### The Birth of a Legend It's hard to believe it's been over a decade since the 2008 Lexus IS F burst onto the scene, leaving a lasting impact on the high-performance sedan market. This was the first car to bear the iconic "F" badge, a symbol of exceptional performance and luxury that would become synonymous with Lexus. With its potent 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque, the IS F was a force to be reckoned with. ### A Symphony of Power The naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE engine was a marvel of its time, its soundtrack a symphony of growls and snarls that echoed through the streets. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the IS F could accelerate from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph. The 19-inch BBS wheels, wrapped in summer tires, provided a perfect blend of ...
### The Birth of a Legend
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a decade since the 2008 Lexus IS F burst onto the scene, leaving a lasting impact on the high-performance sedan market. This was the first car to bear the iconic “F” badge, a symbol of exceptional performance and luxury that would become synonymous with Lexus. With its potent 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 416 horsepower and 371 lb-ft of torque, the IS F was a force to be reckoned with.
### A Symphony of Power
The naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE engine was a marvel of its time, its soundtrack a symphony of growls and snarls that echoed through the streets. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the IS F could accelerate from 0-60 mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph. The 19-inch BBS wheels, wrapped in summer tires, provided a perfect blend of grip and agility, making the IS F a formidable opponent on the twisties.
### A Price to Pay
However, the IS F’s performance came at a cost. With a sticker price of $60,865 when new, it was a luxury car for the elite. And, unfortunately, that elite group didn’t last long. After 18 years of ownership, the 2008 Lexus IS F has seen a staggering 72% depreciation, leaving it with a resale value of $17,100. That’s a harsh reality check, but one that’s all too familiar in the used car market.
### Comparison Time
But how does the IS F hold up against its competitors? The 2008 BMW M3, for example, was a direct rival, with a 4.0-liter V8 producing 414 horsepower. The Mercedes C63 AMG, meanwhile, boasted a 6.2-liter V8, pumping out 451 horsepower. In terms of depreciation, the IS F fares slightly better than its German counterparts, but not by much.
### Conclusion
The 2008 Lexus IS F may not be the most economical choice, but its performance and luxury make it a compelling option for those who value raw power and agility. While it may not hold its value as well as some of its rivals, its resale value is still respectable, especially considering its age. If you’re in the market for a high-performance sedan with a rich history, the 2008 Lexus IS F is definitely worth a look.
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