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Buying guide

Lexus IS F USE20 (2007 to 2014): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Lexus IS F USE20 was built from 2007 to 2014 as a sedan, with an automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis code: USE20. Redline has a curated guide to its 7 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2007 to 2014
Chassis codes
USE20
Body types
Sedan
Gearboxes
Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Lexus IS F (2007 to 2014). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Valley plate coolant leak

    The heat transfer plate under the intake, often called the valley plate, can leak coolant, more often on earlier cars. Dealers quote a 12 to 14 hour job.

    Where to look
    The valley of the V8 under the intake manifold, and the coolant level
    How to test
    Check the coolant is full and bright pink, and look for dried pink crust round the back and top of the engine.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost intake and fuel rails off

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Water pump leak

    The water pump can leak, with the same low coolant and dried coolant signs.

    Where to look
    The water pump at the front of the engine
    How to test
    Look for pink crust at the front of the engine and check the level.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost cheaper than the valley plate

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. Oil temperature on track

    Owners in hot climates or on track days report oil temperature warnings surprisingly quickly.

    Where to look
    The oil temperature warnings
    How to test
    Ask about track use and whether an auxiliary oil cooler has been fitted.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost an auxiliary cooler

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Drilled brake discs

    Cracks can radiate out from the drill holes under hard use.

    Where to look
    The front brake discs round the drill holes
    How to test
    Look at each disc face for cracks.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost discs and pads

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  5. Aftermarket intakes

    Club Lexus members warn against cars with aftermarket intakes, citing worn rings from the wrong air filters.

    Where to look
    The air intake and filter
    How to test
    Check whether the intake is standard and ask what filter has been used.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine wear

    Sources: clublexus.com (opens in a new tab)

  6. Sunroof and dash tops

    Sunroof tracks and cables can play up, and the dash top and door tops can go tacky in heat.

    Where to look
    The sunroof, the dash top and door tops
    How to test
    Open and close the sunroof and feel the dash and door tops for stickiness.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost sunroof repair or trim

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab)

  7. Alignment and wheels

    The car is quite sensitive to alignment, and the 19 inch wheels kerb easily.

    Where to look
    The tyres and wheels
    How to test
    Look for uneven tyre wear and kerb marks, and feel for pulling on the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost an alignment and refurbishment

    Sources: pistonheads.com (opens in a new tab), clublexus.com (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 3 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Has the valley plate or water pump been replaced?
  • Is it a 2010 or later car with the limited slip diff?
  • Has it been tracked, and is there an oil cooler?
  • Is the intake standard?
  • Can I see the Lexus service records?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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