I had a similar thought a few years ago. I had always wanted a nice V8 but didnt want a "bogany" typical XR8, SS or 300C american junk. I also didn't want a common car that you see every day. So i was looking at the S4, RS4, C63, BMW M3 and slightly left field was the Lexus IS-F. After spending months going through common issues, reliability, maintenance etc information i went with a 1 owner, 42,000km 5yr old Lexus IS-F for $55k.
My heart told me C63 but my brain said IS-F. Too many very expensive mechanical issues with the German cars that steered me away from them - silly things that should not be an issue on modern cars. Timing chains (which requires full engine removal) and carbon buildup on the Audi V8, head studs breaking and piston issues with the C63, and rod bearings and inlet manifold failures on the M3. Aint nobody got time and money for that crap on a near new car.
2 years on with the IS-F and i love it. Goes like stink, sounds awesome, nobody knows what it is because only 1100 of them were sold in Aust, unbelieveably reliable, looks great IMO with the pumped out guards and bonnet, cheap servicing (parts are cheap). Interior is dated for a 2011 car (looks like mid 2000's) but it's comfy, everything works etc so im happy. Fuel consumption is laughable (16-18L around town, but around 9-10L on the highway) but i only do about 100-150km per week so no biggie.
The only real negative with the IS-F is that if you want to modify it, there are not many options and basically everything is very expensive and comes from Japan or America. They only sold around 14,000 IS-F's worldwide so that means that not many companies have made aftermarket parts for them.
Originally Posted by Tobes_WIR35
Easy one for me, and one I am going to think about down the track - Audi RS5.
Still looks oh so right today, and some reasonable examples are heading towards the $50k mark.. although if I hadn't just let my wheels go from the RS3, I might have had a sniff on yours when you let it go.
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