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

I remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of a 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport back when it was fresh on the market. The smell of premium leather, the perfectly contoured seats hugging me in place, and that distinctive F Sport badging staring back from the steering wheel—it felt special then, and surprisingly, it still does today. As someone who's tested dozens of luxury sedans over the years, I've developed a particular soft spot for this generation IS350. It arrived at a fascinating crossroads in automotive history, right before the industry went all-in on turbocharging and touchscreen overload. Now, nearly a decade later, I'm constantly asked whether this aging sports sedan still makes sense in today's market, especially when you compare its value proposition against modern alternatives.

Let's talk numbers first because that's where things get really interesting. A well-maintained 2015 IS350 F Sport typically sells for between $22,000 and $28,000 in today's used market, depending on mileage and condition. Compare that to its original sticker price of around $45,000, and you're looking at nearly 50% depreciation—which works beautifully in favor of smart used car shoppers. What you're getting for that money is Lexus' legendary 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 306 horsepower, a figure that still holds up respectably against newer competitors. I've driven this car extensively in various conditions, and that naturally aspirated power delivery remains one of its strongest selling points. Unlike many modern turbocharged engines that deliver power in sudden bursts, the IS350's V6 builds speed with linear, predictable urgency all the way to its 6,600 RPM redline. It's an increasingly rare experience in today's market, and frankly, one I prefer over the lag-and-surge character of many contemporary turbo engines.

The financial aspect extends beyond just the purchase price. When we look at ownership costs through the lens of something like the NBA's minimum salary structure—where a rookie might earn around $1.1 million annually—the economics become even more compelling. Think about it: someone earning that minimum salary could purchase this Lexus with just about 2-3% of their annual income, which is practically pocket change in professional athlete terms. For the rest of us mere mortals, the math still works out beautifully. Maintenance costs for these vehicles are remarkably reasonable, with standard service intervals costing between $200-$400 at dealerships and significantly less at independent shops specializing in Japanese luxury vehicles. I've tracked maintenance records for several IS350 owners, and the consensus is clear: these cars are built to last with proper care. The powertrain has proven incredibly durable, with many examples comfortably surpassing 150,000 miles with minimal issues beyond routine maintenance.

Driving the IS350 F Sport today reveals both its age and its timeless qualities. The interior, while showing its years in terms of technology integration, features materials and build quality that still embarrass many newer vehicles in this price range. The infamous Lexus Remote Touch interface feels dated compared to modern touchscreens—I'll be the first to admit it's not my favorite system—but the physical buttons for climate control and audio are perfectly placed and operate with satisfying precision. Where this car truly shines is in its driving dynamics. The F Sport-tuned suspension strikes what I consider to be a near-perfect balance between daily comfort and sporting intent. It's firm enough to communicate road texture and control body motions during spirited driving, yet compliant over broken pavement that would have stiffer German competitors transmitting every impact directly to your spine. Having driven everything from the current BMW 3-series to the latest Genesis G70, I can confidently say the 2015 IS350's steering feel and chassis balance remain competitive, even if outright grip levels can't match the latest all-wheel-drive performance sedans.

Reliability is where the IS350 truly distances itself from European competitors. While I appreciate the technological sophistication of German rivals, the repair bills and electrical gremlins that often emerge as those cars age can turn ownership into a financial nightmare. The Lexus, by contrast, benefits from Toyota's bulletproof engineering philosophy. The 2GR-FSE V6 powering the IS350 has proven to be one of the most dependable performance engines of the last decade, with proper maintenance often yielding trouble-free operation well beyond 200,000 miles. I recently spoke with an owner whose 2015 IS350 just crossed 180,000 miles with nothing beyond routine fluid changes, brake pads, and tires—that's the kind of long-term ownership experience that makes this car such a smart buy today.

There are certainly compromises to consider. Fuel economy won't impress anyone, with real-world numbers typically landing between 19-24 MPG depending on driving style. The rear seats are tighter than in some competitors, making this less ideal for regularly transporting adult passengers. And the infotainment system, while functional, lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration that modern drivers have come to expect—though there are reputable aftermarket solutions available for around $1,000 if this is a dealbreaker for you.

After spending considerable time with this vehicle both when it was new and in recent months, my conclusion is surprisingly enthusiastic. The 2015 IS350 F Sport represents one of the last truly analog luxury sports sedans, delivering engagement and reliability in a package that continues to age gracefully. For driving enthusiasts who value mechanical purity over digital gimmickry, for budget-conscious buyers seeking luxury credentials without astronomical maintenance costs, and for anyone who appreciates the satisfaction of owning what I consider to be a modern classic in the making, this Lexus remains an outstanding choice. It's not the newest, fastest, or most technologically advanced sedan anymore, but it delivers where it counts—providing genuine driving pleasure day after day, year after year, without threatening to bankrupt its owner. Sometimes, the smartest move in today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape is looking backward to find a gem that was doing things right all along.