I still remember the first time I saw a 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport on the road - that aggressive spindle grille and sharp body lines immediately caught my eye. Now, nearly a decade later, I find myself wondering if this once-coveted sports sedan still makes sense for today's buyers. Having test-driven several examples recently and compared them against newer models, I've developed some strong opinions about whether this aging luxury sports sedan deserves your hard-earned money.
Let's talk numbers first, because that's where things get really interesting. While brand new luxury sedans can easily push into the $50,000 to $60,000 range, you can now find well-maintained 2015 IS350 F Sports typically priced between $22,000 and $28,000 depending on mileage and condition. That's less than half their original sticker price, which honestly feels like stealing to me. I recently came across a beautiful white example with only 45,000 miles priced at $25,900 - that's about what you'd pay for a new Toyota Camry, but you're getting into a proper luxury sports sedan with legitimate performance credentials. The depreciation curve has definitely flattened out, which tells me these cars are holding their value better than many competitors from the same era.
What continues to impress me about the IS350 F Sport is how well it drives even by today's standards. The 3.5-liter V6 produces 306 horsepower, which might not sound earth-shattering in today's turbocharged world, but it delivers power in such a smooth, linear fashion that it feels more sophisticated than many modern turbo-four engines. I took one through some winding backroads last month and was reminded how beautifully balanced the chassis feels - it's not as razor-sharp as a BMW 3 Series perhaps, but it communicates what the tires are doing while remaining comfortable enough for daily driving. The steering has nice weight to it, though I'll admit it lacks the ultimate feedback of some German rivals. Where this car really shines is in its dual personality - it can be a comfortable commuter during the week and an engaging companion on weekend drives.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - the technology. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to what you get in modern cars. That remote-touch interface controller? It's frustrating to use, and the graphics look dated. I found myself using my phone mounted on the dashboard more than the built-in system. But here's the thing - if you can look past the aging tech, everything else about the interior holds up remarkably well. The materials are top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces everywhere and comfortable, supportive seats. I particularly love the F Sport specific elements like the sport seats and the moving gauge cluster - they still feel special even today.
Reliability is where the Lexus really earns its keep. While some German competitors from the same era are starting to show their age with various electrical gremlins and mechanical issues, the IS350 remains remarkably trouble-free. I spoke with a local Lexus technician who told me these cars routinely reach 150,000 miles with just basic maintenance. The 2GR-FSE engine has proven to be one of Toyota's most robust powerplants, and the transmission, while not the quickest-shifting unit by modern standards, is butter-smooth and durable. Compared to maintaining a European competitor, you could easily save $1,200 to $2,000 annually in repair costs - money that could go toward your next car or, you know, actually enjoying life.
Fuel economy is probably the IS350's weakest aspect by today's standards. During my testing, I averaged around 21 mpg in mixed driving - not terrible, but definitely behind what you'd get from newer turbocharged competitors. The car requires premium fuel too, which adds to the operating costs. If you're commuting long distances daily, this might give you pause. However, I'd argue that the driving experience and reliability advantages more than make up for the fuel costs for most buyers.
When I think about who should consider buying a 2015 IS350 F Sport today, it's really for the enthusiast who wants luxury and reliability without breaking the bank. It's perfect for someone who appreciates a great naturally aspirated engine and balanced chassis dynamics but doesn't need the latest tech gadgets. I'd recommend it over newer entry-level luxury cars because it offers a more authentic driving experience while costing significantly less. The sweet spot seems to be examples with around 60,000 miles - they've taken the biggest depreciation hit but still have plenty of life left. Just make sure to get one with a good service history and consider budgeting for updating the infotainment with an aftermarket solution. For me, the 2015 IS350 F Sport represents one of the last truly analog luxury sports sedans, and that's something worth preserving and enjoying.
