Is Lexus ISF worth buying?
For enthusiasts, the Lexus ISF offers a charismatic, high-revving V8, engaging handling, and a rare performance badge from Lexus. For most used-car shoppers, the decision hinges on age, maintenance costs, and practicality; a well-documented, lower-mileage example at a fair price makes it more appealing, while aging components and higher upkeep can weigh against it.
Performance and driving experience
Exploring what the ISF brings to the road, including its powertrain, transmission, and chassis tuning.
- Engines and power: A 5.0-liter V8 delivering a strong, rev-happy soundtrack and brisk acceleration that stands out in its class for its era.
- Transmission: An 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters; no manual option, which matters to drivers who want a traditional stick shift.
- Handling and chassis: Rear-wheel drive with performance-oriented tuning and a limited-slip differential, giving confident cornering and a focused driving experience; ride can be firm in sport mode.
- Brakes and performance features: Brembo brakes and other performance hardware help maintain stopping power during spirited driving or track sessions.
- Practicality: Four seats and a modest trunk; rear seats are usable for short trips, but the ISF emphasizes performance over space and daily practicality.
The ISF prioritizes driver engagement and a distinctive exhaust note, delivering a sports-sedan feel that stands out from contemporary, more tech-heavy rivals, though comfort and usability may trail behind modern performance cars.
Reliability and maintenance in an aging high-performance car
What buyers should consider as the car enters a second decade of use, including common wear items and potential risk areas.
- Common wear items: Tires, brakes, suspension bushings, and other high-mileage consumables tend to wear more quickly on a performance-focused chassis.
- Engine reliability: The 2UR-GSE V8 is robust when properly maintained, but aging seals and gaskets can develop leaks; high-mileage examples may need gasket work or related service.
- Transmission: The 8-speed automatic is generally reliable but can exhibit shifting quirks or software issues if not kept up with updates and fluid checks.
- Electrical and interior: As with many older luxury cars, aging electronics and infotainment interfaces can feel dated; upholstery wear is not uncommon in higher-mileage cars.
- Maintenance costs: Parts and specialized service—whether at a Lexus dealer or a shop experienced with Japanese performance cars—tend to be higher than average, reflecting the car’s performance orientation and age.
In short, a well-documented, lower-mileage example with thorough maintenance history is crucial to mitigate age-related risk and increase long-term ownership confidence.
Value, market availability, and ownership costs
Understanding current market dynamics and ongoing ownership expenses helps gauge long-term affordability and resale potential.
- Market values: Clean, well-kept ISF models commonly range from the low to mid-$20,000s up to the upper-$30,000s, with some well-preserved examples or low-mileage units approaching $40,000 in certain markets.
- Ownership costs: Insurance for a high-performance luxury sedan can be higher; real-world fuel economy typically falls in the teens, depending on driving style; maintenance and repairs can be comparatively pricey for an aging performance car.
- Parts availability: New parts remain available through Lexus, and a robust aftermarket and independent shop network can help manage repairs and upgrades, though some components may still be expensive or harder to source.
Because the ISF sits near the boundary between a collector’s car and a modern performance sedan, value is highly contingent on condition, documentation, and mileage, with well-cared-for examples often representing a more compelling long-term proposition.
Comparison with near peers and alternatives
Weighing how the ISF stacks up against contemporaries and newer options in terms of power, tech, and practicality.
- Direct competitors: Audi RS4/RS5, BMW M3 (older generations), and Mercedes-AMG C63 (older variants) offer similar performance vibes, but differ in character, tech integration, and ownership costs rather than exact specs.
- Alternative Lexus options: The RC F shares the V8 soundtrack and performance DNA in a 2-door configuration; newer IS models emphasize comfort and refinement but lack the same raw V8 emphasis.
- Potential regrets: If you prize modern driver assist tech, connectivity, and long-term reliability, newer vehicles may be preferable; if you want a classic, high-revving V8 experience, the ISF is more distinctive.
Overall, the ISF suits buyers who want a raw, engaging driving character paired with a distinctive badge, while buyers seeking the latest tech and siege of reliability may lean toward newer performance sedans.
Verdict: who should consider buying
A practical framework to determine if the ISF matches your priorities today.
- Enthusiast priority: If you crave a loud V8, a communicative chassis, and a badge that stands out, the ISF remains appealing.
- Budget considerations: If you can bear likely maintenance costs and insurance for a 10+ year-old performance car, it can be feasible; otherwise, consider alternatives with lower ownership risk.
- Documentation: Seek a history of thorough service records, accident-free title, and evidence of timely maintenance, ideally with a documented track or spirited driving history.
- Reliability tolerance: Be prepared for more frequent visits to the shop and potential age-related issues compared with a newer vehicle.
Bottom line: Is it worth buying? For the right buyer—a dedicated enthusiast who values the ISF’s visceral V8 experience and can manage higher upkeep—the ISF can be a compelling purchase. For others, a more modern, lower-maintenance option may be the smarter choice.
Summary
The Lexus ISF endures as a distinctive, performance-focused sedan that delivers exhilarating V8 character and an engaging driving feel. Its age brings trade-offs: higher maintenance costs, potential reliability concerns, and less modern technology compared with contemporary rivals. If you find a well-documented, low-mileage example at a fair price and you value the unique experience it offers, the ISF can be worth pursuing. If maximum reliability, daily comfort, and cutting-edge tech are your priorities, consider newer or less demanding options.
