Models · Lexus
Lexus IS F XE20 buying guide
Lexus's V8 performance saloon, sold from 2008 to 2014 with a naturally aspirated 5.0 V8 and an eight-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It's a strong, durable car, and its known faults have clear checks.
The versions
- 5.0 V8, 417bhp, naturally aspirated
- Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifts; no manual was offered
- Rear-wheel drive; a Torsen limited-slip differential replaced the original electronically controlled open differential in 2010
- Four-door saloon; revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for 2010 to 2011, with a new instrument layout and headlights from 2011
What to check on a IS F
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Coolant level and leaks
What to look for: With the engine cold, check the coolant level in the expansion tank. The correct coolant is bright pink. With a torch, look around the front of the engine and down the back of it, between the cylinder heads, for dried pink crust or staining.
Why it matters: Two leaks are known. The water pump can leak, mainly on early cars, and many were replaced under warranty. The other is the heat transfer plate in the valley between the cylinder banks, more common on earlier cars, which is a long job needing the intake manifold off. Be wary of sealant-only repairs to it.
Gearbox fluid and a squeal under power
What to look for: On the drive, accelerate hard through the gears and listen for a squeak or squeal under full power or on upshifts. Ask whether the gearbox fluid level has been checked.
Why it matters: A squeal under load points to the auxiliary belt slipping, and the fix is a new belt and tensioner. Some owners have found the automatic gearbox fluid level dropping, which is a simple check at a service.
Brake discs
What to look for: Look through the wheels at the front discs for cracks around the drilled holes, and for a raised lip at the outer edge. Feel for judder under firm braking on the drive.
Why it matters: The drilled discs can crack from the holes under hard use, and with the car's weight and power the brakes wear quickly. Heavy brake dust on the wheels is normal with the recommended pads.
Also in the full guide
- Which differential, and the alignment
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the IS F
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Lexus.