Faults:

So far so good by the Grace of God.

General Comments:

I already own a 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8GT. I gave that to my wife as the handling sucks.

Anyways, then I really wanted a FASTER car that I can afford, reliable, very good handling and reasonable on gas. I researched a few used cars under $30Gs and came up with the Audi S5 Coupe V8, Audi S4 V8, Mustang GT 5.0 V8, and Lexus ISF 5.0 V8. I chose the ISF because it was the fastest and had a better reputation.

So far I have found the Lexus ISF handling very stable and acceleration shockingly fast. 0 to 60 mph in around 4.2 seconds for the 2008 model. Becomes 4.5 seconds with the 2010 model onwards. I don't really go too much over the speed limits, but I like accelerating sometimes when I get the chance.

The interior styling is okay. The "striped" fiber glass center console does not appeal to me. There is bluetooth for phone only and not music. It has a backup camera. The 5 CD stereo is adequate. Shame Lexus didn't put in a MP3 player. It can play DVD videos when the hand brake is on. The AUX outlet recognizes MP3 players and Apple iPhones, but not the Android smartphones. The navi is decent and has voice guidance. The driver's seat is not that comfortable. The windshield wipers are rain sensing, so it takes some playing around with and getting used to.

The brakes are good in dry conditions. But when wet or snowing, the brakes judder due to the anti-locks.

The sun roof rotating knob sucks. Too many controls put on 1 knob.

The driver's side door automatically unlocks when I approach the car, which is pretty cool.

The car has a lot of options which I don't even use. Too many I think. It can calculate the distance the car can travel on the amount of gas (petrol) in the tank. Can calculate many other things, but can't cook.

With winter tires my car drives well on snow.

The only thing is the car drinks gas like a construction worker drinks beer; not cheap.

Faults:

Transmission had to be replaced at 11500. Covered by warranty (though we were given a Toyota Yaris while waiting for the parts and installation!)

Driver's seat heater failed at 20300; fixed under warranty.

The car clanks in the suspension area when going over even a small road bump; dealer says they could not hear anything. Next time I should go with them, and if they don't hear it, I'll introduce them to a good doctor!

The dash has started rattling. This one will be heard by even a deaf person I guess. Will see what they say in my next service visit.

General Comments:

Overall ride is more like an economy car. The wind noise is high for a luxury (?!) model, and the seats are not comfy. Don't remind me the test drive; I tested the car in the city and for a short drive. I did not expect it to be that much worse than the Passat I used to drive, after all those stories about Lexus competing shoulder to shoulder with MB!

The dealer has been the worst I have ever seen! What a shame nobody wants a Lexus these days, because of those recalls. I will happily trade it for an Acura, VW, Volvo, whatever... if I can afford the difference.

BTW, on positive side, the engine is smooth and not thirsty, though underpowered. The audio system is also good. Any other thing is way beyond the European competitors.