Dire wrote:[quote:944e81142d=QUICK EVO]2012 Lexus ISF[/quote:944e81142d] Purty
Keeping in mind all I know about it is from top gear, what made you choose that over a BMW M3?
If I had a dollar every time someone asked me that question, I could probably buy another ISF
I actually have a list of reasons that I have prepared, I just keep them with me whenever I am asked.
I did cross-shop the M3 and managed to get a test drive after promising BMW one of my kidneys and naming rights to my first born.
The M3 is more engaging at 9/10s, but the following reasons made me go towards the ISF:
1. The ISF is a good $30k cheaper. If you option the M3 up, it can get even dearer.
2. After 2010, Lexus finally added a proper limited slip differential to the ISF. Since then, the car has undergone 2 more suspension tweaks. The 2012 ISF was actually tested to be as fast around the Virginia International Raceway as the M3. The 2012 ISF was 7 seconds faster than the 2008 ISF, simply just by adding a LSD and suspension tweaks!
3. Lexus' reliability. I've heard both good and bad things about the M3, it's probably not an issue but the Lexus is by and large bulletproof. After driving the car for two weeks, it feels like the whole car is made from a single billet of steel, there are zero creaks/rattles and the interior is quite nice. The interior is ageing, but it does the job well.
4. Customer service. BMW treated me OK, but Lexus was just better. They drove me to/from my house/work in a IS250 when they needed me to sign stuff, they were always courteous and professional. You get use of their boardroom/gym/blah blah. They were able to work out a really good deal for me.
5. The exhaust note of the ISF above 3500rpm really must be experienced in person, it's very addictive.
6. The ISF is very rare and has a degree of exclusitivity about it. It's really fun to pull up next to another car who thinks you're just another old man in a Lexus, then smoke them with 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
7. The M3 is quite hardcore, it's probably the better race car but the ISF is easier to live with.
8. I actually prefer the styling of the ISF to the M3.
