EraVerdict: A 416-hp NA V8 sports sedan that still flies under M3 money. Buy on oil-service discipline, coolant-side leaks, and exhaust-manifold honesty — carbon is less of a DI-only horror story here thanks to port+direct injection.
At a glance
Risk 3/5 Market: NA V8 Lexus hammer
Must-have records:
- Short-interval oil changes
- Coolant / water-pump / valley leak history
- Exhaust manifold inspection
- Brake and tyre age
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Buy-risk rundown
| Issue | Symptom | How to check | Typical cost (as of Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exhaust manifold cracks | Tick on cold start that may persist | Listen cold; inspect manifolds | Known 2UR-GSE item; cost not yet verified [1] |
| Water pump / valley coolant leaks | Coolant loss, sweet smell | Pressure test; inspect valley area | Not yet verified [1] |
| Oil consumption under hard use | Low level between changes | Check dipstick; ask about track use | Some hard-driven cars use oil; verify before a long trip [2] |
| Brake / tyre wear (heavy car, big power) | Pulsation, edge wear | Inspect pads, rotors, tyre date codes | Consumables add up; cost not sourced as a package |
| Modifications without paperwork | Pulleys, exhaust, tunes | Demand invoices | Stock examples preferred for longevity [1] |
Cost figures checked against the sources below in Nov 2026. Bracketed numbers refer to the source list.
Notes
- Port and direct injection reduce the classic DI valve-carbon crisis versus DI-only Lexus V8s [3].
- US years 2008–2014; later RC F is a different car.
Before you buy
Use our printable pre-purchase inspection checklist and get a PPI from a marque specialist.
Sources
- Car Mechanics, buying/owning the IS F (accessed Nov 2026)
- ClubLexus, IS F oil consumption thread (accessed Nov 2026)
- 8020 Automotive, 2UR-GSE engine guide (accessed Nov 2026)
Last updated 2026-11-05. Costs vary by region and shop.
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