil and filter changes are necessary to help keep the engine firing in fine fettle.Check the service book to make sure your potential purchase has been serviced as per the Lexus recommendation.There was a recall in October 2014 to rectify an issue with the gasket between the fuel pressure sensor and fuel delivery pipe that could result in a fuel leak with the possibility of a fire.

Although reported claims by the carmaker that it’s a triumph over the BMW M3 may be a bit optimistic.Based on the IS platform, the IS-F – the ‘F’ stands for Japan’s Fuji Speedway - delivers power, speed and agility in a smart looking package and may just give those staunch Bavarian auto fans something else to think about.EngineThe IS-F is powered by a DOHC 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 311kW at 6600rpm and 505Nm of torque at 5200rpm.Power is transferred to the wheels via an eight speed Sports Direct Shift automatic (with paddle-shifters), electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter (2nd - 8th speeds).On the way to a top speed of around 270km/h, the IS-F rockets to the 100km/h mark in 4.8 seconds.Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving style but the press kit claims 11.4litres/100km. Combined CO2 emissions come in at 270gm/km.ExteriorThe IS-F retains the sporty shape and aggressive stance of the IS 250 on which it is based but the F is clearly a gym junkie – a sinewy ball of muscle.Wheel arches have flared further to house big 19 inch wheels. The wheels are lighter than conventional alloys and are made by the official supplier to Formula 1 – BBS.The radiator grille and lower cooling ducts are larger to allow more air to be sucked through to the engine and brakes, which gives the car an intimidating look head on.To accommodate the big V8, there is unmistakable bonnet bulge and the front overhang is slightly larger than on IS 250.High Intensity Discharge(HID) headlights with Lexus’ Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System improves the IS-F’s guidance through corners.Interior IS-F badges throughout the cabin are a constant reminder of this car’s sporty nature.Supportive leather sports seats hold you in place round tight corners and the wrap around dash - with back-lit instrument cluster - provides a cockpit feel.A seven inch colour touch-screen display is the primary information resource, controllable also by the leather sports steering wheel.To make things more comfortable a satnav and a six-disc Mark Levinson audio system are standard, as is Bluetooth and MP3 capability.SafetyAlongside the comprehensive airbag package, the Lexus IS-F safety list features anti-skid brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control.PricingThe Lexus IS-F starts at $129,000.DrivingWigley saysThis car goes a long way in shaking the ‘boring, prettied-up Toyota’ tag that has attached itself to Lexus for a good while now. Adding a true performer to the line-up is a positive move to attract a whole new type of buyer and adding one this good lifts it another notch again.For a start the IS-F looks the part, with a chunky exterior and big, gunmetal alloys.Inside is equally as impressive. The soft leather seats lock you into a perfect, stable driving position and the smart-looking dash is easy enough to work out without fumbling through the manual.But on the road is where the beast comes alive. The throaty gargle on start up rumbles up through the floor and into your feet and legs, bullying you to squeeze the throttle.Lexus have done well to create a healthy combination of firmness and comfort in the IS-F. Potholes and ruts are swallowed up at all speeds and the multilink front and rear suspension allows the car to be thrown into corners with minimal body roll. The great cornering can also be attributed to the big Brembo brakes, made specifically for Lexus.The paddle shifters were fast and smooth – 0.1 second upshifts – but not using them exploited the somewhat random gear selection in full automatic mode. Not surprising really given the eight gears to choose from.There really weren’t too many downsides to this car, although we did find the B pillars made for massive blind spots, and it does feel a touch on the heavy side.And the constant hum inside the cabin of the V8 could get a little grating. Actually scratch that last point – what am I saying??But it was the acceleration in this car that really sold it for us. At 4.8 seconds it’s no slouch and when that second induction opens up just past 3000rpm, the noise is exquisite. Nice one Lexus.Verdict - 8.8/10Halligan saysThe IS-F is somewhat of a watershed car because we have to begrudgingly stop calling all Lexus vehicle boring.And we’ll have to stop because the IS-F is not boring. Its styling is not boring, its performance is not boring and there is certainly nothing at all boring about the way it sounds. When the second stage intake ports open just above 3500rpm , there is little else that can beat it for aural pleasure.The IS-F was designed to compete with the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 in the global four-door family sports sedan market. It doesn't do too bad a job. But while this is a great car and anyone who buys one based on their personal preference is making a good choice, it is still the least car of the three.That also includes having the least price, which – depending on what you are looking for – may be a benefit or not. At this price point I don't think it is much of a factor in the decision making process.There is nothing much to criticise about this car, and its easy to love, but its easier to love the Merc C63 more. The IS-F is not as quick, not as entertaining and not the Q-ship that the C63 is.But you hear there are a considerable amount of people who won’t be seen in the C63 or M3 as they fear being stereotyped.Luckily we live in a fabulous time where we have a choice of three performance sedans with four doors, a boot to fill with family luggage, a high output V8 with more than 300kW on tap and superb handling.... hang on a minute, aren't we missing something here. Aren't there two more badges that fit that criteria – HSV and FPV. So it's not really a choice of three, it's actually five. Great days.There’s a big argument for the Lexus on performance and price, and the main argument against is that it’s still a Lexus.Rating - 8.8/10