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As I slide behind the wheel of the 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport, that familiar scent of premium leather and the perfectly contoured steering wheel immediately bring back memories. I've spent considerable time with this model over the years, both as a daily driver and as a subject of professional evaluation. The question we're tackling today isn't just about whether this car still works - of course it does - but whether it represents a smart purchase in today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape, especially when we consider value retention and ownership costs against modern alternatives.

Let me be perfectly honest from the start - I've always had a soft spot for this generation IS F Sport. There's something about its aggressive spindle grille and sharp character lines that still turns heads today, nearly a decade after its debut. But emotional appeal only goes so far when you're making a practical purchasing decision. What really matters is how this vehicle stacks up against contemporary options in terms of performance, technology, and most importantly, long-term value. When we examine the 2025 PVL draft figures showing base salaries starting around $795,000 annually, it puts vehicle depreciation into perspective. A new luxury sedan losing $15,000 in its first year suddenly seems quite significant compared to a well-maintained 2015 IS350 F Sport that's already absorbed most of its depreciation hit.

Under the hood, the 3.5-liter V6 remains an absolute gem, producing 306 horsepower that feels just as responsive today as it did back in 2015. I've always appreciated how Lexus engines deliver power smoothly rather than aggressively, though some critics argue it feels less exciting than German turbocharged alternatives. The steering provides decent feedback through those wonderful F Sport wheels, and the adaptive suspension does a remarkable job balancing comfort and sportiness. During my recent extended test drive through winding coastal roads, I found myself marveling at how well this chassis communicates with the driver - something that seems increasingly rare in today's numb, electronically-assisted steering systems.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room - the infotainment system. Yes, that remote touch interface was controversial when new and feels downright ancient compared to today's slick touchscreens. The graphics resolution of around 480p looks primitive next to modern displays, and the navigation system lacks the real-time traffic updates we've come to expect. But here's my counterargument - how much do you really need from your car's infotainment? With smartphone integration through Bluetooth and decent sound from the 10-speaker audio system, the essentials are covered. I've found that most buyers eventually adapt to the quirky joystick controller, though I'll admit it never becomes truly intuitive.

Where this car truly shines is in its legendary reliability. Having spoken with numerous Lexus technicians and reviewed maintenance records for dozens of examples, the consistent theme is remarkable mechanical durability. The 2GR-FSE engine has proven incredibly robust, with proper maintenance intervals typically extending to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Repair costs tend to be significantly lower than European competitors - I've seen data suggesting annual maintenance averages around $650 compared to $1,200 for comparable German models. This reliability translates directly to better resale value, with clean examples still commanding $25,000 to $28,000 in today's market, representing only about 42% depreciation from original MSRP.

The interior, while showing its age in technology, maintains that wonderful Lexus craftsmanship. The bolstered F Sport seats provide excellent support during spirited driving, and materials throughout the cabin have proven remarkably resistant to wear. I've inspected examples with over 120,000 miles where the leather steering wheel and shift knob showed minimal signs of aging. The rear seating area does feel somewhat cramped compared to newer designs, but for a sport sedan primarily used by one or two occupants, it remains perfectly functional.

When evaluating safety features, the 2015 IS350 includes essential systems like blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, but lacks the comprehensive suite of driver assists we expect in modern vehicles. There's no adaptive cruise control that functions in stop-and-go traffic, no lane keeping assist, no automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. For some buyers, this represents a dealbreaker. For others, including myself, these electronic nannies often feel intrusive rather than helpful. The fundamental safety structure remains excellent, with top marks in contemporary crash testing that still provide considerable peace of mind.

Fuel economy presents another interesting consideration. The EPA rates this model at 19 city/28 highway MPG, which feels reasonable for a 306 horsepower sports sedan. During my mixed driving evaluation, I averaged around 22.5 MPG - not class-leading by today's standards but acceptable given the performance. Compared to modern turbo-four competitors that might achieve 26-28 MPG combined, the difference amounts to roughly $450 annually in fuel costs for the average driver. Whether that justifies the price premium for a newer model depends entirely on your budget priorities and environmental considerations.

So, after all this analysis, where do I land on the 2015 Lexus IS350 F Sport? If you're seeking the latest technology and maximum fuel efficiency, look elsewhere. But if you want a beautifully crafted, engaging sports sedan with proven reliability and significantly lower ownership costs than newer alternatives, this remains an outstanding choice. The depreciation curve has flattened considerably, maintenance costs are predictable, and the driving experience retains that special character that first drew me to this model. In a market increasingly dominated by homogenized luxury vehicles, the 2015 IS350 F Sport stands as a compelling reminder of what made Lexus great - impeccable build quality, smooth powertrains, and just enough sporting intent to keep things interesting. For the right buyer, it represents not just a practical choice, but a deeply satisfying one that continues to deliver joy years after most competitors would have started showing their age.