[z4nhy3uz]

Hey Guys-

I been thinking about trading in my E92 for either a
1. 08' E90 M3 (40k-50K)
2. 08' IS-F (40k-50K)

I been doing a lot of research but I am favor the IS-F due to the lower cost of ownership and less headache down the road on maintenance if I keep the car for more than 4 years.
The M3 is a one amazing car to own. This is a tough choice.
Any insight is helpful.

[kyleb350]

If cost of ownership is indeed one of your main concerns, I would go for the IS-F. I'm not sure about being comparable to an IS-F, but an '08 M3 will be out of warranty within the next year and you'll have to start paying the maintenence costs which can add up.

[MarkR171]

M3.

I couldn't live with myself if I drove something as ugly as an IS-F, and I drive a 1 series.

[GregTheStig]

Honestly, I'd take the M3. IS-F might not be that much cheaper to maintain. Yeah it's Japanese, but it's a Lexus. Have you looked into extended warranties at all? Good luck

[Red Bread]

Pass on the used IS-F, they made a ton of suspension changes for 2011 that make it fairly competitive to the M3, performance wise, but the earlier cars had a punishing ride with no real benefit and aren't nearly as capable as the 2011's or an E9x M3.

Since you're interested in low maintenance and are considering automatics, why not consider the C63 too?

[Imperator]

Originally Posted by GregTheStig

Honestly, I'd take the M3. IS-F might not be that much cheaper to maintain. Yeah it's Japanese, but it's a Toyota. Have you looked into extended warranties at all? Good luck

FIFY. Souless Toucan-Sam looking stacked-exhaust tipped Toyota and all.

[TK-421]

I don't know why anyone would even consider the IS-F's before this new one came out. If you can live with an automatic, I'd go for the C63. Holy shit, what a car.

[GregTheStig]

Originally Posted by Imperator

FIFY. Souless Toucan-Sam looking stacked-exhaust tipped Toyota and all.

lol Lexus would find a way to jack up the costs.

[Garduna]

Originally Posted by TK-421

I don't know why anyone would even consider the IS-F's before this new one came out. If you can live with an automatic, I'd go for the C63. Holy shit, what a car.

+1. What he said

[NYC6]

For me, the M3.
The ISF does nothing for me.

[iseegreen]

evo x or the sti sedan?

Those I'd choose before the ISF

[EpicE90]

Honestly neither. I feel they're both overpriced. The m3's performance is marginally better then a 335 for street use, and costs a whole bunch more dough. The is-f is a nice car but I just couldn't justify spending that much on it. I agree with the other member c63>both. Depending on how bad u really need those back seats, I think a used c6 z06, or used 2010 gt500 triumphs both those cars in performance if you care to give them a shot. I would also be willing to bet a lot of money both would be funner while doing the damn thing too. But another thing to remember is this is your car. Not anyone elses. You have to do what makes you happy at the end of the day. If you've driven both and the Is-f gets your blood pumping more then the M3 then that's what you should get.

[NewYearsBoy]

Bashing lexus again... HAHA.. If u don't want a headache, get a lexus...

[krnboy817]

OP wanted a lowe maintenance vehicle... or so i understood. c63 has high maintenance cost. Being a MB that is expected but even for a normal C class its $450 minium for Service A and $550+/- for Service B.

AMG cars dont go through the same routine and costs more due to AMG certified tech touches the car and has more service intervals.

and if you do not go to a MB dealer to get the maintenance done, your CPO warranty is gone. and if that is gone, there is no point in spending that much money for some part that fails... and yes MB parts fail... fail more than others. especially MAF sensor, control arm bushings prematurely, electrical issues common with euros.

i too have considered this before i got married last year. and if you can find a ISF for less than 37k i think its pretty good. and i believe 09 and up has actual LSD instead of electronic ones. but if its power in sedan form... i would also consider CTSV for the power per dollar , maintenance costs, and if you can drive a domestic with z06 LS7 engine.

[DASHOCKER]

Originally Posted by z4nhy3uz

Hey Guys-

I been thinking about trading in my E92 for either a
1. 08' E90 M3 (40k-50K)
2. 08' IS-F (40k-50K)

I been doing a lot of research but I am favor the IS-F due to the lower cost of ownership and less headache down the road on maintenance if I keep the car for more than 4 years.
The M3 is a one amazing car to own. This is a tough choice.
Any insight is helpful.

Lower cost of ownership on a Lexus & less maintainence down the road?? lol.. Ask me how I know.. Lexus parts and labor is not cheap either.. Good luck with your choice.

[Silver-Bolt]

After owning an IS350 there is not a chance I would touch the IS-F. We had more trouble with ours than any BMW we have owned. Lexus service is not up to BMW standards (at least at our local Lexus dealer).

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

I'd get a 2010 or above MY because it comes with a mechanical LSD.

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by Stoutnj89

Bashing lexus again... HAHA.. If u don't want a headache, get a lexus...

Lexus luxury sedans may be reliable...but there is no indication that their high performance line of cars IS-F and LFA are reliable

High performance cars have tighter tolerances, making them a pain to maintain.

Doesn't matter whether you're Lexus or BMW. High performance costs money.

[Robert]

For every horrible story there's also story of satisfied customer. I came from a 135i to a IS350, from a lemon to a car with zero problem, and with high probability my next car will be another Lexus, Nissan or Porsche.

Guarantee there's a contradictory story going from Lexus to BMW. However these are anecdotal experience, looking at reliability from afar Lexus ranks higher repeatedly year over year than BMW. Like anything in life some sacrifice is going to be made going from one choice to another. If BMW is perfect on all fronts then Lexus won't exist today.

I would trade 08 M3 to a 10 ISF but not a 08 ISF without the diff and new suspension tunes.

[Inspired]

Lexus for reliability.

The new ISF can keep up with a M3 on the track and take it on the drag strip. Not to mention it can easily be a 11 second car with headers, exhaust, and intake.

[lve2xlr8]

"To sum it up then, the Lexus does many things brilliantly, but the BMW, that does everything brilliantly. In the past you had to be a cock to buy one, now though, you're a cock if you don't."

-JC

Haha

[jopa489]

Nothing wrong with the IS-F, it's a great car. But the only reason I would take the M3 is ride quality. The IS-F (especially an 08) would be tough to live with everyday on roads around here. Maybe this doesn't matter as much in CA though.

Drive them both and see what feels best to you.