As a longtime automotive enthusiast and industry analyst, I've always had a particular soft spot for the 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport. When this question popped up in my research group last week, it got me thinking deeply about whether this nearly decade-old sports sedan still holds up against modern competitors. Let me share my perspective after driving this model extensively and analyzing market data.
The 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport arrived during what I consider Lexus's design renaissance period. That spindle grille, which seemed controversial back then, has actually aged remarkably well compared to some of the more extreme designs we're seeing today. I remember test driving one when it was new and being impressed by how Lexus had managed to inject genuine sportiness into their traditionally comfort-focused brand DNA. The F Sport package wasn't just cosmetic fluff - it included adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes, and those fantastic bolstered seats that actually held you in place during spirited driving.
When we examine the performance numbers, the 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 306 horsepower, which remains competitive even by 2025 standards. I recently compared this to several current entry-level luxury sedans, and many still hover around the 250-300 horsepower range. The six-speed automatic transmission might seem outdated compared to today's eight and ten-speed units, but there's something to be said about its mechanical reliability. Modern transmissions with more gears might offer marginally better fuel economy, but they also present more potential failure points. From my experience maintaining both older and newer Lexus models, the simpler transmission in the 2015 IS350 has proven incredibly durable, with many examples reaching 150,000 miles without major issues.
Now, let's talk about the financial aspect, which is where this gets really interesting. Using data from the 2025 PVL DRAFT framework regarding base salary considerations, we can draw some parallels to vehicle ownership costs. The minimum salary threshold in the 2025 PVL DRAFT is projected around $42,000 annually, which creates an interesting benchmark for used luxury car affordability. A clean 2015 IS350 F Sport currently sells for approximately $22,000-$28,000 in the pre-owned market, representing roughly 60% of that annual base salary. Compare this to a new equivalent model costing over $45,000, which would exceed the entire base salary figure. This price-to-performance ratio makes a compelling case for budget-conscious enthusiasts who still want a premium driving experience.
Where the 2015 model shows its age is in the technology department. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to modern interfaces, with its small screen and frustrating remote touch controller. I've found that most owners eventually just use their phones mounted on the dash, which honestly works fine for daily use. The safety features are also basic by today's standards - you get blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, but none of the sophisticated driver assistance systems that have become commonplace. That said, there's something refreshing about driving a car that doesn't constantly beep at you or try to take control away from you.
Reliability remains the IS350's strongest selling point. In my tracking of owner reports and service records, these vehicles consistently demonstrate exceptional build quality. The 2GR-FSE engine has proven to be one of Toyota's most bulletproof powerplants, with proper maintenance easily yielding 200,000-plus miles of service. Repair costs tend to be significantly lower than European competitors from the same era. I recently spoke with a Lexus master technician who confirmed that major issues are rare, with most repairs limited to routine maintenance items like spark plugs around 120,000 miles and occasional suspension bushings wearing out.
The driving experience holds up surprisingly well too. While newer sports sedans might offer sharper handling or quicker acceleration, the IS350 F Sport strikes what I consider a perfect balance between sportiness and comfort. The steering provides decent feedback, the brakes feel confident, and the V6 delivers power smoothly throughout the rev range. It's not the fastest car in its class, but it's engaging enough to make backroad driving genuinely enjoyable without punishing you on your daily commute.
From an ownership cost perspective, the numbers look even better when you consider depreciation. A 2015 IS350 F Sport has already undergone its steepest depreciation curve, losing about 60% of its original $45,000 MSRP. Meanwhile, maintenance costs average around $600 annually according to my records, which is quite reasonable for a vehicle of this caliber. Insurance costs typically run about 15% less than newer luxury sports sedans too, making the total cost of ownership genuinely accessible.
There are certainly compromises - the rear seats are cramped for adults, cargo space is limited, and fuel economy at 19 city/28 highway MPG isn't impressive by today's standards. But if you prioritize driving enjoyment, reliability, and distinctive styling without breaking the bank, the 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport presents a compelling value proposition that few used luxury cars can match. Having driven countless vehicles across different price segments, I'd confidently recommend this model to anyone seeking an engaging daily driver that won't become a financial burden. It's not perfect, but its strengths align perfectly with what most enthusiasts actually need rather than what marketing departments want us to believe we need.
