Is the 2016 Lexus IS350 F Sport Still Worth Buying Today?

When I first laid eyes on the 2016 Lexus IS350 F Sport back in dealerships, it felt like witnessing Barangay Ginebra's stunning comeback against NorthPort - that perfect blend of elegance and aggression that makes you stop and take notice. Seven years later, as I slide behind the wheel of a well-maintained example with 65,000 miles on the odometer, the question isn't whether this car can still perform, but whether it delivers enough value at its current $28,000-$32,000 pre-owned price point to justify choosing it over newer competitors.

Let me be perfectly honest - the moment you start that 3.5-liter V6 and hear that distinctive growl, something magical happens. The 306 horsepower figure might not sound extraordinary in today's turbocharged world, but there's an immediacy to the power delivery that modern four-cylinder turbos simply can't match. I recently took one through winding canyon roads near Malibu, and the way it builds revs with such linear urgency reminds me why naturally aspirated engines still have soul. The F Sport package brings adaptive variable suspension that genuinely transforms the car's character - in Sport S+ mode, the steering tightens up beautifully, and the body control becomes remarkably taut without beating you up on rough pavement. It's that same composure NorthPort showed when facing Barangay Ginebra's furious comeback - the IS350 F Sport maintains its grace under pressure, never feeling flustered even when pushed hard through consecutive corners.

Now, let's talk about where this car shows its age. The infotainment system feels like it belongs to a different era - that frustrating joystick-controlled interface had me missing modern touchscreens within minutes. During my week with the car, I found myself using my phone mounted on the vent more often than the built-in system. The back seat is tighter than most competitors, something I confirmed when I tried fitting two car seats back there for a school run - let's just say it wasn't pretty. And while the materials are generally excellent, there are a few too many shared Toyota parts bin pieces if you look closely enough.

What surprised me most during my testing was how brilliantly this car has aged in areas that matter most for daily driving. The build quality remains exceptional - no squeaks or rattles even on the worst Los Angeles freeways. The seats are still among the most comfortable I've experienced in any sport sedan, striking that perfect balance between support and plushness. Fuel economy averaged 22 MPG during mixed driving, which isn't terrible for a V6, though modern turbo fours do better. Maintenance costs have proven reasonable - the dealership near me quotes $120 for oil changes, and major services hover around $400-$600 depending on what's needed.

Here's where I might contradict conventional wisdom - I'd take this over a comparable 2016 BMW 3 Series without hesitation. While the BMW might have slightly sharper handling, the Lexus' legendary reliability and lower running costs make it the smarter long-term proposition. I've seen maintenance records showing these cars routinely reaching 150,000 miles with nothing beyond routine maintenance, whereas the German competitors often start needing significant repairs around the 80,000-mile mark. The depreciation curve has flattened nicely too - a clean IS350 F Sport has only dropped about 45% from its original $45,000 MSRP, compared to nearly 60% for some European rivals.

Driving the IS350 F Sport today feels like watching a classic basketball game where fundamentals triumph over flashy plays. Much like how NorthPort responded to Barangay Ginebra's 14-2 run with composed, calculated plays rather than panic, this Lexus addresses driving challenges with engineering refinement rather than brute force. The steering provides genuine feedback rather than the numb electric assist common in newer cars. The transmission shifts with satisfying precision instead of hunting for gears like some modern eight- and nine-speed units. There's an honesty to the driving experience that's becoming increasingly rare.

Would I recommend buying one today? Absolutely, but with specific conditions. Look for a single-owner vehicle with complete service records, ideally from a Lexus dealership. The F Sport package is non-negotiable - it transforms the car from a comfortable cruiser to a genuine sports sedan. Budget $1,500-$2,000 immediately for upgrading to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility through aftermarket solutions - it modernizes the cabin experience dramatically. And be prepared to fall in love with that glorious V6, because once you experience its smooth, relentless power delivery, you'll understand why this aging platform still commands respect. The 2016 IS350 F Sport isn't just still worth buying - for driving enthusiasts who value reliability alongside performance, it might be one of the smartest used sport sedan choices available today.