Lexus ISF - is Japan's forgotten muscle car any good? | ReDriven used car review

The Lexus ISF (2007-2014) was arguably the conservative Japanese brand's first foray into serious performance cars and what an entrance it made.

It offered immense value for money, superb build quality and more importantly, a genuine alternative to the german
mainstays.

But with some nearing a decade old, what gone wrong? Are they still any good? Should you buy one? Check out the full video and let us know what you think in the comments below!

00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:43 - What is it?
02:00 - Does it look good?
03:04 - How's the interior?
04:29​​​​​​​ - How's the tech?
04:​59 - Is it practical?
06:21​​​​​​​ - What goes wrong?
07:12​​​​​​​ - Is it safe?
07:39​​​​​​​ - What's it like to drive?
12:17​ - How much does it cost?
12:33​​​​​​ - Running costs?
13:24​​​​​​​ - Should you buy it?

#Lexus
#ISF
#sportscar

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At ReDriven, we’ll be taking you through the pros and cons of a huge range of used cars to see how well they’re going now that they’re a few years old, have thousands of kilometres on the clock, and are coming toward the end of their warranty, or maybe don’t have one at all.

Plus, thanks to our resident mechanic, Jim, you’ll find out what commonly goes wrong with them and what might need to be fixed.

Most importantly, we want to make ReDriven a voice for the most in-the-know used car experts there are...you guys.. See, you’re the ones that actually buy, live with, love and sometimes unfortunately hate the cars we’ll be reviewing.

So we want to hear your thoughts. Hit us up in the comments, or on Instagram and Facebook.

We’d love nothing more than for you to give us as much feedback as possible, so we can make this channel the best it can be.

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[greyphantome]

History says that there is no competition for Lexus when it comes to fit and finish and reliability.

[urslob]

When you want a c63 or an m3 but want it to work you buy an isf 😂

[clintonoh]

When watching these "reviewer" type channels, I always look at the person and their personality. Anyone can read off facts and offer their two cents. What I find more important is how said info is delivered. Love your personality. Laid back, yet draws excitement. Funny, relaxed yet professional. Solid work, will be sticking around for sure 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[janisstrelis]

Great review. Had my 2008 ISF for more than 2 years now. Did 2 track days and ~30' 000km. It has been super reliable and reasonably cheap to run, just the regular maintenance. I was surprised that on highway the fuel economy is not that bad 9 l/100km at around 110km/h. Of course in the city it is more around 20 l/km and during the track day cool 53l /100km :) You were spot on the point that people would be cross shopping this with E90 M3 and C63, that's what I did. I went for ISF because it is actually much rarer car than the others. Before I bought mine I had seen ISF only once in flesh. + it is a sleeper, only car geeks will now what it is, majority will think that that is just an IS250.

[anthonysirait]

Really like the whole basis of this channel reviewing prior model cars. I don't think there are many channels that do likewise.

[anasnasir]

5:31 OMG that lexus door close sound is my favourite. No body does it like lexus, so satisfying to hear.

[markgilmour]

I've owned my isf for 5 years and the gearbox is quick enough in manual sport mode for a bit of fun.

[mikailjoel]

This review was the final review I’ve watched and I’m now a owner of a 2010 ISF

[ashleyshort]

I've had my ISF for 18 months now. Am still absolutely in love with it. With a Hayward and Scott exhaust the noise is just incredible. The sound alone is addicting and makes me feel like I never want to get rid of it. A Truly amazing car that, now its wrapped in gloss plum purple.. Gets attention everywhere it goes 🙈

[LucasVWGolfR]

Ahh i miss my 2011 IS-F but had to sell it because of how small the back seat is and I couldnt comfortably fit my daughter inside with her carseat. Supremely reliable, a soundtrack to die for, it will certainly be a future classic. I bought mine from QLD and had Your mechanic Jim do the blue slip on it.

The laggyness below 4, 000rpm used to annoy me, but above that it ripped and sounded great. I opened up the exhaust and had it tuned and power went from 249kw atw to 265kw but to get more than that you need headers which are big $$ and will give you another 15-20kw. The only real issue these have are coolant leaks in the valley plate due to the original sealant failing. This is pretty common now that these cars are getting 10+ years old.

The late 2010+ models are the most desirable, with a proper LSD, updated headlights and dash cluster, as well as different shocks to give a slightly smoother ride.

Some dyno & exhaust vids on my channel if interested.

[thehobbyist]

planning to buy this one this year. own a benz and x5 and bought already had several trips to a shop. and al.ost every repair cost me over 3, 000$. enough for those luxuries. with lexus u can have it all. luxury, power and most of all reliability

[EdwardViaTomato]

They've held their value a bit too well, so their used prices are too close to an RC350. Guess the high mileage says a lot about their true value though. They may not beat the comparable M3 or M4 of the time, but if they'll give double the miles... I'm into it.

[ryanwashere]

Good luck finding one. And if you do, its 25k to 30k depending on milage and well over 40k if it's a 2012 and up. Hoping when the new is500 comes out prices start to drop

[mercbait]

I just picked up a 2012 a few weeks ago and still get that same reaction at 9:17 when it open it up! Car is worth every penny.

[angusbrandt]

Only a Toyota v8 can put that type of a smile on a man's face, wish I could own one

[lorenl]

I’m on my 2nd “IS” and can’t wait to get a new IS500!! The “lag” in the transmission is good to help preserve the longevity of the drive/tran. Great review!!

[asiahispanico]

great video! Love to see the IS F get some love even after all these years!

[Hammar]

I bought one earlier this month, wasn't planning to but I liked the sound (very reminiscent of the E39 M5) and the 8spd gearbox. Also very sleepy looking, the right size and it's new enough it's got pdc, navigation, Keyless and Bluetooth (phone calls only). Now mine is a 08 so no diff but I don't care, its 99% spotless, 81000km and Pearl white. Love it!

[MALUNGEL]

I own one in SA, well abused but now taking it easy with over Things that go wrong are the valley plate coolant leak that is expensive. Other than that, great car! A xpipe dual system will have stock c63 331kw and the 354kw read your tail lights in SA. Great video, please get that track, we need to see you "taking the dog for a walk"...through the paces :)

[MartyMotoring]

Nice review and car! Very interesting how the North American IS-F in 2008 had a few different things from other markets.
As for IS-F issues...there are some. The "Valley Plate" leak is semi-common and around a $1700 USD fix.
For IS issues, affecting the IS350 like I have, there is inside tire wear due to non-adjustable camber when lowering and also melting door panels and dash in the older models, but that can all be fixed!