Hi all, I'm new to this forum and a wannabe IS F owner (current funds don't allow!)
Anyway, I've always been interested in the IS F since launch and people always quote 'Lexus reliability' when reviewing it. Is it as reliable as a 'normal' Lexus? Are there any common issues?
I read this in a review recently that I thought was interesting:
"Once you’re rolling, the torque converter locks and all shifts are absorbed by the planetary clutches. Honestly, if the transmission came from anyone else but Toyota I would describe it as “a grenade waiting to happen,” but I haven’t heard any reports of it being anything other than reliable. Every shift, however, feels like bloody mechanical murder and it makes driving the car in wet conditions a bit of a challenge. The clutches engage with a “bump” and if you’re already at the limit of traction you are going to have a chance to become acquainted with the I’m-off-no-wait-I’m-really-on-but-waiting-for-you-to-screw-up stability control. The electronic leash on this call pulls tight and it can kill forward progress around a racetrack like an arrester hook." thetruthaboutcars.com
anyone any thoughts on this? Have the transmissions proven reliable? Are the shifts that harsh?