REDLINE ALLEYLexus IS F buying guide
2007 to 2014. An IS F suits a buyer who wants a V8 sports saloon with Lexus build quality and checks the coolant history.
Big jobs
- 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.
- Aftermarket intakes. Club Lexus members warn against cars with aftermarket intakes, citing worn rings from the wrong air filters.
Workshop jobs
- Water pump leak. The water pump can leak, with the same low coolant and dried coolant signs.
- Oil temperature on track. Owners in hot climates or on track days report oil temperature warnings surprisingly quickly.
- Drilled brake discs. Cracks can radiate out from the drill holes under hard use.
- Sunroof and dash tops. Sunroof tracks and cables can play up, and the dash top and door tops can go tacky in heat.
Small jobs
- Alignment and wheels. The car is quite sensitive to alignment, and the 19 inch wheels kerb easily.
Questions for 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?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-03. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.