[Archibald Donnington]

It looks like the IS-F FTW, almost! I drove the E90 M3 and it is just not a street car like the 335 or the IS-f. The M3 doesn't have that low end torque and I feel that I would have to downshift every-time just to pass. My 335 just goes in whatever gear I desire. The IS-F is actually growing on me. I couldn't stand the looks when I first saw it at the auto-show, but in that Obsidian black she looks absolutely meaty. The interior is also something to be desired, with the control console being just to numb for what I like. I'm an I-drive guy, what can I say. What really got me was the power (very, very fast and instant...achem, no LAG), the transmission (which is a friggan pot of gold), and the overall quality and service Lexus are renown for.
I'm done with BMW for now. They can go and fudge their toddlywhankers for all I care. Absolutely awful service experiences, shoddy technicians, and this progman 29.2++ drama that will devour my resale value with no love lost. It's nearly impossible for me to get a loaner from my dealer. WTF!
I know that the infamous M3 is a purpose-built track car and has all of my respect in the world, but It doesn't do it for me for what my needs have become. It has ben fun, and I will surely see everyone here on the streets.
aaron

[galahad05]

If you're gonna look outside of BMW, consider the Mercedes C63 AMG as well...

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by galahad05

If you're gonna look outside of BMW, consider the Mercedes C63 AMG as well...

Yeah man, the C63 is better in every way compared to the ISF. I also think it's only marginally more expensive too.

[e92phreak]

Road and Track's compared the below four vehicles and ranked them in this way:
1) Mercedes-Benz C63
2) BMW M3
3) Audi RS4
4) Lexus IS-F

Here's the article:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6696

Click on the "Results" link on the bottom for the PDF comparison chart. I wasn't able to attach it here for some strange reason.

[John 070]

As long as we're talking about how things are on paper, and not how they actually drive on the road (I mean the OP mentions the M3 doesn't have enough torque), why not buy all 4 cars? Not necessarily all at once, but switch every 12-18 mos.

[E46X2]

Seeing how the OP dislikes BMW services and overall quality (I am guessing), I dont see how an Auid or MBZ will be a step in the right direction. It does not seem this decision is based purely on performance IMO, but a lot to do with service, quality, and perhaps even resale value.

If you've never driven the IS-F, and/or owned a Lexus, then you'll have no idea where he is coming from. It is a real world car that can be daily driven with little to no hassles and you WILL, 9 out of 10 times, get quality service and a quality product. I wont even comment about service and quality VS the Germans... but ya'll get the idea.

[Archibald Donnington]

+1 e46x2

[Brian-313]

+1 M3

[David 12]

You are right that the Lexus service is impeccable (I own a RX330)

But, why not take a look at the new CTS-V?

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

If you're moving away from BMW, I say go for the C63.

[dmboone25]

Drove an E90 M3 at the recent BMW Z homecoming in South Carolina--WOW is all I can say--loved the car. Felt even a tick more aggressive than my dad's Z4 M Coupe....the car just felt [I]right[I] somehow.....that would be my choice....

Haven't seen the Lexus ISF in person....

[Hula-Hula]

C63 AMG FTW!! (If you don't like the M3 that is )
________
Lamborghini athon specifications
________
GIFT CARDS
________
Silver surfer vaporizer custom wand

[josephr25]

I honestly think the only thing you're missing is the stick, if your previous car had one. And the name, if you had to have it. I had the opportunity to drive the IS-F on the track and it felt pretty solid. It was just weird not knowing it was a V8 until you floored it (there is almost no noise at low RPMs). I used to own an SC400, and my mom drives an RX330, and they have been perfect.

Besides, when you get bored of it, you can always trade it in for a BMW or MB if you wish; maybe even the Cadillac.

[TaTaToothy]

I don't mind the way the IS-F looks (though it is a little too boy-racer for my personal taste in both its interior and exterior). I don't think I could deal with having an automatic, though, and especially not one that won't even shift manually the way I want, and adds insult to injury by beeeeeeeeeping to warn me it isn't happy with my gear choices. All of that being said, as long as you're OK with running the tranny in full-auto mode or being electronically nannied by it in semi-auto mode, I don't doubt that this is a fast, highly reliable car that is relatively fun to drive. In both good and bad ways, though, it isn't a BMW.

[noire07]

Like others have said, Lexus service is excellent. I've never driven any of the vehicles mentioned, but if the OP is satisfied with the performance of the IS-F, and want to weigh in the reliability, resale value, maintenance, and customer service into the decision, I think Lexus is the way to go.

Owned a GX470 before getting the 3, and I was very satisfied with the experience (well except when it started emptying out my wallet with gas prices rising) even with the overpriced $200 oil change the dealership charged.

[E46X2]

Originally Posted by TaTaToothy

I don't mind the way the IS-F looks (though it is a little too boy-racer for my personal taste in both its interior and exterior). I don't think I could deal with having an automatic, though, and especially not one that won't even shift manually the way I want, and adds insult to injury by beeeeeeeeeping to warn me it isn't happy with my gear choices. All of that being said, as long as you're OK with running the tranny in full-auto mode or being electronically nannied by it in semi-auto mode, I don't doubt that this is a fast, highly reliable car that is relatively fun to drive. In both good and bad ways, though, it isn't a BMW.

hhmmm I dont think you've driven the IS-F but have only seen a youtube clip of the IS-F on TopGear... Realistically, most people will RARELY encounter these issues with this car, if at all, in the real world. I will concede though, that these cars do beep, alot. I know on my gf's IS350 it'll beep if you take your seat belt off before coming to a stop; if you turn the car off, leave the moonroof open and open the door and at a few other times.

[woody2223]

Your right Lexus service is great, but it should be for how much they charge for basic-ass service such as the $175 oil change and the $1000 brake job. That's why I got rid of my IS350. But I guess if you have the money to drop on the IS-F you can probably afford the service.

[simp0man]

So you are asking us to help you decide? Be man and make your own decision. Ask a Lexus owner if you want to own a Lexus. You'll get Bias reactions anyways. M3 for me not you.

[DougLikesBMW]

Have fun with your IS-Fail.

[BMdblU]

Test drive a C63 since you don't seem to mind an auto.. the torque won't disappoint

[Archibald Donnington]

All good opinions, thanks. I'm not an auto fan at all, never have been, but the IS 8 speed is perfect. We will see what happens eventually.
aaron

[exidisjon]

IS-F first year toyota performance car. I dont know man...C63 in the other hand is a monster. RS4 you can get for like $10k off msrp or more as well.