Is the 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport Still Worth Buying Today?

When I first slid behind the wheel of a 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport, I remember being struck by its aggressive spindle grille and the sharp, almost angry-looking lines. It felt like a statement. Nearly a decade later, that statement still carries weight, but the question we have to ask is whether it's a wise financial and practical statement in today's used car market. Having spent considerable time with this model and comparing it to newer rivals, I believe the answer is a resounding yes, but with some very important caveats. The core of its appeal lies in a fantastic powertrain and a level of reliability that modern, more complex German alternatives often struggle to match.

Let's talk about the heart of the beast, because this is where the IS350 F Sport truly earns its stripes. Under that sculpted hood lies a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 horsepower. Even by today's standards, that's a serious number. It's not a turbocharged engine, so you don't get that sudden shove in your back; instead, it delivers power with a beautifully linear and eager crescendo all the way to the redline. The soundtrack is smooth and refined, with just enough of a growl to remind you there's a proper six-cylinder engine up front. Paired with a responsive, if not the absolute quickest-shifting, 6-speed automatic transmission, the car feels genuinely quick. I've always preferred this kind of naturally aspirated power delivery over the sometimes-laggy nature of smaller turbo engines you find in competitors like the BMW 330i of that era. It's an engine that feels special, and in a world increasingly dominated by four-cylinders and hybrid systems, that character is becoming a rare commodity.

Now, the financial aspect is crucial, and this is where we can draw a parallel to concepts like a base salary or a minimum contract value. Think of the car's initial purchase price as your base investment. A well-maintained 2015 IS350 F Sport today can be found for somewhere in the ballpark of $22,000 to $28,000, a figure that's significantly lower than its original sticker price of over $45,000. This depreciation hit has already been absorbed by the first owner, making it a fantastic value proposition for you. The real "earnings," however, come from its remarkably low cost of ownership. This is the car's reliable "annual salary" that keeps paying you back in saved repair bills. While a comparable 2015 BMW 3 Series might offer a slightly more engaging drive on its best day, its maintenance costs after 80,000 to 100,000 miles can be a financial nightmare, easily running into thousands of dollars for common issues like electronic failures or oil leaks. The Lexus, built on Toyota's legendary reliability foundation, largely avoids these pitfalls. My own experience, and data from long-term ownership surveys, suggests annual maintenance for a Lexus of this age is often 30-40% lower than its German counterparts. You're trading a tiny bit of ultimate handling sharpness for immense peace of mind, and for a daily driver, that's a trade-off I'm personally very willing to make.

Of course, it's not all perfect, and this is where my personal biases come into play. The interior, while impeccably put together with high-quality materials, shows its age. The infotainment system is the biggest culprit. That dated-looking screen and the frustratingly awkward remote touch controller feel like relics from a bygone era compared to the slick, intuitive systems in even mainstream cars from just a few years later. If you're someone who lives for the latest tech, this will be a constant annoyance. Furthermore, the rear seat space is notoriously cramped, more so than in many of its direct rivals. For a young professional or a couple, it's fine, but for a growing family, it's a legitimate compromise. The fuel economy is another consideration; you'll be lucky to average 23 miles per gallon in mixed driving. In an age where efficiency is king, the thirsty V6 is a conscious indulgence.

So, is the 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport still worth buying today? From my perspective, absolutely. It represents a sweet spot in the modern automotive timeline—a car that offers thrilling, naturally aspirated performance, head-turning F Sport styling that still looks contemporary, and the bulletproof reliability that makes it a financially sane choice. It's like signing a proven veteran to a team-friendly contract. You know exactly what you're getting: consistent, high-level performance without the drama and exorbitant costs. You're buying into an experience that is becoming increasingly rare. While it demands compromises in tech and space, the core virtues of a great sports sedan—a wonderful engine, sharp handling, and a luxurious, well-built cabin—are all present and accounted for. For the driving enthusiast who also has a practical head on their shoulders, the 2015 IS350 F Sport remains a brilliantly compelling and deeply satisfying used car champion.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-15 09:00