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      07-22-2012, 02:44 PM   #1
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Would you go from your M3 to an IS-F?

So... would you?

The Lexus has been on my mind for a while now. I have never been a fan of Japanese vehicles but this one gets me, can't get it off my mind for some reason. Everyone thinks I'm crazy.

I wanted more torque plus I wanna try out a 4-door for a change.

The thought of how it will never break down gets me too. Are these cars really that reliable? My first beamer needed a new tranny when it had just gotten out of warranty. It cost me around 6k.

I was just curious what other M owners would say.

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      07-22-2012, 03:01 PM   #2
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I would take a C63 over the IS-F personally if you want more torque than what the M3 offers. I would keep the M3 though unless you really wanted to try something different. At this level, the differences are small and based on personal preference. If you don't ever track your car then the extra torque is damn fun on the street though

I also suspect Lexus will come out with a new gen car soon so if it is something you are interested in, it might be worth waiting to see what is coming. Maybe they won't go TT 6 cylinder like BMW/MB are going to do
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      07-22-2012, 03:09 PM   #3
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While I like the Lexus brand, I think the IS-F's fit and finish is quite cheap and the transmission is not nearly as much fun as the DC-T. The engine is nice though....
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      07-22-2012, 03:50 PM   #4
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lemme think about that for a sec...

.

.

.

.


HELL NO
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      07-22-2012, 04:27 PM   #5
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I think your previous experience with a BMW out of warranty is having an impact. Nothing wrong with that.

Go try an IS-F.

While Lexus tend to have high reliability, don't get it just for that, if it doesn't really excite you. My 2 cents. Since this generation of M3 has so far been pretty reliable and you could always end up with an odd-ball unreliable Lexus.
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      07-22-2012, 04:30 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 604 View Post
So... would you?

The Lexus has been on my mind for a while now. I have never been a fan of Japanese vehicles but this one gets me, can't get it off my mind for some reason. Everyone thinks I'm crazy.

I wanted more torque plus I wanna try out a 4-door for a change.

The thought of how it will never break down gets me too. Are these cars really that reliable? My first beamer needed a new tranny when it had just gotten out of warranty. It cost me around 6k.

I was just curious what other M owners would say.

Cheers
no
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      07-22-2012, 04:38 PM   #7
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I drove both before getting the m. If reliability trumped everything else, get the isf. However, I never thought about an isf once I got the m. I suggest trading for an m in warranty or cpo coverage.
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      07-22-2012, 04:42 PM   #8
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I actually drove the IS-F and C63 back to back. I liked the C63, the sound and torque was definitely there. But the back seats were very uncomfortable. I drove a 4 door also and the m3 seats way were more comfy, front and back. The C63 was a little too race orientated and less of a daily driver it seemed. The lexus was all around really nice, dual personalities and its leather was nice and soft like my range. If I find one, I'll probably pull the trigger, give the Jap's a shot. Honestly, I just want something different. Everyone in my areas got M3's and C63's, but no ones got the IS-f? Maybe for a reason... Lol
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      07-22-2012, 05:43 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KIS View Post
While I like the Lexus brand, I think the IS-F's fit and finish is quite cheap and the transmission is not nearly as much fun as the DC-T. The engine is nice though....
The Japanese fit and finish is incredible, its the styling your referring to. The "racer boy" side vents leaves something to be desired. The engine is amazing though and sounds like a monster.

I test drove 3 different ISF's and was soooooo close to pulling the trigger, but jumped on the ///M band wagon last minute. I think you'd be happy with the F. Its a great looking car, big power, and an interior way nicer than an M3 ever dreamed about being.

DO IT!!!!
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      07-22-2012, 06:14 PM   #10
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I think the interior of the IS-F looks better but it's CF accents looks cheap. I'd have to come across a serious deal on an IS-F to consider it.
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      07-22-2012, 06:27 PM   #11
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I know looks and style is subjective, but I was very disappointed in the interior of the IS-F. The center stack seemed like any other Toyota from years ago. I hated the gated shifter. The digital clock on the lower left of the center stack looked just like the one in my dads Chrysler from the mid 80s. The ride and power were excellent but 8 gears just felt like too many on a sports sedan when driving in manual mode. The IS has been out an awfully long time now as well, though the exterior has aged very, very well.
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      07-22-2012, 06:45 PM   #12
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Top Gear reviewed compared the ISF to the m3...

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/m3-vs-isf

For what it's worth and if I remember correctly... Clarkson says the torque in the ISF isn't available unless you are in the high rev range.
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      07-22-2012, 09:35 PM   #13
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NICK: I agree... lol... that digital clock reminded me of my dad's 87 Supra! I swear it's the same one!

I did go from M3 to ISF... ISF has WAY more TQ... and is the better DD... M3 is a beast... and a great car... but so is ISF... And we all know what a BMW is like once it has 50K on it... whereas the LEXUS won't see the dealer till 100K+++

The M3 for me, was way to 'peaky' for the rpm driving day to day... i liked being able to 'lug' my ISF and still have solid acceleration, whereas the M3 needs to be above 5K to really do anything.

The ISF is the better 'all around' car... the M3 the better 'purpose built' car IMO.

The ISF once equipped with same size tires is better balanced on the road course too... but with oem size tires... can push much easier than the M3 at the limits.

I ran my ISF at Auto Club Speedway in Cali... and smoked all the other E9X M3 best track times still to this day... 6 piston front brembos are no joke.

For the reliability... if you're choosing a 40K mileage + car... the ISF should be the clear choice. If you choosing brand new... and plan to sell in 2 or 3 years... nothing wrong with an M3... and I still miss mine.

Dave
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      07-22-2012, 10:13 PM   #14
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I was going to get my dad in an 11' ISF but I can't possibly do it when there's a C63 available. The Lexus is a cool car, don't get me wrong we were going to purchase one but the interior just reeks of cut corners.
People may say the M3 interior is "plain" or boring but at least it is more functional and can be optioned in several beautiful different combinations. I was very upset to see the Lexus couldn't even hold a candle to the 63 in terms of this or the M3 for that matter.
In terms of a daily driver it's all about what you want. It's a "better" daily driver, sure if you prefer a slush box. The ISF peaks torque high, so it's not like it's some AMG car which truly does pack a mega punch. The E9x does lack torque, but it'll loft around at low RPM just fine
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      07-22-2012, 10:22 PM   #15
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Onurleft... the C63 is definitely the 'king' in the TQ area... but is slowest around any roadcourse... much heavier than both... and get's horrible gas mileage.

My M3 would get 19 MPG.. ISF 20-21MPG... Seems as though most C63 are lucky to get 16MPG... for a DD that's tough.

You are right 'better' is completely up to the owner, as so many different wants/needs. None of these would be a 'bad' choice!

Peace,
Dave
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      07-23-2012, 01:23 AM   #16
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      07-23-2012, 04:48 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCCAForums.com View Post
Onurleft... the C63 is definitely the 'king' in the TQ area... but is slowest around any roadcourse...
?? Not the 'Ring... C63 bests the M3 and ISF there. I agree with your gas mileage comments though, it is a bit of a gas pig.
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Last edited by gthal; 07-23-2012 at 05:30 AM..
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      07-23-2012, 04:57 AM   #18
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For someone who used to lament the lack of torque down low in the M3, i can tell u that u will miss the power delivery after u move on to a torque monster. I am glad i kept my M3 after getting the M5. While instant torque is addictive, it does not render the race to the redline obsolete. I realized that i appreciate the M3 more these days. Try to keep the M3 around if u can
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      07-23-2012, 10:23 AM   #19
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OP. I would say no.

why don't you go for a c63 amg sedan? That would be the best choice if you are bored of the m3 IMO.
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      07-23-2012, 10:44 AM   #20
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CTS-V!! Black on black, hnnngggggg so sexy!
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      07-23-2012, 11:34 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SCCAForums.com View Post
My M3 would get 19 MPG.. ISF 20-21MPG... Seems as though most C63 are lucky to get 16MPG... for a DD that's tough.
I got better fuel economy from my C63 than I do from my M3.

But then again, my M3 does not need new rear tires every 5,000 miles.

The IS-F is an excellent compromise between the M3 and C63 and will most likely prove quite a bit more reliable than those cars. Only major drawbacks that I see are the smallish interior (would be better without a sunroof) and the 8-speed tranny (one too many gears).
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      07-23-2012, 12:19 PM   #22
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I went from ISF to 6sp e92 M3, and I never looked back. The only reason being I missed a manual car, otherwise I had 0 complaints about the ISF! Give it a shot, if you don't like it trade it in... resale is kick ass, good luck!
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