Stop me from buying an IS-F!
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I just observed an IS-F near my home a couple of days ago. Beautiful car.
But, I actually think I would prefer an RS4 by a hair over the IS-F mainly because of the Quattro system which goes a long way towards harnessing its 317lb-ft in inclement weather. The C63 is a serious muscle car but also seriously fugly. That said, the price, marque and M-badge makes the benchmark M3 (E90) hard to pass up.
But, I actually think I would prefer an RS4 by a hair over the IS-F mainly because of the Quattro system which goes a long way towards harnessing its 317lb-ft in inclement weather. The C63 is a serious muscle car but also seriously fugly. That said, the price, marque and M-badge makes the benchmark M3 (E90) hard to pass up.
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whut
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: SC
Originally Posted by F23A4
I just observed an IS-F near my home a couple of days ago. Beautiful car.
But, I actually think I would prefer an RS4 by a hair over the IS-F mainly because of the Quattro system which goes a long way towards harnessing its 317lb-ft in inclement weather. The C63 is a serious muscle car but also seriously fugly. That said, the price, marque and M-badge makes the benchmark M3 (E90) hard to pass up.
But, I actually think I would prefer an RS4 by a hair over the IS-F mainly because of the Quattro system which goes a long way towards harnessing its 317lb-ft in inclement weather. The C63 is a serious muscle car but also seriously fugly. That said, the price, marque and M-badge makes the benchmark M3 (E90) hard to pass up.
I haven't mentioned the RS4 but at my price ceiling I would have to buy it used. I'm just not a big fan of Audi in general and that's a purely subjective thing on my part.
Anyway, test drive is later today. Hopefully I'll get to hammer it lightly if we can find a safe place to do so...
Having seen a few on the road, they just don't do it for me. Look too much like an IS350. I'm sure they're a beast to drive, but I couldn't justify the money on that car.
For me, it would be C63 AMG all the way. Wouldn't even hesitate.
For me, it would be C63 AMG all the way. Wouldn't even hesitate.
where is....
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: palmyra,pa
from what i understand they never fixed them.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=2
Originally Posted by road & track
The first, the air vents that jut from the wider front fenders; these outlets supposedly vent hot air from the engine, but, looking at the small holes, they can't possibly be functional enough to warrant their gaudiness. The second, and an even more flagrant styling faux pas, are the stacked quad exhausts. Personally, I liked them, until I knelt down to get a closer look and realized they were completely fake — behind them lie the four real peashooter outlets!
Joined: Oct 2007
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While previous reports have surfaced showing pre-production placeholders for the upper tips, our test vehicle was full-functional for all four.
Originally Posted by AznX TL
from what i understand they never fixed them.
yeah, I think you're right because when I was checking out my buddy's ISF, it still had the fake tips...
My Garage not
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From: Westsiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide
i've seen the is-f, c63 and new m3 in person. looks wise, jjaber is right, the m3 is the most stunning and u can't really tell how it looks just by the picture. drive all 3 and see what u like.
Uses turn signals in my
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,108
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From: South Florida
Originally Posted by SHYUperman
if you got the money.... go for it, my buddy just picked one up... it is a really good looking car, can't go wrong with a lexus
My next car will almost certainly be a Lexus vehicle, infact I'm already saving up for it.
personally. i think the styling is spot on. quad tips arnt a neg for me and its a great car... HOWEVER...
it's a small ass car. i wasnt comfortable in one nor any other is - it really is made for 1-2 people
that being said. buy it now. imo - underrated
it's a small ass car. i wasnt comfortable in one nor any other is - it really is made for 1-2 people
that being said. buy it now. imo - underrated
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CTS-V hands down unless its price is way out of the ballpark
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...deoId=20233348
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=845
Still.... I'm not much of an interior guy, but
on that suede/alcantara on the seats and steering wheel.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...deoId=20233348
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=845
Still.... I'm not much of an interior guy, but
on that suede/alcantara on the seats and steering wheel.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: new jersey
Originally Posted by theslik1
I've give it to you on the looks, but it's held up pretty well in comparisons. Of course the ///M3 is a more focused machine and I give it all due respect. The C63 seems like more of a blunt instrument to me. They are all great performers.
And let me be honest, I'm never going to track the car so it isn't vital that it be a road course champion. I would never approach the limits of any of these cars on public roads. And ultimately the Lexus would price out cheaper feature for feature.
And let me be honest, I'm never going to track the car so it isn't vital that it be a road course champion. I would never approach the limits of any of these cars on public roads. And ultimately the Lexus would price out cheaper feature for feature.
probably worth it for the sound alone
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From: Illinois
Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
CTS-V hands down unless its price is way out of the ballpark
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...deoId=20233348
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=845
Still.... I'm not much of an interior guy, but on that suede/alcantara on the seats and steering wheel.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...deoId=20233348
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=845
Still.... I'm not much of an interior guy, but
on that suede/alcantara on the seats and steering wheel.
Thread Starter
whut
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 331
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From: SC
Update: Test Drives!
It was a very good end of the week for me. I lucked out and scored an M3 test drive in addition to the IS-F. Disclaimer: I will not be discussing "handling at the limit" or "stability at triple-digit speeds". 
First the F:
Fit, finish, materials all very nice. Everything felt tight and very solid. The seats are a little snug in the side bolsters (I'm 5'11" 200 lbs) but supportive. The interior space is tight but I knew that from looking at the IS350. As far as the drive, it is a whole other animal than the 350. The V8 rumble is impressive although somewhat muted in the very quiet interior. Acceleration is immediate and effortless. I wasn't able to floor it for any extended period because the car reaches ludicrous speeds far too quickly. and that brings up a point: the 8-speed auto is definitely overkill. The engine has plenty of grunt at low revs and IMHO would perform as well paired with a 6-speed as long as it has a tall highway gear. As it is, in full auto mode there's just too much shifting going on for such a tractable engine. Manual mode gives the driver *almost* complete control but there are just too many ratios...I was flipping back and forth between 4th, 5th, and 6th trying to figure out the optimum ratio but it didn't seem to matter much. Enough about that. The ride is firm yet compliant. I intentionally took it over some rougher surfaces and did not get beat up at all. Reviewers complaining of "harshness" must have some sensitive arses.
The brakes are stupendous; the pedal is firm, easy to modulate and the F stops right now when you apply full pressure. I didn't perform any road course hooning but I'm sure the car's abilities far exceed mine.
Daily Driver Pros: Power delivery, engine note, brakes, fit & finish, historical Lexus reliability.
Daily Driver Cons: Transmission (solid but too many ratios), interior space.
Subjective Daily Driver Score: 9.5/10
After the IS-F test drive I hopped over to the BMW dealer and they were more than happy to pull out an M3 6MT sedan (they had no coupes on the lot). I don't really like the lines of the sedan version compared to the IS-F...if I bought the M3 it would have to be the coupe. Anyway, supposedly they drive similarly so we took it for a spin. Interior-wise it was all BMW...well finished but a different environment than the IS. Less blingy, perhaps. I preferred BMW's steering wheel feel over the F. The seats were less aggressively bolstered which might be an issue for track drivers. Also, for those comparing practicality, the back seat appeared to have more leg room than the Lexus. As far as the drive, I was pleasantly surprised by the around-town docility which was aided by turning the "Power" button off. Even with the button on the car was easy to tool around in with 100% predictable clutch takeup and drama-free power delivery at low rpms. The clutch is shockingly light for a 400 hp automobile and little hindrance to stop-and-go driving. The shifter was somewhat notchy (actually a little grindy on quick shifts at lower rpm) and has a rubbery feel but no problems with selecting the right gear and staying there. The engine was surprising compared to what I had read about it. My impression of a "screamer" V8 with no low-end grunt was quickly dispelled. Although it generates less torque than the F, the torque builds early and stays flat across the rev range. I was not able the rev the car to 8400 but let me say that 6000 rpm is damn impressive. The brakes didn't "wow" me like the F although stops were quick and solid. The ride was firm and I ran over the same rough surfaces that I traveled previously...again compliance over bumps was acceptable with no undue harshness on run-flats.
No hooning on this drive either.
Daily Driver Pros: Power delivery, engine note, fit & finish (all different but excellent), clutch, interior space (even with the coupe).
Daily Driver Cons: Shifter action, arguably less reliable.
Subjective daily driver score: 9/10
Despite the slight nod to the IS-F this is not a done deal. I just thought I would share my impressions of both cars under normal street driving conditions. Now if I can just wangle a C63 test...
First the F:
Fit, finish, materials all very nice. Everything felt tight and very solid. The seats are a little snug in the side bolsters (I'm 5'11" 200 lbs) but supportive. The interior space is tight but I knew that from looking at the IS350. As far as the drive, it is a whole other animal than the 350. The V8 rumble is impressive although somewhat muted in the very quiet interior. Acceleration is immediate and effortless. I wasn't able to floor it for any extended period because the car reaches ludicrous speeds far too quickly. and that brings up a point: the 8-speed auto is definitely overkill. The engine has plenty of grunt at low revs and IMHO would perform as well paired with a 6-speed as long as it has a tall highway gear. As it is, in full auto mode there's just too much shifting going on for such a tractable engine. Manual mode gives the driver *almost* complete control but there are just too many ratios...I was flipping back and forth between 4th, 5th, and 6th trying to figure out the optimum ratio but it didn't seem to matter much. Enough about that. The ride is firm yet compliant. I intentionally took it over some rougher surfaces and did not get beat up at all. Reviewers complaining of "harshness" must have some sensitive arses.
The brakes are stupendous; the pedal is firm, easy to modulate and the F stops right now when you apply full pressure. I didn't perform any road course hooning but I'm sure the car's abilities far exceed mine.Daily Driver Pros: Power delivery, engine note, brakes, fit & finish, historical Lexus reliability.
Daily Driver Cons: Transmission (solid but too many ratios), interior space.
Subjective Daily Driver Score: 9.5/10
After the IS-F test drive I hopped over to the BMW dealer and they were more than happy to pull out an M3 6MT sedan (they had no coupes on the lot). I don't really like the lines of the sedan version compared to the IS-F...if I bought the M3 it would have to be the coupe. Anyway, supposedly they drive similarly so we took it for a spin. Interior-wise it was all BMW...well finished but a different environment than the IS. Less blingy, perhaps. I preferred BMW's steering wheel feel over the F. The seats were less aggressively bolstered which might be an issue for track drivers. Also, for those comparing practicality, the back seat appeared to have more leg room than the Lexus. As far as the drive, I was pleasantly surprised by the around-town docility which was aided by turning the "Power" button off. Even with the button on the car was easy to tool around in with 100% predictable clutch takeup and drama-free power delivery at low rpms. The clutch is shockingly light for a 400 hp automobile and little hindrance to stop-and-go driving. The shifter was somewhat notchy (actually a little grindy on quick shifts at lower rpm) and has a rubbery feel but no problems with selecting the right gear and staying there. The engine was surprising compared to what I had read about it. My impression of a "screamer" V8 with no low-end grunt was quickly dispelled. Although it generates less torque than the F, the torque builds early and stays flat across the rev range. I was not able the rev the car to 8400 but let me say that 6000 rpm is damn impressive. The brakes didn't "wow" me like the F although stops were quick and solid. The ride was firm and I ran over the same rough surfaces that I traveled previously...again compliance over bumps was acceptable with no undue harshness on run-flats.
No hooning on this drive either.
Daily Driver Pros: Power delivery, engine note, fit & finish (all different but excellent), clutch, interior space (even with the coupe).
Daily Driver Cons: Shifter action, arguably less reliable.
Subjective daily driver score: 9/10
Despite the slight nod to the IS-F this is not a done deal. I just thought I would share my impressions of both cars under normal street driving conditions. Now if I can just wangle a C63 test...
steeez
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: san jose cali
Originally Posted by 2000TaffetaTL
Don't buy one. You will get your ass handed to you by the M3 and C63, and still pay just as much. Go German or go home.
Originally Posted by theslik1
Sorry for stealing the thread title from SicK TypeS, but I need a reality check here. I just participated in a dealer-sponsored IS-F dyno day and will be test driving one tomorrow. I'm really liking this car, and that's after giving the IS350 a decided "meh".
Here are my pros and cons:
Pros:
Here are my pros and cons:
Pros:
- Definite Jekyll and Hyde personality. Comfortable and very quiet until you hit the loud pedal.
- The auto tranny is very slick, especially in full manual mode.
- Probably more reliable than BMW or Mercedes. It seems substantially overbuilt, and I'll be keeping the car long-term.
- The Ultrasonic Blue Mica is gorgeous!
Cons:- Pretty darn pricey for an IS.
- The looks, although the side vents and other ricey bits aren't as obvious in person.
Anyway, talk me out of this thing!! 
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Originally Posted by ludachrisvt
i think the merc is more comparible to the ISF than the m3
Both the IS-F and C63 are sledgehammers whereas the M3 is a scalpel. The RS4 sort of rides in the middle somewhere.Of course goint with an E90 335i with a Dinan Stage 3 could match the power of all of the above for as little as ~$40k in total.
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